Your Great Name

Easter Baskets!
Easter Morning 2011

It's been almost a year that the girls have had some circumstance that have allowed them to spend more time with us. Now they are older, their younger sister and younger brother have been spending more time with us as well. Although, usually it's not ALL 4 of them at once, sometimes it is.

It's hard to know sometimes how much to open our home to them and how much to protect our own family time. But God is always good and has shown us He is in control. It has just kindof grown on us and feels natural. Sometimes it's not easy. We have had to trust God in each step as he calls us in faith that he will provide. It's hard to say no sometimes-- not knowing, but I know that God loves these girls so much more than I ever can. God has shown me time and time again the blessings out of following His calling:

• 3 fatherless girls who call my husband "Papi" and my parents "Grammy and Grampa"
• Making more room for everyone at the table for lunch after church, God always provides enough food.
• Introducing them as my "Half daughter, because they spend half of their time at our house"
• When Caleb started his new school "on his own," He wasn't really ever on his own.
• When someone behind me at the check-out line gives me that "look" when you're a big family and asks just how do I do it "with all those kids."
• When they find creative ways to have fun, and include everyone. 
• Having an extra pile of clothes to put away because these 3 special little girls put their dirty laundry in our basket along with everyone else in our family.
• Having extra clothes that don't fit Alisia any longer, climbed up in the attack to get them down to use for 3 special girls who have been spending the night.
• Cleaned out 2 extra bottom drawers....just for them.
• When they call and ask to pick them up from a party where there are people drinking and they don't feel comfortable
• Standing up for them because someone called them a bad name 
• When they or I mess up and have to apologize, being able to quickly forgive, and still love.
• When they get to witness the promise of the Covenant
• Praying with them for their parents, wherever they may be.
• When they have that moment of understanding that God really does love them and care for them and provides for their every need.

*Click on the links to read more of their time with us

I just love this song by Natalie Grant. I always think of the girls....and myself, and us...and...well, it's just a great song: 

Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up; and all the world will praise Your great name

[Verse 2:]
All the weak; find their strength; at the sound of Your great name
Hungry souls; receive grace; at the sound of Your great name
The fatherless; they find their rest; at the sound of Your great name 

Sick are healed; and the dead are raised; at the sound of Your great name 

Is Love Really Enough?

I love this man! He is my everyday-Valentine! I still get butterflies when we go out together, when he holds my hand or he gives me that look. I'm so thankful to be so very blessed!

But we still have our not-so-good days. We have our hard times. There are days when my flesh wonders if it's really worth it. There are days when I ask myself, is our love enough?  

There is absolutely hope for our marriage. But not through our own strength and our own efforts to love one another. We must love how God instructs us to love in His word. He has given us the ultimate example of love through sending His Son to die for our sins on the cross. This is a real love that can be seen and felt and experienced. We can abide in His love, and we can give it.

Here are some biblical truths we can practice in our relationships:

• Be patient & kind (1 Cor 13:4)

• Always protect, trust, hope, and persevere (1 Cor 13:7)

• Become one (Matt 19:6)
• Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25)

• Carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
• Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32)

• Serve one another (Gal 5:13)

• Pray for one another (James 5:16)

• Speak truth in love (Eph 4:15)
• Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly (Micah 6:8)
• Be at peace with one another (Rom 14:19)
• Lay down your lives for one another (John 15:12-14)

• Encourage, build up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

• Love never fails (1 Cor 13:8)

My prayer for my marriage--our marriages-- is that we can actually apply these biblical truths to our relationships and have a Christ-centered marriage that is different from the world. So that when others look to our marriage, they see Christ lifted up in the midst of joy and happiness or hardships and struggles--they see Him being glorified in the good and the bad. Take that "love" feeling you may have today and apply it all year long!

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God."

1 John 4:7 

Healer for the broken

I got a text from a friend last night "We got into it again, he started saying horrible mean things, and pushed me. I don't know what to do, I feel so broken."

She is a co-worker, dating a Hispanic, and recently found out she is expecting. And for some reason, she has completely opened up with me (maybe because I'm married to one?). Since finding out she's pregnant, they have not been getting along.

Oh, how my heart breaks for her. I've been lifting them up in prayer whenever God brings them to mind. But sometimes I really don't know what to say. I've invited her to our church, but I don't even know if she is a Christian. She does talk about God, vaguely. Is saying I'll pray for you really enough?

Angel has been taking a care-giving class at church for the past few weeks. As I was telling him this burden for my co-worker that has been heavily on my heart, his first reaction was for us to pray for them together and let's invite them over.

Sure, I was thinking it'd be nice to spend some time outside of work with her and meet who she's been talking about. Maybe we could watch a movie or play some games and get to know them.

"Invite them over and let's talk to them and pray with them," he said.

Oh, wow. That's way out of my comfort zone. "You mean confront their brokenness? Talk about their mistakes? Bring the hidden out in the open? Offer to pray with them? Who am I to confront their sin?" I wanted to clarify.

"Yeah, we were there once too," he answered. "We had struggles and sometimes wondered if our marriage was going to make it. If they want to know what 'the secret' is to a strong marriage, let's be ready to share it with them. We don't have all the answers, but we know where to find them. They feel broken, let's bring them to The Healer."

So I sent her a text back inviting them over. Their story isn't over yet. And neither is mine or yours.

"He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wonds"

Psalm 147:3

Is your name in the Bible?

I have shared about both Caleb and Aaron's names and scripture references that we picked with them. Alisia has made a comment that she wishes her name was in the Bible. I told her that her name is all over the Bible, just to look closely for it. Then I found the perfect scripture that fit her and had her name in it: 

I also made this one for a new baby of a friend.

Is your name written in God's book? 

Even on a Good Day...

What a wonderful day!
My husband was off and we spent the entire day--together.
Breakfast--together.
Enjoying the beautiful fall weather--together.
Quiet time with God--together.
Time in prayer--together.
Aaron loved the attention from both of us. We got to watch Caleb's soccer game. He got to study.
The kids did their homework and played well together.
They listened. No fighting. No whining.
Early dinner.
More time as a family outside.
Dishes done, laundry folded and put away.
Bedtime was actually on time! The house was quiet before 10 pm!.
It was a good day.

Then.
It happened. I took something he said wrong and reacted out of anger. I quickly apploigized, but just that fast, the good day wasn't as good anymore.

On bad days, we know we need God's grace. But even on the best day of days, we are still never good enough to earn grace. Even on this very good day, I still need His grace. I am reminded:

"For it is by grace you have been saved, 
through faith—and this not from yourselves,
 it is the gift of God— not by works, 
so that no one can boast."

Eph 2:8-9

The Trump Shall Resound

Sometimes we need the reminder. Sometimes we need for our world not to make sense and our longing for heaven to be so great that it out weighs our sense of reality here on earth. Sometimes through our earthly loss and pain we have a renewed passion and purpose. We were made to worship. We were made for eternity.

Let Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as it is in Heaven.

I wonder what he is seeing right now.....

Revelation 5:11-13

"Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and praise!

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:

To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be praise and honor and glory and power,

for ever and ever!"

Sing Joyfully

We can always be amazed by the almighty, unchanging love that God continues to give us. I feel like these past few weeks of school ending have just flown by and have been completely packed. There's too much going on. Field trips. Zoo. Kings Dominion. End of the year celebrations. Practice solo. Spring Concerts. Homework. Studying. Final Papers. Tests. Play's. Work. Trainings. Meetings. Home Visits. Documentation. The hospital moving. Volunteer to help. Mother's Day. Graduations and Ceremoney's. Loss, grieving. Travel. Funeral. A little Chuck E Cheese fun. Anniversary. Angel's Birthday. Jarrod's here. Stephanie. Meet Baby Marc! Hold him. Kiss him. Eat him up! No more skyping. Slurpees, cook-outs, sprinklers, water games. Got-it?

Yet through it all, God has remained consistent and steady in showing his obvious love for us. I want to enjoy these moments and not rush through them. I've struggled with not being able to be a part of every moment and every field trip, but I've already learned this lesson last year when I was 8 months pregnant. God loves our children so much more than we do. I'm so thankful for what I have been able to be a part of. I'm so excited because of some changes, I'll be working part-time through out the summer and hope that it slows down a bit.

To hear our children sing these truths as they lift their hands in praise was a beautiful melody to my heart!

"Your love is deeper than the depths of the ocean
broader than the winds of the sea
overflowing love like a moutian
all of creation sings joyfully."

*you can hear Aaron in the background, he liked it too and wanted to sing!
*Caleb's solo (2nd video) was a bit longer than this video. I cut it off thinking that was the end. Regardless, he did so good!

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.

that kindof day

It was that kindof day.

The kind where there's something wrong with everyone else.

The baby who woke me up 3 times during the night.
Grumbling each time, I dragged myself out of bed.

The neighbor who didn't care about their overflowing trash blowing into my yard.
I picked it up and threw it back.

The taxi driver who cut me off on the way to work.
I yelled at him through the closed entrapment of my car even though no one could hear.

The officer who said she "had to write up a ticket anyway."
I mumbled something disrespectful under my breath.

My co-worker who was complaining about all of her problems.
I didn't have time to listen.

My boss said funding might be cut in half for next year.
I'm tempted to only do my job half-way.

My husband who wanted to unload all his stress.
He felt better. Now what about me?

My kid who didn't like the supper I made.
"Eat it or go to bed," I said.


Did I actually say and do those things? Wow. Writing it down is pretty ugly. I did not want to be the hands and feet of Christ. What perfect opportunities to point others to God. But, my heart is dirty. But ya know, on days like this, I'm reminded that God's grace IS enough. His grace is for me too.

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Easter Reflections

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8

I'm the type of person who clings to the cross when I need it. There is something so comforting knowing that he knows every tear and every heartache. But, when things are going well and problems are minimal, I know God is there and I am thankful, but I am less likely to cling. My prayer is that I can be drawn to God daily, in all things.

Well, God has been answering my prayer. But not quite how I expected. Lately, God has been reminding me daily of my sin. And it doesn't feel good. I fail. I strive so hard to meet everyone else needs, and I fail. In my sin of pleasing everyone else, I loose sight of what God did for me. But over Easter weekend, I was reminded that this is necessary for me to cling to the cross. I need to be reminded of my failure. I can't be the perfect mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. I need to be reminded daily that He sent His son to die on the cross for my sin. I need to be reminded that I can't do it alone and by myself. I need God's strength. I need Him. In weakness and in strength, I need him. In all things I need Him.

I have a Savior who died for me. I am not condemned to punishment, because Jesus paid it for me. His blood covers all my sins. Praise God!

Daniel and The Lion's Den (Re-told)

Daniel was a woman man of prayer. Daniel was distinguished above all the King's helpers because of his excellent spirit.


Daniel was given a top job in the kingdom of Darius because he was a faithful hard worker.


This made the King's helpers jealous of Daniel.
King Darius' helpers schemed a plan against Daniel.


They tricked the king to pass a law that said no one could pray to God for 30 days or would be cast into the (scarey) lion's den.


Daniel had a habit to pray to God three times a day.
Daniel knew of the law, but he continued to pray each day as he always did because he loved God.


The King's helpers watched Daniel closely to catch him in prayer- breaking the law.


When they caught Daniel praying to God, they took him to the King.


When King Darius heard news that Daniel had broken the law, he realized that he had been tricked. His heart was greatly troubled because he loved her him.


The King had to punish Daniel and ordered that Daniel be cast into a den of (fierce, hungry) lions.


The king hoped that Daniel’s God would deliver him.
The king was so worried about Daniel that he couldn’t sleep that night.


Early the next morning, the king went to see if Daniel had been killed.

He cried out to see if Daniel was alive and Daniel answered him,
"My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me."


The king was overjoyed and had Daniel pulled out of the lions den. No injury was found on him, because he believed in God.


The King then brought the men who had accused Daniel and threw them in the den of lions, along with every member of their families.

The lions tore them to pieces before they could even hit the ground.


And Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius.

Story taken from Daniel 6

CAST:
La familia Garcia, Donna and Hal, Julianne, Maria

Alisia: Daniel

Angel: King Darius

Caleb: the fierce, hungry, scary lion

Brooke: Towns person, Stage help, photographer

Julianne: Narrator, Towns person

Maria: King's Helper

Donna: King's Helper

Hal: King's Helper

"For He is the living God,

And steadfast forever;

His kingdom is the one

which shall not be destroyed,

And His dominion shall endure to the end.

He delivers and rescues,

And He works signs and wonders

In heaven and on earth,

Who has delivered Daniel

from the power of the lions. "

Daniel 6:26-27

First Love

With Valentine's day being the main topic at our house, I love seeing how the kids look for creative ways to make their friends feel special. They even look for ways to make each other feel special, us, and their grandparents! Alisia is so careful not to leave anyone out. She has been using her snack money to bring home something from school for each of us. As Caleb was getting his Valentine's ready for his class last night, he asked me if he could sneak one into Papi's lunch box for him to find. I love this! They're love is so real. So sincere.

This kind of real and sincere love is what God wants us to experience much more deeply through knowing His love. If you are still looking for God's love, now is the time to give your life to him. If you already know His love, do you remember what it was like when you first repented and asked God to make you a new creature? Do you remember the overwhelming sense of joy and peace he granted you at that time?

The bible warns against forgetting our first love.

"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love."
Revelation 2:4

I don't remember the exact moment because I was only 3 or 4. But I have experienced that renewed love by seeing His word work in my life. I have also been able to experience it by witnessing my children at different times call on Him into their life. After both of them prayed and invited Jesus into their heart, they were eager to tell everyone! I can see their love for the Lord grow stronger with their desire to go and tell others. They want to be sure their friends know Jesus and will be in heaven too! They have a heart to change the world.

That's what it is like when you are in love. Remember? You want everyone to know! If you know His love for you, take delight in it and boldly share it with those around you.

"I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
Is 61:10

For unto us a Child is Born

We rejoice this day for the Savior born. He was sent for us! He came to die. That we may be set free. To give us hope.

"I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. "

Luke 2:10-11

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well."

1 John 5:1

Come, thou long expected Jesus,

born to set thy people free;

from our fears and sins release us,

let us find our rest in thee.

Israel's strength and consolation,

hope of all the earth thou art;

dear desire of every nation,

joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,

born a child and yet a King,

born to reign in us forever,

now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal spirit

rule in all our hearts alone;

by thine all sufficient merit,

raise us to thy glorious throne.

Charles Wesley, 1744

When Words Aren't Enough

Grandparents day is coming up at school where the grandparents are invited to spend the day with the kids. They are making invitations to send to their grandparents. Well, Abuelito, Angel's dad, lives in Mexico and Alisia has never even met him. She's talked to him on the phone a few times and we send pictures back and forth but that's it. At first Alisia wasn't sure how she felt about making him an invitation. She knew he won't come. I told her it would be a good idea to still send him an invitation and tell him a little bit about herself. And it would be a good way to share Jesus with him.

Alisia made him the sweetest card and has been praying everyday for him that he will know how much God loves him. She also told me it was much more important to pray for him than to send him a card, or even talk to him on the phone since she doesn't speak very good Spanish. She said God could help him understand what she's trying to say. Then she very wisely said, "Sometimes, when I don't know what to say, I just pray and God helps me."


"For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
Psalms 100:5

His Grace is Sufficient for Me

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
2 Corinthians 12:9

We are barely just starting to get used to our new school schedule. And here comes a new adjustment. This week will be a busy one for us as Caleb starts soccar and Alisia starts choir. We are looking forward to a church retreat this weekend, but I need this reminder this morning. I pray that Christ's strength will rest in me because my weakness is great.

Reflections

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done."
1 Chronicles 16:8

My heart overflows with thanksgiving as I count the many blessings the Lord has given me.

I wake up this morning to breakfast on the table and decorations by my seat. Homemade cards and carefully drawn pictures. My children's faces eager to make this a special day for me. I was off from work, Angel was off and we are all going to spend the day together. What more could I ask for? I am thankful.

I was surrounded this evening with love. My family around me. My husband and kids. My parents and grandparents. My sister-in-law and my nephew (and those who could not be there). The relationship I have with my family. Christian examples I look-up to for the example I am to my own kids. Generations of God's faithfulness. I am thankful.

Emails and voice-mails from friends. Encouragement. Love.

The gift of His son. The Ultimate Sacrifice. Dying on the cross for my sins is far beyond my comprehension. But I am grateful.

He has called me to Himself in a way I cannot keep to myself. Let the nations know of His mercies.

Thank you Lord for life in you. Thank you for another year.

A Taste of Heaven

We have some fun updates from our weekend. But I probably won't get to it today.

Please take a moment and read this post from a dear sister in Christ. Years ago she was one of my youth group leaders and I've always admired her beautiful family, her beautiful voice and ability to lead in worship. Now, as a breast cancer survivor, I admire her even more for being so real in her faith and trials. This post is such a beautiful reminder of how much God loves us and that we don't have to go through trials alone. I'm so thankful for the glimpses of heaven God gives us such as the picture she describes of believers lifting eachother up in prayer. It makes me long for heaven even more. It drives me to "tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love."

Seeing the World Upside-Down

Alisia had to memorize this passage this year for school. Think about this for a moment and let it turn your world upside-down, as knowing Christ and understanding the gospel often does.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you
and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Matthew 5:3-11

Precious in His Sight

I've been in North Carolina this week on a job training conference. I've been enjoying the time to myself, while missing my family like crazy! My awesome husband is enduring the week as a single father, with the help of my wonderful parents of course.

This is the first time I've been on a conference of this type. It's called the "National Smart Start." There is a ton of great break out sessions offered to choose from that focuses on a particular area for growth and learning. I feel like it has better prepared me for situations I face in my job as well as with my own children. Then, they pull us together as a group and encourage us to continue to fight for early childhood initiatives. We hear success stories, examples and statistics. "Write your Legislators. Come Together. Unite. Be one voice - One strong voice for children."

I've been thinking a lot about this. For me, it is important to be an advocate for families and children. I have been amazed at how much advocacy actually makes a difference. I love having this part of my role in my job. While I understand the early childhood initiatives and programs are important for all children, I guess my reasons for being here are different. Sure, it's great to further your professional knowledge in a particular area, especially when you can relate personally, but for me, it's much more simpler than all that. While working with children on a daily basis, I am reminded how much Jesus loves them.

He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." Mark 9:36

For me, that is reason enough - To share Jesus' love and pray that a seed is planted in them and the lives of their family.

Heaven Bound

Just a Reminder...

"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. "
Romans 8:24-25