When I Grow-Up

“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”

2 Corinthians 5:15

Caleb: “Mommy how come I have to be something when I grow up”

Me (no idea what he’s asking): “I’m not sure Caleb”

Caleb: “How come I have to be a drawer or cooker or race-car driver or a police man?” (those are on his current list of future aspirations)

Me (still not quite sure what he’s getting at): “Well you don’t have to be one of those things, you can do anything you choose. “

Caleb: “But how come I have to choose something when I grow up? How come people ask me that?”

Me (thinking I understand where he’s going with this now): “I guess cause they just want to know what you like.”

Caleb: “But why?”

Me (realizing this could go on for a while): “I don’t know bud.”

Ya know, I’ve been thinking about his question. ‘Cause my answer wasn’t good enough. Yes, it is true that he’s still in the “why” stage of life, but still. My answer, ‘you can do anything you choose’ just didn’t feel right.

Every child loves dreaming about when they grow up. For me, I loved pretend to wash dishes with my older brother and using my younger brother to play dress up and play house. I loved dreaming that one day I would be a famous singer. As I grew up, I still searched for what I was good at. I knew I liked drawing, math, and language. I liked writing. As I grew in my love for the Lord, my heart broke for people that did not know him. I could never find the right words to explain what I wanted to do. I couldn’t explain “service.”

As I look back, it is so clear. Little by little God kept pointing me down the same path, and giving me the same desires. As my relationship with the Lord grew, the desires of my heart became stronger.

Consider these thoughts from Elizabeth Elliott:

"What do you want to be when you grow up" Is that a fair question in teaching kids to submit their lives to God? Is it really their choice? We are trying to teach our kids to listen to God's calling in their life and surrender their life to him....

…If a young person has been taught from childhood that he ought to ‘be something’ without at the same time being shown that nothing is better than being God’s servant, he may be preoccupied with ambitions and ideals he has gotten solely from the world.”

Well, now I feel prepared to answer that question differently. We want to teach our children to obey God’s will in their lives. We want to help them to see the gifts and talents the Lord has given them to serve him! Now I will look for an opportunity to pray with my children, that they will seek the will of the Lord in their life. The prayer of the Psalmist:

" Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths; 
guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long"
Psalm 25:4-5

Here's a picture of my little buddy helping me clean the windows! He shows such a servants heart!

Permanent Beach Hair?

I'd love some second opinions.

These two pictures were taken right BEFORE we went to the beach:

This picture was taken right when we arrived to the beach very late in the night.  

These two were taken AT the beach:

And this is how his hair has been ever since we've been back!!! AFTER the beach!! I mean seriously? Have you ever seen a baby with a natural mohawk? Maybe I should put some gel in it and make it look like I did it on purpose? I gotta admit, it's growing on me and I love it! But I can't help but wonder....

Health Care Reform

The other week, we drove an hour to a Free Medical Clinic at a local university. They offered dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, vision care, eye exams, Free prescription glasses if needed, general physicals, and women's health. Everything free of charge. I'd never been to one of these before, but in my opinion it showed the obvious need for Health Care Reform. We have basic health insurance, but not dental or vision. So we went.

We got there at 6:30 am and were number 411 in line. Some people had been waiting all night! The waiting went quickly a little before 8am we were registering. It was a little strange that everything was done out in the open. Registering, medical history, blood pressure checks, vaccines, chiropractor, etc. And long, long lines.

 I hopped right over the the dental line. I was number 18, but this line was moving the slowest. Angel and his cousin went to get their vision checked. They were number 61 & 62 but this lined seemed to move the fastest. They both needed glasses and their prescription was filled right then and there! When they got done, I was still waiting for my cleaning, but had them hold my place so I could have my eyes checked. I have a slight correction needed, but not really worth getting glasses. I guess I should have gotten them though since there was no cost.

Anyway, I ended up waiting for 5 hours for a cleaning. But I finally got it. In front of anyone who wanted to watch. I didn't really care. At that point, Angel didn't want to keep waiting The "dental hygienist" seemed to know what she was doing, but her assistant didn't. She kept poking me with that sucker thing. All the dental exams were done in another room. The table in the front had all the "sterile" supplies. I watched closely how it worked before it was my turn.

I love the sleek feeling after a dental cleaning! Talk about the need for health care reform! Now we'll have to just see what the reform actually entails and if we'll still need clinics like this in the future!

Reasons to Celebrate

"I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."

Genesis 17:7

What a blessed day when your child asks to give a public profession of faith. Combine that with a baptism of another child. So much to celebrate!

Alisia has been asking the meaning of the sacrament of Communion. After we discussed it a few times, we left it at she would let us know when she is ready. Our church combines this with a public profession of faith and understanding of salvation. How my heart rejoices when I watch and listen to my children understanding God's promises in His Word. What a beautiful thing knowing they're living and breathing his truths. She gave us permission to be present while she talked with some of the pastors about this decision. As they asked her some questions, it was evident the Holy Spirit was working in her life. It was such a blessing for us all to hear her share her testimoney. As we were preparing for Aaron's baptism, what a perfect time for Alisia to come forward in the church as well. And to celebrate the promises God gave us. A beautiful picture of the promise of God's Covenant to his people.

We are rejoicing! Rejoicing at the work the Lord has done in Alisia's heart. We are praying for the work he continues to do as she seeks to glorify Him with her life. And that God will graciously show Aaron his need for a Savior. And for Caleb, as he is learning what it means to be a follower of Christ. We are praying that we can be faithful parents in raising our three children in Him as we daily seek God in our own struggles.

"What's wrong Mommy?" Caleb asked me in the car on the way home as tears filled my eyes. It was one of those mother-moments you can't explain. Thinking of the ways that God has manifisted his will in her life. And the fruits of the Spirit that are so evident in her. Thinking of the past and all the ways that God has put his hand over her life and called her. Thinking of the future and her desire to share His love with others. Your stomach gets all knotted and excited and overwhelmed all at the same time and the only thing you can do is cry! Nothing's wrong! I'm rejoicing. Thinking of all the rejoicing that must be in heaven right now as well.

A prayer for our children is this:
"Only fear the Lord, and serve him faithfully with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you."

1 Samuel 12:24

Our family with the pastor Jacinto and his wife Sandy.


Our family with my parents and two neighbor girls that have been coming to church with us this past year.

Every Mother Can Relate to This

Ahhh..the joys of mothering! The very best job in the world!

Garage Band

This garage band got it's start by playing American Idol! And this was American Idol at it's best, garage style! I had a front row seat.

But sometimes boys just don't cooperate, so it's usually just these three talented singers

A Full Busy Easter Day

Happy Easter!
I have some fun Easter pictures to share. But, I've hesitated writing this post. Looking back, I can clearly see God's gracious hand guiding my attention to focus on Him, the cross, and the true meaning of Easter. He is Alive! Praise God!

We settled back from our busy spring break vacation at the beach and attempted to get back into the routine of things. We sent the kids to bed early for our traditional Easter sun-rise service. We could hear them still up from our bedroom. Angel saw Alisia's light on and scolded them. Shortly after, the house was silent. Everyone asleep.

We woke up early and headed to church. Alisia asked me what our plans were for the day. "I was hoping me and Caleb would have time to finish reading the Easter story. Last night we didn't get to finish since Papi told us to turn the light off."

But we had quite a full busy Easter day. One thing we look forward to on holidays is finding ways to incorporate both cultures in our celebration! After sun-rise service, we had a delicious traditional Latino-style Easter breakfast (click here for '08, and '09). My American style quiche balanced well with the Tamales, Ensalada de Fruta, and Pan dulce. We napped, did Easter baskets, had family time, lunch with grandparents, visited some dear friends, played outside 'till dark, and visited my brother's family in Korea via Skype. A very full day.

The kids ended up spending the night with grandparents since they had one last day of spring-break and Angel and I had to work. As I was getting ready for work, I ran into Alisia's room to grab the straightener (yes! She's at that age!). On her bed her Bible laid open to the Easter story. Anticipating coming back to read the second part. The Resurrection.

My heart swelled up and I got a big lump in my throat as I held back the tears.

My heart was both aching and rejoicing at the same time. I am so ashamed. While we had a wonderful Easter celebration, I am ashamed that our day was too busy to read the second part, to finish the Easter story. I am so proud of this girl and who she is becoming in Christ. Her love for God's word and desire to teach her brothers of Christ's love. Jesus is Alive! His Spirit is working! Once again, God has shown me that his work will continue through his Spirit regardless of me and my failure. He is faithful. He is Alive!



"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..."
1 Peter 1:3