The Rainbow

The other day as we were having dinner Mom said, "Look at the rainbow." I turned out my sliding door and what do I see, I beautiful rainbow. I ran and got my camera and went outside to take a picture of it (as Angie would say - "for your blog!"). When I stepped outside I was taken back by such beauty. I was able to see the rainbow from one end to the other. It was an odd, yet wonderful sight. There was dark clouds on one spot, blue skies on the other, the sun shining through and a slight drizzle. In the middle of all this here is this beautiful rainbow gracing the skies. Imagine, the God that we serve is able to create all of this contrast from nothing. He is able to make these beautiful colors shine through the sky with a stroke of His finger. O what mighty God we serve. Yes, I stood there taking these picture in awe and adoration, praising My Jesus. As I stood there my eyes saw another rainbow form-wow! As you see these pictures, may they cause you to sit in wonder of Our God who "spoke" and created all things - big and small.

Revelation 4:3 - And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.

Happy 10th Anniversary Jose and Herlinda

Today is my nephew, Jose and my friend, Herlinda's 10th Wedding Anniversary. We are so blessed to be part of their lives and to see God's mighty hand working in them individually and as a whole. We love you guys, have an incredible day!

Happy Birthday Manuel

Today is my older brother's birthday. I don't know if he will see this but - I hope you have an incredible day. I pray that you would know how much God loves you and desires to have a living-thriving relationship with you. I love you Manuel, Happy Birthday! (the picture is my brother and his son Jose)

January Caregiver's Fellowship

On Friday we had our January Caregiver's Fellowship. Once again we all gathered around food and fellowship. We shared our heart and carried our burdens together to the Lord, who alone can meet all our needs.

Ida shared with us the following devotion:
If anyone serves Me, him My father will honor. John 12:26

Young people seek adventure and excitement; but youth wants more--it wants something to believe in; it wants a cause to give itself to and a flag to follow. Without a purpose greater than themselves, young people know they will end up with empty hearts and meaningless lives. The only cause that is big enough to satisfy the yearning of our hearts is the cause of Jesus Christ; and its flag is the blood-stained body that was lifted on the Cross of Calvary for the redemption of the world. This invitation to discipleship is the most thrilling cause we could ever imagine. Think of it: The God of the universe invites us to become His partners in reclaiming the world for Him! We can each have a part, using the unique gifts and opportunities God has given us. Christ's call is for us to be His disciples every day. How are you responding to His call? (Other verses she shared were John 14:27; 15:5,7,8)

Sorry I have no pictures for this gathering, but I dropped the ball - SORRY! Watch for our next gathering and come and enjoy the fellowship and companionship of those who are walking this same journey. It gets lonely out there, so let us take advantage of what the Lord has provided for us and walk side by side so that this journey is a little less lonely.

Father I lift each person who at this moment is a caregiver, I pray that You would breath upon them strength and endurance. That You would be that Light at the end of the tunnel. Give them Your joy and peace. In Jesus Name - Amen.

Happy 5th Birthday Anne!

Happy Birthday sweetie! We are blessed to be part of your life and watch you grow. You are a beautiful little girl and we love you lots and lots!!!

Uncle Jaime, Auntie Leti, Angie, Jaimito and Gama Vila

Bare Roots

Okay so these aren't the prettiest pictures that you've ever seen, but they give us food for thought. In the winter we cut rose bushes down to the bare root. We would never think of not pruning them. It is a necessity - if we want beautiful roses in the spring/summer. As we look at this unattractive, bare rose bush, we have in our brain-bank what it should look like and what it has looked like. We know that the Roses are big, pink and full of fragrance. We know that the leaves are a beautiful green and we can almost picture the rose bush in all its fullness. But what if we didn't have this foreknowledge. Would we wait in expectation to the fullness to come or would we yank it out and throw it away? As this bare bush sits in my yard, I don't sit by it and partake of its fragrance. No one goes by it and cuts some of its beautiful root, no, it sits alone in the cold, damp weather with no beauty emanating from it.

And so the contrast. Seasons, seasons, seasons. Each and everyone is so needed. How bare and how lonely and how unattractive we feel when Our Heavenly Father has pruned us to the bare root. How cold, how alone. You see, in these times of winter we don't fall back on what WE KNOW (that God is at work, that God is in control, that God will bring beauty from ashes, that God is making a beautiful creation out of me), we fall on what we "see"-bare roots; on how we "feel"-cold, damp, and lonely. We can't even think past winter into spring/summer. Winter is so cold and cruel.

But hey, guess what, after winter ALWAYS comes spring/summer! When our fragrance will be that of Christ to others, when our "fruit/flowers" will be used to bless others, to bring joy to others. A time when others will sit by/next to us and be blessed by the beauty of the Lord in us.

So let us keep singing, let us keep praising His name - when we are faithless, He remains faithful. You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

Bare roots will become beautiful roses! He makes everything beautiful in His time. Praise be to Our Wonderful Creator!

God's Faithfulness

The other night I was sitting in my bedroom reading. You see this night my husband would be having some men over for a prayer meeting. We all retired to our respective bedrooms in order to give the men some privacy. As I sat and read I began to hear the doorbell and then laughs and greetings. Then beautiful worship. In an instant my heart was overwhelmed with emotion. I closed my eyes and basked in these sounds. My heart was filled with an overwhelming joy. There came thanksgiving and praise from my lips unto My Faithful Heavenly Father. I was reminded of how long ago I would pray for my husband to become our spiritual leader. To have a hunger and a thirst for righteousness sake. So often we pray and then forget what we have prayed for. Either because it has been too long or you've given up on what you've prayed for. But this night God reminded me of His faithfulness.

In 1 Corinthians 11:3 we are told, "But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God." This is God's order for us. I am thankful for what God is doing in my husband's heart, but I am also thankful that He is changing my heart. And you know what, we are all blessed when we keep God's order of things.

Numbers 23:19 says, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoke, and will He not make it good?" God is faithful to keep His Word to us. Trust Him...Praise Him.

Happy 9th Anniversary!

Happy 9th Anniversary to Jose and Laura. We are so excited for all that the Lord has done in them and we are excited to see what the Lord will do in their future. We love them and treasure them being part of our family.

Nick's Testimony

A friend e-mailed me this video (below). O my goodness, what a challenge! Lately, my heart has been aching for my daughter. I've wondered what God has in store for her future. She gets down, discouraged and frustrated because she doesn't function the way "normal people" do. Things don't come easy for her. Her brain doesn't "flow" in a manner that "we" think it should. Then there is my chronic pain, etc. And all the muck that comes from this beast. And then there is...I could go on. Anyhow, when I saw this video it left me with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. One of the things that Nick says is, "circumstances do not have to change in order for us to be victorious". So whatever you are going through, I know that you will be challenged and totally excited of what God is going to do through your circumstances. Praise be to God that truly ALL things work together for the good of those who love God and who are the called according to His purpose. We have no excuse!

Nothing New Under the Sun

Lately I've been saying the phrase, "there is nothing NEW under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Even my husband noticed it and said something about it the other day. But you know what, the older I get the more I see that what happens to us has already happened to someone before us and will probably happen to someone after us.

This thought brought to mind an aunt of mine. She is now in her sixties. This aunt has lived with chronic pain for years (fibromyalgia). As far as I can remember I know she was always being seen by doctors trying to figure out what was wrong with her. Around my house I would hear that she must be crazy cause she sought out a psychologist. Later, as an adult, I found out that in Mexico this type of doctor was the only one treating fibromyalgia and they were the only one who could prescribe the medicine that she needed to be able to function (boy, was family wrong!). Way back then she took care of my grandmother. Grandmother was not an easy person to love nor, I'm sure, to take care of. I never remember any of her sisters (2 aunts and Mom) helping her and taking Gradma in for any length of time. In fact, I don't even remember them taking her for a day. I do remember visits to Grandmas house and how my aunt (the caregiver) would always be drilled as to "what she was doing wrong or what she needed to change or this or that about Grandma". After Grandma passed away I thought my auntie, who was still young, would marry (she has never married), but no she remained single. Then she ended up being her brother's caregiver. My uncle (who also never married) suddenly became really ill. She was the only one who took the initiative to start caring for him. Once again, my aunt was told how to do this or that by her sisters. Did her sisters pitch in? Of course not, but they had plenty of advise for how she should do things. In fact, even after my uncle passed away her sisters still had lots of criticism as to how my auntie cared for their brother. Then one of my aunts (her sister) took ill. I can tell you what, my aunt was ready to care for her sister, but family took over. Now my aunt, I believe, is finally "living". She has found a doctor who has been treating her with success and I believe she is having a good quality life now.

All this to say that when I can't understand this chronic pain or all these issues with caregiving, I know that I can talk to my dear auntie and sometimes without a word she "totally" understands. Sometimes I simply say one word and she can finish my entire thought. At times I don't even say anything and she is just there for me.

Now this is not to say that my aunt is the only one there for me, because the Lord has brought other dear caregivers that have enhanced and challenged me to know end. I was just thinking of how much my dear auntie has been through and how precious she is to me. And that because of the things that she has been through, she is who she is. I've heard I saying that says something like, "your trials will either make you bitter or better". I can tell you that my auntie imparts words of wisdom because she knows, she's been there and has lived it. Pray for my auntie, that God would give her a beautiful sunset.

Really Random Thoughts

~*~Okay, so how difficult is it to put shopping carts in the shopping cart stalls. More and more stores are putting this stalls throughout their parking lots. Yet, for some unknown reason people simply refuse to take a few steps to put those carts where they belong. You would think with our fetish of staying fit this would be an opportunity to get some exercise - go figure. In fact, I've seen where if the person stepped to the right there would be the stall, but instead steps to the left and leaves the cart behind his neighbors car. Now would this person like to come out of the store and find a cart behind their car? I'd think not. They'd probably make a stink.=O

~*~Emotions (my goodness, need I say more). Ups and downs, joys and sorrows. One minute it is "Praise the Lord", the next it is "Woe, is me". We have the whole month covered ladies, with our pre/on/post...Then there are those tears or the outbursts of anger and frustration (wait, isn't this a sin?). All I have to say is...oops, sorry, I forgot.

~*~So do you ever walk around the home dressed like Lucy Ricardo(I Love Lucy) or Auntie B (The Andy Griffith Show)? These women look flawless. I mean Lucy looks all made up even when she just got up and is preparing breakfast for Ricky. Or when she and Ricky are simply visiting with their neighbors. They even have their pearls on and up-dos. In fact, the last Andy Griffith Show I saw, Auntie B is painting a piece of furniture looking all dolled up. I wonder what my husband would think if he'd come home and find me with a dress and an up do - hummm.

~*~And then there is dinner (a four-letter word around here. I won't explain at this point). Once at the table, one looks at what is on the plate and here comes the dreaded question, "What is this?" As dinner is tossed around to figure out what this "concoction" is. Along with faces and rolling of the eyes. Will it hurt to say something nice once in a while?

~*~I almost forgot:) Angie and I finally got to Starbucks the other day. Well, in my desire to make healthier choices I ordered - get this - a "skinny latte". Don't ask...all I have to say is, "what is/was the point?" yuck;(

~thanks for reading~

Dare to be a Daniel

Worship was incredible
...I want to know You more; I want to touch You; I want to see Your face...desperate for You; lost without You...pour out Your Spirit Lord, I want to be like Jesus, I want to be Your Servant...

...the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Daniel 11:32b And so our teacher began. What exploit is God calling you to? Are you willing to obey no matter what?

We learned that Daniel "lived a life of spiritual integrity", that Daniel "survived and thrived spiritually in a heathen culture". Daniel was born in Jerusalem during a time of great upheaval (sounds like today). Daniel was a man of character, steadfast toward God, man of prayer, courage, consistency and commitment. Lots of challenging characteristics for us to learn and live by. We learned about the author of the book of Daniel, the date and place of writing, the historical background and the purpose for the writing of this wonderful and challenging book. All these facts were wonderful to learn and know, but at the end it all boils down to personal application. We were challenged to live like a Daniel. That when those days of "captivity" of "challenge" come to us, will we thrive and survive or will we cave in and throw in the towel. It will all depend on knowing WHOM we trust and what we BELIEVE He is able to do in our situation and in our life.

Romans 5:1-5 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in Hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

We ended with a challenge - can we say, "Yes, Lord, take my hand. Take me where You want. I don't know where I'll end, but I know You will be with me. Though none go with me, I will go." -- wow!

As I've mentioned to someone, one just never knows what one has until one doesn't have it. Bible Study continues to be such an incredible blessing. I believe this Study to be a gift from the Lord to me. I know He has incredible lessons and challenges to teach and show me through this book and through this incredible man of character, Daniel. ...Revive me according to Your word. Psalm 119:25

Okay, so I've had another one of "those" weeks. That seems to be the norm around here. Mom had cataract surgery on Wednesday. Just a routine surgery, but, of course, with Mom's ailments there is never anything routine. Anyhow, things have finally settled down. So my daughter and I decided to have a night out. Last night we got to go to the movies. My niece gave us movie tickets on Christmas, so it was a treat on her - thank you Elvira! We are at the movies. I really felt awkward, not used to this movie thing. Angie and I decided to get some snacks - how much?! Okay, I won't even go into this=O

There we are all settled in and ready to enjoy a movie. Cute movie, some laughs and an overall relaxing, fun time. Then there was this scene at an attorneys office. I keep watching and enjoying, then...my mind goes way back to when I used to work. I know, what am I thinking, just enjoy the movie! But no, I let my mind race to being in an office, dressed for success. Okay shake it off - the movie is over and we come out and decide to walk over to get some frozen yogurt. I decide to wait outside in the patio for Angie to come out. There I am happy as a goose, people watching. I look over at this building, I see the name of a law firm that I was very acquainted with. And here my thoughts went even further. Yes, I pictured myself, once again doing that which I thoroughly enjoyed. The "stress" of preparing for trial. The awesome feeling of putting together a trial brief with all its exhibits and copies. Simply getting dressed for work everyday. The phones, etc. etc. - you get the picture. Yes, in my heart I wondered what it would be like to be in that sphere once again. To "feel" a sense of accomplishment and to feel like I am important and am doing something important. Believe you me, I've spoken to plenty of ladies and told them that being a stay-at-home-mom is the most important thing that they will ever do in their lives, but at this point these thoughts just overwhelmed me. I have never regretted my coming home when the Lord led me to, just at this point this wave of feelings came over me. I sat there for what it seems an eternity and I can tell you that I came home, not refreshed, but totally down-in-the-dump. Hard night all the way through.

Praise God there is morning! Through His Word He reassures me of what and who I am in Him. "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom..." Yes, His Word said to me to meditate on whatever is true...the thoughts that I had last night were not true. My identity, my worth does not come from "a career", or what I do, but it comes from being a Child of God and doing what HE CALLS me to do. I would never change my experience in the law field, but I would not change my times with my children either. I don't want to be where God doesn't want me to be, even if I think it will fulfill me. I guess, my flesh, chooses to forget all those headaches and awful-stress that came from being in the law field. Everywhere I go and everything I do has its good and its bad, but when it is God who has me in a place or position He is the one that carries me through when I can't go any further, even when I get allot of pats on the back.

So WHATEVER I do, in word or in deed, may I do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him and to bring Him glory.

Happy Birthday Laura!

Praying that your day is filled with the Joy of the Lord.

Bible Study

The Lord has allowed me to join a Women's Bible Study. I am so excited! I love to have books and schedules and a format. Today was our first meeting. I walked in that Sanctuary with a step in my stride (or is it a stride in my step?). I was excited to see the women that I hadn't seen in months and looking forward to the new women I would meet. We first sat and worshipped the Lord in song. I sat and basked in God's presence, lifting my hands to My Beloved, to My Savior - I love to worship the Lord in song, pure abandonment, I love it! From there Janice gave us an introduction that excited us to no end. She made us want to open up our Bible and the Notebook and start right on the spot. Joyfully I greeted some of the women that I hadn't seen. We broke up into our small groups and we rejoiced in meeting the ladies in our group. What will the Lord do through these months of study of God's Word? Only great things can come out of digging into God's Holy Word. We will be studying the book of Daniel and Haggai. Our theme verse is Daniel 12:3, Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.

We are in for a wonderful journey. I look forward to the wonderful nuggets that the Lord will share with all of us. The sum of Your word is truth. Psalm 119:160

Happy 2nd Birthday Isaiah!

The Old is Past; New Things are Ahead

Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it: "I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the Gentiles, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison house, I am the LORD, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images. Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them." Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise from the ends of the earth...(Isaiah 42:5-10a)

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

..."Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)

Let us begin this year with the unchanging and powerful Word of God. Everything else will falter and fail, but God's Word is eternal and unchanging. Let us fix our eyes upon THE WORD (Jesus). Let us press forward. Let us run this race that is set before us in the strength and might of Our Precious Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus will finish the work He begin in us for He who has called us is faithful to finish. Amen! Thank you Jesus!