In Spanish, both “te quiero” and “te amo” mean “I love you.” However, they do not have the same connotation.
The verb “querer” is a familiar love, what you say to family and friends. You can also use it for “to want” as in “Quiero un burrito.” “Querer” is what you hear in Spanish love songs most of the time.
The verb “amar” is used for a spouse or God. It is a powerful word, referring to deep, unconditional, sacrificial love that would ascend to the heights of heaven or fall into the depths of hell for the benefit of the other person.
I once heard a sermon preached on this subject. In John 21, after Jesus arose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples at the Sea of Galilee and ate with them. He asked Peter, “Do you love me?” using the verb “amar” in Spanish. In the Spanish Contemporary King James Version, Peter’s response is translated using the verb “querer.” The rationale for this, the sermon explained, is that Peter was so ashamed at having denied three times that he knew Jesus at Jesus’ trial before the crucifixion, that he did not feel worthy to use the powerful “te amo.” Twice more, Jesus asked this question, using the verb “amar,” totalling to three times, the same number of Peter’s denials. Twice more, Peter responded, “te quiero.” Jesus “amó” Peter even when Peter could not “amar” Jesus. He cancelled out Peter’s betrayal with three “amar“‘s.
I find it fascinating how another language can express in a simple word and connotation what in English may take a lifetime to explain.
"The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise."
— Tacitus, Roman Historian
"Charisma is not character … Doing the right thing is power. You don’t have to do it in a flashy way."
— Laura Linney
There are too many distractions. I can go through present after present, like social media after iPod after whatever other toy or time-consumer comes along. One day, you die, with no more packages to open.
Life happens now. Toys are good, but life plods on. I have to budget the time I have. I do not want to reach the end and regret what I didn’t try. I can’t wait for it to come to me: life happens NOW.
"if you don’t know where you came from, you’ve got no idea where you’re going."
— Bob Lefsetz
"But they don’t tell you that everybody is born broken, with a time bomb inside, and some of those you love most, who lived the healthiest of lives, will be kicked to the curb by fate and fade into memory."
— Bob Lefsetz
It has been A YEAR since I moved into the CMC. Time is CRAZY. I think that in some ways, I have regrets. I wish I had known …
1. You have to start somewhere. Even if you think you are far behind your peers, begin learning where you are.
2. Music requires grunt work. It may not be especially restful to chug out song after song during a break fron hectic life, but it is necessary to keep practicing. This includes perfecting instrument skills.
3. Make yourself talk to people and make connections, even if you are not sure what to ask. Build relationships, especially with veteran professionals.
4. Make the most of every opportunity. PLAN but be flexible.
5. Search and stumble upon things.
6. Balance working hard and resting.
New cover video coming Sunday!
Happy New Year!
Updates and news! I have 2 covers that I will get up, one in the next 2 wks. I have chosen 4 songs for voice lessons and will give periodic updates on them. I am also determined to write a song today.
Covers coming up:
“Hurt” by Christina Aguilera
“The Blues” by Switchfoot (very soon)
Voice lessons (and future videos) including:
“Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
“Somebody to Love” by Jefferson Airplane
I am so excited about trying out arrangements! Life is about to get crazy again so will write when I can.
Happy birthday J.R.R. Tolkien!
