No, My Mom is not in the National Museum of Natural History

    After a certain point, I've noticed that most of those who've been and still are my supporters have one thing in common: ladies. They've been my teachers, counselors, career planners, advisors, business consultants, you name it. Obviously, I can't forget to mention the unconditional love given to me by my own mom; the buffalo of the bunch. 

    Now I can't speak on any of the statistics drawn up in accordance with women in these workplaces, but I'm aware of the character they bring to the table. It was always like my teachers to make time to show they saw potential in me. And, my counselors throughout the years were always happy to help me navigate my curriculum. Say what you will, but I'd have a hard time believing men would approach this work with the same level of patience and nurturing as women do. You can even consider that values like that are exactly what young, growing minds need. 

    Of course, that's not to say men can't do this work. I'll always back up my brothers; hell, I still consider my 5th-grade teacher Mr. A, to be one of the greatest mentors I've ever had! But, my personal experience makes way for discussion on this topic. So, is it a natural strength? A societal expectation? I don't have all the answers, but I know what I've seen. 

   To close off, I'd just like to conjure up one big thank you to all the ladies who helped me become the man I am today. Thank you for your patience, your guidance, and for believing in me when I needed it most. I wouldn't be here without you; literally. 

    For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

- Psalm 84:11 

Read Me if You're Vegan

    A goal that I have been working on this year is to read more. If you didn't know, reading can help reduce stress, expand your vocabulary, and serve as a form of entertainment. The way I see it, reading allows you to visualize and process the content yourself, rather than everything being spoon-fed to you. Not to say films and shows are evil, but these mediums while powerful in their own right, often condense narratives, potentially losing some of the depth found in their original texts. With that being said; here are some literary works I'm set to get into. 

    1. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

    I'm pretty sure all have heard about this classic novel to some degree, but I assume we've always avoided learning more about it because of how intimidating the length of this read is. However, I've come to figure out that Don Quixote explores themes of humor, character development, and imagination; things we can all relate to. It also turns out that in terms of Western literature, this book is considered to be the first modern novel according to scholars and critics alike.  

  

     2. 1984 by George Orwell

    For some reason, this book seems to sell out everywhere whenever Trump becomes commander-in-chief. But even without that factor, copies of this bad boy always fly off of the shelf. Why, you may ask? Well, the tale of a government peering into its citizens' lives through surveillance and control of information can resonate with many in our modern world. I hope that after I'm done with this one, I can take a look around and think "Well, at least I'm not in 1984 by George Orwell".

    3. Confessions by Saint Augustine

    St. Augustine was a theologian who lived during the 4th, and 5th centuries, and was one who struggled with doubts and a search for meaning. According to scholars, Confessions gives us an intimate look into his thoughts of loss, guilt, and redemption in his conversion to Christianity. I believe this synopsis can encourage others to read this piece to reflect on their own lives and beliefs. 

    Ultimately, reading is a journey of discovery, both of the world around us and of ourselves. I'm excited to see where these titles will take me; perhaps I'll consider letting you all know what I thought about them when finished. 

    Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails.

- Proverbs 19:21

I Hope You're Okay

 

    When people leave our lives, we are left with what they gave us—life lessons, characteristics, treasured moments, and, if we're lucky, a picture or two. In the case of G, a few good laughs put together a bond that I believe to be lighting caught in a bottle. The fact that I didn't grow up with a brother could have had something to do with amplifying the friendship I had with him. Regardless, this was someone who came to me in his downpour moments, pondered on the beyond, and could joke about every little thing we could see. Not to say his comedy was demeaning, but it overshadowed any chance I had to establish a meaningful connection in terms of either meeting his family or coming over for a game session. 

    If I were to put the blame on what caused our divide, I'd say it was the newfound pace of high school and the shifts in our social circles. The sense of humor I had then has changed, and so have my priorities; but, notably, G comes across my mind even after I've now graduated from college. That being said, I've met G-like runner-ups, but none of them clicked with me telepathically to laugh about a random noise that no one else would notice, or something as plain as a slice of bread. 

    There are others with whom I've never had proper closure, but this post is dedicated to G because I am genuinely starting to forget him. Every few months, he'd show up in my dreams just to pop in and share his say; but he appeared differently every time. At first, it was small noticeable changes in his face, and then he would end up looking like a completely different person but with the same voice. These new dream G's showed to only maintain his hairstyle and skin color, but lacked any of the other original features that made him up. Before getting up today, I dreamt that I was in an auditorium, and G stopped by - but not as usual. This time, it was just his words echoing through the ceiling and ricocheting off the walls. The speech had no real substance, but I could tell it was G from the pattern of his dialogue and tone of voice.

    Maybe one day, G will stop appearing altogether, and his voice will fade with time. Despite this, I won't forget that he taught me that I can find a joke out of any setting. Some of the relationships we have will simply drift apart due to change, and that's okay. It shouldn't make one's impact in your life any less meaningful. 

    They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

- Psalm 22:5

Oh wow, that's a good picture

    This picture is pretty good, right? I wouldn't ask for a better camera, and even if I had one it should be known that no lens can ever capture the beauty of -- ahh whatever. But yeah, for now, I'll have to choose pictures taken on my phone instead of my camera because of the fear of putting wear and tear on my memory card. The camera is a recent purchase of mine to replace the one on my phone. This isn't being done in celebration of minimalism but rather mindfulness being shown through photography. In revelation, every shot is more inclined to have intention behind it. 

   

    An analogy that helped me realize this was - "Think of your phone being a multi-tool okay, now would you rather use a multi-tool to do handy work or an actual screwdriver built for the job?" The screwdriver is more deliberate, precise, and reliable just like a camera compared to a phone. I can understand how some people have a stronger discipline against the distractions of a phone, but you have to admit there's something sacred about an elder in your family dusting off the photo album. There's a process to it, the printing, storing, and organizing convey an effort made to cherish the memories they represent. If some consider this practice to be an inconvenience, fair enough; but maybe that's what makes it all worth appreciating. Give it a try by starting with a disposable camera, just to see how it feels. 

    Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

- Psalm 1:4

It's Not Just Mexico, Lo Sabias?

 

    As much as I would like every post to be a message of hope or enlightenment, there are pressing issues within my community that deserve the spotlight. To make things clear, I would never rub dirt on the name of Mexico itself, for my pride in our country is strong. However, I feel compelled to speak on the state of our people's relationships.

    To begin, several pervasive misunderstandings hold us back: therapy is not a scam, skin color does not determine one’s worth, and our cultural traditions are not exempt from reexamination as time progresses. These three core issues are so deeply ingrained that each could warrant its own blog series. Yet, if even one of them were widely acknowledged and addressed, it could transform us as a nation. While not every family struggles with these problems, and metropolitan areas tend to handle them better, the effects are still undeniable—and they reek. 

    Pitfalls alike run through my household, so I know having these conversations are difficult to have; but as I've stated the tool of reflection is a powerful thing. Instead of reviewing the painful historical context, and pointing fingers; let's begin to understand how damning these beliefs really are. Friendly rivalry with other countries can be tolerated, but hatred among ourselves will only hold us back. I don't expect change to come from my words, but I'm certain I'm not the only one who thinks that our healing can result in a Mexico that can tackle anything. 

    He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 

- Psalm 1:3

I Almost Killed Larry

     

    Today, a cold from hell was placed in me, as for what woke me up was a morning cough powerful enough to practically launch me off my mattress. Naturally, I was forced to stay home, bundle up, and recover with the help of menthol drops and cough syrup. Even though I'm a viable candidate for a doctor's note, I couldn't help but feel guilty for skipping Mass. Oh, and having to make do with indoor shots for today's photo wasn't great. 

    Nonetheless, I was so tapped into today's failures, that I've dismissed to practice what I preach. For context, there's a three-foot-tall Sansevieria that sits on top of a dresser that's placed in front of my bed. The problem was that one of the leaves turned limp with a visible brown shade, and the rest of them appeared to have a sand-like hue that only ended up spreading throughout the week. In response, I panicked and went online to buy anything that could've helped me save Larry Lengua. While each of the tools of plant care were being delivered to me, my efforts gave no results until the day my last order came in; a moisture meter.

    As it turns out, I've been waterboarding Larry this whole time! However, I'm glad to report his leaves are teaming green after a weekend spent in sunlight. Living things benefit from taking time to recharge, and perhaps I ought to understand that. Life can certainly become overwhelming with all of our commitments, so a day where we do nothing is productive in its own right. 

    Blessed is the one... whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. 

- Psalm 1:1-2

Fun Fact: The Sun is a Star

 

    Many people wait for the right moment to put something into play, even if it's something as important as their career, or lifestyle. I'm glad I've taken steps in my education and prospective work through my studies; but what about my own backyard? There is no need to wait for the stars to align to make a change, for our sun in the sky is always aligned for someone. That fact is something nice to think about don't you think? The motivation I get from it makes me want to clean up my room. Although it's a chore, I'll be able to do it more efficiently over time. 

    This same frame of mind should be applied to our own space of living, and relationships with loved ones. It's never too late to rebuild trust, reconnect with that one relative, or learn to forgive some people who may never change. No matter how sorrowful or cheery the episodes we play in are; they'll pass, and the sun will rise once more. It isn't as easy as I put it, and I'm sure some situations are just impossible. But hope will always be there, and know you're never alone. 

    Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.

- Psalm 1:1

Como Agua Para Avena

 

    ENERO ~ Avena Para Uno

    INGREDIENTES: 

• 1 Vaso de Avena 
• 1 Yogurt de Chobani
• 1 Banana
• 1 Manzana
• 1/2 Cucharada de Canela en Polvo

    MANERA DE HACERSE: 

        

    Within the confines of the Holy Bible in Leviticus 25:23, the phrase "The land is mine" expresses that God is the ultimate owner of the earth and that humans are mere inhabitants. This text made me reflect on how we treat the vulnerable in our country, including migrants, refugees, and anyone in between. As the debate on our immigration policies unfolds, this verse offers a lens through which to judge these laws and rethink this land as a gift from God. Look at the condition we're in now. I mean where has our compassion gone? It hurts me to share with you all that I have met a level of fear that makes me question if there ever was any. 

    Regardless, I must state that I've recognized a pattern in my moments of solace; stability. I've emphasized the significance of grace being found in the everyday gifts of God's creation, and stability is one of them. It can be felt in experiences we are all able to have; a good book, a laugh shared with others, and even a warm bowl of avena in the morning. These pastimes not only serve as rocks that keep me grounded but also as a ticket of equity to the human condition. Simply put, when I get dressed in the morning, brush my teeth, and eat my morning oatmeal; for those few moments, I forget about the oppression and division set against people who look like me. Every day, there's a reminder that I too am a steward of this shared earth that God has given us. 

    Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

- Psalm 29:2

A Haircut Can Make A Big Difference

 

        Amid all the chaos surrounding us, do we ever really stop to think about how good things are going? Even when unforeseen weather can bring about inconvenience in our work, there's always a silver lining with the added time we are given from the delays as a result. Anyone can cram a certain amount of tasks into an hour, but it's how we really feel about doing these tasks that matter. Minutes spent doubting ourselves are minutes wasted, and investing our energy into these thoughts can veer us off our path.

     I say we should take a moment to remind ourselves of all the things we're fortunate to have, our achievements met through hard work, and even the simplicity of being able to get out of the bed in morning. There are cases in which our so-called mediocre lives are considered a luxury to others, and if you took time to meet someone new; they'd be fascinated with what you're capable of! So, if you have that ability to just pause and reflect, your personal wealth is far greater than you think. Break your routine, let go of something, or try out a new hairstyle. Any man I know can tell you that a haircut can make a big difference. 

    

    But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 

-2 Corinthians 12:9

Hello, my name is Jose. Welcome to my blog.

 

       

     To anyone who stumbles upon my blog, I welcome you. My name is Jose Garcia. The picture I have above me is one I took just a few seconds ago. Looking back, I know it seems a bit ominous, but I just wanted to put something here to get things started. I set this site up so I can use it as a creative outlet, and share anything interesting I come across. 

    Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

- Romans 5:9-10