Entry for December 07, 2007

Love is not only something you feel. It is something you do. -- David
Walderson


Christien, Daddy is still loving you and missing you papi.

Entry for August 24, 2007 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTIEN!!!!

Mi Hijo,

It is hard to believe that it has been 10 years since your mother and I were in RI Hospital that blessed Sunday night. Your name was chosen before you were born, but given when you were born, the Lord definitely had a plan for you. Christien, I hope one day you'll know just how much I wished I could be there to celebrate each and every birthday that you have had. The Good Lord has been working miracles in my life, and he has been answering my prayers, so I know you are safe and healthy, because I have always asked him to watch over you.

I have been planning for this day for a while now, querido hijo. I found the following letter through one of my 360 friends (I can't remember which one, sorry). It is a love letter from God. He is always there for us Christien, more than we ever realize. Afterward, I also have a song for you. As soon as I first heard, it made me think of you.

1)

Father's Love Letter

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 J
ohn 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is���Will you be my child? John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad.

Almighty God

PERMISSION TO COPY:
The printed version of Father's Love Letter can be copied and used for free distribution providing the following copyright information is displayed... 'Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2006 www.FathersLoveLetter.com'

2)

"MY Wish" by Rascal Flatts

Dios te bendiga, mi hijo. May your birthday be a happy and joyous one. Pepe called me to make sure I passed his Birthday Greetings to you as well from him and your uncle Jorge. Aaron still misses you and also prays to see you soon. I love you, son.

If anyone else is reading this and wishes to post your own Birthday Greetings for Christien, please do so in the comments section. Thank you and God bless.

Entry for August 23, 2007 - "I Wish You Enough"

This is another "Something to Hang Your Hat On". I first heard this riding home from work, and I started thinking about my parents and about my sons, and it brought tears to my eyes. It was part of an email a listener, Dori Davis, sent the show. Without going into detail, this listener has had a lot of tragedy befall her, and this story put her a little more at ease. Apparently, her sister had emailed the story to her, and she decided to share it with the world. I hope it impacts you as well:

"Recently I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, "I love you and I wish you enough".

The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom".

They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?".

Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?".

"I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral," she said.

"When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough'. May I ask what that means?".

She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone". She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. "When we said , 'I wish you enough', we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them". Then turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

She then began to cry and walked away."

Christien, I love you, I miss you, and I wish you....enough.

Entry for August 22, 2007Random wierd thoughts with a tearjerker story.

It's been a while, so here are some random thoughts:

1. Reality is just something that gets in the way of your dreams.

2. Psalm 56

3. The US has decided to drop out of the world testing of math and science for children. So much for "No Child Left Behind".

4. The Sox and the Pats still worry me.

5. If you're going to go the speed limit, stay out of the left-hand lane!

6. My father is now officially eligible for Social Security- proof that time marches on for all heroes.

7. The older I am getting, the less likely that I will go skydiving, bungee jumping, or to Las Vegas.

8. Find a job you love, you'll never work another day in your life. Find a job that is work, be thankful that you have it.

9. Slacker.com is awesome. If you haven't tried it, you will like it.

10. I still miss Christien.

Two days until its your birthday. I hope a nice birthday party is planned. I had really hoped to be able to wish Happy Birthday either in person or on the phone, mi hijo, but God has other plans. I trust Him completely, and you must too, Christien. I ask him every night to make sure whichever angel He has protecting you gives you a hug and a kiss from me. I hope you feel them. Dios te bendiga mi hijo. I hope you learn from the story below.

There are these DJs on a country station that do a segment called "Something to Hang your Hat On", and the one from yesterday was touching and thought provoking. Given what has been going on lately with Michael Vick, this story seemed especially poignant. There is no author on it, so I don't know who to credit, but I hope everyone enjoys it and gives me some feedback on it.

THE PURPOSE OF A DOG FROM A FOUR YEAR OLD
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his

wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to

perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought

it would be good for the four-year old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from

the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so

calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes,

Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We

sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human

lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his

mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how

to live a good life - - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs

already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care, and a DOG or Cat to LOVE along the way!

Entry for August 02, 2007 - 11 Smartest Things Ever Said About Fatherhood

I found this as I was reading some articles at work. I thought it was a great list so I wanted to share it. All credit goes to Tia Albright, who Compiled this for Men's Health:

"1. "It is admirable for a man to take his son fishing, but there is a special place in heaven for the father who takes his daughter shopping." -John Sinor

2. "They don't grade fathers, but if your daughter's a stripper, you f—ked up!" -Chris Rock

3. "Sherman made the terrible discovery that men make about their fathers sooner or later... that the man before him was not an aging father but a boy, a boy much like himself, a boy who grew up and had a child of his own and, as best he could... adopted a role called 'Being a Father' so that his child would have something mythical and infinitely important: a Protector, who would keep a lid on all the chaotic and catastrophic possibilities of life." -Tom Wolfe, The Bonfire of the Vanities

4. "Whatever you are, be a good one." -Abraham Lincoln

5. "My mother protected me from the world, and my father threatened me with it." -Quentin Crisp

6. "There must be many fathers around the country who have experienced the cruelest, most crushing rejection of all: Their children have ended up supporting the wrong team." -Nick Hornby

7. "My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, 'You're tearing up the grass.' 'We're not raising grass,' Dad would reply. 'We're raising boys.' " -Harmon Killebrew

8. "You don't put kids under surveillance: It might frighten you. Parents should sit tall in the saddle and look upon their troops with a noble and benevolent and extremely nearsighted gaze." -Garrison Keillor

9. "A man that doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man." -Marlon Brando as Don Corleone in The Godfather

10. "When I was a boy of 14 my father was so ignorant that I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in only 7 years." -Mark Twain

11. "Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives there is desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express." -Joseph Addison"

Have you ever heard any good Fatherhood quotes? Post them in the comments.

Que Dios te bendiga Christien. I hope you still feel my love, mi hijo.

Entry for July 31, 2007 - Quick Hit #?

"Your Dreams are Never Silly; Depend on Them to Guide You"

It was on a fortune cookie I received a few years ago. Being a salesperson, it struck a cord with me.

So here is my question to you, all my friends: What is your current major dream that is guiding you?

If you have read this blog, you should already know what mine is, but what is yours. Please comment under this entry.

I hope you are enjoying your Summer Christien. Daddy loves you and misses you. Ya mismo, mi hijo, ya mismo.

Entry for July 18, 2007- Quick Hit

It's time for another one of my famous (infamous?) quick hits.

I was going through some old work emails when I came acroos the following quote. It was attached to a chain, but I won't subject you to that part.

"The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you"

I miss you Christien. Summer is halfway over. I hope you have been enjoying it. Grandma's birthday was yesterday and she wished she could've seen you. She's up there right now. You have a whole other family, mi hijo, that wants to know how you're doing. Cuidate, we'll be together before we know it.

Entry for July 17, 2007 - Sport Thought

So I recently added a new friend who goes by Sports Lover, and she asked me my thoughts about about the whole baseball steroids "scandal". As I was replying to her, I realized it would make a pretty good blog entry. So, all credit goes to her for making me consider this topic.

Her initial question was regarding Jason Giambi having to go in front of the Mitchell investigation. Below is my reply. Enjoy.

RE: Giambi

....As far as Giambi is concerned, they should be praising the man for coming out and telling the truth rather than villifying him. But what do you expect when the commissioner is one of the owners who gave the wink and nod during the steroids era. It's farily obvious a lot of guys did it, we know who many of them are, and baseball is always going to have the "Steroids Era". They (MLB) need to acknowledge it, acknowledge their complacency and complicity in it, and move on. I don't think it will ever happen, though, because the majority of these owners are overgrown egotistical children who probably don't want to to be exposed to lawsuits once the detrimental affects of the steroids starts hitting these players- much like what happened in the NFL and is happening in Pro Wrestling.

Christien, daddy is still loving and missing you. The Lord will bring us together, soon. I can fell it. Until then, cuidate mi hijo. Que Dios te Bendiga.

Entry for July 09, 2007- Thoughts for Monday

These are in no particular order. They're just stuff cluttering my brain.

1) I wonder if the Wampanoags debated much before they went to go help the pilgrims - technically, America's 1st illegal immigrants.

2) Are the Red Sox really that good, or are the Yanks just napping?

3) I'm sick of Paris, Brittney, Lindsay, et al. Remember when Mother Teresa made headlines?

4) I have over 200 channels and I still couldn't find anything worth watching. Now I know how Springsteen felt, and he only had 57.

5) Are salespeople really as annoying as you make us feel we are. If you own a business, how are your salespeople compared to us?Do you think them annoying, or persistent? Why are we any different?

6) Psalm 23

7) If I knew then what I know now...I'd have gotten into a lot more trouble!

8) Can anybody truthfully tell me where the presidential candidates stand on any three important issues. Have they actually taken a stance?

9) Live Earth was cool, but how many trees did it take to offset all the carbon for it? As an aside, the "Think" mini with the old lady and the store owner was fantastic, and the mini about the pig iron highlighted why environmenatalism is hard to adopt. I could do without Super Bloke.

10) Is it NFL season yet?

Christien, you're not on that list because you are not clutter in my brain. You are in the forefront of my thoughts and prayers. God is great and He answers all prayers. Please know I ask Him to watch over you every day until the day we are together again. Te quiro mi hijo. Que Dios te bendiga.

Entry for July 05, 2007

Can anyone guess what me and the the guy in the picture have in common?

I hope everyone had an enjoyable 4th and came away with all your appendages intact. That is all for now. Have a beautiful day.

Christien I hope you got to see the fireworks and enjoyed them. I'm still trying, mi hijo, and I won't stop. zi love you and miss you. Cuidate, please. Que Dios te bendiga, mi hijo.

Entry for June 20, 2007

Today, I want to get political. I was watching the new this morning and they brought up an interesting point. They were talking about the new Clinton commercial that was a mock up of the Soprano's finale. Now, they didn't show the whole commercial, but they were talking about how this election is totally different than any other in the way the candidates are reaching out to voters. Namely, no one’s really talking issues, candidates are sticking to sound bites, and the big story is who's raised the most money. Essentially the election has been turned into a high school popularity contest.

I started thinking about this: What are each candidates' position? I know a little bit about the candidates, but not enough to choose one. Me personally, I'm more comfortable with Bill Richardson. I would like to see a Latino in there, and his commercials have appealed to me. However what does it say about me that I am actually considering a candidate based on their political commercial?

This country has some serious problems. Greed and ambivalence has allowed this country to degrade. This election is beginning to remind me of the part in Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" where the wife were discussing who they were going to vote for based on how good they looked on camera.

And by the way, I don't care if a Republican, Democrat, or some 3rd Party is elected, I would finally just like to have a president who won't lie to us, tell us honestly what is going on, and won't curtail our rights "for our own good". This election should be a turning point for this country. It needs to be. We need to make it. Just my 2 cents

School's nearly over Christien. I hope you've been getting good grades and are getting excited about going up a grade. I wish I could've spoken with you on Father's day, but hopefully I’ll have a chance to wish you a happy birthday in person or, at least, on the phone. I love you, mi hijo. Cuidate y portate bien.

Entry for Father's Day - June 17, 2007

As all of you who follow this blog by now know, Father's Day is a bittersweet day for me. Although I have Aaron with me and I feel that Luis and Anthony are my sons, I still have a hole in my heart because Christien is not with me. As Jesus once said, & I'm paraphrasing here, a shepherd will go out and look for th lost lamb because each is important to him. I can only pray that he is well and healthy, because I am not allowed to know anything about him. So I keep this blog as a means for him to know that I am still thinking of and missing him, no matter what anyone else might be telling him. With that in mind, I'm putting the lyrics to 2 songs here in honor of Father's Day - one is in Spanish, the other in English if you Google the Spanish one, you can find a translation for it. So for all the fathers reading this, if you have your children, be thankful and let them know how much you love them. For those who don't but want to, be sure they know you love them when you finally have the chance. God will never keep love apart. And for those who are fathers, but aren't a part of their lives- I only ask- why not? Your children are a gift, appreciate them.

Happy Father's day to all! I love you and miss you Christien.

Yo Quiero Ser Como Tú - Danny Berríos

Se sienta a mi lado un abrazo me da
me dice papi le contesto que es
con su almohadita se recuesta a mi
y me dice papi yo quiero ser como tú.

Lo acuesto en su cama y un beso le doy
apagando las luces hago una oración
que cuando el crezca el vea en mi
un padre que vive - para Dios!

Señor yo quiero ser como Tu
porque el quiere ser como yo..
yo quiero ser un buen ejemplo
que sus ojitos puedan ver….
Señor ayúdame a enseñarle
que el pueda entender
que yo quiero ser como Tu
porque el quiere ser como yo.

Admito que tengo mucho que aprender
cometo errores, lo sabes muy bien
las presiones de la vida vienen sobre mi
necesito tu ayuda...solo no voy a poder.

Me quiero esforzar y aprender más de ti
ser paciente y tierno lleno de amor
que el aprende de lo que ve
que tu imagen señor es lo que vea en mi!

Señor yo quiero ser como tu
porque el quiere ser como yo
yo quiero ser un buen ejemplo
que sus ojitos puedan ver….
Señor ayúdame a enseñarle
que el pueda entender
que yo quiero ser como tú
porque el quiere ser como yo.

Quizás el mire a mi diciendo papi es el mejor
pero es que estoy aprendiendo de mi padre celestial.

Señor yo quiero ser como tu
porque el quiere ser como yo
yo quiero ser un buen ejemplo
que sus ojitos puedan ver….
Señor ayúdame a enseñarle
que el pueda entender
que yo quiero ser como tu
porque el quiere ser como yo.

"Love Without End, Amen" by George Strait

I got sent home from school one day with a shiner on my eye

Fighting was against the rules and it didn't matter why

When dad got home I told that story just like I'd rehearsed

And then stood there on those trembling knees and waited for the worst.

And he said, "Let me tell you a secret about a father's love

A secret that my daddy said was just between us."

He said, "Daddies don't just love their children every now and then

It's a love without end, amen, it's a love without end, amen."

When I became a father in the spring of '81

There was no doubt that stubborn boy was just like my father's son.

And when I thought my patience had been tested to the end

I took my daddy's secret and I passed it on to him.

And he said, "Let me tell you a secret about a father's love

A secret that my daddy said was just between us."

He said, "Daddies don't just love their children every now and then

It's a love without end, amen, it's a love without end, amen."

Last night I dreamed I died and stood outside those pearly gates

When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake

If they know half the things I've done, they'll never let me in

And then somewhere from the other side I heard these words again.

And he said, "Let me tell you a secret about a father's love

A secret that my daddy said was just between us."

He said, "Daddies don't just love their children every now and then

It's a love without end, amen, it's a love without end, amen."

Entry for June 11, 2007

Christien, daddy still misses and loves you. I hope your doing well in school and will pass the grade. Que Dios te bendiga, mi hijo. Voy ha seguir luchando hasta que estemos juntos otra vez.
Happy Monday to all!

Entry for May 28, 2007

Just a quick hit for Memorial Day. Thank you President Bush for making this holiday relevant and more than about barbecues and beaches. Sincerely, the families of the 3466 soldiers who have died so far for your oil profits.

Remember people, it's great to share the time with family and friends, but remember the soldiers who gave up their lives so you could enjoy yours.

Que dios te bendiga, Christien, mi hijo. Te estranamos y espero poder abrazarte otra vez.

Entry for May 21, 2007

When I first arrived in Charlotte, gas was $1.25, now it's $3.09. 300% markup in less than 3 years?! And nobody's complaining?! What does it say about our society when we are being robbed and ther is no outrage! There's my 30 second rant

Christien, Daddy loves you and misses you. Que Dios te cuida y te bendiga, mi hijo.

Entry for April 20, 2007-Psalm 127

I don't want people thinking I've become a holy roller, but lately I've been feeling a lot closer to God. I was given this poem when I found out about my oldest son, Aaron. My eyes were immediately transfixed to Verse 4, but the whole Psalm holds particular meaning. Read it and let me know what you think.

Christien Daddy loves and misses you. Our reunion is coming. Have faith, mi hijo. You and Aaron are my blessings and all that I do is for you.

" 1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.

2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to ^[a] those he loves.

3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.

4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.

5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate."

Entry for April 10, 2007 - 2 Days after Easter

It is so hard to keep up with this as you get busier. The motherboard on my desktop frying didn't help matters either. Anyways, happy belated Easter to all. I hope you all enjoyed your holiday. As for me, I spent this weekend same as last - in church. I think it's time I get back to God, but this is not going to turn into a "Holy-Roller" blog. That much being said, the pastor reminded me of a very important passage in the bible. One I hadn't read in a long time but should've. It is now posted on my wall for me to read every morning before I begin work.

I'd like to share it with everybody and get your feedback on it; but, before I do - Christien, Daddy loves you and misses you, i pray you had a happy Easter. Cuidate, mi hijo. God willing, things will be different soon.

Now for the Passage - it is Matthew Chapter 5 - Also famously known as "The Sermon On the Mount". More than any other, this message from Jesus has resonated with me. I have highlighted the parts I particularly like. I'd like to get your thoughts. Please let me know what you think:

"1When Jesus* saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely* on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
14 ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
17 ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter,* not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19Therefore, whoever breaks* one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
21 ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.” 22But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister,* you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult* a brother or sister,* you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell* of fire. 23So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister* has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister,* and then come and offer your gift. 25Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court* with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
27 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” 28But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.* 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.*
31 ‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” 32But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
33 ‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” 34But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.*
38 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” 39But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
43 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers and sisters,* what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

To All, please have a beautiful day.

Entry for March 01, 2007 - From A Sales Professional's Perspective

Time for another quick hit. It's a new month a new chance to excel. I actually have a question for any business owners or decision makers who read this: As I have mentioned before, I have been a lifelong sales professional (not salesperson-there is a difference). My question is very simple, and if it does not apply to you, please don't take it personally. It really is a curiosity- Is there any particular reason why you have to wait till the end of the month to make a decision? Now, most months, I've already hit my goals and just cruising into the next month once the last day of the month hits; however, there are time when I, along with about 3/4 of all the salespeople in the world, are trying to hit some particular number at the end. Do you, the "DM" feel that by waiting until the last day, that you will get the best deal, or (seriously) do you just enjoy seeing the reps squirm? I have actually had a few tell me that they do, so this question isn't coming out of left field.

For those of you who aren't either in sales or a DM, I am hoping that any responses this entry receives will give you some insight into both the sales mentality, and decision makers motivation. People who are in sales aren't generally held in high regard, either neither by their employer nor by the general public (look deep into yourself, and tell me I'm wrong), but you have to realize we are human beings. We are out there trying to provide for our families, same as the factory worker, secretary, or doctor. Think about this for a second- the average salesperson closes 25% of their prospects, the successful ones-33%. So that means, on average, the best guys are being told "NO" 2/3 of the time! Using me as an example, if I call 100 businesses in a day, I may generally get the chance to honestly sell 4-6 of them. Of those 4-6 that I actually get to a DM and that DM listens to me, 2 will buy.

I'm not writing this to garner sympathy, rather just to make everyone think. Everyone thinks they can sell, but sales is NOT for everybody. It takes a unique individual to choose, and in my case, enjoy this profession. However, I want to dispel any illusions about this being an easy life or profession. So, to get back to my original question, I will create a poll, and I encourage comments from everybody, no matter what end of the spectrum you are on.

So much for this being just a quick hit!

Christien, daddy loves you and misses you! Things are in motion, mi hijo. I keep praying God will allow us to be together soon. Remember, beauty comes from the inside, and you have always been my beautiful baby boy. I love you.

Entry for February 05, 2007

Geez, I have do something about the frequencies of my posts. To all my friends who come looking for updates, I apologize. To all who have stumbled upon this, forgive me. When one man tries to wear many hats, he usually just winds up looking like a fool. I will attempt to be more informative and consistent as time goes on. Unfortunately, I must get back to work. I believe the taskmaster is coming with the whip in their hand.

Christien, if you have found this, I still love you and miss you. Aaron wishes he couldv'e spoken to you on his birthday yesterday. Soon, we will be together. Until then be safe, be strong, and alwyas know that you father loves you.

Carlos R. Quevedo