Follow the Star - Sigue la Estrella

The Star of Bethlehem

Was the Star of Bethlehem actually real?

Diverse theories include the present of comets, super novas and even conjunctions of planets during the time the Magi visit King Herod. The Kings Bible said,

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him’."

At school, I used to hear the expression, “Follow your North.”  Is this related with the Bethlehem Star? I don’t know, but it is important to have a focus point.

While taking swimming lessons to improve my backstroke, the instructor insisted to keep my eyes looking forward to a focus point, with the upper arm just brushing the ear to swim parallel to 12 o’clock. It works to swim straight! It definitely works to have a FOCUS point in life.

May the reason of the Bethlehem Star be your FOCUS point!
Share your traditions with us!

¿Existió la Estrella de Belén?

En el Evangelio de Mateo 2 en la Biblia de Reina-Valera dice, “Cuando Jesús nació en Belén de Judea en días del rey Herodes, vinieron del oriente a Jerusalén unos magos, diciendo: ¿Dónde está el rey de los judíos, que ha nacido? Porque su estrella hemos visto en el oriente, y venimos a adorarle”.

En la escuela, solía oír la expresión, "Sigue tu Norte".  ¿Estará relacionado con la estrella de Belén? No lo sé, pero es importante tener un punto de enfoque.

Cuando tomé clases para mejorar mi nado de espalda, el instructor insistía en mantener los ojos mirando adelante a un punto de enfoque, con el brazo superior cepillando sólo el oído para nadar paralelo a las 12:00 como las manecillas del reloj . ¡Funciona para nadar recto!

 Sin duda es importante tener un punto de ENFOQUE en la vida.

Que la razón de la Estrella de Belén sea tu punto de ENFOQUE.

¿Nos gustaría saber cuál es su tradición? 

Maritza Martínez Mejía

http://www.luzdelmes.com/ldm.php?ldm=learningactivities

Mother, Educator, Bilingual Author and Translator

Website:www.luzdelmes.com

Recipient of the Crystal Apple Award 2006, VCB Poetry Winner 2015, Author’s Talk Book Award 2016, The Latino Book Awards 2016 and Author’s Talk Book Show 2017.

Three King Cake Tradition - Tradicional Rosca de Reyes

The Three Wise Men Are Coming! 

On January 6, most of the Hispanic world celebrates El Dia De Reyes, the Epiphany, remembering the day when the Three Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem, arrived bearing their treasured gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the Baby Jesus.

Three King Cake is a circular fruitcake inside which a small hidden statue of a baby Jesus. The person, who finds the child Jesus, must make a feast day of La Candelaria, which is on February 2^nd.  That day is invited the same group that was at Three Kings party and the guess brings tamales or Mexican pastries.

Why is a plastic Baby hidden inside King Cakes?

According to traditional Catholic teaching, it represents the flight of the Holy Family from King Herod. However, in Spain, they hide a King inside the cake.

More Facts Read: https://www.catherinespascha.com/tis-the-season-for-king-cakes/

RECIPES:

Last year, we used Pan de Queso Colombiano as King Cake.

Here is the recipe: http://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/es/pan-de-queso-colombiano

This year I will use Cinnamon Rolls with this SUPER Easy King Cake Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/60241/super-easy-mardi-gras-king-cake/

Original Recipe: http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2009/01/gift-of-magi-bread.html

Three King Cake Tradition -  Tradicional Rosca de Reyes

FREE Reading Activities from Lesson for Living

http://www.luzdelmes.com/ldm.php?ldm=learningactivities

Happy Three Kings Day!

¡Ya Vienen Los Reyes Magos! 

El 6 de enero, la mayor parte del mundo hispano celebra El Día De Reyes, la Epifanía, recordando el día cuando llegaron los tres Reyes Magos siguiendo la estrella hacia Belén, llevando sus preciados regalos de oro, incienso y mirra para el niño Jesús.

La Rosca de Reyes es un pastel circular dentro del cual se esconde una pequeña  estatua del niño Jesús. La persona, que se encuentre al niño Jesús, debe hacer una fiesta el día de La Candelaria, que es el 2 de febrero.  Ese día se invita el mismo grupo que estaba en la fiesta de Reyes Magos y el huésped trae tamales o pasteles mexicanos.

¿Por qué se esconde un bebé plástico en la Rosca de Reyes? Según la enseñanza católica tradicional, esto representa la huida de la Sagrada Familia del rey Herodes. Sin embargo, en España, se esconde un Rey dentro de la Rosca.

El año pasado, nuestra Torta de Reyes fue Pan de Queso Colombiano.  Aquí está la receta:  http://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/es/pan-de-queso-colombiano Colocar BEBE antes de hornear Decorar frio

              

¡Feliz Dia de los Reyes Magos!

Maritza M. Mejia Social Media:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luzdelmes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Blog: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes/

Amazon :http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW

Visit: www.luzdelmes.com

Planning Ideas for the New Year

By Maritza Martinez Mejia

What is your plan for the New Year?
I have some ideas that may help you find the right path for a successful beginning.  Step by step you reach far. Go ahead! Have a productive 2017.

1.    Use Dream Boards, also called Vision Boards to remind you the path you desire to follow, and the goals you hope to achieve during the upcoming year using the power of images.  For detailed information visit here.

2.   Planners or Calendars to mark important due dates, meetings, anniversaries, birthdays or any important days you don’t want to miss. There a vast variety of calendars and planners. Which one is your best planner or calendar? I frankly use the calendar I received at the New Year’s Mass at my local church. I use it as MASTER CALENDAR. I mark all my children’s important school days and activities in black pen. I use blue pen for my working days as substitute teacher and purple for my book signing or book exhibitions. Finally, I use a red pen for important family activities or medical appointments. I happily use green for our TRIPS.

3.   Monthly Check List for a simple way to mark important dates in a list by month. After the task is done, you cross it off the list with a red pen or your favorite color pen. For me, the satisfaction of completing a task is unique.

No matter the style you use, it is important to get organized and set goals to achieve success. 

Make your dreams and turn them into goals to 2017.

What is your planning style?

Share with us……

www.luzdelmes.com

Maritza M. Mejia Social Media:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luzdelmes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Blog: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes/

Amazon :http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW

Welcome July

Reflections by Maritza Martínez Mejía

Welcome July! Unbelievable, half a year has passed. Six months ago, we set up goals, are we accomplish some of them? If not, it is time to think and reflect what you would like to be completed for this year. Establish your objective and follow the path to reach them. The future is in your hands.
Work for your dreams!

  

www.welcomejuly.com

Happy July!

---

¡Bienvenido Julio! Increíble, medio año ya ha pasado. Hace seis meses, nos planteamos unas metas, ¿hemos cumplido con algunas? Si no, es tiempo de pensar y reflexionar que quiero lograr en este año. Replantea tu objetivo y sigue un camino para cumplirlo. El futuro está en tus manos.
¡Lucha por tus sueños!

¡Feliz Julio!

Southern Writers - Suite T: Planning Ideas

Southern Writers - Suite T: Planning Ideas for the New Year: By Maritza Martinez Mejia 

Are you organized? What is  your plan for the New Year and the rest of the year? I have some ideas...Visit the link.

Happy April 2016!

 http://southernwritersmagazine.blogspot.com/2016/03/planning-ideas-for-new-year.html

Maritza Martinez Mejia Social Media:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/ 

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaritzaMartinezMejia

Amazon :http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luzdelmes/

Blog: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/

Planning Ideas for the New Year

     

Designed by Estella Mejia

Tips for Success

www.luzdelmes.com

If you are like many who need to be organized,what is your plan for the New Year? 

I have some ideas that may help you find the right path for a successful beginning. 

Step by step you reach far. Go ahead! 

Have a productive 2016!

1. Use Picture Boards or Vision Boards to remind you the path you desire to follow, and the goals you hope to achieve during the upcoming year using the power of images. For detailed information visit: http://www.franticmommy.com/2015/11/hows-2016-goal-planning-going-dream-boards-planners.html

2. Planners or Calendars to mark important due dates, meetings, anniversaries, birthdays or any important days you don’t want to miss. There a vast variety of calendars and planners. Which one is your best planner or calendar?

I frankly use the calendar I received at the New Year’s Mass at my local church. I use it as MASTER CALENDAR. I mark all my children's important school days and activities in black pen. I use blue pen for my working days as substitute teacher and purple for my book signing or book exhibitions. Finally, I use a red pen for important family activities or medical appointments. I happily use green for our TRIPS.

3. Monthly Check List for a simple way to mark important dates in a list by month. After the task is done,you cross it off the list with red pen or your favorite color pen. For me, the satisfaction of completing a task is unique.

No matter the style you use, it is important to get organized and set goals to achieve success. Make your dreams and turn them into goals to 2016.
What is your planning style?

Social Media:

E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaritzaMartinezMejia

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes2015/bilingual-children-books/

Blog: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/

Tips for Success

Designed by Estella Mejia

How are your goals from January going?

No worries, if you are behind, step by step you reach far.

Make plans for a productive February!

Make your dreams and turn them into goals.
What is your planning style?

Read: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/2016/01/planning-ideas-for-new-year.html

Social Media:
E-mail: hazeleyes@luzdelmes.com

Website: http://www.luzdelmes.com/ 

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaritzaMartinezMejia

Amazon :http://www.amazon.com/Maritza-Martinez-Mejia/e/B009DKDXFW

Twitter: https://twitter.com/luzdelmes

Blog: http://luzdelmes.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/luzdelmes/

Advent Book Calendar 2015

Follow the Days and Meet Advent Book Authors 2015. Congratulations! 
Happy Readings! 
https://www.facebook.com/events/1578453315778410/

ELILUC Welcome Me!

My poems online: 

Una Noche Inolvidable:   Gacetilla de Prensa - viernes 16 de octubre 2015...:  La Poesía del Mundo …Y La Música de Todos los Tiempos.

My poems in Anthology 2016!!!

Marketing Plan Tips

Some Marketing Plan Tips:
Visit:  http://southernwritersmagazine.blogspot.com/2015/09/rejection-is-not-objection.html?spref=tw&m=1

Hispanic Heritage Month 2015

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
Visit: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/multicultural-childrens-book-author-maritza-martinez-mejia/

Self-Publishing Challenges

Thank you Southern Writers Magazine - Suit T for publishing my article: http://southernwritersmagazine.blogspot.com/2015/07/self-publishing-challenges.html

Time to Celebrate VCB Award 2015

Celebrating  with dear friends and writers colleagues 

the 2015 Christian Poetry Award!

My Writing Style

I am promoting my memoir, Hazel Eyes. One editor asked me what is your Writing Style?...I wasn't sure at the moment how to answer, but now this is my  response...probably a little late for the editor...Not for me!

Writing to Inspire Others

As a mother, author, advocate, educator and speaker, my motivating passion is to help children and teenagers through inspiring and creative stories even when my writing style may be rejected–English is my second language after Spanish.

While a teenager, I enjoyed writing inspiring messages and poems for my friends in my native language. As a mother, I developed the necessity to write short stories in English for my children to teach them moral values that I could not find in the books at the library.  As I grew older, I ventured to write my memoir in a foreign language for respect to my relatives who did not want me to share my spiritual life, but my spirit moved me to write Hazel Eyes, an inspirational book for teenagers and adults published in 2010.

Writing a memoir connects our common stories that we experience beginning with our childhood and on through adulthood. This type of writing process serves as a wonderful healer. I wrote Hazel Eyes to take the reader on a journey to view my personal life and to reveal my experience of faith.

It took me nearly three years to write, research, and re-write since it was painful for me to remember some bad memories from my life as a child, doubts and questions as a teenager, and sadly moments as an adult like the loss of my parents. At the same time, it was breathtaking to remember my life as an adventurer traveling and working in different countries all over the word until the moment I met my Prince Charming and married. Since that moment, my life changed completely. I experienced the miracle of life as a mother and the enormous challenges that represent being a parent.  I also incorporated my devotional prayers, cultural traditions and celebrations that have been part of my life. When I wrote my memoir, I realized how important it was to examine life and wipe away past incidents and to forgive others. Hazel Eyes inspired me to continue to write inspirational messages for all ages.

My current project is to complete a children’s bilingual collection called Lessons for Living for ages 3-12 years old to promote virtues that often seem to be forgotten. Each story contains a moral, vocabulary page, and questions for discussion with children in classrooms or at home.

For more information, visit my website: www.luzdelmes.com

Lessons for Living is born!

Development of Lessons for Living:

Bilingual children stories (English/Spanish) with a moral.

After publishing Hazel Eyes, my first self-published memoir for teenagers and adults, I began a collection of bilingual books for students of Elementary School and Beginning Spanish learner students.

It will contain six stories to build tolerance, appreciation, compassion, love, faith and hope.

This is a family project; my daughter is the illustrator, my son the editor, my husband the webmaster and I am the writer.

Lessons for Living is born!

Estella Mejia created the first character

Desarrollo de Lecciones de Vida:

Historias bilingües para niños (Inglés/Español) con moraleja.

Tras la publicación de Ojos Avellana, mi primer libro de memorias publicado para adolescentes y adultos, empecé una colección de libros bilingües para alumnos de escuela primaria y estudiantes de Español.

Contendrá seis historias para construir tolerancia, gratitud, compasión, amor, fe y esperanza.

Este es un proyecto familiar; mi hija es el ilustrador, mi hijo el editor, mi esposo el web máster y yo soy el escritor.

Lecciones de Vida toma vida!