Lost in translation

by Jennie McGhan
When one stops to think about words and what they mean, there may be a surprise in store for them.
In our current culture, we often use common words or phrases from other languages. “Adios” is commonly used when we are saying goodbye.
What we don’t think about is the actual translation of this word. The true definition of “Adios” is “go with God.” “Dios” means God in Spanish, the “a” indicates to go.
The term has been used for ages. In Spain, many did not use the term lightly until the early 20th century. Prior to wishing someone “Adios,” the term “Salud” was more common. This word means cheers.
“Despedida” is defined in the Spanish-English dictionary as the word used for goodbye or farewell.
Another way one might part with another would be in using the phrase “Hasta luego.”
Just as in the English language, there are many different ways of greeting or departing from another person.
I am certain there are other languages in which I might find the literal translation to be quite fascinating, but I am finding I am rather fond of the word “Adios” because I truly feel that I should be wishing others to “Go with God.”
I am a person who believes Christ is my protector and loving others, wishing them the same protection is a fine way to depart.
Another language, German, is often used when someone sneezes. We often say, “Gesundheit.” This word means health in English. But, are we aware we are saying this? Someone who actually knows the German language may know this fact.
In English, we commonly say, “bless you,” if a person sneezes. Again, it is a phrase taken for granted in many circles. I wonder how many people actually wish the person doing the sneezing to be blessed by God.
Stopping to think about the words and phrases we often speak out of habit or otherwise may give us a better understanding of what actually leaves our mouths when we speak to others. I believe it is just as important to think about all the words we use…the words may be helpful or hurtful, depending on what we mean by them and how they are translated.

God Is Good

My editor is pleased with my most recent photos. One I posted last Thursday in my blog about Joy. Today's issue had two more photos he was very pleased with. So, I am progressing in my writing and my photography skills. LOL.

God keeps giving me the ability to learn quickly. Now, I need to sit and write some more to my story. But, the story of my life continues to be the gift God has been showing me gets better with time.

He does that ... surprises us with how much He has granted us in our abilities and helps us to see what we are afraid to see in ourselves. He pushes us to be better and for that I am eternally grateful.

He has been so good to me!!

May He be so good to you!!

God's PROVIDENCE

So, I have had this on my mind pretty much all weekend. I guess providence was my "weekend word."

Prov-i-dence (prov'i dens), n. 1. the foreseeing care and guardianship of God over His creatures. 2. (cap.) God, esp. when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of man with wise benevolence. 3. a manifestation of divine care or direction. 4. provident or prudent management of resources. 5. foresight; provident care. [ME < L providentia foresight, forethought. See PROVIDENT, -ENCE]

God knows that which we do not. He will take care of us for our betterment, even if we are unwilling to acknowledge Him. We don't know the why or the when, however He does. And, He knows the outcome will be to our benefit…even if we don't understand it and fight Him on it. We can ask why. We may not know the answers until we meet Him. What we need to do is to become open to His guidance whether we are experiencing pain or joy. He will guide us on the path of our destination toward Eternity.

Life's Lessons - author unknown

I learn, as the years roll onward
And leave the past behind,
That much I had counted sorrow
But proves that God is kind;
Than many a flower I had longed for
Had hidden a thorn of pain,
And many a rugged bypathLed to fields of ripened grain.

The clouds that cover the sunshine
They cannot banish the sun;
And the earth shines out the brighter
When the weary rain is done.
We must stand in the deepest shadow
To see the clearest light;
And often through wrong's own darkness
Comes the very strength of light.

The sweetest rest is at even,
After a wearisome day,
When the heavy burden of labor
Has borne from our hearts away;
And those who have never known sorrow
Can not know the infinite peace
That falls on the troubled spirit
When it sees at least release.

We must live through the dreary winter
If we would value the spring;
And the woods must be cold and silent
Before the robins sing.
The flowers must be buried in darkness
Before they can bud and bloom,
And the sweetest, warmest sunshine
Comes after the storm and gloom.

Just Bear With Me

Okay, so here is my first blog post. I am trying to learn the ropes as I have begun to make a lot of changes in life, lately. I am trying to expand my horizons and set my sites on the dreams I once let fade into the background of life. I realize, God won't let me give up as easily as it may have seemed. He has His plans and He has given me gifts that I will not be allowed to ignore. No matter what I may struggle with He is there. He will lift me and He will guide me. He has led me here and I cannot turn away in spite of myself. Fear ... I must not allow it to take hold of me. It is not of God. God is a God of hope. I will struggle. But, He will be there to mold me and shape me through the struggles. So, just bear with me as I traverse this path He has set me on.