Leaving on a Jet Plane...7 days and counting

I will be attending a three month language course in San Jose, Costa Rica beginning January 5 2011. I will have the opportunity to practice daily (rather minute by minute).

I completed the first cycle of the intense Spanish courses in Miami and did well. LAM and I believe that a full emersion course will serve me better in both language acquisition and cultural understanding.

I will dearly miss being an assistance at LAM's home office in Miami where I have served the past six months. LAM, my sending church, and I are in agreement that this is the best path to take considering the ministry calling the Lord has placed on my heart.

During this past month the personnel, ministries and member care departments of LAM have continued to reach out to La Casa. We are hopeful for the future, but do see that more work is necessary. As I complete language training, LAM will have time to assist La Casa in many ways.

I want to thank you again for your faithfulness in supporting me in prayer as well as finances, especially as I complete the last phases of language accusation.

I ask you to join in interceding in prayer for various needs over the next four months:

• Ability to obtain a higher level of Spanish enabling me to manage any situation that may arise once on the field.

• Faith & trust in the Lord’s plan for me and the giftings he has placed within me for service.

• Wisdom for La Casa de Mi Padre’s staff as they make necessary administrative and leadership

adjustments.

• Wisdom for LAM’s staff as they work with La Casa and other ministries in improving the care for the children being served at La Casa as well as those doing the serving at La Casa.

Your partnership continues to be invaluable as I serve under our Lord’s direction.

Emmanuel

I do not think I say this word outside of the Christmas season. As I think about the word the implications are staggering. Emmanuel, God With Us. Why would God ever want to be with me? The crazier thing is that it is not just at Christmas that God wants to be with me. God is with me always- when I cry, when I laugh, when I play,when I am at my worst,when I shut him out with my busyness, when I harm someone with my words, when I obsess about material things, when I value myself over others, when I ignore God prompting me to give of myself when I am “too tired.”

No human is capable within himself or herself to continually come back for love from friend who keeps rejecting. That would be considered foolish and emotional abuse. This is exactly what God does. He is Emmanuel. The God who came to be with us. He came into time and space. He came humbly into the filthiness of humanity to redeem it. He came to live amongst the worst of us.

I can’t stop thinking about this, and I can’t help but feel so blessed to have the privilege to be withGod. I like to think about this time with family and togetherness as a picture of our togetherness with Jesus.

O Come O Come Emmanuel

He is with us.

And this is my joy and peace.

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.


The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.


Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

tis the season!

...there's just something about Christmas that makes me so incredibly excited!

i love this time of year!

Great Anticipation

So faithful

So constant
So loving and so true
So powerful in all You do
You fill me
You see me
You know my every move
And You love for me to sing to You

I know that you are for me
I know that you are for me
I know that you will never forsake me in my weakness
I know that You have come now

Even if to write up on my heart
To remind me who You are

A few weeks ago a dear prayer partner sent me a card in the mail and the timing could not have been better. The poem above was on the back of the card. The Lord used her thoughtfulness to remind me of His faithfulness and love!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

fear NOT

"Do not Fear."

"What? Not even a little?"

"No, do not fear."

"Surely I may show some measure of fear?"

"No, do not fear."

"Do not fear" today. "Do not fear" tomorrow. "Do not fear" any day of your life.

Does this conversation sound familiar to one you have had with God. I know I have had this conversation, especially in dealing with the unknown future. As I have been reflecting about Christmas I was reminded of a passage in Luke 2:8-14
"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

As a daughter of the God I do not have anything to fear. I have joy in the gift of the God's son and how he has conquered every battle through his death and resurrection!

Matt 10:31 "Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

While I am waiting

Last night I was reading "Streams in the Desert" and came upon this wonderful poem by George Matheson that speaks of my cry while I am waiting

My goal is God Himself, not joy, nor peace,
Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God;
It's His to lead me there, not mine, but His-
"At any cost, dear Lord, by any road!"

So faith bounds forward to its goal in God,
And love can trust her Lord to lead her there;
Upheld by Him, my soul is following hard
Till the Lord has fulfilled my deepest prayer.

No matter if the way is sometimes dark,
No matter though the cost is often great,
He knows the way for me to reach the mark,
The road that leads to Him is sure and straight.

One thing is sure, I cannot tell Him no;
One think I do , I press towards my Lord;
Giving God my glory here, as I go,
Knowing in heaven waits my Great Reward.

How La Casa Celebrated Thanksgiving

This year while many of us were celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends the staff at La Casa celebrated the end of a school year. This year was a big year for one the the children at La Casa. Salvador was the second member of" the family" to graduate, but the first to graduate with honors. Please click on the link below to the article from the ministries blog about this wonderful celebrating. God was brought restoration to Salvador and his family, which is one of the main focuses of the ministry. What a blessing to see them celebrate together!!

More than a graduation ceremony…