tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189266682024-03-13T04:09:24.902-05:00Libros que he leido / MandyMaria's NotesMandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-58279806324396570282012-09-14T07:52:00.001-05:002012-09-14T07:52:03.871-05:00She Writes Stories My blog has moved to: http://shewritesstories.weebly.com/<br />
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Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-44301266774100128912012-08-11T23:28:00.000-05:002012-08-11T23:54:01.660-05:00What do men expect from Women??Six months ago I walked into a Bible study and met my good friend Nelson. Well, everyone else calls him Nelson, but his first name reminds me of one of my favorite Tios, so I call him Francisco. Anyway, he's guest-blogging tonight about what men expect from women. . . Christian men of course, because us women aren't getting any younger and we don't need to be messing around with agnostic fools. His usual blog is http://www.fnelson.weebly.com/ Enjoy his thoughts! <br />
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What do Men expect from women? Let’s get right to the point, because we have a long list of things we expect from you women. We men expect for our food to be ready and properly cooked by the time we get to a clean home. The house smelling like fresh Fabuloso “you know the purple stuff” and the kids already in bed. We aren’t trying to deal with foolishness at home on top of the crazy day we had at work. We men will also look forward to not hearing how your day went, so don’t expect us to really pay any attention when you’re talking to us in the middle of a game. On a Sunday morning don’t expect us to get up just to go to church, we have to be right back to work on Monday, a day to ourselves is what we need…<br />
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…Women, REAL MEN expect for you to not even consider dating a fool who has those type of expectations, and that’s the only expectation we have for you women, to recognize a fool when you see one coming miles away. <br />
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Ladies, we men are dumb, it’s just that simple. We will try to fix a pluming problem knowing that we have no type of prior experience. But we do it to show you that we are the men. Regardless of how foolish it looks, the only thing we want from you is to think and say, “Babe, you look sexy in those jeans.” <br />
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What does a man really want? <br />
We want beautiful Godly women who understand that life is not going to be perfect, that we may not be able to provide everything you once dream of having, but will still love us. We want women to understand that we will have trials and circumstances that will devastate us in our lives, but because we have Christ as the center of it all, the storm shall too pass. We want a woman who knows that we need a HERO who are kids can call Mom, because when daddy is at work and ‘lil Junior gets hurt, mommy will come to save the day. <br />
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We men look forward to having a woman of God who believes in herself, in her inner beauty, knowing that with or without makeup she is still the apple of our eye. A woman who walks with her head held high, but still powerful enough to know that she has a husband whose covering she falls under. <br />
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We want a woman who is not afraid of a step of Faith. We are a mess and many times we don’t know what we are doing, but when we clearly hear from God we want you to not question that. If He is calling us to move to some jungle in Peru to go and spread the Gospel, will you leave everything behind to go and serve God?<br />
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As I begin to close, I want the girl of my dreams to be the girl of my real life.<br />
I want her to be just like me, by that I mean, when I move she moves, just like that! Because when God moves I move, just like that! We should always strive to be on one accord, a couple who does not move outside the will of God and if an when we do, that we will pick ourselves up, find council from our overseers, and continue to strive for excellence. <br />
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There is so much more that I can say, but finally I’ll close with this, <br />
The ONLY thing that Men really want is for women all around to know that when a hurricane, earth-wake, tsunami, tornadoes, or a falling star shows up at the front door, that if we only believe, trust and have faith in our Lord that His PERFECT Love will keep us united, praying all day and all night together, hearing only the advice of those who we TRUST in our lives as leaders and that which comes from God. I can guarantee you that upon the entrance of My house, there will be one verse that will always stand FIRM AND STRONG, “Joshua 24:15” Amen. <br />
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Ps: I do like the fabuloso smell…<br />
“A simple guy living a BOLD life for Christ” –Francisco Nelson<br />Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-19103677611825242002012-08-02T07:31:00.003-05:002012-08-02T07:31:40.500-05:00Thoughts on a trainI believe love exists, but I've never found it. <br />
I believe I have a homeland, but<br />
I've never seen it. <br />
There are a thousand reasons to be<br />
sad and miserable, and just one to be happy:<br />
I made it through the night. I do not know what war my protecting angels had while I was sleeping, but another day has come and I find myself alive. <br />
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Estoy Vivo. Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-65879364248646205752012-07-14T22:49:00.000-05:002012-07-14T22:49:09.920-05:00Lot's Lot In LifeEver know someone who seems to do everything right? I've been reading about Abraham & Sarah recently, and I've been stuck on Lot for about four days now. He was Abraham's nephew by way of Abraham's brother Haran. Both his father and his grandfather died, so he ended up traveling with Abraham. I wonder if he ever thought about staying with his other uncle, Nahor? Was Abraham more wealthy than Nahor, or did Lot get along better with Abraham than with Nahor? <br />
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I guess it doesn't matter since history tells us that Lot left Ur and all that and journeyed south with Abraham. <br />
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If I skip ahead in Lots life, to wen he has separated from his family and is off living in the Jordan Valley city-states of Sodom & Gomorrah, I noticed a couple of thing which mattered a lot to me:<br />
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1.) Abraham interceded for Lot's city.<br />
2.) God was open to haggling over saving the city (see Ezekiel 18:32) <br />
3.) Lot, a man of dubious righteousness, does something interesting:<br />
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When Lot and his family are leaving the valley, the Lord says to run into the mountains, and there they will be saved, Lot begs that the Lord spare a little town called "Zoar." The Lord agrees and this town, alone in all the valley was spared.<br />
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The scriptures say that Lot was scared of the people and so that is why he left & went to the cave. But why? The Lord had told him he could stay in Zoar. And if the Lord was on his side, then the Lord would have provided for Lot. Why the fear? <br />
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Anyway, that's what I was thinking over this week. No big revelation, just lots of little questions.<br />
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Speaking of questions, at Calvary Chapel on Wednesday a former Agnostic spoke at church. He reminded us that our prayers do matter, and he discussed Faith. I loved the sermon and now I think I'd like hear more. This, together with the reading I was meditating on this week reminded me how it is important to pray for the unbelievers.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-50595444355060721392012-06-16T21:29:00.002-05:002012-06-16T21:49:13.513-05:00BE A HERODear Brothers <br />
You may not marry me. You may not even marry any of my friends, or my sisters, or my cousins or even any of the girls you know now. This isn’t important. What is important is the kind of man you will be when you do marry your beauty, your treasure, your heart’s love. This is about the man you will be even before you know her, and yes, even after her days on earth are ended. I dare you to be a hero.<br />
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I know something about superheroes. I’ve met 6 personally. I hope one day to meet one more. For example I know how to identify them. For instance, I met one in a pew at an Easter Play in the spring of 1991 (see Mark 15:39), and later in the school year when my teacher asked everyone who their heroes were, many of the students said Batman, Superman, Firemen, their parents, their dog etc. I said Jesus. Jesus was my hero because he was the perfect One who took my punishment for the bad things I had done. Not only that, but he was my always-there friend, who looked out for my best interests. This is a hero. Batman didn’t die for me. Superman didn’t take a nail to the fist for me. A fireman didn’t walk take conquer hell for me. Jesus did. <br />
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You will not be a superhero. There is truly only one Superhero, and his name is Jesus. You will however have the opportunity throughout your life to be a hero. With the Holy Spirit as your guide you can become this. The question is, will you? I have known six heroes in my life, and I have known three villains. The line between villain and hero is called “free will,” and whether you are a hero or a villain depends on what side of the line you fall on. Allow me to show you some examples of my heroes. Maybe they'll become yours too. <br />
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There once was a man who was well educated, but he has spent more than 40 years rising before dawn to provide for his family. He raised his sons to be one-woman men, who love Jesus and provide for their families. His sons, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, pastors, evangelists, and friends can come to him for advice. He offered his advice and then always prays for these people. Always. Sometimes he catches them off-guard, when he places a firm hand on their shoulder, but he prays for them. This man has always said to me, “Look only to Jesus, not to pastors, or preachers or men. Look only to Jesus, He is the only man who has ever died for your soul. “ This is my maternal grandfather. He is a hero.<br />
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There once was a man who got up at dawn to pray every day. He sought to please the Lord in everything he did. He married the woman God had given him, and loved only her for his whole life. He worked for the Lord in the badlands, in the country, and in the tropics. It did not matter if the Lord gave or took away; this man knelt humbly before his God every day of my life. He learned through many trials and frustrations that God has made the man for Himself and that nothing else would satisfy. He taught his daughters that “All men are pigs, and their only redeeming quality is Jesus.” This man was my father. He is a hero. <br />
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There once was a man who was proud of his heritage. He faced a lot of trials because of his appearance and because of his disposition. Still, he was for his family. When his oldest nieces got their own apartment on the edges of a city two states away, he drove more than five hours to a party that the young ladies had invited him and his family to. He only stayed for a couple of hours, and he went home the same day, but his presence, and the distance he crossed to spend an evening with the young ladies and their friends, spoke of devotion to family that few could rival. This man was also one of my uncles. He is a hero. <br />
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There once was a man gifted with praises. He could sing any note on any instrument created under heaven. He led music at family gatherings and led his church in music. He was not proud, and did not demand his own way. He began a tradition of serenading the neighbors every Christmas, blessing them with the joy of the Lord. He knew how to tell a joke, how to laugh, but most importantly, when devastation visited his niece’s household two years ago, he was among those that prayed. He was among those that cried. And his tears, as much as his songs, were a kind of comfort. This man also was one of my uncles. He is a hero. <br />
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There once was a man who was healed. He could always be found in church, and soon no one expected to find him anywhere else. His niece would visit him and his wife every winter break for years. One year after his niece’s first failed romance, he gave these words of advice, “You don’t need to date everyone you’re attracted to. Put another way there will be people you are attracted to who will only be your friends, learn how to deal with this. Seek the Lord in your single years, and trust him to be faithful with your future husband.” This advice saved his niece from much heartbreak. This man was also one of my uncles, he is a hero.<br />
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There once was a man who worked in The City. He knew famous bands before they became famous bands, famous athletes before they became famous athletes and famous actors before they became famous actors. He was well read, and well spoken. One day his niece was locked out of the house. He left The City and drove and unlocked the house. Not only this, but he came in, ate a meal and asked his niece about her spiritual life. “Look for a leader,” he said. “There are a lot of scripture on leaders, look for a leader as you study the Bible.” This is my youngest uncle. He is a hero. <br />
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What do you notice about these heroes of mine? Perhaps you noticed that they were all disciples of my Superhero. Or perhaps you noticed something more fundamental, they were all actively PRESENT. The first step in becoming a hero is to be present. The second step is to direct your audience’s eyes to God. If you are doing this you are a hero. Will you do this? Will you pray for those who seek your council? Will you start your every day in communion with your Savior? Will you cross distances to be with those who need you, even if it seems futile? Will you sing with those who sing and mourn with those who mourn? Will you make time for those who need a friend, and will you encourage the discouraged around you? Will you leave your prestige to spend a meal with someone who needs you, discussing the things that matter? <br />
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If you are truly a follower of Jesus, you have hero potential. You have that one redeeming quality, and I will always encourage that. I will always root for you, and believe the best in you.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-29569607152072176322012-06-13T07:28:00.001-05:002012-06-13T07:28:17.807-05:00I'm at war with my carMy father knows cars very well. He knows how to change a flat, put air in a tire, replace brakes, and do all kinds of other things that I don't know how to do. At the same goes my ex boyfriends. And my uncle. And my cousins. They are all 1200 miles away. Unfortunately my own knowledge of cars is vastly limited to changing oil and putting gas in the car. This makes me feel very dependent on people. Yesterday a light turned on in my car, it was the "you need to put air in the tire" light. So like any responsible adult I drive to the gas station and I attempted to put air in my tire. It didn't work. I went to Bible study and I requested the help of two men who gave me suggestions on 32 pies or 32 PSI they said. I went to the gas station this morning and it didn't work. In a perfect world there would be no need to put air in tires. In the story that I'm writing right now, there are no cars thus no car accidents (of which I've been in eight) just your typical ancient world scenario. <br />
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I'm at war with my car.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-16437748544098297932012-06-09T05:17:00.001-05:002012-06-09T05:17:13.415-05:00ExaminIng roots?So in my current work-in-progress, I'm examining the role adoption plays in shaping who a child is. Of course, I didn't realize at the time that this is what I was doing. I thought I was writing a funny little story about a fisherman's son. Growing up, my family always took in children. From 1992-2010 we helped over 20 children in crisis. I was mostly the errand runner, the grocery shopper, the story reader, generally everyone's older sister (read: unsollicited advice giver) but somehow that helped. Somehow these things creeped into my story. Does your upbringing ever creep into your writing?
Isn't it amazing how aspects of our upbringing are always carried with us? I want to be involved in Millstone, & DJJ, children's ministry & disciplship in the fall because they are areas where my spirit says "here go." I can't explain the feeliing you get when you see clearly what it is your supposed to do. It's peace & stillness.
I've been having intense dreams lately too, which have been enlightening. While I don't think every dream is spiritual, I definnately think that some are.
WHAT I'M PRAYING ABOUT:
1. Certain former foster-siblings
2. Ministry opportunities
3. My future roommates
4. My desires and hopes for the future (which are mine & which are from God?)
WHAT I'M LISTENING TO:
1. Alex Campos "Lenguaje de Amor"
2. Andrea Bochelli "Amor"
WHAT I'M READING:
1. "Havah: the Story of Eve" by Tosca Lee
2. Psalms (Holy Bible NLT)
3. "The Weird Sisters" by Eleanor BrownMandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-1654251478585817512012-05-16T12:41:00.001-05:002012-05-16T12:41:33.947-05:00Mud piesOftentimes before children are even allowed in the kitchen, they are in the backyard making mudpies. These are not nutritional, they are not even edible (unless you have a case of pica), but the child is thuroughly entertained. I think often times that writing is like that. When I start a new novel, or story, I think that its the greatest thing in the world, but its really a mudpie. One day I hope to make it to the kitchen with Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Victor Hugo. Until then, I'm reading Cliff Graham novels, and the Bible and scribbling away.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-52879427102526221712012-05-02T10:12:00.001-05:002012-05-02T10:12:44.906-05:00From 2012 to 2016GOALS for the next 4 years:
1. Get an HR job
2. Buy a 4 bedroom house with a pool, mango tree, coconut tree and tile floors.
3. Meet, fall for and marry a charismatic man who knows scripture, has a heart for the lost, the orphan, the disenfranchised; who realizes his body is a temple.
4. Grow in sincerity. Memorize a book of the Bible.
5. Add to my cooking skills.
6. Grow roots in a town.
7. Write a best seller.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-60016982320495161812012-03-17T21:15:00.002-05:002012-03-17T21:16:21.537-05:00FloridaI've been here for 15 days and it has been a blessing on multiple levels. <br /><br />Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. <br />~Helen Keller<br /><br />I'm writing a series of teen books.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-48007343369086235072012-02-29T12:51:00.004-05:002012-02-29T13:05:20.666-05:00The Marines are reading my novelI got an email that some Marines are enjoying my novel. So while Marines are enjoying my first novel I'm working on a the sequel and a couple of non-related novels about Latinos. When I was at the local bookstore ayer I realized that most of the novels about/targeted for Latinos are about kids in gangs or girls slutting it up in _______ (Inser major city here). I was totally disapointed. What I'd like to see is fiction along the lines of Meloday Carlson written for Latino teenagers. My former boss thinks that the problem is that Latinos don't read. I think the real problem is that there isn't diversity of Latinos within the stories written for Latinos. I know a lot of my former clients got sick of reading about marinalized people and immigrant stories. They wanted to read stories about interesting, diverse, successful Latinos. So we'll see.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-66441843018992531552012-02-22T16:55:00.005-05:002012-02-22T16:59:52.953-05:00On the Road AgainI'M MOVING TO SOUTH FLORIDA! This Northy Philly girl is changing it up a little! I've kicked the day job, become a single girl again, and I've decided to go on a road trip to my new abode in South Florida. I've even decided to change up my writing settings. Instead of writing about characters in Lehigh Valley PA I'll be writing about characters living in South Florida. I'm excited for the much needed change. Have you ever enbarked on such a grand adventure?<br /><br />WHAT I'M WORKING ON:<br />1.) A sequel to my first novel<br />2.) A fun series about 4 Latinas in their senior year of high school, and possibly 1st years of college. <br /><br />WHAT I'M READING: <br />1.) 1 Corinthians<br />2.) Max Ride series by James Paterson. <br /><br />WHAT YOU CAN PRAY FOR ME: <br />1.) That the BIG MOVE goes smoothly. <br /><br />WHATS ON MY iPOD: <br />1.) Ojala que pudiera borrarte.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-62204364462301292752011-12-26T11:18:00.005-05:002012-02-22T17:04:07.701-05:00Books and Christmas and more<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MP3sEqB0YfU/T0VmJNZABSI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/U6EHb3tAZjg/s1600/reading%2Bm1b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MP3sEqB0YfU/T0VmJNZABSI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/U6EHb3tAZjg/s400/reading%2Bm1b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712084010788717858" /></a><br />So while my Dad was at home reading mt first novel, I spent my first Christmas away from home. I was with my boyfriend of 1 yr's family. I suppose I don't have to tell you how different that was for me, how foreign some things seemed (really I was the foreign one). I gave 2 books to my boyfriends darling elderly aunts, and I signed it for them. This was a new experience for me. I took out the <span style="font-style:italic;">Mont Blanc</span> pen my father had given me and signed my greeting and my name. The whole time my eyes were on the pen. <br /><br />For me it represents my father's faith in my abilities, however meager they are. He has always believed in me and that has made all the difference. <br /><br />Lately I have been having odd dreams, about heroes and masculinity and femininity and babies and things of that nature. I think last night I dreamed of a forest, although I vaguely remember it. My boyfriend tells me he had some kind of vivid dream abut gladiators or something. He normally either doesn't dream or doesn't tell me his dreams. In general he can be a very reserved person even as he is quite friendly and personable. Its an intriguing contrast. <br /><br />Last night we were watching The Princess Bride. I remembered why Westley was always my favorite character. I think that is slightly related to my dreams lately of heroes. <br /><br />Anyway... I have been reading lately about the sons of Noah. It is a fascinating time in history. I love the way the author of "The Heavens Before" wrote the story of Shem, father of the Semites. The one thing that is difficult is the pronunciation of the characters names. I read one part about the prophecy of the serpent biting the woman's heel and her offspring crushing the serpent's head, and it gave me chills. The author's depiction of Shem is stunning, much like Westley in "The Princess Bride." Its like John Eldridge states in "Wild at Heart" and "Epic," we all long for adventures for heroes, and for a cause... <br /><br />But anyway, "Before the Heavens" is a wonderful novel and you ought to read it <span style="font-style:italic;">if you are so inclined</span>. After this I will be reading "Sons of Encouragement" by Francine Rivers and Paul's Epistle to the Romans with the young adults at my church. And of course, many loved ones will be reading my first novel this month.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-9182652525188384332011-12-19T16:32:00.001-05:002012-02-22T16:50:07.573-05:00MY NEW BOOK IS OUT: THE RED ENVELOPE<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MJe-VyN5X4/T0VjBWOUzlI/AAAAAAAAAJk/lj7VL1d0t6E/s1600/My%2B1st%2Bbook.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MJe-VyN5X4/T0VjBWOUzlI/AAAAAAAAAJk/lj7VL1d0t6E/s400/My%2B1st%2Bbook.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712080577186025042" /></a><br />So since I havent written in this blog since before I moved out, back when all of the family sadness was going on, I doubt if any readers are still subscribed. <br /><br />If you are though, check this out! My book (the one I has such a time with and commented about on this blog) is written!!! <br /><br />it is available at the Christian Book distributers, at Barnes and Noble and at Wine Press Publisher's website!!!!Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-21186594919710638042010-05-13T21:42:00.000-05:002010-05-13T21:58:54.473-05:00Arepas de quesoDear Reader,<br /><br />It's almost 11pm here, and I never stay up this late anymore during the week. I had a really chaotic day at work today, and Mom is making some arepas. They are corn meal, full of cheese (since that's how we do it in Bogota) and fried. It's such a comfort food. It's also high in starch, and some family member are prone to get heart burn from it. To avoid that, drink chocolate milk with your arepa. <br /><br />The end.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-30653682647378072792010-05-04T11:51:00.000-05:002010-05-04T12:05:54.085-05:00We love our muralsDear Reader, <br /><br />Today I am texting this post from a remote location in the Latin Hood. I work here 37.5 hrs a week and it's fun. Not only is it an office full of kind individuals, but it's pretty. It's a Latino company, and all I can say is, me encanta. One thing I love about our office is that we don't use "fall asleep paint " on our walls. No, we have murals. In my office we have a mural of women at various stages in their lives. Downstairs we have all sorts of murals about unity, community, and familial love. I'm thankful I can work in a pretty office.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-78403360572757067722010-04-21T06:27:00.000-05:002010-04-21T06:34:33.982-05:00Thy Will Be DoneDear Reader, <br /><br />How old were you when you 1st lived on your own? I've never lived anywhere on my own, unless you count my month-long mission trip to Germany/Poland. However, circumstances being what they are, my job is here, my car payments are here, and my parents think it would be beneficial to my career if I stay here for a year. Here! Where there is snow. Here! Where there are a lack of single men. Here! Where I don't want to live. Here! Where the powers that be hate my family for no good reason. So, I'm going to be praying that God will have His way. Because, I remember not wanting to go to Germany for missions four years ago. But I obeyed the call God had on my life, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I need to get to a place where I'm writing again. I need to see my brother free. And now, I need to go apartment shopping. What do you need?<br /><br />WHAT I'M WORKING ON:<br />1.) Having faith that God's got everything under control. <br /><br />WHAT I'M READING: <br />1.) Galatians. <br />2.) Kristin Billerbeck's 3rd Spa Girl's novel. <br /><br />WHAT YOU CAN PRAY FOR ME: <br />1.) That everything goes well for my brother on Wednesday. <br /><br />WHATS ON MY iPOD: <br />1.) The Village Church podcastMandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-28367794606197694972010-04-14T21:31:00.001-05:002010-04-14T21:38:21.838-05:00Prayer is talking to JesusDear Reader, <br /><br />Life hurts a lot more than I thought it would when I was a kid, a teenager and even a college student. I'm in the real grown-up world and I have been for a year and 4 months now. Some days I keep hoping that Prince Charming will ride up and save the day, but life doesn't work like that. At least not in my experience. I sincerely think that that is because God wants me to rely on Jesus, and not the hope of some man-savior. And in my head I know that, but I still have those habits of hoping a guy will pull over and help me when my car breaks down, instead of honking at me and going on his way while a homeless guy shakes his cigar in my face and tells me how crappy life is. Anyway, I haven't written like I should lately. Not even on my novel that I'm supposed to be editing. I just need for it to go well on Monday. I need my brother to come home. Life feels unfair without him at home where he should be. Learning how to drive. Making dreams into plans. <br /><br />WHAT I'M WORKING ON:<br />1.) Having faith that God's got everything under control. <br /><br />WHAT I'M READING: <br />1.) Galatians. <br />2.) Kristin Billerbeck's 3rd Spa Girl's novel. <br /><br />WHAT YOU CAN PRAY FOR ME: <br />1.) That everything goes well for my brother on Monday. <br /><br />WHATS ON MY iPOD: <br />1.) Tu Reinas by RojoMandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-45341748872634941102010-03-27T08:51:00.001-05:002010-03-27T09:00:55.337-05:00No Justice on Fridays I guessDear Reader, <br /><br />Did you know that in the Juvenile Justice System a 70 yr old man can nod off during your trial and still convict you for a charge that you were not even accused of by the "victim" ? Yeah I didn't either. But that is what I just bore witness to yesterday. Its a sin. Now we have to try and figure out if it is appeal able. God help us when little girls with mental issues can run the justice system with NO PHYSICAL EVIDENCE whatsoever. Shit, they don't even need to stick to their story. They don't need dates, physical evidence, documentation or consistency. They just get to point their finger and laugh. I shudder when I think of all of the wanna-be Disney princesses running around this world like Salome and Potiphar's Wife. <br /><br />WHAT I'M WORKING ON:<br />1.) Trying to learning enough about the law to help mi hermano. <br /><br />WHAT I'M READING: <br />1.) verses about God being on the side of the innocent. <br />2.) Kristin Billerbeck's 2nd Spa Girl's novel. <br /><br />WHAT YOU CAN PRAY FOR ME: <br />1.) That we find out how to help mi hermano. <br /><br />WHATS ON MY iPOD: <br />1.) Revelation Song by Kari Jobe.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-9312059858145667872010-03-23T21:09:00.000-05:002010-03-23T21:19:19.054-05:00No scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand.Dear Reader, <br /><br />What scares you? One of my sister's today was telling me about a storyteller who came to her school and told ghost stories, they creep ed her out. My family has been facing giant disasters since the beginning of the new year and its stressful to say the least. Lately I have been struggling with the fact that there is nothing I can do to earn God's favor for the past 10 days. I've been saved since I was a little girl, and I know this in my head, but the very fact that I can't do ANYTHING to move our struggles along, to save us from liars with badges, makes me cry out to Jesus with new fever. I hope we win tomorrow despite all odds. <br /><br />WHAT I'M WORKING ON:<br />1.) Not falling apart, I'm not doing so well. <br /><br />WHAT I'M READING: <br />1.) verses about God being on the side of the innocent. <br />2.) Kristin Billerbeck's 2nd Spa Girl's novel. I hope to read Camy Tang's suspense books soon though, (yay Amazon!)<br /><br />WHAT YOU CAN PRAY FOR ME: <br />1.) That we win tomorrow. <br /><br />WHATS ON MY iPOD: <br />1.) In Christ Alone, as sung by NewsboysMandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-24818342443348332212010-03-08T21:29:00.000-05:002010-03-08T21:58:16.901-05:00Telenovelas & JesusDear Reader, <br /><br />Did you ever have a dream that seemed rediculous? I do. Its to publish 5 great selling novels and be on the writing team of one world famous <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD54VIZvIFg">Telenovela</a>. Just one. A couple years ago I had an interview to work with <em>TV guide en espanol</em>. It made my week. Sadly I was 9 credits short of graduation and missed the second interview because I went to a college class instead. I still watch telenovelas when one comes on that catches my eye (they only last about 6 months), and wish that I could be the one who wrote them. Some are sexy, but I've seen a few that make you think more about <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205:42-44&version=NLT">that thing Jesus said about loving God, and loving others</a>...Not the one I'm watching now, but there have been some in the past...<br /><br />WHAT I'M WORKING ON:<br />1.) I'm really getting into <em>Pues, No</em> and I'm excited about where that's going. Each new writing project carries with it all the hopes of a new world, I suppose.<br />2.) I'm reading over "The Red Envelope" and trying to decide what stays and what goes in it. Its tougher than I thought. <br /><br />WHAT I'M READING: <br />1.) The Gospel of Mark in the Bible with my brother and sister. We're on chapter 12<br />2.) "Chasing Harry Winston" by Lauren Weisberger. Its been about 6 months since I've read a secular novel. I have to say that one character curses and it threw me off at first, also so did another characters sarcastic comment about God. I like to read fiction that makes me want to study my Bible, and learn more about Jesus but every once in a while I buy a book in the Walmart book asle. Balance you know? <br /><br />WHAT YOU CAN PRAY FOR ME: <br />1.) That my house sells. <br /><br />WHATS ON MY iPOD: <br />1.)Learning to fall by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKx_KlUUhPE">This Beautiful Republic</a>.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-24709377752539831922010-03-05T08:00:00.000-05:002010-03-05T08:00:07.415-05:00La Cosa es que...Dear Reader,<br /><br />So I loved reading Only Uni by Camy Tang again this week. If you haven't read it, fight your way over to amazon.com and buy it! It's simply lovely. I love it because it shows the real struggles of a Christian woman in a world that pulls against her every step of the way. <br /><br />WHAT I'M WORKING ON:<br /><br />1.) I recorded a bunch of scene on my voice memo on my iphone for my new book. For now, I'm calling it <em>Pues, No</em> but we'll see what title it ends up with in a year. I've named the four main characters: Vicky, Carmela, Maruja and Ariel. <br />2.) "The Red Envelope" is making me pull my hair out but at least I'm working on it. The thing is, everyone in the town still wants to blame the hippy for the murder, but she's not guilty, (or is she?) <br />3.) I keep cutting out pictures for my historical novel. <br /><br />WHAT I'M READING: <br />1.) She's All That (Spa Girls #1) by Kristin Billerbeck. <br /><br />WHAT YOU CAN PRAY FOR ME: <br />1.) That our house sells. <br /><br />WHAT'S ON MY iPOD: <br />1.) Now it Moves by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=honT4Ko_ZD4">Salvador.</a>Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-57243677605167670742010-02-28T22:29:00.000-05:002010-02-28T22:42:24.383-05:00Warrior ChildDear Reader, <br /><br />I know over the course of the last year this blog has under gone a number of changes, from mediocre book reviews, to letting you pick what books I read to weeks of non-posting. All I can say is that I'm happy that you've stopped by my corner of the web once again, or for the first time. <br /><br />WHAT I'M WORKING ON:<br />1.)I'm going to be trying to finish editing my first book "The Red Envelope" this week. <br />2.)I am also hoping to have more outlined for my Christian Chica Lit book. I call it that but its not ghetto or stupid like a lot of books targeted towards Hispanics are. Its about four Hispanic girls in their mid 20s who just want to have fun and live a good life. <br />3.) I'm also working on an historical novel centered around a family leaving Spain for Florida during the Napoleonic Wars. I love this era of history, but I'm having trouble actually writing it. I've had two false starts already. <br /><br />WHAT I'M READING: <br />1.) Only Uni by Camy Tang. I read it last year, but I still love it so I'm reading it again. <br />2.) Spa Girls No. 1 by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJMkh3nPe3Y">Kristin Billerbeck</a>. It is supposed to arrive this week, and I'm super excited. <br /><br />WHAT YOU CAN PRAY FOR:<br />1.) That our house sells.<br /><br />WHAT'S ON MY IPOD: <br />1.) Warrior Child by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFMNoNNLr3o">Tal&Acacia</a>.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-47701645163649009062009-12-09T23:37:00.000-05:002009-12-09T23:54:58.151-05:00It's late, but Les Miserables is the best novel ever written.This week has been a crappy one. Loss of job (and thereby income), average GRE scores (much lower than my target score), loneliness, stress of getting 12 Christmas gifts for loved one, stress of getting into grad school, stress of finding a new job. . . I could go on but I've pretty much been stressed out about my future, even though I KNOW that God has a plan for my life. <br /><br />It just so happens that I noticed my favorite book <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Miserables-Victor-Hugo/dp/0449300021/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260420341&sr=1-3">Les Miserables</a> by Victor Hugo</strong> on my bookshelf last Friday. And it just so happens that I picked it up after a decade of not reading it, and it just so happens that I fell in love with it all over again. <br /><br />It is the best book ever written. It shows how one good deed done not for the sake of man, but for God can have repercussions that span generations. That is, a middle-aged newly released prisioner comes into a new town, is turned away from everyone in town except for the local priest. The local priest takes him in, and, when stolen from reacts in love, giving him the items that were stolen. <br /><br />This stirs the man, who sets out to make a good, pious life for himself. Ever present in front of the man are his failures, his sins. He seeks out to act rightly and does so. In the process he takes in Cosette. The little orphan girl grows up and is raised to love and revere God, the church and her father. And through a glance, she falls in love. <br /><br />I don't know why the story of Cosette and Marius moves me so much. They are youths, he 20 and she 16 when they fall in love. He a historian-lawyer-rebel and she a quiet daughter. They exchange glances at the park and he pursues her. When the insurrection of 1832 causes them to be separated, the father brings them back together. <br /><br />Jean Valjean is my favorite character now. Back when I was 15, I thought Marius was the best. However, now I see that Jean Valjean is the best character because he truly shows not only what it means to be redeemed, and reconciled with Christ, but what it means to love. <br /><br />Its late and this isn't well written, but Jean Valjean gives up his own security so that his adopted daughter may be loved. That is an example what Christ has done for each of us. It is completely laudable. One day I will have to write a better review on this masterpiece of fiction.Mandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18926668.post-44400322433406034132009-10-27T12:39:00.000-05:002009-10-27T13:43:56.096-05:00National Novel Writing MonthNovember is one of my favorite months of the year. Its the anniversary of when my grandparents came to this country, its the anniversary of when a lot of my family became believers, its Thanksgiving, its one of my sister's birthday, and its National Novel Writing month. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olPivDwCgVc/Sucx8eQJ7TI/AAAAAAAAAHI/cXVE-ZZmbOs/s1600-h/2998NANOWRIMO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_olPivDwCgVc/Sucx8eQJ7TI/AAAAAAAAAHI/cXVE-ZZmbOs/s400/2998NANOWRIMO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397337593409563954" /></a><br /><br /><br />I heard about this a number of years ago, and try and participate everyyear. I'm not to great with getting 50,000 words in in one month, but it's great practice. Anyway, my piece this year is that historical fiction thing I've been meaning to try and write for years. I made a collage to help me get a handle on all of my ideas, so there it is. I hope I actually finish it!<br /><br />Additionally, here is a prayer written by the Patron Saint of journalists and writers: <br /><br />"Lord, I am Yours, and I must belong to no one but You.<br />My soul is Yours, and must live only by You.<br />My will is Yours, and must love only for You.<br />I must love You as my first cause, since I am from You.<br />I must love You as my end and rest, since I am for You.<br />I must love You more than my own being, since my being subsists by You.<br />I must love You more than myself, since I am all Yours and all in You. Amen."<br />-Prayer of St Francis De SalesMandy Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15319210668198998216noreply@blogger.com0