In honor of Leap day, I shall blog today! I mean why not right?
Before the movie "Leap Year" had come out, I'd never heard of a leap year before (vulnerable enough to show you my ignorance).
Funny how a movie can give you so much insight right? Hmmm....Speaking of having insight, I honestly feel like I haven't learned anything new in a long time. I mean I've learned bits and pieces of information here and there over the past couple of months...or even years...but I don't feel as if I've truly challenged my mind to learn anything new and this frustrates me.
I guess I know a little bit more about photography than I did before. I've been reading blogs and researching about it since I've purchased my new camera, but I can't say that I've learned a whole lot about it yet.
Well today is leap day and I simply don't want to take it for granted. An extra day in the year that we get every 4 years!!! Woah!!! The next leap time we'll have a leap year will be in 2016!!!
Who knows where in the world I'll be at that time? Will I still be in France (I hope not!), or will I be back in the US reunited with my loves!?? Will I have a full time job or still be living this crazy unstable life of mine?
Think about it. Where do you want to be a few years from now?
I always tell myself there is no point in thinking that far in advance because we do not control our destiny/fate/God's will for our lives. In fact I think to many of us humans over think the future and freak ourselves out for nothing. We spend so much time planning for what is ahead that we miss out on what's right before us.
But in some ways, it's good to think about the future. For one it helps us confront our fear of the future and face it head on. Secondly it gives us something to look forward to. I mean living day by day is great and all but there's nothing wrong with a little planning so you don't end up completely unprepared when life grabs you by the wrist and drags you along on this crazy roller coaster ride!
But then again, you can never plan enough so let go of your fears, and embrace today.
“Today is an ephemeral ghost...
A strange amazing day that comes only once every four years. For the rest of the time it does not "exist."
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
"Joy is the direct result of having God's perspective on our daily lives and the effect of loving our Lord enough to obey His commands and trust His promises."
"I'm missing my past but attempting to focus on the present, so I can better my future." Quote by ME :)
Happy Leap Day Yo!!
About Me
- DorinaJuliaOliveira
- Saint Malo, Bretagne, France
- For those of you who know me there isn't a whole lot to say other than the fact that I am a crazy, weird, laid back, energetic ball of life who lives by the moment. I've got my share of ups and downs and an adventurous life of traveling. I hope to share some of this journey with you all as I try wrestling through questions and situations about who I am, what my purpose is, and my relationship with the Lord. Feel free to comment! Good or bad :)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
God's Kindness/Severity
Bonjour :)
I should be job searching right now, but I've decided to take a one week vacation from that. This is the last day of my vacation, so I'm going to blog before I let another day go by without doing so.
I didn't really take a vacation, well let me explain. I'd unofficially-officially moved in with my sister in law and kiddos (love them!!) for a month while my brother was still in Senegal working on events/promoting his non profit organization Afreeca Chid (the website is in French, hope you can translate it if you don't speak French).
So while my brother was working in Senegal this past month, my sister in law and I have been going at it job wise. First of all you wouldn't IMAGINE all the paperwork I've had to do this past month to even begin the job searching process. It's been a long roller coaster ride. One in which the Lord has been extremely faithful. As always. He has blessed me with my sis-in-law, Aurelie, who's been a true servant by taking me anywhere and everywhere I needed to go for this whole process. I mean I have no words to express how much she's helped me!
I just got back from a week in Paris spent with dear friends and parents. I'm so blessed to have been able to spend some time with them. My parents are on their way to the US for a short very much needed sabbatical, so they decided to stop by here to see me for a few days.
My brother has also come back from Senegal a few days ago. It is my first time seeing him in 6 years (since his wedding), and my first time living with him in about 9 years. Prayers are welcome. :P haha
So now that we are back in Saint Malo, the job search resumes. Lord have mercy! OH I have an interview on tuesday the 21rst of February. PLEASE PRAYYYYY!!!!!
I'm attempting to find work in tourism, being a hostess/receptionist. I know... nothing to do with what I studied but the town I live in, Saint Malo, is very touristic because it's right on the coast that separates France and England; so as you can imagine, this type of job in this town would be perfect for me since I'm bilingual, friendly, good with people. etc...! Though I have all the capabilities of working in this field, I unfortunately have no experience whatsoever, which is what's blocking me right now.
And as for my true passions, photography/videography, I plan on either doing some freelancing and establishing myself in this beautiful town that doesn't have many photography/videographer artists, or I plan on exercising my skills while helping my brother with the promoting of his NPO, Afreeca Child.
As you can see, I'm not sure what I'm doing yet or why the Lord has brought me here. But that's okay. I was reading Romans this morning, and was oh so encouraged by it. Like the Lord was whispering sweet goods of hope into my ear and it went straight to my heart and warmed it up :)
You know I've had my many moments of frustration and "antsyness." When that happens, the Lord is probably pretty disappointed in me. In fact, I'm positive that he is but despite that he never fails to reassure me when I give Him a chance to speak or take the time to simply listen. (which I admit, through my stubborn personality isn't often!)
Romans 11: 22-24
In these passages, I am reminded of both God's sternness and his kindness. God is not one to be "messed" with. I think it's important for us to be reminded of that. God owes us NOTHING. We owe him EVERYTHING.
A lot of times we feel like the troubles that come our way are unfair. So often do I hear (and say) that life is SO unfair.
For example, I'd complain about being so far away from Jeremy and my friends and just say "Why is God allowing this, it's so unfair!!" (small example amongst many many other ones...I think you get the point)
Nonsense. Ridiculousness! Who am I to decide what is fair and what's not. Isn't God the author of all things and all times?? Isn't he the ultimate judge, and hasn't he always been? So being reminded of his sternness was in fact a great reminder. One that brings me to my knees and allows me to be humbled.
Nowadays, us Christians lack the fear of the Lord. We think we can do and say anything and always get away with it. How did we come to this? And what has made us believe that? *Think about it*
Of course, along with our Father's severity, comes his kindness for those of us who declare his son to be our Lord and Savior. In the midst of darkness/hard times/ disobedience we find grace/hope/joy.
These passages aren't threats, they are reminders/warnings. I love how God uses history/the past/what's happened to REMIND us of who HE is and who WE are/should be in/through HIM. It's simply logical. History repeats itself over and over again, and what better example to use than what's already happened.
Don't we do that as teachers/parents/students/brothers/sisters/friends to warn each other or give advice to the ones we care for.
Praise God for second chances. Can I hear a "AMEN"!? I mean let's be real, none of us would be here without second chances. We so often act like spoiled brats who take things for granted and yet this doesn't stop God from continuing to bless/provide/protect us from/with what we need to be vessels for his Kingdom.
Romans 11: 33-36
"Oh How great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
For who can know the Lord's thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?
And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back?
For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever. Amen!"
A prayer "Lord, thank you for humbling me. I don't want my days to end in futility. I want to be able to participate fully in what you're doing in my generation." (Beth Moore)
Pictures of where I live:
( I did not take these photos)
I should be job searching right now, but I've decided to take a one week vacation from that. This is the last day of my vacation, so I'm going to blog before I let another day go by without doing so.
I didn't really take a vacation, well let me explain. I'd unofficially-officially moved in with my sister in law and kiddos (love them!!) for a month while my brother was still in Senegal working on events/promoting his non profit organization Afreeca Chid (the website is in French, hope you can translate it if you don't speak French).
So while my brother was working in Senegal this past month, my sister in law and I have been going at it job wise. First of all you wouldn't IMAGINE all the paperwork I've had to do this past month to even begin the job searching process. It's been a long roller coaster ride. One in which the Lord has been extremely faithful. As always. He has blessed me with my sis-in-law, Aurelie, who's been a true servant by taking me anywhere and everywhere I needed to go for this whole process. I mean I have no words to express how much she's helped me!
I just got back from a week in Paris spent with dear friends and parents. I'm so blessed to have been able to spend some time with them. My parents are on their way to the US for a short very much needed sabbatical, so they decided to stop by here to see me for a few days.
My brother has also come back from Senegal a few days ago. It is my first time seeing him in 6 years (since his wedding), and my first time living with him in about 9 years. Prayers are welcome. :P haha
So now that we are back in Saint Malo, the job search resumes. Lord have mercy! OH I have an interview on tuesday the 21rst of February. PLEASE PRAYYYYY!!!!!
I'm attempting to find work in tourism, being a hostess/receptionist. I know... nothing to do with what I studied but the town I live in, Saint Malo, is very touristic because it's right on the coast that separates France and England; so as you can imagine, this type of job in this town would be perfect for me since I'm bilingual, friendly, good with people. etc...! Though I have all the capabilities of working in this field, I unfortunately have no experience whatsoever, which is what's blocking me right now.
And as for my true passions, photography/videography, I plan on either doing some freelancing and establishing myself in this beautiful town that doesn't have many photography/videographer artists, or I plan on exercising my skills while helping my brother with the promoting of his NPO, Afreeca Child.
As you can see, I'm not sure what I'm doing yet or why the Lord has brought me here. But that's okay. I was reading Romans this morning, and was oh so encouraged by it. Like the Lord was whispering sweet goods of hope into my ear and it went straight to my heart and warmed it up :)
You know I've had my many moments of frustration and "antsyness." When that happens, the Lord is probably pretty disappointed in me. In fact, I'm positive that he is but despite that he never fails to reassure me when I give Him a chance to speak or take the time to simply listen. (which I admit, through my stubborn personality isn't often!)
Romans 11: 22-24
In these passages, I am reminded of both God's sternness and his kindness. God is not one to be "messed" with. I think it's important for us to be reminded of that. God owes us NOTHING. We owe him EVERYTHING.
A lot of times we feel like the troubles that come our way are unfair. So often do I hear (and say) that life is SO unfair.
For example, I'd complain about being so far away from Jeremy and my friends and just say "Why is God allowing this, it's so unfair!!" (small example amongst many many other ones...I think you get the point)
Nonsense. Ridiculousness! Who am I to decide what is fair and what's not. Isn't God the author of all things and all times?? Isn't he the ultimate judge, and hasn't he always been? So being reminded of his sternness was in fact a great reminder. One that brings me to my knees and allows me to be humbled.
Nowadays, us Christians lack the fear of the Lord. We think we can do and say anything and always get away with it. How did we come to this? And what has made us believe that? *Think about it*
Of course, along with our Father's severity, comes his kindness for those of us who declare his son to be our Lord and Savior. In the midst of darkness/hard times/ disobedience we find grace/hope/joy.
These passages aren't threats, they are reminders/warnings. I love how God uses history/the past/what's happened to REMIND us of who HE is and who WE are/should be in/through HIM. It's simply logical. History repeats itself over and over again, and what better example to use than what's already happened.
Don't we do that as teachers/parents/students/brothers/sisters/friends to warn each other or give advice to the ones we care for.
Praise God for second chances. Can I hear a "AMEN"!? I mean let's be real, none of us would be here without second chances. We so often act like spoiled brats who take things for granted and yet this doesn't stop God from continuing to bless/provide/protect us from/with what we need to be vessels for his Kingdom.
Romans 11: 33-36
"Oh How great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
For who can know the Lord's thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?
And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back?
For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever. Amen!"
A prayer "Lord, thank you for humbling me. I don't want my days to end in futility. I want to be able to participate fully in what you're doing in my generation." (Beth Moore)
Pictures of where I live:
( I did not take these photos)
FEEL FREE TO COME VISIT ME :D
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