tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71739284944499680732024-03-05T10:13:21.973-08:00Rebekah´s Notes Events, thoughts, musings and pics from Rebekah in Tuxpan, Verazruz with the ministry, "Evangelism in Depth for Children, Mexico." (EFIM)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-30758499125432507742018-11-23T12:47:00.001-08:002018-11-23T12:47:11.503-08:00ONLY JESUS<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="color: red;">Only Jesus by Casting Crowns</span></b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And I… I don't want to leave a legacy</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I don't care if they remember me</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Only Jesus</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And I… I've only got one life to live</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'll let every second point to Him</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Only Jesus</b></span></span></i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #676666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #676666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A<i>ll the kingdoms built, all the trophies won</i></span><i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Will crumble into dust when it's said and done</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">'Cause all that really matters</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Did I live the truth to the ones I love?</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Was my life the proof that there is only One</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Whose name will last forever?</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #676666;">Heartache, loss, change, transition tears and goodbyes characterized my life in the last few months. There is joy too in the people I've loved, the activities accomplished and that "finished well" my time in Tuxpan. I felt my heart being ripped out as I packed up my house, sent my dogs to new homes, and leave behind the beautiful friendships I have in that city. I've struggled to accept God's peace and joy in the midst of it all, trusting that His plans are for the best. That He will give me a "hope and a future." I know my eyes need to be fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and on the heavenly home, the reward that will last forever and that will never be taken away from me. That doesn't make my pain any less real, but brings </span><span style="color: red;">hope </span><span style="color: #676666;">that He will make it worthwhile, that this is good for me as I learn to hold lightly to the things of this world. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #676666;">In the end, </span><span style="color: red;">it's about Jesus, and only Jesus</span><span style="color: #676666;">. When I first heard the song I rebelled, I DO want to be remembered, I do want those whose lives I've invested in remember the crazy gringo with the red pickup truck who loved on lots of kiddos. Yet, it's true. What do I want them to remember? What has been my life's purpose, is it not to point </span></span></span><span style="color: #676666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">them to Jesus? Only He lasts forever, only He can change hearts and bring peace. Did I point them to the God of love, forgiveness? Pain and heartache are all around us. Maybe tomorrow this will seem so far away and it won't hurt anymore. God is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Meantime, I'll have the opportunity to point a new generation to Jesus. My prayer is that indeed when all is said and done, my life will be a proof that there in only One who will last forever. May I point to Him...</span><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Only Jesus. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #676666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #676666;"></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #676666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj-IwZ5wkkK4vMdw99pWf4uyTaI5udvSGxtAFWmnp3IhKn57bATbfl2kbfTdIgVAW3_pq-r5rzvI5191Pcm_EmI4db41R3NdX0d4WKpUr3JQkWfdq4TNrLgkHc2r5oklvSUTa6uYQ47UG/s1600/IMG-20181014-WA0096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj-IwZ5wkkK4vMdw99pWf4uyTaI5udvSGxtAFWmnp3IhKn57bATbfl2kbfTdIgVAW3_pq-r5rzvI5191Pcm_EmI4db41R3NdX0d4WKpUr3JQkWfdq4TNrLgkHc2r5oklvSUTa6uYQ47UG/s320/IMG-20181014-WA0096.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #676666;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-50993070607831392542018-02-10T17:51:00.000-08:002018-02-10T17:51:10.020-08:00Faith as a Child<div class="MsoNormal">
"Do you believe God can do a miracle," asked the
visiting pastor to the group of children at the Alpha and Omega children´s home
in Poza Rica (Mexico).<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Yes", they shouted back in unison. <o:p></o:p></div>
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"Then start praying and fasting and you´ll see what God
can do."<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Thus, the children began a ten day fast, following the
example of Daniel in the Old Testament, they ate only fruits and vegetables. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The need was evident, and it was huge. The boy´s dormitory was literally falling apart,
and they were afraid it would cave in at any minute. It was the first building
to be constructed when the home was founded over twenty-five years ago. The girls’
dorm was newer and had been improved over the years, but the boy´s house needed
to be completely torn down and rebuilt. However,
where were the funds to come from for this endeavor? With around sixty children
living on the premises, finances were tight.
That´s when the visiting pastor challenged the youngsters to put their faith
in action by prayer and fasting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Eleven days later the children celebrated the end of the
fast with a thanksgiving party. They
still didn´t know the answer to their petition but believed God would soon provide.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A week later director Obed and his family went on vacation.
He shared the need with the people he was visiting, and they joined in praying
for the miracle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A few days after Obed returned to the home, he called together the
children, the workers and volunteers.
After a prayer, he called the boy´s house father to the front and said,
"I have great news for you, we can now begin tearing down the dilapidated boys
‘dorm!"<o:p></o:p></div>
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After the joyful ruckus the news caused calmed down, Obed explained
that a Christian brother in another county heard about the need and, despite
his own illness and many needs, donated a large sum of money to build a new
house for the boys. God heard their prayers!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was awed and amazed when the children told me this story
with such joy and enthusiasm. They
aren´t the only ones whose faith was strengthened!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">“</span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Let</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">the</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> little </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">children</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">come</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">to</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Me</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">, and do not forbid </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">the</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">m; for of such is </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">the</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">to</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> you, whoever does not receive </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">the</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">kingdom of God as a little child will by no </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">me</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">ans enter it.” (Mark 10:13 NKJV)</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-76130508537282729812018-01-04T13:54:00.000-08:002018-01-04T13:57:02.442-08:00FAMILY<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms";">FAMiLY</span></b>
indeed a precious word, for those of us who are blessed with a loving one. Not that all families don't have issues, mine
included. However, each one is unique
and designed by God, mine included! I am partial to mine of course, with all
their quirks, hang-ups and positive points.
My earthly <b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms";">dad </span></b>is no longer with us, going
on five years now. Dad had a fun sense
of humor, and was a big to tease, yet struggled all his life with insecurity
and inadequacy. It was a rough time for
him growing up with a super demanding father, yet he overcame to be a loving
dad to my brother and me, making sure he spent time with us, on bike trips,
vacations and long walks. He loved God deeply, even in, and through, his
doubts. To the end of his days the Bible
was open on his lap, his prayer notebook was ragged and torn at the edges from
constant use. After a long illness, he passed on peacefully to be with the
perfect father who loved and knew him before the foundation of the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms";">Mom</span></b> is nearly 87 and going
strong. Slowing down a bit and gets exasperated
when I try to take the role of mother instead of daughter! A hard working woman all her wife, faithful
to my dad to the end, going where he went, loving him through trials, lost
jobs, moves and hardships. She held the
family together with a strong personality, determination and patience. Not overly affectionate in her manner, but
shows love through those actions that speak louder than words. Her love for God is evident to all who know her
and, now that dads gone, has taken up his prayer notebook representing those
people, organizations and loved ones before the throne of God. Faithful,
committed, intelligent. I remember when,
in her 50s, (which seemed so old to me at the time) she took a computer class to
learn how to use these new-fangled machines and got an A, I was impressed! Not
many in her generation not only finished college, but went on to get her master’s
in library science. My parents taught us
the value of education, and I thank them for pushing me to get mine. I also learned the importance of commitment
(church doors open, there we were!) and keeping one's word. <b>FAITH-
COMMITMENT-RESPONSIBILITY- EDUCATION</b> are values they taught and reflected
in every day life. My mother the
librarian and my father an avid book reader, made sure we had plenty of books
around and to this day I enjoy reading a good book. At times in my childhood I
wished I had a stay at home mom. I was envious of my friends who had a mom at
home and plenty of home cooking when they got home from school. I understood later on that due to her constancy
in jobs, the family’s needs were always met. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After seven years of marriage my parent’s fears they would
never become pregnant, my one and only favorite brother, <b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms";">Paul </span></b>came along. He was big meanie to me when we were
kids. He delighted in making fun of me,
even sitting on my chest and plummeting his little sister. I was mortified when his friends mimicked me
saying, "Paul, daddyyys heeereeee!" amid their quaffs. However, I also have great memories of playing
with his GI Joe soldier figures, Christmases with his model train set and
riding our bikes to the pool on sweltering summer days in the Ohio valley. I thought I hated this big brother of mine,
until he went away to a boarding school, and lo and behold, I missed him. Turns
out my “enemy” is my friend. Before I
left for the mission field this enemy-turned-friend took me out to dinner and apologized
for the mean things he did to me when we were kids. I love him anyway because he's my brother,
but so much more as my brother in Christ, mentor and example of a godly man.<o:p></o:p></div>
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About twenty eight years ago this friend married and brought
into our family a new friend and the sister I never had, <b><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms";">Heather</span></b>. When he called me to tell me he was in love,
I was a bit than skeptical. He had after all dated several ladies over the
years. I soon came to realize this was for real and fell in love her also. She
has the gentle and quiet spirit of a woman who fears the Lord. As a faithful prayer warrior, God gives her
the strength and courage to deal with patients who have terminal illnesses. Though
she and Paul originally planned serving the Lord overseas in a Norths African
country, God gave them filed ripe for harvest in Brooklyn. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A year into their marriage, their first son and my nephew <b>David</b> was born. I met him when he was three
months old and it was thrill to hold that little baby boy on my lap. When I was going through a difficult time in
my life, I found joy in seeing him grow, taking his first steps and saying his
first words. Now, a strapping young man
of nearly 28, we are proud of his commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ and his
desire to become a pastor, returning to Brooklyn when he graduates to serve the
church community that shaped him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Two years later, a second son, <b>Daniel</b> was born. Danny, like his pop-pop, developed that sense
of humor and love of life. He also
inherited the brains and is working on his PHD, also desiring to serve God now
and in the future. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Living out of the country, I missed the growing up years of
these boys. Yet I thank God for them and am so proud of what they are becoming,
counting it a privilege to be called auntie. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That’s it, for now anyway! We wait to see what young ladies
will grab the hearts of Dan and David, adding nieces to my family. As much as I
love them, I thank our loving Heavenly Father for the much bigger family of
faith. When I can’t be with my flesh and
blood family, it’s the spiritual family that sees me through. Family teaches me what it is to be part of
God’s family where there is neither male, nor female, Greek, nor Hebrew, slave
nor free or black or white. He loves each of His children unconditionally and
forever. When our earthly family lets us
down, as it will. Papa God is there to hold us tight and see us through. Thank you dear Father, for families. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“For this reason I bow
my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in
heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of
His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that
Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and
grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the
width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes
knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians
3:14-19<o:p></o:p></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-23618297158217184642017-01-02T17:35:00.001-08:002017-01-02T17:35:34.611-08:00The Pearl,the Highest Treasure<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">JANUARY 1 2017</b></div>
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A new year, new beginnings, but what is a year in God’s calendar?
After all, a day in His sight is as thousand years, and a thousand years is as
a day. Life passes buy with the speed of a freight train “life is but a vapor…vanity
(mere breath), all is vanity (mere breath).” I sometimes feel dizzy, other
times a bit cynical as the days march relentlessly on. “Only one life will soon
be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” We’ve all heard this little
ditty, yet it is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not usually
one for New Year’s resolutions, but here it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalm 73</b> will be my psalm for
this year:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Truly God is good to </i>(me-Rebekah<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">), to such as are pure in heart. </i>I must
keep that truth before me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To believe
that no matter what, He is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
psalmist then pours out his frustration, anger, hurt at the prosperity of the
wicked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have life so easy, always
prosperous, no problems, getting away with “murder” (literally), bragging about
their wickedness, shaking their fists in God’s face, laughing at God and
defying Him blatantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That hasn’t
changed in the last millennia or so. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The psalmist feels (as I, we often do) that his own walk of
integrity, of purity has been in vain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is greatly vexed, doesn’t understand and is angry with God. (It is comforting
to know we can pour out anger and frustration to God, at God and He allows it,
understands.) I too find it disconcerting, confusing, scary too as I read about
the infernal war in Syria that seems to be unending, read horrific testimonies
of precious believers persecuted, threatened beaten and imprisoned because they
take a stand for Jesus, hear of those who have lost everything for walking with
Him, children without parents, suffering everywhere….doesn’t God care, will He
act? Where is He? I wonder and agonize.</div>
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The writer admits it is too painful for him, he can’t get a
handle on it all. UNTIL, (thank God for the until) he goes into the house of
God, spends time in God’s presence, meditates on the final destiny of those who
commit atrocities, defying God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only then
he understands; God will arise, it is a slippery path the wicked are on, they
will pay the consequences, God is not slumbering, only waiting, patiently until
the time to act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The psalmist now recognizes
his foolishness, and is vexed over his attitudes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like he too has awakened from sleep, or
is now seeing through glass clearly where before all was clouded and shady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now he can say-</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nevertheless I am
continually with You: You hold me by my right hand, You will guide me with Your
counsel and afterward You will receive me to glory. </i></div>
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Glorious truth, God knows our hearts, He understands and
does not condemn our doubts, even our rantings.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whom have I in heaven
but You? And there is none upon the earth that I desire besides You,- </i>cries
out the writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Mirna says we
read this part wrong, it is God speaking to us, “Nothing I desire on earth
beside you”, God desires me, I am His highest treasure!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My heart and my flesh may fail; but God (</i>BUT GOD!!) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is the strength of my heart and my portion <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">forever</b>….But it is good for me to draw
near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your
works.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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That’s it, my New Year’s resolution, to desire God above all
else, to be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">near</i></b> to God, to trust in Him, focus on Him. Then I will
proclaim, share and even shout about His wonderful deeds and about this amazing
God. But how am I to draw near to Him? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Distractions,
problems, and sins get in the way. Doubts and fears such as the writer of this
poem describes. It is God who will do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t even know how to “let Him” take charge, I try and try and fail
and fail, perhaps I’m trying too hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">is</b> my part?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be near to Him</b>,
spend time with Him in His word, talking, listening. Have an attitude of prayer
throughout the day, turning my thoughts to Him, conversing with Him. If I did
that before I speak or act, I’d probably get into a lot less trouble and
relational difficulties!</div>
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Spending time in solitude with just God, no television,
internet, books, or even people to distract.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Go to a place where it is just God, a retreat at the beach, in the mountains
or maybe in a monastery!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another way to be near to God is to see Him in others, focus
on family, beloved friends, brothers and sisters in Christ and those I meet as
I walk through life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To really see them
and hear them as God’s precious creation. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is my resolution and goal for 2017, to be near to
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make Him my desire, my chief joy,
like the pearl of great price, my greatest treasure. I know it won’t be easy, I
will trip up along the way. But my precious Lord, He alone knows my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray he will enable me, to draw near to Him,
to be gentler, kinder, patient with myself and others. I can’t do it alone, I
know, so pray with me that He will change my heart so that my doubts, fears,
worries and sins will fade in the light of HIs presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tune in next year to see how it turned out! Happy
New Year!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-38084509330065566592016-12-19T15:00:00.003-08:002016-12-19T15:01:35.810-08:00Praise Him for Who He is!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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table.MsoNormalTable
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mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SING TO HIM, SING
PRAISE TO HIM, </b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TELL OF ALL HIS
WONDERFUL DEEDS, GLORY IN HIS HOLY NAME,</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LET THE HEARTS OF THOSE, WHO SEEK THE LORD
REJOICE!</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(I CHRONICLES
16:9-10)</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Christmas is a time
to think about Jesus, Christmas is a time to praise His holy name, Christmas is
a time to think about Jesus, let us praise Him for what He has done...”</i> (Bill
Daub)</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let us praise Him for
WHO HE IS!”</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wars and
rumors of wars, people struggling with health needs; cancer, depression,
illness, financial needs of friends, ministry partners, a ministry center
kicked out because of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one person’s greed,
poverty and hunger, my own sins that discourage and anger me….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When will it
all end? Is there hope? YES, o Yes! God is still on the throne, His praises
sing out, His work goes on. His anger lasts but a moment, His favor a
lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was angry with me, but has
turned away His wrath, He is in the midst of us, Immanuel, GOD WITH US.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
He is not a
distant God, away out there, but He cares, sees, knows and is involved. Evidence
is all around, when I take the time to look; a school is built in Iraq to help
war torn and weary citizens, donations are collected to help a needy family in Tijuana,
documents are being examined for a permanent solution for the rehab center,
churches are planted, scripture translated, clinics with doctors and nurses
giving their time and money to help the needy, a friend is declared cancer
free, another will find the strength to go on and church members donate
thousands of hours and thousands of dollars to create a free event as a
Christmas gift to their community. In my own life I have seen His mercy, grace and
provision in countless ways. His name is exalted through His servants all over
the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many who never would have
heard or been open to the gospel are now seeing His love and care through His
children who serve them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yes,
Christmas is a time to think about Jesus and praise Him for what He has done,
is doing and will do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fix your eyes on
Jesus…wait and see what He will do. Praise His holy name and rejoice, because
our salvation is at hand!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWNBqlmn1xm9fTb_dQZxiM6oAppa-5vgslg8657TDMKic2eu3tNpfJhaIrDgWVw-BsXDJMSO3-VSkZJklZOeOWMaUXCusX7PM-B5sMDuTe86gdUdOUdX7wBIxAuB0fTz4vfEe8Xfa3v3u/s1600/IMG20161218174246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWNBqlmn1xm9fTb_dQZxiM6oAppa-5vgslg8657TDMKic2eu3tNpfJhaIrDgWVw-BsXDJMSO3-VSkZJklZOeOWMaUXCusX7PM-B5sMDuTe86gdUdOUdX7wBIxAuB0fTz4vfEe8Xfa3v3u/s320/IMG20161218174246.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-48342438326204799302015-10-02T16:40:00.001-07:002015-10-02T16:40:23.222-07:00Our God is a good God!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">"My God is a good God, yes He is, My God
is a good God, yes He is!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">This afternoon this little chorus
came to mind, and I sang out loud to God, remembering this amazing truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">"He picked me up and He turned me around
and He set my feet on solid ground.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">My God is a good God, yes He is, My God is a
good God, yes He is."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Life is hard, we all know that. If my own life isn´t challenging enough, I
look around, read the news and ache for the suffering in so many hearts and
homes. It is hard to believe and live
life based on believing God is a good God. My emotions come and go, like the
ebb and flow of the ocean tides. Sometimes I´m
up excited about life and what God is doing.
However, all too often I´m frustrated, discouraged and weighed down
under a cloud of anxiety and doubt. My
circumstances may not be so difficult, but frustrations with my commitment to
the Lord, of trying to “perform” for others and living up to what I think God
expects of me, bring discouragement. I struggle
with anxiety, living one day at a time. I
desire to let go and let His pace envelope me, not condemn myself for being a
"lousy" Christian. Last week
Pastor Armando spoke to our little group out at Camp. It is a walk of faith, he
reminded us. He shared with us about his
own faith crises and how God spoke to him.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">"Jesus said the gates of hell cannot prevail against His church, The
Lord showed me that who am I to think I can damage His kingdom work?"</span></i><span lang="EN-US">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">God is sovereign and works through
us, and sometimes in spite of us. Our
critics claim we depend on a crutch, that this faith business is
ridiculous. Is it? The alternative of not having faith is
worse. Many Bible passages leap out at
me. Studying God´s word brings comfort, challenge
and encouragement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Abide in Jesus; He is the true vine…
Nothing can separate me form His love...for a time you will have sorrow,
but your sorrow will be turned to joy...we are to expect persecution and
suffering (</span></i><span lang="EN-US">ouch,
that does scare me!)<i> yet the Counselor,
the Holy Spirit will come to you and help you, show the way to keep your form
stumbling. (Gospel of John chapters 14, 15,16)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">More than anything, I want to beware
of a "dangerous loss of memory".
That's where the Israelites failed miserably. They “tested God, complained,
did not believe, rebelled, spoke against God, did not trust, did not believe,
were unfaithful, tempted, limited, provoked..." (Psalm 78) In spite of this, God was roused to
compassion, <i>misericordia,</i> freed them from
their oppressors, forgiving their sins, not just once, but time and again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Jesus calls us His friends, if we
obey His commandments. May my Lord give
me the strength to obey. <i>"Looking back and thanking God for past
blessings can equip us to face the future with confidence...we should trust
God, remembering His deeds and thus leading us to obedience."</i>(Encounter
with God devotional by Scripture Union).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">These past couple weeks I´ve been
anxious, worrying about the future and doubting God will continue to supply all
my needs. It is hard for me to trust God and have faith in this area. As I was praying, I thought of the
silly mutts we have in our house. They are
always anxious for meal times, often begging well before it is time. What if one of them was to look at the bag of
dog food and think,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> <i>“It looks
like food is getting kind of low. I hope
our owners remember to get more. What if
we run out? Will we go hungry? Oh my, I sure hope they buy more soon!”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Pecas in particular was fond of
eating everything and anything in sight.
Since we rescued her form the street many years ago, she never lost the
habit of eating garbage, like she
was never convinced the next meal would really come along. Don´t I act like that when I worry about
God´s provision for the future? Of
course we always make sure our four legged friends have enough to eat,
sometimes too much! Jesus reminds us
that if we, being imperfect, know how to give good gifts to our children (or
pets!), our Heavenly Father will certainly give good things to those who ask Him. He also tells us not to worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each
day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">I decided to make a list of all His
blessings over recent months, years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">1. My bills are paid and I´m not in
debt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">2. There is food in the house, I´ve
never gone hungry due to lack of funds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">3. Full tank of gas in truck. God has kept this vehicle running in spite
of; robbery, major engine overhaul, various repairs many, many trips and lots
of kilometers racked up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">4. I am in good health and thankful
for insurance that covers wellness visits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">5.
I share a lovely home with two precious sisters in the faith (and our
dogs!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">6. God has always provided my needs,
and many of my wants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">7. "Let not your hearts be
troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me." (John 6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">8. I have a godly heritage in both
my parents, and a brother and his family who faithfully serve the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">9." Cast all your cares on Him,
because He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">10. “My God will supply ALL your
needs according to His riches in glory." (Philippians 4:19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">11. I´m privileged to be part of two
countries and have friends around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">12. For over twenty years I have
been in full time Christian service. God
has kept and preserved me through many challenges and joys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">13. I live in a place that allows
freedom of worship without fear of being killed or hauled off to jail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">14.
God´s grace is greater than all my sins!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">15. I can talk to God anywhere, anytime about anything
and be sure He hears and will respond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The list
could go on, and on. When I learn to
focus on one day at a time, count my blessings and leave the future to Him,
peace comes. I still ache for those suffering and wonder when God´s promises
don´t seem to be fulfilled. Through
prayer, persistent prayer, I am thankful we can come into God´s presence, trusting
Him to work in others’ lives. Now, instead
of worrying, I am excited to see how God will provide for me and those for whom
I pray. We do walk by faith, not by
sight. Yet God sometimes graciously does
give sight, so we can see Him at work and be encouraged, praising and glorifying
His name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Indeed<i>,
God is a good God, yes He is!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-10868879425435681462015-09-24T14:56:00.000-07:002015-09-24T14:56:17.032-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h2>
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Freckles (Pecas) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXDohSyPl0vk7M5TZ4N9atJsbAOuyQYi-dVLsBStriYWzmmVNicfIqc7RDYqurIxcW7pf_4rSTaavipG9GdL_zRVsZvOPrwhlpOIlluSVQBWF9fmNSGRxcK75Kvjm8cdoStxRvHRmocbJ/s1600/Pecas+gorra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXDohSyPl0vk7M5TZ4N9atJsbAOuyQYi-dVLsBStriYWzmmVNicfIqc7RDYqurIxcW7pf_4rSTaavipG9GdL_zRVsZvOPrwhlpOIlluSVQBWF9fmNSGRxcK75Kvjm8cdoStxRvHRmocbJ/s1600/Pecas+gorra.jpg" /></a></div>
</span></span></b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Hello
friends!</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">My name is Pecas, (Freckles in
Spanish) sometimes I´m called Pequitas (little Freckle face) and sometimes they
call me “Pecaminosa” ("little sinner")…now why would they say such a
thing? Maybe because in my youth I was a rather mischievous?! Now I´m old and a
bit overweight, but I can still defend myself, especially when my cousin, Kiwi,
bothers me.</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Today´s youth just don´t
know how to respect their elders!</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">It´s
been a long and good life and I thank my Creator for so many blessings and His
goodness to me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">My life
hasn´t always been so full of such rich blessings. I was born in Mexico City. As I grew up, I was always being scolded me for
my pranks. I loved making holes in the yard,
playing with the toilet paper, chewing on books and looking for ways to escape
from the yard. What´s wrong with that? Don´t all puppies do such things? Life was such fun, so many adventures to
live. But everything was about to change
and later I was sorry for all my mischief. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">One day my
family put me I the care and we travelled to a place that had lots of cars, people
and these big and noisy things that flew over our heads. The car stopped and I jumped out quickly to
explore. I didn´t realize that I was
getting further and further away from where my family was. I was having too much fun playing with the
other dogs, smelling such exciting odors and eating all the fascinating left
over food lying around. After a while I was tired and decided I´d head
back to the spot where the car was.
Where was it? Where was my family? I was lost! Had I been abandoned? I
was frightened and exhausted. What should
I do? I finally found a somewhat quiet corner
and fell asleep. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I awoke later hungry and sore. I began investigating
my surroundings dodging the cars and trying to hide from those noisy machines
that passed through the sky. There were advantages to freedom, no one scolded
me or prevented me from eating what I wanted when I wanted. I could go wherever I felt like without any restraints. However, the food I found to eat was smelly
and yucky, I soon tired of sleeping on the hard pavement or finding a dirty patch
of grass to sleep on. I missed my comfy
bed and the loving caresses of my people.
I began to hunt desperately for my family, looking longingly at the cars
and the people who were hurrying back and forth. But nobody paid attention to a poor, dirty white
cocker with freckles on her nose and brown patches on her back. Some even shouted at me and kicked
me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The days
passed and I became weak and sick. My
long, beautiful white fur was dirty, matted and full of mud. My ears hurt all the time and I started
sneezing and having trouble breathing. I wanted to sleep and never wake up.
How long could I survive?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">One chilly
morning I approached a car with several people in it. I looked at them, pleading with my big brown
eyes, desperate for help. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">They looked
at me compassionately. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Poor little thing. How in the world did she get here to the
airport? Was she lost or abandoned?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">My heart
began to beat faster. Maybe, just maybe
these kind folks would help me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Poor
mutt,” said one of the ladies. “She´s sick. We can´t leave her here or she´ll die. Let´s take her home. Surely we´ll find someone to adopt a pretty
little dog like her. “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Was it
truly happening? Were these kind ladies
really going to rescue me?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You´re right,” said the other one. “We´ll
tie my belt around her and put her in the car.
She needs a name. I can´t take a creature home without a name.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">“She has
lots of brown freckles on her nose.
We´ll call her “Freckles.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">And so it
was that with my new name I was taken to their home and met their other dogs, my
new cousins. I was so tired that after I
ate a delicious supper of real dog food, I slept for almost an entire day!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">A few days
later a visitor came to our house. It
was love at first sight! I rolled over on my back so she could rub my
belly. She was smitten. She adopted me and took me to her house to
live. She loved me very much. She took me for walks every day and gave me
yummy food to eat. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">My new mama still took me every day to visit with my cousins and aunties (the ladies
who rescued me) while she went to work.
I still created a lot of mischief, especially when I was alone, I was
afraid of being abandoned again! But even though they scolded me, I was always
treated with love and affection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ten years
have gone by. My cousins have now passed
on to that place where all the good and beloved dogs go, and someday soon I´ll
catch up to them there. Recently life
gave an unexpected turn when my mama and aunties not only share me, “Freckle
face” but also the same house! How
wonderful to all be together, to be safe, loved and protected. Yes, it has been along and interesting
life. Thanks to my creator for His
goodness to me! </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPJyXwSpnOpuDkcnZouDqqRfHz8ly-qj_J6CJBxZGpih-ARx2LqPkF0D5RKsYqsyY9B9jHKtCVhvYY6d-DM3E3CHSgcKbq0_fkCVOY3G6A9FFWdLOw2exmEpPf_42dhWfYzzAjy9WQK-o/s1600/Rebe+%2526+Pecas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPJyXwSpnOpuDkcnZouDqqRfHz8ly-qj_J6CJBxZGpih-ARx2LqPkF0D5RKsYqsyY9B9jHKtCVhvYY6d-DM3E3CHSgcKbq0_fkCVOY3G6A9FFWdLOw2exmEpPf_42dhWfYzzAjy9WQK-o/s320/Rebe+%2526+Pecas.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDG9gJjr47SuP0xy81UZLhyphenhyphenMHQa_J6zcecwqPQfFzuC2KAiGUMI0U2VWCWRnmNmfJZhIj3bUUMuEhQ7hBmqCTfU0P34bJ7CBjvVuqbn-ssiH0fMi01MUg7NMhFCLVRDkNx0x1cb79X2dc/s1600/100_2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDG9gJjr47SuP0xy81UZLhyphenhyphenMHQa_J6zcecwqPQfFzuC2KAiGUMI0U2VWCWRnmNmfJZhIj3bUUMuEhQ7hBmqCTfU0P34bJ7CBjvVuqbn-ssiH0fMi01MUg7NMhFCLVRDkNx0x1cb79X2dc/s320/100_2160.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">(</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our precious Pecas recently joined her
cousins in that place where all the beloved pets go. She is greatly missed and fondly remembered,
not just for her mischievous pranks, but for all the love and joy she brought to
her household. We are thankful for the many
years we had to enjoy her.)</span></span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-34546719452098716262015-02-10T18:57:00.005-08:002015-02-10T18:57:43.602-08:00Rebeca<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhZh6LOFhxP0l4ySScfnpqpB9-9l8K4tUIcrUsnSYYhVMFK_vybwj7XuaPVEY-bQnQCtX8INWWbrmqLHvAzX7qwWo5ebuYSnw5cO8_YhZzwM70qrZe_FdRbIq0GYwEbGapNq8Py0TMdjP/s1600/Rebe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhZh6LOFhxP0l4ySScfnpqpB9-9l8K4tUIcrUsnSYYhVMFK_vybwj7XuaPVEY-bQnQCtX8INWWbrmqLHvAzX7qwWo5ebuYSnw5cO8_YhZzwM70qrZe_FdRbIq0GYwEbGapNq8Py0TMdjP/s1600/Rebe+1.jpg" height="400" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebeca February 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I remember when
I first met Rebeca's mother, Liz. A
vivacious, full of life and love for the Lord lady, I was drawn to her at the
start. She was leading the Evangelism in
Depth for children's ministry and I began to help her in the work. We became good friends and I prayed with her
during her three year courtship with Jacob.
I joyfully attended their wedding and eagerly waited with them as they
desired to have a child.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">One day I was
visiting Liz and Jacob at her mother’s house.
In the kitchen she handed me a large envelope. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“What’s
this?” I asked. "Open it," she insisted with a
large smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> I opened the envelope and was confused at
first at what seemed like fuzzy photos.
I quickly realized that it was the ultrasound of a baby! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "If it's a girl", she told me,
“we’re going to name her Rebekah Meyerend, after you!” she chanted gleefully. On
August 9th 2002, Rebeca Gaspar Ortega was born. I was so blessed the first time
I held the precious child. However, when
Rebeca was just two years old, cancer took the life of our beloved Liz. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Jacob moved
in with his mother and older sister and they helped him raise Rebeca. Although her mom was gone, God provided her
with a loving family to surround her and her she and her daddy were very
close. I kept in touch with the family,
visiting them often. Rebe always loved
to play tag and other games in her grandma’s garden and it was quite a
challenge to keep up with the rambunctious child. Her mom and grandma made sure she was active
in church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Shortly
before Rebeca's 11th birthday, her aunt Irma called me with news that left me
numb. Jacob had cancer and it was
spreading fast. My heart sank. Could it be possible? Was Rebeca to be left an orphan at so young
an age? I spoke to Jacob and he sounded weak and tired. When I saw him a few months later, he was stronger
and encouraged that the chemo was helping. He was determined to do all he could
to be around for Rebeca. Having drifted
away from His relationship with the Lord after Liz's death, he was again
praying and attending church on a regular basis. He was ready to go if that was the Lord's
will but very much wanted to live. We
all prayed for a miracle although the doctors didn't give much hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">On May 30th
I got a call on my cell phone from one of Rebeca's cousins. Jacob had died earlier that evening, his
suffering was over. I hung up the phone
in shock and the tears started to flow.
I couldn't believe it, it just couldn't be. I pulled myself together and
took the midnight bus to Mexico City and arrived at about 5.a.m. Liz's sister Martha picked me up at the bus
station and took me straight to the funeral home. Jacob's family was present as well as Liz's
mom and sisters. Rebseca was asleep,
stretched out on a couch. I couldn't
bear to look at Jacob's body; I wanted to remember him as he was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Later that morning
his earthly tent was laid to rest next Liz, the love of his life. I was asked to share a few words and spoke
from John 14. "Let not your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe
also in me. In my Father’s house are
many mansions...I go to prepare a place for you...I will come again and receive
you to Myself that where I am, there you may be also." (verses 1 to3). We miss him so terribly, but we cling to the
hope that we will all be together one day.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Rebeca commented,
“I’m going to be buried right there, between the two of them”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Oh sweetie,” I replied. “You’re going to grow up, get married and
have many children. Then you’ll be
buried next to your own husband.” She
wasn’t convinced. I returned home the next day with a grieving heart for my
beautiful namesake and her family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Just
recently I took the trip again to visit her.
As usual, she wanted to play and kept me running, this time after a
soccer ball. She told her aunt she
didn’t want to grow up, but wished she could stay a little girl. I praise
God she remains in the same home with her godly grandma and auntie. Her mother’s family also continues to be
involved. I believe wholeheartedly that God has a special plan for her
life. Why He chose to make her an orphan
before her 12th birthday, only He knows.
I do know that He has not abandoned her and I look forward to seeing the
woman she will become. May God pour His
grace and favor on her life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFChSkvU64qnIqR-ielEqpFnjf5wW_Pzhg7V6TwN_9tvh8JuSgRYHg5z4V9pybnE059VVp6Qn5w6dVML71XmDoHVglV7MxnonOV-fuRMKzMagn6ihQFwixMOiYXPGAzAwB_05NDX0REifB/s1600/SAM_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFChSkvU64qnIqR-ielEqpFnjf5wW_Pzhg7V6TwN_9tvh8JuSgRYHg5z4V9pybnE059VVp6Qn5w6dVML71XmDoHVglV7MxnonOV-fuRMKzMagn6ihQFwixMOiYXPGAzAwB_05NDX0REifB/s1600/SAM_0546.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebeca and Rebekah, February 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL129DMj7wwe8ibgTO4o5bVksfsY3WcL9cRqQwsgE87W9H1l7fejmIjSZxVkvDqBRRTGSBSufogYoJ-ivtldJtwjW8QSf_3jKXH0JWpWmbpi0-CxlthOd-8tC-EtxEFafPgMVO3g5uneah/s1600/100_2072+(640x522).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL129DMj7wwe8ibgTO4o5bVksfsY3WcL9cRqQwsgE87W9H1l7fejmIjSZxVkvDqBRRTGSBSufogYoJ-ivtldJtwjW8QSf_3jKXH0JWpWmbpi0-CxlthOd-8tC-EtxEFafPgMVO3g5uneah/s1600/100_2072+(640x522).jpg" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebeca and Jacob 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-15657576852452563872015-01-20T17:47:00.002-08:002015-01-20T17:47:32.249-08:00Read the Bible for Yourself<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Recently an
article appeared in a local newspaper under the faith section. The pastor who wrote the article had some
good points. She insisted that we need
to read the Bible for ourselves, not just go on hearsay, listening to what
others have said. However, as I read through
her article I became increasingly alarmed.
She shared passages out of Genesis to prove that if we truly read though
the Bible, we'll understand that God does not discriminate against those who
chose to live an alternate lifestyle, that we are to accept and celebrate those
who chose to wed members of the same sex.
I wrote back to the reverend sharing my understanding of Scripture, from
one who has read it for herself many times.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I read with interest your article in Saturday’s paper<b>, “Don’t let anyone tell you what the Bible
says, read it for yourself.”</b> I add a hearty “Amen” to that, which our
pastor says means, “I agree.” How quick
we are to judge another or rely on hearsay when so often we neglect the lecture
of God’s Word for ourselves. So often I run into people who claim to know God,
but rarely if ever open His book and examine it for themselves. Even so, being the sinful human creatures
that we are, we need to ask God's Holy Spirit to illumine our reading that we
may understand it and apply it to our daily lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I was glad to read that although you were
tempted to “skip” your reading through the Bible this year, you went ahead and
opened it anyway and God showed you something new. Yes, He did create light out of darkness, and
His desire is to shine His light into our hearts, that we may declare HIs
praises to another. (I Peter 2:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Here our agreement
ends. I ask, what Bible are
you reading? Is yours different than mine? Has something been changed or
altered to the Word that generations of people have found comfort and
conviction from? The same passage in Genesis 1 that explains how God brought
something out of nothing, how He made light to shine out of darkness, is the
very same God who creates man and woman in His own image and blesses them. The woman was made out of man, from his side
to be equal with him but not the same. In chapter 2 verse 24 God says<i>, “Therefore a man shall leave his father
and mother and be joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh.”</i> You’re right, we do not like to take the
Bible literally and yes, we all fail sometimes in the application. Does that make His ways less true? HIs purposes, His original design have
changed because mankind wants to bend the rules and say it doesn't apply to him
or her?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Perhaps we need to examine Scripture
further on to see if this holds true in other places. Just recently was reading in Romans chapter 1
and was struck by the harsh words here.
Yes, God is loving and merciful, but He does and will bring judgment on
those who defy His commandments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“For
the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what
may be known of God is manifest in them.”
</span></i><span lang="EN-US">The passage (when you read it for yourself)
continues onto talk about God's hatred of those who worship the created thing,
idols, instead of Him. He will not share
His glory with another. The Apostle Paul continues,<i> “Therefore God also gave them
up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among
themselves…For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even the
women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature…Likewise the men,
leaving the natural use of the women, burned in the lust for one another. “<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Words from God Himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In chapter 2,
"<i>Therefore you are inexcusable, O
man, whoever you are who judge, for whatever you judge another you condemn
yourself...But we know that judgment of God is according to truth against those
who practice such things</i>.” (Romans 2:1,2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am not able to judge, condemn you or
anyone who choses an "alternate lifestyle." However, it is my responsibility to share
God's word so that we can be saved form His wrath. God wants all to repent and come to the
knowledge of Him. We know He loves us,
for He made us in His image. But He is
grieved and angered when we chose to ignore His laws and do things our own
way. I urge you and your congregation to
read the Bible again, for we cannot, should not, pick and choose the passages we
like and want to obey. God also tells us
in the Sermon on the Mount that whoever breaks one part of the law is guilty of
breaking it all. (Matthew 5:18) That is
why Christ came, so that we could be saved by His grace and mercy. Please do not despise the riches of His grace
that leads us to repentance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I too, am a sinner saved by grace. I know God is love (I john 1), and for that
very reason I pray my life is honoring to Him.
I pray that you will continue in your lecture of the Word this year,
that you will read with an open heart and receptive to the Holy Spirit as He
helps you to understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-58928926703365996722015-01-19T18:44:00.002-08:002015-01-19T18:44:27.565-08:00Listen to your mother! After a wonderful vacation with my brother and his family,mom and I were on our way. I was driving and mom was the guide. Before we left I asked her, teasingly, if she knew the way home. Of course she did, she's the "directioneer" of the family, I'm the one that's always getting lost! After a few minutes we came to a crossroads, without consulting mom I turned right.<br />
<br />
"No dear, we need to go straight, then we turn right." she told me knowingly.<br />
"It´s fine, mom, didn´t you see the arrow that pointed east? It´s this way."<br />
"No honey, I don´t think so. We have to go west and then to the east." <br />
"Well, we´ll see." I said as we continued down the road. I was a bit uneasy, maybe she was right? Mom kept quiet not wanting to argue with me. We chatted pleasantly all the while looking for signs to direct us towards home. Suddenly we saw a sign, for a toll both! On our way to the resort we didn't pass a toll both.<br />
"See, I told you we should've gone straight. We didn't pass a toll. Do you have money to pay the fare? I've got about 30 cents."<br />
I groaned. I didn't have any cash either, I'd spent it all during the week. I hadn't even had enough to put in the Sunday offering. What to do? They wern't going to accept a credit card to pay the fee.<br />
"Let me look in my wallet just in case. Maybe I missed something." I said.<br />
I opened my wallet and checked all the corners. Praise God, there folded over in a side pocked I found a wrinkled $5.00 bill. We paid the toll and asked directions. Sure enough, we had to return the way we came, meaning we had to pay another toll! Forty five minutes and $4.50 later we returned to where made the wrong turn. This time I listened to my mother and eventually made it home safe and sound.<br />
I learned a valuable lesson...always listen to you mother! I also reflected on<br />
my relationship to God. I go through life, sure I know what I'm doing, not asking His direction. When things go wrong, I realize I should have listened in the first place. God in His mercy and forgiveness always provides a way out, even though I have to go back to where I started. Thank God for His love and patience! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-15906954451727343772014-01-24T18:11:00.001-08:002014-01-24T18:11:26.737-08:00MOM´S VISIT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was great to have my mom with me in Tuxpan for a couple weeks. We were both a bit apprehensive about the visit. Would she be able to handle the stairs at my house? Would the change in diet affect her? Would she bored without any T.V. (no T.V. in our house )?.. She was concerned about bathrooms being easily accessible and would she tire too easily? All anxieties were overcome and she had a blessed time. She was amazed it took three days to get from her home in Port Orange, Florida, to mine in Tuxpan, Veracruz! First day travel to hotel near Orlando airport...second day flight to Mexico City and stay at Sally´s house...third day six hour bus trip to Tuxpan and my home. Whew, it´s a wonder she wasn´t worn out before we started!<br />
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She was excited to visit a Baptist church on Sunday and when the children received gift boxes sent from Samaritan´s purse. It was a pleasure to see the joy on the children´s faces as they opened their gifts. It was exciting to her because she knew my brother´s church in Brooklyn N.Y. had been involved in packing some gift boxes to send overseas. Could they be the same ones? Maybe not but it shows how much the effort is appreciated by children in other countries. <br />
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On Monday we visited the children in the Life and Peace children´s home. Between the few words of English the kids spoke, and the few words of Spanish mom knows, they got along fine! Luis was impressed that she knew the answers to the riddles (which I translated) he was reading out of a joke book.<br />
We then took a few days to tour the port city of Veracruz. Another long bus ride landed us in a nice hotel in the historic district. The hotel did have T.V...but mostly in Spanish! No matter, we had plenty to do. A trip to a fort, a bus ride around the city and a visit to the aquarium were enjoyed by both of us. Lots of good food too!<br />
Back to Tuxpan,quicker this time as we got the "luxury class" bus, she settled back into our home. Saturday we were invited to eat Pozole (a corn soup) at Lili´s house. She is a good friend of mine and also on the board of the children´s home. This Sunday I took her to the church I attend where she was warmly welcomed. That afternoon the weather was gorgeous so we drove out to Camp Kikomar (about 15 mins) and visited with some young people (English speaking) from Mexico City. Cynthia Ramierez is the daughter of my supervisor, Sally (whose house we stayed at) had come to do some filming of the camp. Mom told Cynthia how she prays for her and her mom every day. <br />
Monday we went one more time to visit the kids and again they got a kick out of trying to speak to her. Maybe all those English lessons wern´t wasted after all! When we left one of the girls said ," I love you," and mom responded "¡Amo te!"<br />
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All too soon our time came to an end. Tuesday we packed up and took one last bus ride back to Mexico City. I took her to the airport early Wednesday morning and sadly said goodbye. It had been good to have her with me and I miss her! I am so grateful that she is in good health and was able to do this trip. Mostly I´m thankful that she could meet the people whom I talk about and whom she prays for faithfully. Praise God for those prayers that stand behind this ministry!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-84559405841542119592014-01-07T14:35:00.000-08:002016-12-19T15:03:43.783-08:00Living by Grace in 2014 I woke up on January 1st, 2014 amazed that it was a start of a new year. How did 2013 go by so quickly and was I ready to start another year? I laid in bed for a while reflecting on the changes, challenges,joys and frustrations of the previous year. On one hand, calenders don´t mean much to God, He is far above time and space. He calls us to live day by day, focusing on each moment as we live for Him. On the other hand, the start of a new year is a chance to reevaluate our lives and make a new start.<br />
I´ve never been one to make new year´s resolutions, believing that as I become aware of areas that I need to grow in my life, I need to work on them at the moment. Besides, how many times do I swear I´m going to change, do things differently and then fall back into the same patterns? No, I don´t like new year´s resolutions so I don´t think I´ll start now.<br />
However, my year did get off to a rough start. A couple days before a precious friend expressed to me some things I had done that were hurtful. Words I said, indirect comments and attitudes that were unkind and upsetting. Of course I didn´t mean to do or say these things, it wasn´t planned but, it wasn´t the first time I´d had to be shown my errors. I appreciated her honesty in sharing her feelings and only wish she had done it sooner. I was forced to stop, pray and reflect on what had happened. I could see the things that had led up to the problem and recognize there are always two sides to every conflict. Still, I knew I was wrong and I was truly sorry.<br />
But, what to do when sorry isn´t enough? Paul in Corinthians commends the believers because their sorrow led to a zeal for repentance, "godly sorrow brings repentance." I must demonstrate my sorrow and repentance by my actions, changing the ways I act that hurt others and striving to do things differently. That is the challenge. Sometimes words aren´t enough, and then I despair that I can truly change. Thinking on this I read, also in Corinthians how Paul, struggling with something in his own life (the thorn he speaks of) hears the Lord's words to him, <span style="color: #274e13;"><i>"My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." </i>He draws the conclusion, "<i>Therefore I will rather boast in my infirmities,that the power of Christ may rest upon me....For when I am weak, then I am strong."</i></span> ( 2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Does this apply also to sin in my life? Those things I do that we know are not pleasing to God? When I complain, quarrel, am selfish and unthoughtful? I think it does, only as I truly repent and seek His grace, forgiveness and help, and then am willing to work at it. I always hear about "surrender all to the Lord...throw yourself on Him when you don´t know what to do." But how do I do that? I certainly cried my heart out to Him, repented of my sin and asked for help to do better. But a few days I forget and I find I´ve gone and done it again. This, I´m learning is where His grace and forgiveness come in. As another dear friend reminded me, <i><span style="color: #38761d;">"Fold into what God wants here as He works in you and in them to become holy in all ways, not necessarily happy, but at least (or at most) holy and Christ like. It is not easy but </span></i><i><span style="color: #38761d;">God is at work in all of us through all of us."</span> </i>True, and no, not easy. My own wants and desires interfere, I want to be happy, yet I seek His grace to put His will and others needs and interests before my own.<br />
I often pray for Christians suffering great persecution for their faith. Our brothers in sisters in prison who suffer torture and the loss of home and land. Women who have and become widows and now struggle to raise their children alone, because their husbands refused to renounce their faith in Christ. Again I look at my own life and see how short I come of that kind of faith. If I truly know, experience and live the love of Christ, then it will be a privilege to suffer for Him. Oh, how I fear suffering! Yet returning to the passage in Corinthians, I must trust that His grace is sufficient and I can count the loss of all things as gain for Him. Then, weather it´s something as simple ( yet as hard) as yielding my will to bless and honor others, or something as challenging as being persecuted for my faith in Christ, I can truly live for Him and become more like Him. <br />
Therefore, if you happen to read this blog and can relate to any of it, please let me know. What are your challenges and struggles as you face a new year? <br />
<i><span style="color: #274e13;">And pray for me that: </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #274e13;">1. I will think before I speak or act, seeking to put others first.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #274e13;">2. Learn to live God´s love and grace- having the courage to serve Him no matter what.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #274e13;">3. Accept His love and forgiveness, not living in self-condemnation or self-contempt, but trusting Him to change and mold me into His image.</span></i><br />
Thanks for reading and commenting on my blog! <b><span style="color: red;"> HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU! </span></b> I pray that you too may experience God´s love and grace this coming year as you allow Him to mold you into His image.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-60474582317741257892013-12-06T15:35:00.001-08:002013-12-06T15:35:52.550-08:00The City of Gold<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"And he...showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God...</i></div>
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<i>and the city was of pure gold, like clear glass." </i></div>
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<i>Revelation 21:10a,18b</i></div>
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Elida had been battling cancer for about five years. Her sisters cared for her and loved her through the ravages of her disease. A close knit family, the battle was hard for all. I met Elida for the first time when the cancer was already well advanced. Her sister Lili, who lives in my city, was caring for her. I visited and prayed for her briefly but didn´t stay long because she tired quickly. Although Lili and her sisters begged Elida to stay with them, she was eager to get to her own home in a small town about for hours away. </div>
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Lili and sister Letty made several trips back and forth to visit her. However, the disease continued to take its toll in spite of the fervent prayers of her family. </div>
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Finally my schedule allowed me to go with Lili and Letty to visit Elida. Our friend Carmen and her husband also accompanied us. We arrived at Elida´s home about 12:30 in the afternoon and went straight into her room to pray for her. She was extremely thin and her skin was oh so cold. She could not speak but seemed to recognize Lily and Letty. She had not eaten in several days. Many people were there, sisters, aunts, in-laws and friends. Carmen prayed with all her heart for God´s mercy and His restoration and preservation of Elida´s life. I prayed silently for God´s mercy, strength and comfort, and the ability to trust that His ways are best. </div>
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We were called to eat and I slipped out of the room, leaving Elida surrounded by loving family. The Lord had laid it on my heart to just to read Scripture to her. He had reminded me of several passages that would comfort and encourage. After eating I had an opportunity to return to her bedside. I pulled out my little pocket Testament and began by reading Psalm 91, <i>"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty...</i>" Psalm 23, the beloved psalm which bring such peace and comfort, "T<i>he Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."</i></div>
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Her oldest sister, Lupita, was at the head of Elida´s bed and suggested several passages to read. </div>
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I Thessalonians 4,<i>"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout with the voices of an archangel....And the dead in Christ will rise first....And thus we shall always be with the Lord.</i>" </div>
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I Corinthians 15:20,"<i>But now, Christ is risen from the dead and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep....(v.25) the last enemy to be destroyed is death."</i> (Hallelujah, how we long for that day!) </div>
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I had been reading for about 20 minutes when Lupita asked me to read Revelation 21. By now family members and friends again had gathered in the room listening, and praying silently or in a soft murmur. I prayed too, that Elida would hear and understand the words, allowing her blessed Savior to comfort and encourage her that she would soon be in His presence. I knew she loved Him and had served Him faithfully. Later, I found out how large her heart and home were when they told me that Elida not only raised three children of her own, but had also adopted and loved four others. </div>
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<i>"Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Then I, John, saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God...Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." </i>(Revelation 21:1-4)</div>
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My heart ached for this dear saint who had suffered so much pain these last years. I continued reading the chapter and was stuck when by verse 18, "..<i>and the city was of pure gold, like clear glass</i>:" Mostly I read without comment, allowing God to speak. However, when I read about the city of gold I said, "Just think, Elida. We always hear about the streets of gold, but the city itself is pure gold! Are your ready to walk with Jesus in the city of gold?"</div>
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Elida made no response. I continued on to Revelation chapter 22, sensing that the end was very near. I dared not look to see if she was still breathing. </div>
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"<i>He who says these things says, ¨Surely I am coming quickly.¨ Amen. Even so come quickly, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."</i></div>
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I looked up and realized it was over. Elida had breathed her last breath on this earth. Her sisters felt her pulse and closed her eyes as they wept. Elida´s painful journey through this life was finally over and she was at peace. I quietly sneaked out of the room, leaving the family to grieve privately. I was in awe; her going was so quiet, barely discernible. At what moment had she left us? All I knew was that Elida was rejoicing at Jesus´ side because, <i>"We are confident...to be absent form the body and to be present with the Lord."</i> (2 Corinthians 5:6)</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I walked slowly down to the river where Carmen and her husband were sitting and told them that Elida was gone. We talked softly for a few moments as the current sped by around and over the rocks, reminding us how quickly life passes. We walked back to the house to be with the family. We stayed that night and the next day for the service and when they took what remained of Elida´s frail body to be buried. How hard it is to be separated from one who means so much to us!</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Carmen, her husband and I returned to our city later that day after the burial. We were thankful to arrive safely home and be able to continue with our lives, praising God for His faithfulness as we continued to pray His comfort for our beloved friends. The next day I read in my devotional book,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"<i>E´en for the dead I will not bind my soul to grief,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Death cannot long divide. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>For is it not as though the rose that climbed m garden wall </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Has blossomed on the other side?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Death doth hide,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>But not divide,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Thou art but on Christ´s other side!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Thou art with Christ, and Christ with me;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>In Christ united still we are."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> (p. 346,<u> Streams in the Desert, vol 1</u>, Mrs. Charles E. Cowman) </i> </div>
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Rest in peace, our precious Elida, we will soon see you on the other side!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-36003364948012592142013-11-09T10:34:00.002-08:002013-11-12T09:57:13.114-08:00Life and Peace Children´s HomeIt has been a special joy and privilege to work with the children of
the "Life and Peace Children´s Home." It is a small home sponsored by a
local church that reaches out to children who have been abused or
mistreated and have been temporarily removed from their homes.<br />
For
over a year I have been working with them once a week to teach a Bible
study and also give them English cases. Early this fall we finished the
book, <u>How to Study the Bible for Kids</u>, by Kay Arthur and Janna
Arndt. This study gave the children excellent tools for digging into
Scripture to understand what it says, see how it applies to their daily
lives and improve overall study skills. It was also a fun study because
the book has puzzles, charts and clip art to make the lessons
interesting and challenging. After finishing the book, I presented each
child with a diploma and a New Testament in an easy to read version (in
Spanish of course!)<br />
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We are now working on a book called <u>Lord, Teach me to Pray for kids, </u>by
the same authors. This study starts by examining the Lord´s prayer,
phrase by phrase, and using it as a model for our own prayers. In last
week´s lesson we talked about the importance of reverencing God´s name
by not taking it in vain, using it in a carelessly, without respect or
in a godless manner. It´s an in depth study and challenging for the
children to understand as well as a challenge for me to translate. <i>Pray the Lord will touch the heart´s of these youngsters that they will apply these truths to their everyday life. </i><br />
. <br />
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Recently
the home was moved to a new location. The house they were living in was
large and run down and the monthly rent was a burden. The new
apartment is the second floor of a house in a quiet neighborhood with a
basketball court, soccer field and swings at the end of the block. A
Christian couple live downstairs who love children and are happy to rent
at a reasonable price. The move also meant a change in schools which
turned out to be difficult at this stage of the school year. Although
there is a school in the new neighborhood, it´s saturated and could not
take in any new students. Eventually they settled into one in a nearby
community and they are doing well. <br />
My schedule has slowed down
recently and I was wondering how I could use my time more wisely. At
the suggestion of a co-worker, I asked permission to visit the children
three times a week to concentrate on their academic skills. Permission
was gladly granted and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I travel to
the new location, about a 30 minute drive from where I live. One
session a week we continue work on the Bible study as well as focus on
Math skills, another day we work on Spanish and reading and Fridays are
for a variety of activities such as learning games, geography or extra
reading time. Each time I visit I also read to them a chapter form <u>The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,</u> by C.S.Lewis, which they are really enjoying. <i>Seek God´s provision for the needs of the children</i>, <i>emotional, spiritual, material and academic. Pray God will give me wisdom and insight as I work with them.</i><br />
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Last
Friday was a national holiday and the children had no school. One of
the ladies from the church invited us all to a small ranch she and her
husband own about an hour outside of Tuxpan. It was a beautiful day and
very hot, for which we were all glad to get out of the city. We ladies
sat around under the shade of a large tree and enjoyed chatting and
getting to know one another better. The kids had a blast running,
playing hide and seek, swinging in a hammock and chasing the dog. The
two men, house father Miguel, and Jorge, the man who owns the ranch,
were busy firing up the cement oven to make bread, roasting corn on the
cob and heating up the chicken with spicy mole sauce, yum! We all
watched, and several participate, in the mixing and kneading of the
bread dough. However, cooking in a large, outdoor cement oven turned
out to be harder than we thought. The bread ended up being black on the
inside and doughy on the inside, oh well, we ate some of it anyway with
hot chocolate that Jorge had made. <br />
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It
was starting to get dark so we reluctantly packed up our things, piled
the kids into the vehicles and headed back into town. It was a lovely
and exhausting day. I´m sure the kids slept well that night, I know I
did! <i>Praise God for His many blessings and the generosity of our friends who invited us to their ranch.</i><br />
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I
look forward to my continued visits with the children, at least until I
leave for the States in early December. We´ll see what next year
brings but I know as long as I am in Tuxpan, I will continue to be<br />
involved in these children´s lives.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-74482478597345035102013-10-24T19:02:00.001-07:002013-10-24T19:02:24.581-07:00Lovely (and wet!) Tuxpan.Now that October is nearly over, cooler weather has finally arrived. I´ve enjoyed the temps in the upper 70s and the low humidity. I even put a sweater on after church last night! <br />
Last Friday I took some sunset pictures from the bridge that is over a tributary of the Tuxpan river and leads to our neighborhood. Enjoy!<br />
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After a lovely weekend, the clouds started to roll in. The weather forecast predicted rain all week, but I think it all arrived on Tuesday! It started to rain Tuesday morning and it rained hard all day...rain, rain and more rain! Buckets of rain, sheets of rain, waterfalls of rain! I had gone out in the morning and coming home around noon was quite a challenge. The drainage system in downtown Tuxpan couldn´t handle all that water at once and the streets started to flood. Unfortunately some houses were also flooded. Thankfully the river was not high so the water had somewhere to go it didn´t overflow. <br />
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Once the rain finally stopped in the late afternoon the water began to go down and by the next day it was easy to get around town again. They´re predicting more heavy rain for this weekend!<br />
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And, just for fun, I´ve included a picture of my beloved mutt, Pecas. The rain doesn´t bother her, at least while she´s indoors!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-19167302555214483962013-10-07T14:26:00.000-07:002013-10-07T16:07:36.144-07:00Ministerio La Final Trompeta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Last Trumpet Ministry<br />
There are many small, Evangelical churches in Tuxpan with creative names. I recently finished a course <br />
"Teachers of Excellence" in one of these small churches. Pastora Martha, together with her husband, Javier began "The Last Trumpet Ministry" about two years ago. Many of their congregants are new to the saving news of Jesus Christ and need training and discipleship. They also want to raise up quality teachers to work with the children. Therefore I was asked to give a teachers training course. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopwfFvA1Bc9SS8NZrTTRYgoreYvx7w_9gnT_-OCVhhJJ49toL842qGuHpw_AIvvEik8s1TEMqXvkcJYq-UAklU3bgpprRtOBWoq-7ELyvXq5scNfgpoWKDaBKxV4_IHv6yUWrkPFnc2DL/s1600/100_2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopwfFvA1Bc9SS8NZrTTRYgoreYvx7w_9gnT_-OCVhhJJ49toL842qGuHpw_AIvvEik8s1TEMqXvkcJYq-UAklU3bgpprRtOBWoq-7ELyvXq5scNfgpoWKDaBKxV4_IHv6yUWrkPFnc2DL/s320/100_2151.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebekah and Pastor Martha</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWSp_oOOvpFZZPrH9FABXKbxi2PhSLxUSNOp-oWJzZLuinTAKs9oMjBbiaFYI_3nQhHIwjDlVYBNGnHPYTfHMiGXVIv6KFfaJ7ECEpiYXWBOJvLSJYoL4hkMZvOtA6eH-djbYkGcRrYV5/s1600/100_2116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWSp_oOOvpFZZPrH9FABXKbxi2PhSLxUSNOp-oWJzZLuinTAKs9oMjBbiaFYI_3nQhHIwjDlVYBNGnHPYTfHMiGXVIv6KFfaJ7ECEpiYXWBOJvLSJYoL4hkMZvOtA6eH-djbYkGcRrYV5/s320/100_2116.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This group made an apron with cloth figures to represent the lesson</td></tr>
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<br />
I invited children to attend because children make great evangelists and can be good teachers, both now and in the future. There were about 15 eager students in the class, ages 7 to adult. Along with a practical demonstration of how to teach a children´s class, they learned how to study a Bible passage in depth, make up good questions and present their lessons in a creative way. They were also assigned to read the Gospel of Mark during the course.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiumDJsmCVzOjdYKqR9pgxiNbECsfK1dc0pyDXWkCJVGV1pMn1mSPFkB-1rsntP9nNLgCe71lRivvrmkuELphmXBZjC3UU195H4bgDwEBq0zkHfnOI_5v9YITUWOT9uNlS9n6H_ezTndLh/s1600/100_2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiumDJsmCVzOjdYKqR9pgxiNbECsfK1dc0pyDXWkCJVGV1pMn1mSPFkB-1rsntP9nNLgCe71lRivvrmkuELphmXBZjC3UU195H4bgDwEBq0zkHfnOI_5v9YITUWOT9uNlS9n6H_ezTndLh/s320/100_2124.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting together a puzzle of the memory verse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On activity was to write a letter to God asking Him to help them learn, grow and become teachers that are pleasing to Him. Here are some excerpts from their letters:<br />
<br />
<i>"Lord, I want to be a teacher of little children to teach them your word, give me the wisdom that I need...I will preach your word, give me strength."</i>(Génesis, age 13)<br />
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<![endif]-->"<i>Lord Jesus...I promise to serve you more each day and strive to please you...guiding each little one through your blessed word...I thank you for the great privilege you have given me to work with the little ones." </i>(María, adult)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZw1WXcVQKfEJa9DT_EEEY5_TDfQpFIif02iX0SRYEe7PTALZwgIn3It22uLUj7xL6cfT2hH3QUj_FEfmSGayKfcztvUuUFr_oIf9U5CE-1b680-ahYSAhwoiufwcGbTVpC5i0JN1Mk-s/s1600/100_2137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZw1WXcVQKfEJa9DT_EEEY5_TDfQpFIif02iX0SRYEe7PTALZwgIn3It22uLUj7xL6cfT2hH3QUj_FEfmSGayKfcztvUuUFr_oIf9U5CE-1b680-ahYSAhwoiufwcGbTVpC5i0JN1Mk-s/s320/100_2137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaching the memory verse</td></tr>
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To practice their learning, the students were divided into three groups with a mixture of children and adults. Each group was assigned a passage from Mark to present to the rest of the class the next week. When the big day arrived, the students arrived early to gather their materials and make last minute preparations. Their hard work payed off and they far exceeded my expectations in the quality classes they presented!<br />
Each group wrote a chorus to go along with the assigned passage. Some made their own puppets and puppet stage to act out the lesson. Another downloaded a short video to illustrate their lesson. All groups involved children as teachers, taught a memory verse in creative ways and wrote questions to help their students think about the Bible lesson and apply it to their lives. They are Teachers of Excellence! Pastora Martha explained that they have a children´s class on Saturday mornings. She plans on having each group present their lesson they did for our course, and then they will rotate so each group continues to plan lessons.<br />
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Pray they will continue the good work and impact many children with the Good News of God´s love.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaching the song they wrote</td></tr>
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Next project...they´ve asked me to teach the "Narrating and Acting out Bible Stories" workshop. And the students who read the entire book of Mark during the course? One adult and three children received the prize!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congratulations for a job well done!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One group made puppets</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-41848861682607849762013-09-16T19:33:00.000-07:002013-09-16T19:37:28.463-07:00¡VIVA MÉXICO!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>LONG LIVE MEXICO</b>!</span></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of church decked out with Mexican flags</td></tr>
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<b>September 16th is the day Mexicans celebrate their independence from Spain. This year marked the 203rd anniversary. </b>The celebration begins on the evening of the 15th as families and friends gather to share a feast of traditional Mexican dishes. "If the food can be red, white and green (like the Mexican flag) so much the better!" (Quote from "about.com Latin America History.")</div>
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In Mexico City thousands gather in the main square, the Zocolo, to see the president as he comes out on a balcony. A 11:00 p.m. he gives the "Grito" (shout) "¡Viva (long live) Hidalgo!...¡Viva Morelos!" (Mexican heroes of the Independence) and finally "¡Viva México!" The crowds roar and cheer their response "¡Viva!" and fireworks light up the air. Every village, town and city across the nation celebrate in much the same way. </div>
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Many evangelical churches also have their own celebration with a "Noche Méxicana" (Mexcian Night), to celebrate not only the freedom as a nation, but the freedom we have in Christ. Sometimes the pastor himself will dress up in red, white an green and give the "Grito" to his congregation. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of the church is also decorated</td></tr>
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Last night I went to the "Noche Mexicana"at the Methodist church I sometimes attend. It began with a </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniela and Valerie in their Mexican finest!</td></tr>
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service of worship songs and testimonies of God´s goodness in the lives of some of the members this past week. A "trio" mimicked a "Norteño" (Northern) style song complete with a paper accordion, and a broomstick guitar! Pastor Arturo challenged us to pray for Mexico and her president. "Anyone can post a critical remark about the goverment. Anyone can criticize the president. Only a true Christian will pray for and seek God´s blessing on the nation and it´s president." May we take his words to heart!<br />
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Afterward the service we spilled out onto the church lawn to enjoy typical Mexican dishes such as: corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese and chili powder, tostadas (fried tortillas) with beans and chicken on top, pampazos (thick rolls dipped in chile sauce with meat and lettuce on the inside), a sweet dessert of vanilla crackers slathered in condensed milk, and other delicacies. After the service and food, some went to downtown Tuxpan to hear the "Grito" and see the fireworks. I decided to head home to talk to my family on the phone and wish them a "Happy Independence Day!"</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my friend Carmen and her grandson Johan</td></tr>
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Today is the official holiday so all schools and goverment offices were closed. I invited the kids from the children´s home over to my house with some other friends. We had fun making pizza (no, not typical Mexican!), dong crafts and playing games. We were going to go out to the camp but the recent storms and threatening rain clouds convinced us we had better stay put! </div>
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It has been a special Independence celebration with my brothers and sisters in Christ as we thank Him for so many blessings and enjoy the abiding friendships we have in Him. </div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">HAPPY MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY!</span></h2>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-47479016557920851022013-09-02T14:03:00.000-07:002013-09-16T18:14:41.999-07:00Valle de Chalco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Valle de Chalco Solidaridad (Chalco Valley) </h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalco Valley as seen from sewage canal</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last week I returned to my former "stomping grounds" Chalco Valley, where I lived for about 15 years. The purpose was to visit friends and my Mexican mama, Oceila Soto, as well as clean things out of the house I used to live in. I figured it it´s stuff I haven´t used in nearly three years, it´s time to get rid of it! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The bus ride from Tuxpan to Mexico City is about 6 hours. For a few extra pesos I got the premier class bus complete with men´s and women´s bathrooms and individual T.V. screens, that way you don´t have to watch the trashy movies they often show! I arrived in good time Friday evening and called a friend, Araceli who lives in Valle and works in the city. She suggested I go to the house they own near the metro stop and she would meet me there. Afterwards she and her husband could drop me off at my former house on their way in to their Chalco house. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She got home around 6:30 and we headed into Valle. Arriving at my former home I discovered no one was home. That was not surprising because the pastors, Danny and Maru, who live there now are extremely busy people. Felipe (Araceli´s husband) suggested they leave me at his mother-in-laws house just a few blocks away. Ociela was so glad to see me and, as any good Mexican mama does, she made sure she fed me right away. Yum, I was hungry! Shortly afterwards I get a text message from Maru saying they had situation at church and would be delayed a couple hours. At the point it seemed best to stay with Ociela. Since her husband died last year, she and Erika, the youngest daughter who has down syndrome, live alone so she has plenty of space. It brought back many memories of my first years living in Mexico when I used to spend weekends at their house. I enjoyed sleeping under blankets that night. It was a welcome change from Tuxpan heat. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alongside canal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canal is now under this cement casing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mamá Ociela, Rebekah and Erika</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinU3l2wXh9_xNUHe_0-BltJDATh2UQkgnUPCf5df-ItJzG1Rrnna8v2WLAdOdOAENYAzszbbjzaw0uPFAZgMUhRsnO_58iMaxxxGY-1uYplLBJXDC5EZZx8GqHmnxPle1Mgkk4E0c6G40o/s1600/100_2074+(640x480).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinU3l2wXh9_xNUHe_0-BltJDATh2UQkgnUPCf5df-ItJzG1Rrnna8v2WLAdOdOAENYAzszbbjzaw0uPFAZgMUhRsnO_58iMaxxxGY-1uYplLBJXDC5EZZx8GqHmnxPle1Mgkk4E0c6G40o/s1600/100_2074+(640x480).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebekah with Mamá Ociela</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Early Saturday morning Ociela, Erika, a neighbor and I headed out for a morning walk. I was eager to see the progress that had been made in enclosing the open sewage canal that ran through most of Chalco Valley. Sure enough, the canal had been tubed in and covered in cement casing. After many years of contamination and often flooding nearby houses with black sewage water, it was good to see it contained. As we walked alongside the canal, we had to keep getting out of the way of cars that were driving there. It also made walking difficult as they caused huge mud puddles. We heard from other walkers that there had been a serious accident on the highway so the cars were finding any path they could to get around the traffic. On the way back we decided to walk along side streets to avoid traffic, but they were also clogged with cars. I was getting nervous because I had a noon appointment in Mexico City and it usually takes about two hours to get there from Chalco. How would I ever get there with all this traffic? Two hours after we started out we finally arrived back home. Araceli and Felipe were waiting outside the door when we arrived. Ara had to get to work so they were trying to figure out the best way to get her there. By then the traffic seemed to be moving better so they decided to try the highway. I asked to go with them and Ara and I would get off at the nearest metro stop. As we drove down the highway we eventually passed the accident site. A tractor trailer had crashed into a passenger van and crushed a car also. I started praying for those who had been in the vehicles I was sure no one had survived. We heard later that no deaths were reported, God had mercy!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_cBgVwbObqHPOViINLXXUGe40hXdn0gYheBc1npemHSZzXOk0FtTAjiwpuWW-Fpf-V94LHRvk_ZMSZAykSXkeAW7tGQ4McQZLmi-sFGzbP3oQ7xWOCRyfySsLH6lgpypJ7CY055ofk2N/s1600/100_2055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_cBgVwbObqHPOViINLXXUGe40hXdn0gYheBc1npemHSZzXOk0FtTAjiwpuWW-Fpf-V94LHRvk_ZMSZAykSXkeAW7tGQ4McQZLmi-sFGzbP3oQ7xWOCRyfySsLH6lgpypJ7CY055ofk2N/s1600/100_2055.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houses alongside canal are slowly sinking</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unusual traffic for a side street</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSt6oob-KvRmxOGzrLU4xBK3NDkdctwqS5k5KPnaYw-zuYcG47fHnEZvPNaReOfJ4QhxsIyA4ILmcgY0NEqBkjLJOk1wuAkVtyuBjAg_WvTC28icSwgC4nM8WVMNa3uzlxNwC40eHU9j2f/s1600/100_2061+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSt6oob-KvRmxOGzrLU4xBK3NDkdctwqS5k5KPnaYw-zuYcG47fHnEZvPNaReOfJ4QhxsIyA4ILmcgY0NEqBkjLJOk1wuAkVtyuBjAg_WvTC28icSwgC4nM8WVMNa3uzlxNwC40eHU9j2f/s1600/100_2061+%2528640x480%2529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogs watching from ledge of house. Many houses keep dogs on the roof. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLX6vruyIh9ycfYi__Yx6Rs-Sdv3fF7v7FMkA18hlA09J25HCyV4Yfb3nzIVqbxs27r3-OnX3SyJv_GbcarWAPoBC5kV1JDYeQykaVj-MgO0KXeN-Hvu0t03_iahvQieUhQtIFDN2KzyG/s1600/100_2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLX6vruyIh9ycfYi__Yx6Rs-Sdv3fF7v7FMkA18hlA09J25HCyV4Yfb3nzIVqbxs27r3-OnX3SyJv_GbcarWAPoBC5kV1JDYeQykaVj-MgO0KXeN-Hvu0t03_iahvQieUhQtIFDN2KzyG/s1600/100_2058.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traffic Jam</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">About an hour and a quarter later we made it to the metro. Thankfully I made it on time for my noon appointment with my namesake, Rebeca. Her aunt picked me up at a metro stop and we spent a lovely afternoon together. Rebe turned 11 in August and is still a little girl. She loves to play, especially tag (hard for me to keep up with her) and had fun opening the gifts I brought her. I was pleased to see her father, Jacob, looking well. He was recently diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments. His attitude is good and he is asking God to extend his life to see Rebeca grow up. We do pray fervently for God´s mercy especially since Rebeca´s mom died several years ago. May God´s perfect will be done.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jacob and Rebe took me back to the metro in the late afternoon and I headed back to Chalco and Ociela´s house.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRsymc-7ptyDskjODDKMp6AAI2Yr_vqQ-5tH-X26aUp1jMpDhQ5u4wUerQ0PB8LpklEmorgypgk0BFoNS3ePyircJTvNiu9bjWFLjo3albcdOEEenYtHeULY5w1GHKdBXxoaCmK-IbOFS/s1600/100_2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRsymc-7ptyDskjODDKMp6AAI2Yr_vqQ-5tH-X26aUp1jMpDhQ5u4wUerQ0PB8LpklEmorgypgk0BFoNS3ePyircJTvNiu9bjWFLjo3albcdOEEenYtHeULY5w1GHKdBXxoaCmK-IbOFS/s1600/100_2063.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebeca and Rebekah</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjGeHwmkAtUiPaPonGCayQUtBnTOOMxPgnfGiESpNFR7t4VC9vjBjxbY_6fvdr16JLKeNlnKmp9JNI9d11Th1YmMnKbher1ueHJ_mSWRlLKSYr8xbovGiqHPo1t7SAH88q5YluX50lA3d/s1600/100_2072+%2528640x522%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjGeHwmkAtUiPaPonGCayQUtBnTOOMxPgnfGiESpNFR7t4VC9vjBjxbY_6fvdr16JLKeNlnKmp9JNI9d11Th1YmMnKbher1ueHJ_mSWRlLKSYr8xbovGiqHPo1t7SAH88q5YluX50lA3d/s1600/100_2072+%2528640x522%2529.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebeca with dad Jacob</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunday I visited the little church I used to work in. Of course the kids are all growing up and it was good to see many of them in the worship band. There hasn´t been much growth in the church due to problems among the members and lack of solid leadership. Maybe these kids can make a difference and bring unity where the adults have failed. The pastor asked if I wouldn´t be able to come back and help them. No,I replied, I labored there for many years and now it is time for others to take over the work. God has opened ministry for me in other places and I must follow His leading. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After another refreshing night´s sleep at Ociela´s house, I went back into Mexico City Monday morning to visit Rebeca´s maternal grandma, Eva. It was raining so traffic was heavy and even the metro was stop and go. I arrived safely about two and a half hours and enjoyed brunch with Eva. Afterwards I headed over to our mission office in Mexico City before I returned to Chalco. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Back at Ociela´s house I packed up my stuff to spend the night with Danny and Maru. I wanted to get an early start at sorting though my stuff the next day. However, just as I was about to head out the door, it stated to pour rain. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I called Maru and said I better wait till the next morning. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Early Tuesday morning I took my suitcase and walked the four or five blocks to my former home. Pastor Danny received me warmly and shared about the exciting things God is doing in his ministry. He also told me how crime and violence are on the increase in Chalco Valley and many people are afraid. Stories of kidnappings, stolen cars and extortion of average citizens made me ache for friends who live there. However, he said it has caused many people to be open to the Gospel and they´ve had opportunities to present Gods message of salvation in unlikely places like government offices and public schools. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Around 9:00 my friend Enriqueta arrived to help me with my sorting. We opened and unpacked boxes, dividing into piles what would be given away, what I would take to Tuxpan and a few boxes I would store with Felipe and Araceli. It didn´t take long before everything was re-packed and ready to go. I took Enriqueta out to eat and then spent the evening with Danny, Maru and their little daughter, Lesly. A neighbor who drives a taxi agreed to take me to the bus terminal early Wednesday morning so I said goodnight to my friends and turned in for my last nights´sleep under blankets! The taxi arrived at 7 in the morning and, fighting the "normal" early morning traffic we arrived at the bus terminal in about an hour and a half. I paid the driver (about $15) and bought my bus ticked to return to Tuxpan. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once on board the bus, I marveled at God´s goodness and provision during these days in Chalco. I was so thankful to reconnect with old friends and hear testimonies of God´s working in their lives. It was also good to clean out my stuff and not be tied anymore to Chalco Valley. I will always love and pray for my friends there and be thankful for their impact on my life and the opportunity to minister to them. Now God has moved me in new and exciting directions. Praise Him for all He has done and is doing!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL-0dCOyXNYvrb9XXrpQLEgFRC41vLyGHAT3yL227ArpylqE3AdVsImAHfiv_H_2wVYeGINXT8o6qwy1MLoifgM6TKlucboVITvqiW90tRXGzhDiMflhP36Md2AEnJ931Mk_2WZk0k2u0/s1600/100_2066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL-0dCOyXNYvrb9XXrpQLEgFRC41vLyGHAT3yL227ArpylqE3AdVsImAHfiv_H_2wVYeGINXT8o6qwy1MLoifgM6TKlucboVITvqiW90tRXGzhDiMflhP36Md2AEnJ931Mk_2WZk0k2u0/s1600/100_2066.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black squirrels in Mexico City </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPJmvP90VOd-OcWh2yKRXyGX8-MrIal04ehFchX6gHxGa2x_ZUo4NaAXW16rToZHZNnSLirUNsbmXK36cRJiECzP4wC_oKwZagHVmvU6B4fp8qyr2qjRQgsEii3YTZnGag62pY1gO6L_k/s1600/100_2069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPJmvP90VOd-OcWh2yKRXyGX8-MrIal04ehFchX6gHxGa2x_ZUo4NaAXW16rToZHZNnSLirUNsbmXK36cRJiECzP4wC_oKwZagHVmvU6B4fp8qyr2qjRQgsEii3YTZnGag62pY1gO6L_k/s1600/100_2069.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princeton N.J. (contrary to popular belief) is not the only place in the world with black squirrels!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-53674274776338912452013-08-10T12:22:00.001-07:002013-08-10T15:45:13.117-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Children´s Festival Camp Kikomar</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnn4WAQTUWyFOWbOB_-chvifFxM9Roc0dPJUh9qfQZ16grU_UINWiA7FJxIBux4gFobh3t7d7OX6S-SmL8yPipCac6pGv73UTLZLHYcX3RtSV64ecnOXAIunYvHDM3Z1EgJOpBAf8PEjmY/s1600/100_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnn4WAQTUWyFOWbOB_-chvifFxM9Roc0dPJUh9qfQZ16grU_UINWiA7FJxIBux4gFobh3t7d7OX6S-SmL8yPipCac6pGv73UTLZLHYcX3RtSV64ecnOXAIunYvHDM3Z1EgJOpBAf8PEjmY/s400/100_2012.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every summer Camp Kikomar hosts a children's festival. Many children are invited but the guests of honor are children and youth who live in the beach communities near the camp. This is because, "the inhabitants of our island (where Camp Kikomar is
located) are fishermen and
land squatters, though the population is low, the level of dysfunction
is extremely high. These children live very difficult lives, with scanty
attention from parents, exposed to alcoholism, drugs and violence at a
very young age. We do our best to address this with occasional festivals
and parties, but we sure wish we could do more." (From co-worker and camp director Diana Garrett)<br />
The festival is held on a weekday so that the children can help their parents either in the fields or in their tourism business on the weekends. Normally these families would be suspicious of outsiders inviting their children to an event. However, during the past several years my co-workers have established good relationships by handing out bread donated by a local grocery store, giving rides to people on their way out to the beach (no public transportation during the week) and by past festivals. </div>
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A team form Memorial Park Church in Pittsburgh came this year to take charge of the festival. Early Wednesday morning we started making trips to pick up the children and bring them to the camp. A rousing volleyball got going and then a soccer game until we were ready to start. </div>
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Next the team acted out the story of Jonah and the whale complete with an inflatable whale and audience participation trying to "hide" from God. After Jonah repented and was vomited onto shore, we encouraged our audience to obey God and give their lives to Him. </div>
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Next the kids were split into three groups for an art project, games and a time of reflection about the story. Each child also had their picture taken with a Polaroid camera on the inflatable whale. The moms in attendance also made a special craft. </div>
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Our cook Pati made a scrumptious tuna salad for everyone to enjoy and then we began the rounds to take everyone home, making sure to invite them for the next day. </div>
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Thursday was less attended probably because many of the children were working. This time I translated as the group acted out what happens when sin enters your life and gets you all dirty. Even the fellow who thought he was pretty good found out that he was dirty with sin too. This was aptly illustrated by inviting the children to smear mud all over his clean, white tee shirt! Then they saw how only Jesus can wash away the sin and give us a clean heart, illustrated by taking off the dirty shirt and putting on a clean one. </div>
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Groups for games, crafts and discussion were divided up and I had the privilege of leading three precious </div>
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children to invite Jesus into their hearts to cleanse them form sin. <br />
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Sandwiches and juice were served and again the rounds made to take them home. </div>
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We thank God for the opportunity to bless the lives of these children and look forward to an ongoing contact with them. Mostly we pray for Jesus to touch hearts and bring many into a relationship with Him. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-63790265515992456082013-08-09T18:28:00.002-07:002013-08-10T15:47:26.917-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Hidden Treasures</h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Come with us hidden treasures we are going to find.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Together we will travel beyond the sea</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">the Bible is the map, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">the Spirit will guide us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> (Chorus) Hidden treasures that God left us,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hidden treasures that Christ found. " </span></div>
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This was our theme song for the Vacation Bible School (VBS) we held at the Noah´s Ark church in July. A group of seven teenagers from Christian Heritage Academy in Brooklyn, NY came with my brother and sister-in-law to help with the big event. It was quite the cultural experience all around! The Mexicans were amazed at the size of these kids (Mexicans tend to be petite and these kids were big and tall), their zeal, laughter, rowdiness and the inner rhythm they have when they sing. The "Brooklynites" were overwhelmed by the heat, the bugs (we housed them out at Camp Kikomar on the beach), the amazing food Pati cooked for them as well as the humility and love of Pastor Armando and his wife Elianet. </div>
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For a couple of months ahead of time we were preparing skits, backgrounds, Bible lessons and workshops at the church. Noah´s Ark church has been struggling to be a positive influence in this community plagued by dysfunctional families, poverty, apathy or downright hostility to the things of God. Our prayer was that we would begin to remove rocky soil and plant seeds that will grow into healthy plants for God´s Kingdom. </div>
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Each day we taught a different parable such as: The Pearl of Great Value, The Mustard Seed, The Sower and the seed, The Good Samaritan and The Good Shepherd. We shared how God´s Kingdom is more valuable than anything here on this earth. We are of great value for our King Jesus who gave His life to make us part of His Father´s Kingdom. The lessons were complimented by games, crafts, a workshop on missions and other activities related to the theme. </div>
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It was exciting to have new children attend who either had never been to the church or whose parents had stopped attending. The last day we took children and parents for an outing at Camp Kikomar where we held one more lesson taught by my sister-in-law Heather, played some games and swam in the ocean.</div>
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Saturday afternoon we had a "cultural exchange" at the camp for youth. There was a good group of youth from local churches and non-Christians we had met in town. My brother gave his testimony how as a youth, he decided to follow Christ over his best friend who leading him down the wrong path. Luis, a young Mexican man helping at the camp, shared his testimony of growing up in a dysfunctional and alcoholic family. In desperation, he cried out to Christ for help and was rescued him from these vices. Afterwards we enjoyed hot dogs cooked over the fire and we taught them how to make "s-mores" (Have you ever made those? Know what they are?!)</div>
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It was a blessed, fun and exhausting week. The Brooklyn teens returned home challenged and excited by what they had seen and done. Rocky soil was indeed removed and seeds were planted in the Ochoa neighborhood (where Noah´s Ark church is) and in Tuxpan. Now we wait, water the plants and trust God for the increase. </div>
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Last Sunday we held the closing program in the church. Elianet prepared one more parable where Jesus teaches how the angels will come at the end of the age to separate the good fish from the bad fish. What kind of fish are you? Have you given your life to Christ so He can take you to His Kingdom? Or you living life as you wish, with no regard for Him? At the end of the service we gave out a gift bag to each child and extra prizes to those who had learned the six memory verses and parts of Psalm 145. Sunday evenings they will continue to have a children´s class and once school starts up again, we begin our Friday afternoons homework club. <i> Pray indeed that God will use all these activities to build His Kingdom in this church and neighborhood. </i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-23682075092166434112013-07-15T18:38:00.000-07:002013-07-15T18:38:52.362-07:00Praying Kids Advance God´s Kingdom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Saturday morning dawned hot but cloudy. I woke up early with knots in my stomach. This was the big day, how would it all go? What if it rained? What if the workers didn´t s how? Or what if no kids came? I managed to eat my cereal, gather my things and head out the door. Sarah, the Baptist pastor, was waiting for me. Our first stop was to the park where the event would be held. No rain so far but the park was quite overgrown with lots of grass and weeds. The person in charge of cleaning parks was probably too busy with the upcoming local elections the next day to worry about cleaning a park! <br />
The next stop was to pick up tables being loaned to us. On our way back to the park we noticed some of our people in another park. Pastor Armando quickly jumped out of the truck and steered them to the right place. By then those in charge of the different stands were arriving bringing with them children form their churches. We got everyone set up in their spot and registered the kids and leaders, dividing them into teams. <br />
Still no rain thankfully and the sun was starting to shine. <br />
We started with some praise songs about prayer, said an opening prayer and handed out the clues to each team. They´re off! Each team was given an envelope with a Scripture verse in it. Each verse had something to do with a body part such as the eye, the foot, hand etc. Each stand had a drawing of one of those parts and the teams had to figure out where to go by matching up the verse and the drawing.<br />
Luis and Cintia were in charge of teaching the Bible verse, Ephesians 6:18 to each team that visited their table. They helped each group develop a drama to represent the verse as well as praying for the persecuted church. <br />
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Pastora Sarah and her church had fun activities with balls and baskets where the children prayed for friends and family members who don´t know Christ. Pastora Margarita, ever the teacher, used a poster and her pointer to lead the participants in prayer for "at risk" children . The next table was headed up by Dra. Elianeth. This stand had pictures of children in Mexico who have suffered because of their faith in Christ. After praying for them, our kids wrote letters which Elianeth sent to a contact who works with the persecuted church here in Mexico. At the next stop, Pastor Bisteni´s daughters led the prayer for Mexico, Veracruz and Tuxpan. They used a coloring page of praying hands to focus the prayer. <br />
Each team had 20 minutes to spend at each stand and then three minutes to find their next table. At the end we call came together to sing our theme song, review our verse and see the dramas the kids had prepared. The skits were very creative, focusing on prayer in every day life and praying for those who suffer for their faith in Christ. They even showed that in an accident, before you call 911or an ambulance you should pray. That´s the quickest way to get help!<br />
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We wrapped up the morning praising God for the youngsters and the adults who took time on a Saturday morning to pray. Six different churches were represented, four of whom were in charge of one of the stands. I was impressed with the creativity, dedication and hard work of each group. And it never did rain! I know we are forming a generation of prayer warriors and only God knows the lasting impact that will have. Lord willing, June 2014 we´ll hold prayer rally number three, although it was suggested we "should do this more often." I don´t think any of us have the energy for that!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-78368032242044649862013-06-21T18:29:00.001-07:002013-06-21T18:29:48.460-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
<b><span style="color: orange;">Training Camp Counselors</span></b></h2>
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Many of us grew up in summer camps enjoying warm weather, new and old friends, swimming, sports and those precious leaders, counselors, who helped us grow deeper in our walk with the Lord. I always thought being a camp counselor was something you just did, as a Christian you instinctively "knew" how to work with your campers. In my years as a missionary here in Mexico I´ve often been on the other side, as a counselor and as a director. Thank God that He uses us even when we do lack experience and training, but how wonderful it is to receive the training and learn better how to plan, lead and implement a Christian camp. <br />
This past weekend we were blessed with the visit of Cliff, Joy, Caley and Jack McCalister. Cliff is an expert on Christian camping and is receiving a doctorate in this area. The directors of Camp Kikomar (and my housemates) Mirna and Diana invited the McCalisters to give a weekend training at Kikomar. We enjoyed the beautiful weather, activities to get in touch with nature, getting ot know one another, and learning to challenge campers to grow in their walk with the Lord. We also had to change deeply ingrained ideas that it´s not about "competiton" but "cooperation"! I include an insert from Diana´s update.<br />
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<i>"Last weekend was a milestone for Camp Kikomar, as we held an
introductory training for camp counselors, with five churches from
Tuxpan represented. It was great
to see pastors and leaders, together with some of their youth, playing
games, and helping each other discover new concepts. They also expressed
the great benefit of fellowshipping together from different churches in
a neutral environment. It was great!</i></div>
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<i>And yet,
a harrowing event in one of the churches, reminded us how fragile our
lives on this earth are. Part of the pastoral family from the Last
Trumpet church, (five people) joined us on Friday afternoon at KIKOMAR,
and while doing a trust walk in the evening through the trees, they
received a phone call that their 35 year old daughter/sister/cousin had
literally dropped dead, while leading the prayer meeting at their church
a few minutes before. Those of us who were able, attended the funeral
service on Sunday morning. They need our prayers."</i></div>
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Thank God for His control, plan and sovereignty in our lives, over the joys and the heartaches. Another in-depth training is being planed around Easter next year. Come and join us if you can! Continue to pray for God´s work through the camp activities and in our lives. Also remember to uphold this family who lost their loved one and seek God´s grace that we might glorify Him in all we do.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-46618987124262691622013-05-31T14:41:00.001-07:002013-05-31T14:41:50.467-07:00Beautiful feet<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"How beautiful upon the </i></div>
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<i>Are the feet of him who brings good news, </i></div>
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<i>Who proclaims peace,</i></div>
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<i>Who brings glad tidings of good things,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Who proclaims salvation,</i></div>
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<i>Who says to Zion,</i></div>
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<i>¨Your God reigns¨"</i></div>
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<i>Isaiah 52:7</i><br />
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It has been my privilege to share the Good News of Christ´s love with the people of Mexico for nearly twenty years. I´ve served with colleagues from North America, Canada, and Latin America. Each one has enriched my life and taught me something about love and service for our Lord. Mexico still has an incredible need to hear and understand God´s Word. Praise God for His servants who are faithfully at work in this vast country.</div>
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In recent years I have heard much about the need for people to share the amazing truth of God with those in the Muslim and unreached areas. It is difficult for a North American to enter these places because our speech, looks and culture are so vastly different. However, many of these problems are not faced by our Latin brothers and sisters. Last week I met a young family whose goal is to reach out to needy people in a place yet unreached for the Gospel. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They visited the church I attend and shared about their heart´s longing to live in this country and share God´s love as they minister in practical ways. The husband recently returned form an exploratory trip where he spent time in a refugee camp. The people he met thought he was one of them..until he opened his mouth and couldn´t speak their language! (Happens to me often...only my looks give me away first!) They looked at his hair, skin color and goatee he wears and were sure he was Muslim. When they heard his Muslim sounding name they asked, "Are you Muslim...are all Mexicans Muslim?" The precious children he met in the camp were greatly amused pointing out things and asking what they were called in Spanish, and then he would try to repeat the words in their language. He will return soon with his wife and child to begin translating the Scripture into these people´s heart language.<br />
I spoke with his wife later that afternoon and she told me how for many years she has longed to work among the people and children in this country. However, since women are so poorly valued there, it was impossible for her to go alone. She rejoices that God brought her a godly husband so that together they can purse this dream.<br />
I was greatly impressed with this young family, knowing that they have a challenging and difficult task. Their mission board has asked them to establish a work there so that later they can send others to join them. That means initially they will be alone. <br />
<i>Prasie God for His call on His servants´ life. Pray for this young family and other Latin missionaries who are answering the call to shed His light to the unreached.</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-86611085989445585052013-05-23T18:55:00.001-07:002013-05-23T18:55:27.171-07:00Baptism in the Sea!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooCc8J_N_9VGsIpBznshNDcLO8Z9qB5JbhTHRQ5mEgyoGf49jUv-_Nw93T1oAaNj8eTXZhSl5-SP7yu7rkn_D77jXmUiVPh1AKJ279cS6bfj8eVahSTU2lE6x3PE6cV0oLOssu8jwDiQ9/s1600/DSC_0000082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooCc8J_N_9VGsIpBznshNDcLO8Z9qB5JbhTHRQ5mEgyoGf49jUv-_Nw93T1oAaNj8eTXZhSl5-SP7yu7rkn_D77jXmUiVPh1AKJ279cS6bfj8eVahSTU2lE6x3PE6cV0oLOssu8jwDiQ9/s1600/DSC_0000082.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out to sea to be baptized</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathering on the shore prior to baptisms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJv7ldfnhoM2KuuqfCwvNAZn0YABNu5jvtWR_W0e-JSqLMnI0acSIdbQyVThvG5QGOYZPoeZlWCGB9Vd_W_6w3Z74VfwDU35uf1iL2O3KYukC48bHCS12xK6ffSVbxmPCCg6qoquLEreda/s1600/DSC_0000086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJv7ldfnhoM2KuuqfCwvNAZn0YABNu5jvtWR_W0e-JSqLMnI0acSIdbQyVThvG5QGOYZPoeZlWCGB9Vd_W_6w3Z74VfwDU35uf1iL2O3KYukC48bHCS12xK6ffSVbxmPCCg6qoquLEreda/s1600/DSC_0000086.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming back to shore and praising God after baptisms</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Last Sunday dawned hot and clear here in my city. It was my Sunday to care for the kids in the
children home sponsored by a church here in town. I was up early and over there
by 8:00 a.m. It was going to be a big day;
all four of the kids were to be baptized along with other folks from the
church. I got them out of bed, a quick
breakfast of cereal (not a typical Mexican breakfast but no time for anything
more substantial!) and rushed off to the 9:00 a.m. service. The children warned me that pastor had said
it would be along service, no Sunday school today. After a lot of music, prayer, a stirring
message from Pastor Arturo and sharing from a young Mexican couple headed to
Bangladesh as missionaries (more on them in my next blog), the meeting was over
just as folks were arriving for the 12:00 service.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took my charges back home, got lunch ready and even had a
quick nap before the ladies arrived who wanted a ride to the baptism service at
4:00. Shorts and t-shirts were donned,
lunch packed and we all piled into "Vikingo" (Viking) my red, Nissan
truck. We arrived at the beach and found
the pavilion where the church brethren were gathering. There was a big crowd present with the 38
youth, children and adults to be baptized, plus family, friends and church
members. Another short service with more singing, prayer and Scripture reading
followed until Pastor Arturo invited us down to the water.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone gathered on the shore while the pastor, an elder
and the folks to be baptized headed out into the waves. We couldn't hear what was said to the people,
but we continued singing and clapping as we watched each one go under the
waves, burying a former way of life, and come back up a new creature in Christ!
I did notice a few of the youngsters, recently baptized, having a fun playing
in the waves while the rest were baptized.
Kids will be kids! After all had been immersed under the water, they
walked back to shore together holding hands and praising God. Those of us on shore gathered around to give
hugs and congratulate them for their decision to publicly follow Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once back in the pavilion, Pastor Arturo asked family
members and church leaders to gather around the newly baptized and pray for
them. He asked us to specifically pray
that they would faithful to Christ and follow through on the commitment they
had just made and never turn back. I prayed fervently for the four precious
young ones from the home, knowing that life is full of difficulties and
challenges, especially for these who come from such difficult backgrounds. God will keep them true to Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
With the baptisms done and the service over, it was time
for lunch. Everyone pulled out the food they had brought and lots of goodies
were shared. Finally it was time for
...swimming in the ocean! Some of ladies were fearful of letting the kids go
into the water, but I'm a veteran swimmer from childhood so I promised to keep
a good eye on them. We spent an hour or
so in the warm, salty waves, splashing swimming, dumping sand on one another
and having a blast. Finally, as the sun
was going down, I dragged those children out of the waves and back into
Vikingo. We finally arrived home around
8:30 for showers, supper, a devotional time and bed. The kids were pretty wound up so it took a
lot of scolding and nagging before they settled down. At last, I took my shower and collapsed into
bed also, praising God for a blessed and fun day and for His many mercies and
kindnesses to us His children. God is
good!<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7173928494449968073.post-29228640234227556252013-05-11T15:37:00.002-07:002013-05-11T15:37:41.533-07:00MomThe years have indeed brought changes to the mother/daughter relationship. I admit as a kid I didn´t feel really close to my mom. Of course there were things that she did that drove me crazy and I rebelled against or even resented. It took me many years to understand that her way of showing love is by service, doing things for her family; like making sure we ate balanced meals, were well clothed and active in church. Words and touch do not come easy for her and she expresses love through her actions. In recent years we have developed a friendship, especially as my father suffered from his illness and in February, his home going. We have been spent more time together, enjoying one another´s company and doing things together...like watching a movie, going for walks and church being involved in church activities. Since dad passed on, I realize just how much stress she was under to care for him, and I admire her dedication, love and faithfulness to him over more than 61 years. I see my mother now as the faithful servant she is, serving the Lord and her family through the many challenges, stresses and joys of her 82 years. Perhaps we don´t always connect on a deep level, talking and sharing things of the heart, but we love one another deeply and are thankful to be together when we can, talk often and pray for one another. My mom is indeed a prayer warrior and her prayers have sustained me not only over my nearly 20 years of ministry, but throughout my life. I appreciate her concern for the people and activities I am involved in and her support through her love, prayers and even financially. I pray the Lord<br />
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gives us more years to strengthen our friendship as we each deepen our walk with Him. I love you mom, Happy Mother´s Day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07121582022621648818noreply@blogger.com1