CHRISTMAS MESSAGE DEPT.
Christmas: Looking For The Lost Boricua Diáspora
erhaps you've heard me  declare many times that an Englishman born in the North Pole is not an Eskimo, thus a Puerto Rican is a Puerto Rican no matter where he's at.

Some of us may happen to find ourselves, not only far from the ones we love, but also far away from the Borinquen we love. I don't have to describe the ambiance of the Puerto Rican countryside at Christmas for you to visualize it. You think of it and... pop!... you're there!

That's why, as part of the Puerto Rican Diáspora, we take the Christmas season so deep to heart. Our rich cultural traditions dominate the essence of our thinking... a cuatro... guiros... asaltos... pasteles!!! Ah... We can't help but to have a "pastel with guineitos" and a cup of "coquito" in the back of our minds. Hallelujah!  For many of us, Christmas is a time of reflection in which we come to terms with ourselves and the reality around us. We laugh... we cry. We know the new year will bring a resolution or two, even as we reluctantly entertain them.

TRUE... When Pope Julius I decreed December 25 to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus in A.D. 353, who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today.
TRUE... When they lit candles on the first Christmas tree in America in 1832, who would have ever thought that the decorations would become as elaborate as they are today.

It is a long time since 1832, longer still from 353, longer still from that dark night brightened by a special star in which Jesus the king was born. Yet, as we approach Christmas again, it gives us yet another opportunity to pause, and in the midst of all the excitement and elaborate decorations and expensive commercialization which surround Christmas today, to consider again the event of Christmas and the person whose birth we celebrate.

The Importance of Jesus Christ
by Don Jíbaro
Is Jesus Christ really part of our lives
or is He just an Icon at Easter and Christmas?

We "talk the talk" and more often than not, we "walk the walk."  It's consequently and imperative that we get to know that part of our culture that our ancestors staked the essence of their existence on... their faith in The Lord Jesus!

Yes, Jesus Christ is Lord to at least 2.35 BILLION humans throughout the world, even respected by those who don't even know Him. There's no doubt, we distinguish The Lord Jesus from other "deities". Your grandma knew that!

So, why do you think that most people do not have this peace and abundant life that God planned for us to have? Simply it is separation from God. Admit it. your own WICKEDNESS has separated you from God; so much that he won't hear you. The Cross, however, is the one symbol that talks to you. Jesus Christ really died on the Cross and rose from the grave JUST like the Bible says. That might be a mystery to you but the Scriptures are true... READ MORE

¿What? ¿Me Worry?
t has been said that there are two days that people worry most about but should actually worry least about: Yesterday and Tomorrow. We worry about yesterday - the mistakes we've made and what we would like to do over or differently. Yet, there is nothing we can do to change yesterday. Our worries are wasted.
READ MORE

We also worry about tomorrow - the problems it may bring and the challenge we may face. Yet, we cannot control tomorrow. It is out of our grasp. So again, our worries are wasted. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." —Matthew 6:34

Is It Possible to be Positive in Any Situation?
he power of remaining positive, whatever the situation, can never be underestimated. We are all here for a limited period of time, is it worth it to spend any of that time in a dismal mood? Being negative?

The true test of an individual to remain positive is when challenges become difficult. Remaining positive keeps one’s mind in the right state of balance and often opens resolutions to the problems at hand. Negativity is contagious; not only does it affect the individual, but it spreads to anyone they interact with. When only the negative perspective is in focus, the resolution process is impeded.

Eliminating negativity, or rather, being positive is a mindset that can be found at any moment, and turned into a habit. Here are some tips that can help you in shifting your mindset:

Shift Your Thoughts – Be conscious of your thoughts. Especially, when life just isn’t going your way. The moment you see that you are diving into frustration, agony, sorrow and low self-esteem – shift your thoughts, by thinking about something completely unrelated. This breaks the pattern of self-pity, mind-created stories, and negative downward spiral. What makes us different from other mammals is our ability to control our thoughts and think for ourselves.

Find the Lesson – There is a lesson to be learned from every situation. No matter how unfortunate the situation may appear, recognize the beautiful lessons waiting to be discovered. Sometimes lessons are expensive, but every problem is a learning opportunity in disguise. You may have made a mistake, but now you can accept it and continue, knowing that you will make a different decision in the future. Understand this and be appreciative for the experience.

Attitude of Gratitude – You cannot be both angry and grateful at the same time. Start counting the blessings and miracles in your life, start looking for them and you shall find more. What’s there not to be grateful? You are alive and breathing! Realize how lucky you are and all the abundance in your life.

Positive Affirmations & Visualization – Practice seeing yourself in a positive and confident light. Do this whenever you have a few minutes (examples; Waiting for a friend, sitting on the bus, riding an elevator.) Self-affirmations (list of positive statements about yourself and your self image) are another simple and powerful tool to train your subconscious to see yourself in a positive light. This is important, as many of us can be so hard on ourselves though social conditioning. I am guilty of being extra tough on myself, but have learned over time to recognize my gifts rather than finding false and self-imposed inadequacies.

Inventory of Memories – Keep an inventory of memories that can immediately make you smile. Occasions where you felt happy, appreciative and cheerful. When you were at peace with the world. Whenever you are in a negative frame of mind, consciously and deliberately pick up any leaf out of this inventory and dwell on it. Reminiscing those happy moments gives a balanced perspective to your situation. You realize that what appears negative today will change tomorrow. Nothing stays the same.

Criticizing Detox Diet – Change your approach and attitude. See if you can stop criticizing others and situations. Our cultural conditioning teaches us to find flaws and problems at all times. Shift from fault-finding to appreciation-finding.
Whether you are positive or negative, the situation does not change. So, we mind as well be positive....

So... As with any habit, the habit of remaining positive in all situations takes practice and a commitment to yourself to take control. But start small, start paying attention to your emotions, start by wanting to change. I am working on this constantly, and I am here with you, working towards better understanding of my emotions and becoming a better person. Keep going at it, and you will gradually become a positive energy source for the others around you!
Oye, ta' bueno eso, chico!!!
...MORE LATER

The Empty Bed
or The Fallacy of Friendship
few years ago I was playing my guitar at home. I came upon this old tango my Dad used to quote... La Cama Vacía" (The Empty Bed). I remembered the lyrics and went on to sing it as I played. Half way through the song I began to weep. I didn't stop playing, and my singing became a cry of sadness.

With tears in my eyes, I stopped! The words were too sad, so sad that I had the image flashing in my head while my heart was pounding in my chest. I was "living" the story... the empty bed... I was so brokenhearted that I had to translate this tango into English and share it in my website. The sadness lies in "the fallacy of friendship" and the fact that the words of the song are so true... so moving that you can't avoid "living" the story. ►Read More

"It's better dry bread in peace, than a feast in a house full of fighting." Prov.17:1

TRUE: Pope Julius I decreed December 25 to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus in A.D. 353
Who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today. TRUE... When they lit candles on the first Christmas tree in America in 1832, who would have ever thought that the decorations would become as elaborate as they are today.

Don Jibaro's Daughter
Frances' Missionary
Trip to Cuba

(Update by Don Jíbaro)
When my daughter Frances told me that she was going to be part of  a Missionary Trip to Cuba, I though of the sinister dangers and urban legends that has turned Cuba into the "don't go there" place. The case of the Cuban people is a most impacting one... as we have all seen and read what goes on there... how the arrogant pride of the affluent Executive leadership keep the populace virtually in squalor poverty. Enter Frances' Team from the Light and Life church of Downey, California...
►READ MORE

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