Thoughts Penned Under The Banana Trees

Somewhere in the World Today

2017-01-17T09:04:00.000-06:00

“But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.” John 11:10

SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD TODAY:

Someone needs a light to dispel their darkness.

There is a plea for someone to bring the truth.

Someone prays for peace.

Someone is in spiritual bondage, and is asking God for freedom.

SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD TODAY

God is answering that plea; God is sending the light; God is preparing the way for light to reach into the darkness.

“…Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.” Acts 10:4

SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD TODAY

A man is answering God’s call. A man is leaving all.

A lady is parting with her dearest material possessions; she is saying goodbye to mother, and to all things that are familiar.

A boy is saying goodbye to his dog.

A little girl kisses her favorite dolly goodbye.

A dear old lady hugs her pastor and says goodbye.

A new convert sheds tears at saying goodbye to his pastor.

A bus kid hugs his Sunday School teacher goodbye.

A family drives away from a life of comfort.

For the cause of Christ.

And God is answering the cries of someone in spiritual darkness.

“And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.” Mark 10:29, 30

Please pray the Martínez Family

A Poem for her Son-in-law

2016-05-20T17:29:00.003-05:00

My mother writes the sweetest poems for each of her children and their spouses,

and for each of her grandchildren on their birthdays.

The one she wrote today for my husband's birthday was especially sweet...indeed, it made me cry.

This one she wrote in Spanish. I'm going to share it exactly as she wrote it.

ANDRÉS

Había una vez un niño

Que nació lejos de aquí

Pero Dios en Su providencia,

Quiso traerlo junto a mí.

Ese niño crecía y crecía,

Y quería estudiar.

Dios lo trajo a San Cristóbal

Para que se pudiera preparar.

Su cubeta de agua caliente

Nunca le faltaba cada día

Para mí no era una carga

Porque la responsabilidad era mía.

Era un privilegio para mí cuidarlo

En la ausencia de su Madre

Y el Doctor Tomás

Lo disciplinaba como si fuera su padre.

¿Fue el destino lo que trajo ese joven

Un domingo en la tarde?

Tal vez sí, pero creo que fue Dios

Quien quiso que yo tuviera una parte.

En la vida de Andrés

Su suegra llegúe a ser.

Cada mañana oro por él,

"Señor, cuídalo por doquier."

Espero que el siguiente año

sea el mejor que has tenido.

Que el Señor te guarde y te cuide,

Mientras celebramos otro año cumplido.

For a more detailed description of my mother's role in my husband's life, please click here (written last year on my husband's birthday).

Happy Birthday, My Love. May we spend many more happy days together.

By My Side

2016-05-08T09:46:00.002-05:00

I grew up with you in the home. I watched you keep a clean house. I watched you prepare delicious and nutritious meals. I watched you handle wisely the money Dad gave to you, and watched you organize your shopping so we always had plenty. I watched you do the mending in the afternoons...sitting in the rocking chair next to the window in your room.

You were there when the little neighbor boy was mean to me. You were there to read to us after we were all in our pajamas. You were there to brush our hair into little pig-tails every morning. You were there to play the piano and sing with us. You were there when neighbors popped in for a visit, and you were such a gracious hostess. You were there to teach us hospitality.

You were there to faithfully teach us the Scriptures...around the breakfast table every morning you taught us Bible memory...you helped us memorize hundreds of Scriptures and dozens of passages. How thankful I am that you were there...you took time for the important things in our lives.

I watched you every morning through sleepy little eyes, sitting at the dining room table, faithfully reading your Bible. Through little eyes, I watched you as you served the Indian preachers who came to Daddy for counselling. I watched you bravely walk down the banks of the rivers with your accordion to play for the many baptisms in our missions. I watched you prepare meals and clean up after us with little or no water. I watched you at night as you strained water through a cheese cloth so we would have enough drinking water the next day. And I watched you clean beans and rice...sometimes killing little bugs in them.... You made the best beans and rice!

I watched you get us ready for bed in Ixtapa with the light of a karosene lamp. All eight of us had a clean bed and clean pajamas. What a comfort it was to me to look across the room and see you there, just before I closed my eyes to sleep!

I watched you serve sandwiches and lemonade to the homeless bum whom Daddy cared so much for. He sat at our table many times and you served him as if he were a very important guest.

I watched you nurse Daddy back to health during dengue fever. I watched you clean up after sick babies...change diapers for my siblings...and wash out cloth diapers for my baby sister.

I watched you be the nurse when Dad's patients came for a diagnosis. I watched you serve cold lemonade to unsaved neighbors while Daddy talked to them about salvation.

I watched you home school eight children. Patiently. Thoroughly. Organized. Stedfastly.

Stedfastly, You have lived your life as a missionary's wife, and now as his widow. Faithfully. You never quit, never ran away, never gave up, and never got bitter. Even when so many turned their backs on you...you never left. You were by our side every day. You were always there.

You were there to encourage us to reach our full potential for God's glory.

And you're still here. Just as stedfastly and faithfully.

By our side.

I am so privileged to be by your side today. Celebrating your life as a mother. You've done it so well. I can honestly say there is no better mother than you. You have loved us, in spite of all we have put you through. You didn't let your hurt be more than your love. Only a mother can love the way you love. Purely. Lastingly. Un-grudgingly.

You are worthy of honor on this day. I praise you for your works.

I Love You.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

Couples

2016-02-14T08:19:00.001-06:00

On this day, when love is in the air, my thoughts turn to my beloved and all that he means to me. I wonder if I could survive if anything ever happened to him.

I watched a movie yesterday of a man who suddenly and tragically lost his wife, and watched how he grieved and struggled to deal with her death.

I saw a picture of a friend who recently lost her husband to death. The picture is of them together last Valentine's Day, and a short time later, he was taken from her with no warning.

Life is but a vapor. Here now, vanished in a second. Treasure your spouse. Love him/her. Tell him/her what they mean to you. The next instant could be too late.

Through my kitchen window, I can look out onto the street, and I see many, many people from my neighborhood walk by my window on that dusty, gravel street all day long. I see school children; I see men walking to work; I see women on their way to the market. And I see couples.

I like observing couples. Sometimes they're holding hands, and I smile; sometimes they're laughing about something. But sometimes I see the wife with a hard look on her face, and the husband looks distant. No conversation going on; no touching between the two.

I wonder, what created the distance? What did they allow to creep into their lives that created this distance?

My husband says that I'm extremely compassionate toward others' pain and troubles. I grieve too deeply with those who grieve, although they may be thousands of miles away. I wake up during the night praying for babies I don't even know, but who are in heart surgery. And I literally beg God to put couples back together; I spend time begging God to get the "other woman" away from the man so the wife will have a greater chance at taking him back. And I pray for the children of couples who have decided there's no reason to stay together.

The home is an institution created by God. The home begins with a man and a woman who decide they're better together than separated. And what God hath joined together, let not man put assunder.

I think about when my husband and I were united in holy matrimony...that day we vowed before God and man to love, cherish and honor one another through sickness and health, poverty and wealth, for richer or for poorer. Since then, we've experienced many emotions, disappointments, troubles, fears,...but as we've looked to God through those times, He has kept us together, as a couple...no more twain, but one. ONE.

As we live in this sinful world, we all struggle with seeking to live a life that is pleasing to God, as our flesh takes over and seeks victory. But taking one moment at a time, thinking before we speak, preferring the other before ourself, uplifing him in honor and in reverence...then I say we'll be advancing toward a whole lifetime with our spouse...'til death do us part...be it tomorrow, or forty years from tomorrow.

On this Valentine's Day, re-evaluate your priorities. Make today a time of thinking about what's truly important in this life. Not a career...but working at unity, harmony, and love in your relationship with your spouse. Not dreams of building a house...but the building up of those within your own home, edifying them through wisdom and establishing through understanding. Not plans of driving the latest model vehicle, but the desire of steering your marriage always in the direction of Bible principles for living as husband and wife...and doing all for the glory of God.

Love your spouse. And tell him/her today how important he/she is to you!!!

Memorials

2015-11-05T17:09:00.000-06:00

“And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of Jordan, and take you up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel:

And this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?

Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord: when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.” Joshua 4:5, 6, 7

--You can read the context of this in Joshua 3.

A memorial is “something (as a monument) meant to keep remembrance alive.”

My family has several specific prayer requests for which we are praying. Some of them are personal; some involve the whole family; others have to do with people outside our family. But we are all praying fervently for these specific requests.

One request involves a very big desire that my 10-year-old daughter has. She has been praying for this specific thing for about two years. God has not yet seen fit to give her that desire of her heart. But she continues to pray faithfully.

A few days ago, she called me into her room and began to cry. She told me it seemed that God was not going to give to her that for which she is praying. She told me she was very discouraged.

I sat down and told her, “Debbie, do you want me to tell you a secret?” Her beautiful big brown eyes were filled with tears and she looked up at me. “Your ‘thing’ for which you are praying is not going to make you happy.” She looked at me in disbelief. I said, “Things do not make you happy. One of these days…and I do believe God is going to answer your prayer…you will have your ‘thing,’ and for a few days you will be so excited, and thrilled that you have received your ‘thing.’ But it will NOT make you happy. The newness of your ‘thing’ will wear off, and you’ll eventually get back into the hum-drum of daily responsibilities. But I’m going to tell you what WILL make you happy: the fact that God HEARD your prayer and ANSWERED your prayer. You’re going to look at your ‘thing’ that God has been so gracious to give you, and your heart is going to just FILL up with joy because you’re going to remember how long you prayed for it; and you’ll just be in awe that GOD heard and answered your prayer!”

One request that we have as a family is for God to allow us to make a trip next year to the States for a Family Conference in a Hispanic church. We have been praying and trying to save our money so we can make this trip.

That afternoon, I told Debbie, “You know, if God lets us make that trip to Chicago next year, we’re going to have a lot of fun, and we are going to get to meet new people and make a lot of memories. But that trip will be over and we’ll come back home. All we’ll have from that trip are pictures, a few souveniers, and some really great memories. But the thing that will make us the HAPPIEST is the fact that we prayed together and saw God provide the money and the time for us to be able to make that trip.”

Her heart was encouraged, as was mine.

When you pray…and you pray…and you continue to pray for a need, or for a lost loved one, or for a specific desire…you expect God to answer. And when He does, your faith grows; and your heart fills with joy over the fact that God in Heaven hears and answers prayer.

But that answered prayer becomes a memorial in your life and in your heart. It becomes a monument for all to see…that our prayers are not in vain. And when our children ask, “What does this mean?” we can testify to the fact that, as Joshua said to the children of Israel, “Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you…” (Joshua 3:10).

What a great testimony for our children to see us pray; and for the generations to come to know that we are trusting God to meet specific needs! And when He answers our prayer, and we see Him meet our need, we may all say, “May God be glorified, great things HE hath done!”

A Prayer for the Mayor and A Ministry

2015-10-22T13:02:00.001-05:00

My Mom tells the story of the time when our house was the last house on the block, and there were no street lights on our street. (Since then, more houses have been built on down the street, and our house is no longer the last one.) The street was so dark, and at least twice, thieves broke into our house when we were not there.

My Mom says she began to pray for the mayor of our city, asking God to touch his heart to put a street light on our corner. She said that not many months after she began to pray, the city came out and put up a street light on our corner.

She tells this story every year at her Annual Christmas Banquet…she tells the ladies: “I did not set up a road block; I did not go picketing in front of the mayor's house; I did not gather people and make a manifestation in the streets. I simply prayed for Mr. Mariano, and I asked God to touch his heart; and God answered my prayer! That street light is a constant reminder for me to pray for what I need, and to pray for the leaders in our city and in our country.”

The ministry of the Annual Christmas Banquets began years ago, as a desire that God put in my Mom’s heart to reach the high-society ladies in our town. Her first Banquet was in 1999, and there were 9 ladies present. 16 years later, it has grown to over 100 ladies in attendance, and many people being saved. The guests of honor are the current Mayor’s wife, as well as the wives of former mayors. Every year, mayors’ wives attend from the surrounding towns and villages, and in recent years, congresswomen, senators, and other public service ladies have been present. (Each guest of honor receives a Bible.)

Mom has also started having as guests of honor the wives of the military men and of the policemen in our area. God has truly used this ministry to reach out to many ladies in our community.

I ask that you please pray for us as we work in the next few weeks to prepare everything for this Annual Christmas Banquet. We love seeing how God provides each need for this amazing ministry.

If you will be praying for us, would you please let me know?

It Is Well (A Home-Maker's Power Through Prayer)

2015-08-28T08:27:00.002-05:00

"Are you weary? Are you heavy-hearted? Tell it to Jesus."

I'm meditating upon the passage in the Bible in II Kings 4 where the Shunammite lady's son had suddenly died. I am amazed at her calmness as she quietly told one of the young servant men to saddle a donkey so she could go to the man of God. Her words in verse 23 amaze me: "It shall be well." And when she met Gahazi, and he asked her, "Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child?" She answered, "It is well."

I think that if Gahazi had asked me that question, I would have completely lost it. I might have crumbled into an emotional outburst and dissolved in a puddle of tears. But this Shunammite woman was so full of faith and trust in her Lord. She maintained a calm and peaceful spirit in the midst of her greatest heartache.

I am challenged and encouraged by this lady's show of faith. I am only an imperfect home-maker. I have so many faults and I fail to do things right.

But I have a great God. Yes, I do. I know that He hears me. And at times when I don't have control over certain situations, I can cry out to God, and God alone, and I know He hears me, and He will give the answer.

Just this past weekend, my mother gave a lesson to some ladies on the life of Queen Esther. Queen Esther faced a very dangerous situation, as her people were facing elimination. She was told that she must act, or she could perish along with her people. "What was Queen Esther's action?" my mother asked. She didn't call an army together to defeat her enemy! She called her maids to fast with her and to pray. What a lady of great faith! God gave her incredible wisdom to deal with the wicked, murderous man who was threatening her people and her own life. God gave her the wisdom to know how to deal graciously with the heartless King who was her husband.

And dear Wives and Mamas reading this, we, too, have power with God. We may "only" scrub toilets and mend clothes and prepare meals for our family today; perhaps the only thing we accomplish today is teaching the ABCs to our little Pre-K child; you may have struggled today just to get the clothes out on the line; you may feel like a failure because you had so many interruptions and didn't get it all done. I know. I'm there so many times!

But God has confirmed in my heart that He is right there with me. He sees my struggles, but He sees my motives and my intentions. He sees all my imperfections, yet He sends me love-gestures throughout my day.

And when things seem to be spinning out of control, we can say with confidence, as that Shunammite Mama said, "It is well." And we can know that all is well. All is well because we have direct access to the One Who conrols it all. He set the moon and stars in their place; He keeps the earth rotating, and the seasons of the year do not cease because He controls them.

Take heart! Pray when your child just doesn't get his Math concepts, and doesn't seem motivated enough to do school. Pray when your grocery money just doesn't quite make it to the next pay day; pray when you have a "want," but it is an expensive "want;" and know that the Lord can fulfill that desire. Pray when your toddler seems like he'll NEVER get potty-trained. Pray, wife, pray when Hubby's decision leaves a feeling in your heart that "it" may not be right. God wants to hear from you...He sees your situation, but He wants you to ask, so He can give.

And He wants to develop in your heart an unwavering confidence that He is in control. And that all is well.

The Night Cometh

2015-07-22T08:37:00.000-05:00

I took an invitation to my "chicken lady," (as I affectionately call the sweet lady who sells me chicken) for our Daily Vacation Bible School. She kindly took it and said she'd give it to her daughter, who has young children.

For many months I have been praying for her and inviting her to church events; and yet she has never come.

From the very first morning of our VBS, every day, a middle-aged lady brought a little 7-year-old girl, Keira, who was so enthusiastic about everything. She learned the Bible verses and songs; sat and listened intently to the Bible stories that were told; and answered questions when called upon. Who was this little girl, and to whom did she belong?

She accepted Christ as her Saviour that week. She sat on the front row on Sunday, the day of the closing exercises.

As I was walking out of church on Sunday morning after the closing exercises, one of the men in our church stopped me and said, "I want you to meet my neighbor. He came with his granddaughter." As I talked to this kind gentleman, I realized he was my "chicken lady's" husband! He is Keira's grandfather!

I was so excited and rejoiced in my heart for this blessing of knowing that Keira is my "chicken lady's" granddaughter. What an open door!

So yesterday I went to visit my friend. I told her how blessed we were to have had Keira in our Bible School this year, and how much fun she'd had. My friend told me that every day, Keira came home from VBS just bubbling over with excitement and couldn't wait to go back the next day. She told me, "Keira loves the Bible, and she loves when someone takes her to church. We are Catholic, and my daughter does not like to take her to church."

I told my friend that while Keira is young and has a desire for the Word of God, she should be taken to church and instructed in the things of the Lord. I told her, "There comes a time in the lives of young people when their hearts are turned toward other things, and while Keira is young, she should be brought to church."

As I have meditated upon our conversation, I realize how quickly the night is coming. We have a small window of opportunity to witness to our friends and neighbors. It is when God lays someone upon our hearts that we should be prompt in responding to the Lord's leading.

I ask you to pray for this family. There are so many more just like Keira who came to VBS this year. Our work has just begun as we, as a church, seek to reach out to these families and try to disciple them and get them grounded in the Word of God.

How about you, Dear Reader? Has the Lord laid someone upon your heart to whom you should witness? I urge you to be obedient to the Lord's leading. Don't let another day go by. The night cometh when no man can work.

Daddy's Hands

2015-06-21T07:59:00.000-05:00

If you love your Daddy, you love his hands. I was thinking today about my Daddy’s hands.

Daddy’s hands were long, very white, and very handsome.

Daddy was a doctor, a pediatrician. He had gentle hands. I loved watching him when he checked a sick baby. He’d stroke the baby’s chin with his long pointer finger, clicking his tongue at the same time. That helped to warm the baby up to my Daddy before he checked the sick little one.

When I was a little girl, I loved to stand next to him as he applied shaving cream to his face, ready to shave. I thought he had such an interesting way of taking his razor and shaving under his chin. I loved watching him stretch his neck to get the hard-to-shave places.

Being a doctor, he had a particular way of washing his hands. He’d apply soap and pass them through the water. Then he’d hold his hands up until he reached his towel, letting the water drip down to his elbows. I loved watching him wash his hands.

I was only three or four years old when he became ill with Parkinson’s disease. At the beginning, his illness did not affect him very much; but as the years passed, the illness debilitated him to the point where he could no longer drive, ride his bicycle, or play basketball with us. But even with Parkinson’s, his hands always looked so very handsome to me. He’d rest his elbow on the arm rest of his rocking chair, put his pointer finger on his forehead and his thumb under his chin and read his Bible that way. I loved watching him sit that way, lost in thought, often planning and dreaming.

He disciplined me in love, and he wept the last time he had to spank me. It broke my heart to hear him say through his tears, “It breaks my heart to have to spank my children.”

I sat next to him many times and took those hands in mine as I cut his fingernails for him. Sometimes I had to hold his hand quite firmly because his shaking wouldn’t allow me to cut his fingernails properly. He told me one time, “You’d make a good nurse.” (I never had a desire to be a nurse; but his sweet words built up my self-esteem.)

I remember lying next to him the night he died. He was lying on his bed, and I put my head on his chest. It felt as if he were only sleeping. I took his hand in mine one last time, wishing I could feel him shake, another part of me so glad his illness tormented him no more. I cried because I missed him.

My sisters and I used to sing to him, “Daddy’s Hands…there was always love in Daddy’s hands.” I remember on more than one occasion seeing tears in his eyes as we sang that, and knowing that he was thinking of his daddy’s hands.

If you are close enough to your daddy to hold his hands, stroke them lovingly. Our daddies worked so hard to provide for us. Their hands helped to provide our living, put food on the table, provided us with a warm bed on which to sleep. We can thank him by taking his hands in ours, looking in to his eyes with love, and thanking him.

Bringing Up a Son-in-law

2015-05-21T10:39:00.004-05:00

(Written on May 20, 2015, on my husband's 40th birthday.)

"He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at length."

Proverbs 29:21

Today is my husband’s birthday. He has hit the big 4-0. Yep. But he’s still just as young at heart, lively, and fun-loving as the day I married him. He’s grown wiser and has learned a lot through experience.

I’ve known him for 25 years. That is a long time, you know? We’ve been married for 13 years, but have loved each other for probably about 20 years. (He’s loved me nearly half of his life!)

He was born in a small village, the 9th child (4th son) of the ten Lopez Children. His parents were poor farmers (his mother learned to keep bees, and that added to the family income). When he was not even two years old, he went into his daddy’s small store and, unknown to anyone around, ingested some of the petroleum oil that his daddy had in the store. His esophagus was badly burned, and he could not eat or drink. He came very close to death. God gave his Mamma wisdom, and she fed him drops of the pure honey she had. Drop after drop, his little throat was healed. When I heard my mother-in-law tell that story, I knew God had kept him alive for a purpose.

At the tender age of 11, after finishing 6th grade, he said goodbye to his Daddy and Mamma to go to the city. As was the custom, because there were no schools other than primary schools in the villages then, if a child wanted further education, he had to go to the city. So, with tears in her eyes, Mamma Lopez said goodbye to her young child. Because there was not enough money to travel frequently, my husband would not see his Mamma for months at a time, and at one time, three years passed before she saw him! He said that was such a hard time for him, being so far away from his parents!

It is a fact that God had his hand upon this young boy. He boarded with a man who was a miserable drunk, and who took advantage of this boy’s hard-working skills. He was given a “bed” under the chicken coop, and was made to rise at 4:00 A.M. to take corn to the market for selling. Rushing home, he had to be ready for school at 8:00 A.M.

Although my husband was unsaved then, God had His eye upon him. God protected him and kept him from the physical and emotional dangers that surrounded him.

God put a man named Paco in my husband’s path who took him from that awful situation in the old drunk’s home. Paco watched over him and looked after him like an older brother. He gave him 50 cents each day for his food. There was a kind lady who sold sandwiches and snacks at the school where my husband attended. My husband asked her if he could wash her dishes and sweep her floor every day for a sandwich at break time. She generously agreed. As this young man with a winning smile earned her confidence, she eventually allowed him to run the cash register and “upped” his salary. And so it was that he earned his meal through nurse’s school. He was only 14 years old when he entered nursing school.

But things were not well at Paco’s. One of the sisters who lived there was jealous of the attention that my husband got from Paco, and she told my husband that he had to leave. With tears in his eyes, Paco said, “Pal, you need to go.”

He had no where to go. Ahh...but God's providence was at work. A young man who went to nurse’s school with my husband heard of the hardship that he had to endure. So he told him, “I live at the home of a missionary. He gives me lodging and food, and I’m sure he will take you in.” At first, my husband was too shy to approach the missionary. Yet, at his friend’s urging, he got courage and went to the missionary’s house. The missionary’s son, Joel, was standing outside the gate eating an orange when my husband arrived. Friendly Joel offered my husband an orange. My husband said he'll never forget thinking how kind and generous this young man was. When hearing of my husband’s plight, Joel said, “I’ll speak to my father on your behalf. I’m sure we can give you a place to stay.”

That missionary was my Dad.

It was in December when my husband arrived the first time. My mother immediately noticed this boy’s smile. There was just something different about him.

Only one week after arriving at the missionary’s home, this young man accepted Christ as his Saviour and began to grow. Joel baptized him; and the missionary and his sons took part in helping to train this young man in the ministry. He continued his nurse’s training, but became a big help in the ministry: preaching, going soul-winning, helping with bus routes, and participating in every church activity possible.

He eventually became as one of the family. The little room provided for the boys (there were others besides my husband) was in a corner of the property, and their meals were served in the church building; so he did not live in the family home. But he participated in family games, church activities, and even had Christmas dinner with us one year.

He was trained by my dad. That is such a blessing to me. My husband likes to tell of the days when he and my brothers played basketball together. After school, they’d ask Dad if they could go to a nearby ball court and play ball. My Dad would say, “You can go for thirty minutes. If you’re not back in thirty minutes, you can’t go for one week.” They’d run out the gate…for their thirty minutes began counting when my Dad gave them permission to go. Three minutes before their thirty minutes were up, they’d bid their friends “goodbye,” and they’d take off for home.

He was taught accountability, responsibility, obedience, and honesty by his godly father, but those qualities were further instilled in him by my own father. My husband loves my Dad as he loves his own father. My mother cooked his meals, prepared his school lunches for him, and cared for him as if he were her own son. Eventually, the affection for him in my parents’ hearts were as the affection toward one of their own children.

In 1994, when I left for Bible College, I missed him dearly. He had been like a brother to me for several years. I’m not sure when it happened, but I began to have feelings for him. I tried to dismiss them, and thought that my time away at college would take away this “crush” I had on him.

But when I graduated in 1998, it was evident to me that I indeed loved him. And he loved me. Many times, my husband spoke to my dad about courting me, but my dad was not in agreement. Eventually, my husband moved away. By then, he had started practicing his nursing skills in the villages, and was only in our city on the weekends.

In 2001, (after much persuasion and prayer on our part) my Daddy agreed to allow my husband to court me. It was a precious time for us. Seven months later, with our parents’ blessings, we were united in holy matrimony. I must say how much I admire this man for his persistence. Although he “waited” for me for over 5 years, he proved to all that his love was pure and sincere.

What a great gift my husband is to me! God has given me wonderful in-laws. My father-in-law, who is now in Heaven, loved the Lord and was a great influence upon my children. I have a sweet, godly mother-in-law, and my husband’s brothers and sisters love and accept me, and we enjoy one another’s company.

One thing that is so special about having “grown up” with my husband is that he knows many of the people that I know; he understands me because he experienced many of my childhood experiences with me. He loves my brothers and sisters as his own. My brother, David, became one of his best friends, and was his best man at our wedding. It is just a special relationship that we share from so many years together.

The last few years of my dad’s life were hard ones for him because of his battle with Parkinson’s disease. I remember on so many occasions, my husband would go see how Dad was doing. He’d go back to his room. So often he got muscle cramps, and my husband would gently rub his arms and legs. Oh, how endearing that image of them together is to me today!

I remember the day that my Dad passed away. My mother called my husband immediately when she knew something was wrong. When he arrived, my husband instructed my brothers to place my Dad on the floor so he could work on him. My husband gave my Dad mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as tears streamed down his own face. He worked furiously to revive him. But God was calling him home, and there was nothing anyone could do. When I arrived at my mother’s house, my husband met me outside. He had a stethoscope around his neck, and when he saw me, he shook his head and said, “He’s gone.” We wept together as he held me close.

When we entered the room where my dad was lying on the bed, my husband gently stroked my father’s head. “He just looks like he’s sleeping. I feel like any minute he could wake up.”

It was a Sunday afternoon, and it was decided that the evening church service be held as usual. My husband was the music director for our church, but he said, “I just don’t think that I can lead today.” He wept during the whole service. What love he showed toward my dad that day!

I believe one reason I love my husband so dearly today is because he loves my family as do I. God designed the formation of this man just for me. He knew exactly who I needed to guide me in my adulthood, and I must say that my husband has fulfilled that role quite well. He is not perfect, but he is the perfect man for me.

My husband works hard to provide for us, in the medical field; but his faith and dependence upon God sustains us. He leads with humility; he guides by example; he loves fiercely and is loyal.

So you can see why I love this man. It is my honor to be his wife. I cannot say how grateful I am to be his helper in this life.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my Sweetheart! I hope we live many more birthdays together.

Worthy of Honor

2015-05-10T07:37:00.003-05:00

In March, I had the unique privilege of spending some time with my mother and my mother-in-law together. I feel very blessed to belong to these two wonderful, godly ladies.

Aren't they beautiful?!

Happy Mother's Day

to the two mothers in my life. I love you so very much,

and thank you for all you've given me.

Happy Birthday, Sarah

2015-04-20T10:08:00.005-05:00

This morning before I sat down to read my Bible, I lit a scented candle and set it on the table next to my chair. And I thought of my oldest sister, Sarah.

Sarah has the ability to create a relaxed atmosphere wherever she is, no matter who's around her. I've watched her. She lights a scented candle, pours her favorite drink in a fancy goblet, sits down amidst 12 small children, and relaxes as if she were in an expensive beach resort. And in doing that, she sets a calming effect on everyone around her.

Today is Sarah's birthday.

From her baby book

Sarah is 22 months older than I am. Although she is my oldest sister, she has never been bossy. She was always the perfect playmate, and she was my best friend.

We did everything together growing up. We graduated from High School together and went to Bible College together. We took the same major, so we were in every single class together and spent our free hours together. We studied for our tests together, and after our exams, whoever finished first waited for the other in the hallway to "see how you did." She was a great source of strength and encouragement to me during those years.

We graduated from College on the same evening and returned home to help Daddy in his mission work. We were married the same year and had our first babies a month apart.

Although the Lord has led us to live in different cities (7 hours away), we still keep in close touch and our hearts continue to be knit together.

Sarah and her husband are missionaries in the southern state of Veracruz, Mexico, in a very small town. She is the mother of six children (very close in age), and yet she finds the time to be involved in their mission work. She homeschools her children, is an excellent house-keeper, and is a loving wife. She has a discipleship ministry and reaches out to lost women in her little town. Her quiet time with the Lord in the mornings is a priority to her.

She is such a godly example to me. When we are able to spend a few days together, I am always inspired and encouraged just by watching her. She calls her children into her room individually every morning to brush their hair. After they're dressed and ready, she prays with each child, that God would watch over them and protect them, and that they would be obedient.

Sarah and her family are surrounded by danger. They are at risk physically, due to drug gangs and constant kidnappings (that usually end in death); their health is at risk, as typhoid and dengue are rampant in that area of Mexico; and there are spiritual dangers because of the witchcraft and demon activity. Some of the stories that Sarah has told me have literally made the hair on my neck stand up. I know there have been times that she has wanted to gather her precious family and flee to another place. Yet they remain faithful, serving their Lord where He has placed them. And they are starting to see the fruit of their labors.

Sarah lives in a small corner of the world, never demanding attention or recognition. But since today is her birthday, I wanted you to know about her, and I want to let you know how blessed I am to have her as my sister.

I love this lady, I admire her, I respect her, and I thank God for putting us in the same family.

When I have done wrong, she has never been judgmental, but has stretched out a helping hand, lifting me up. She's never harsh, but quietly and sweetly encourages me. She prays for me. I recently was having a hard time with something and sent her a message, asking her to pray for me. She replied: "I will be praying that God will send you a blessing today." I prayed to the Lord, "Thank you for my sister. Please help me to recognize the blessing when you send it." Later that night, there was a knock on our door. My husband said, "Anna, you're wanted at the door." When I opened it, Sarah's youngest child was standing there with a beautiful red rose in her hand, and a smile on her face. Sarah told her husband, "Anna needs encouraging," and she packed up her children and drove to see me. She spent over one week with us. To me, that shows an unselfish love.

I have a treasure in this lady I call "sister".

So to you, Sarah, may your day be special. I hope you're made to feel special, because you are.

I LOVE YOU!

And She Became His Wife

2015-03-23T08:21:00.001-06:00

March 23, 2002. The day I became Mrs. Andrew López.

Besides being given salvation, the man I married has been my greatest gift from my Lord. It has been my privilege to be his wife.

Being his wife has given me experiences that have enriched my life. Last night I sat down to jot down some things that I've experienced as Mrs. López. The list is too long; and I could really write a book of all the exciting things we've lived together.

I will say that life with him (seven years living in a remote village...living our first year of marriage in a small room in the clinic...then moving to the more "spacious" house built by the natives...learning to live with no running water, no commodities or luxuries...being surrounded by the Indian rebels who were in constant unrest...) has made my life richer, more meaningful, more selfless. He has taught me to appreciate small things, and our journey together has been one of learning and growth.

Watching him nurse sick ones back to health, pray over and plead with the lost to be saved, teaching poor village children, and having compassion on the less fortunate have made me admire this man and love him more each passing day. His love and concern for the orphans and widows have shown that this man's walk is genuine, for he delights in helping those who cannot repay him.

Watching him father our three children with such love and devotion have further bound my heart to the man that I call my husband. How easy it has been for me to teach them honor and respect for the one they call "Daddy."

In unexpected change and disappointment, I have watched him trust the Lord for our next step in our lives. He has sought the Lord and waited on Him, and together we have seen God provide.

Heart-wrenching hardship and trials have helped us grow together. God is our Light, and His Word waters and refreshes us as we grow stronger in Him. Growing closer to Jesus has drawn us closer to each other.

This man is patient and caring, yet firm. He is gentle, but determined. He's a leader with the heart of a servant.

So do you see why I am privileged to be this man's wife?

I iron his clothes and set out his shoes for him every morning. I prepare his coffee and test that it's just right for him. I'm the one he gently kisses before leaving for his day's work, and I smell his cologne on my cheek all morning.

A phone call or a phone message tell me he's thinking about ME, and it is with great anticipation that we await his arrival from work. Our 2-year-old squeals, "Daddy!" and it is I who watch his enthusiasm as he lovingly greets this man. Our children wait in line for hugs from Daddy, and then it is my turn. Yes, this man comes to my house, his car is pulled into MY garage; it is his key that opens my front door.

And it is I with whom he shares his activities of the day. I watch him bear the weight of providing for his family. He does it well, without complaint.

I am blessed to be his wife, to fulfill his needs as his help meet.

13 years. 4,742 days.

And I look forward to the next 13 years! I don't know what they may hold, but I know that if we seek to follow in the steps of Jesus, the years to come will be full of blessings, and of watching Him provide and care for us.

"And she became his wife; and he loved her."

Lift Up Your Eyes

2015-03-01T17:36:00.000-06:00

"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white, already to harvest." John 4:35

This week, my heart has been tender as I have been praying for a little 2-year-old baby girl who is in the hospital in Intensive Care. She was in a terrible accident last Saturday, and my heart has been so burdened for her and her family. I put myself in that mother's place, and imagine myself sitting day and night next to my baby's hospital bed, begging God to spare her life.

I think that all too often, we get so involved in our petty problems, our little corner of our world, and forget to look out to others who are truly hurting. Satan is a master at inventing fears and cooking up "what-ifs" in our minds, and we become preoccupied all day worrying about and focused on that one thing.

I look out my kitchen window every single day and watch people go by. I see mothers rushing their children to school; I see young people walk by, with no clue of how much their decisions today can impact the rest of their lives; I see ladies carrying burdens...I can tell by the look on their faces. I hear my neighbors arguing and fighting nearly all day long, the mother always yelling at the children. I have become acquainted with the routine of some of the people in my neighborhood as they pass my window day after day.

And I pray, "God, save that young man." "Lord, give her peace that comes through a personal relationship with you."

But sometimes, when MY burden seems the heaviest, and MY problem just got bigger than everyone else's (or so I think) then I lower my gaze. I begin to look inwardly and become focused on my own petty problems.

Not long ago, our family was parked on a busy street. We were waiting for someone to meet us. I dug through my purse looking for my phone. I checked for messages, and laid my phone aside. When I looked up, I saw 2 men at the door of a business giving false doctrine to someone inside. (I could not see the people that the men were talking to. They were there for at least 10 minutes.) The Lord spoke to my heart and said, "You know the Truth. Go tell them." I told my husband, "I must go speak to them." After the 2 men were gone, I went to the door of the business, and there were two ladies inside...one was a young lady, and one an older lady. I told them that we were sitting waiting in our vehicle, and that I felt impressed to go speak to them. I began to tell them that the Word of God is the only truth in this world, and that we can trust God's Word. As I was speaking to them, the older lady (the mother of the younger lady who was there stood up and began to weep. She said that this past year was one of hardship and complete material loss. She said her husband lost his job; they lost their home and their vehicle. They had it all...and from one day to the next, they had nothing. She poured out her heart to me, a complete stranger who just stopped in to tell them that God loves them, and that His Word is truth.

When I prepared to leave, they both (mother and daughter) gave me a hug. They said, "I feel like God sent you here at just this moment to tell us that He sees us, and that everything is going to be okay."

If we lifted up our eyes more often, I think we would truly see people as God sees them. People are hurting everywhere. People who live without God also live without hope. If you'll focus on them, you'll see hurt and desperation.

One evening last month, my daughter and I ran down to the corner store to buy some milk and bread. A very young man came into the store and asked for a "six-pack," and I thought how young he looked to be buying beer. When my daughter and I left the store, I saw that the young man had gone around the corner down a dark street and there were three VERY young girls with him. Oh, how my heart broke when I saw them light up a cigerrette to share. "Where are these young people's parents?" I thought. I felt like I NEEDED to say something to them!! As I passed them, I handed them a Gospel tract. One of the young girls approached me to receive the tract. I said to her, "Please don't do anything tonight that you'll regret later." She lowered her gaze, as did the other three young people. I continued, "And before you do anything, think of your mother!" I went home and begged God to make them read that tract, and to get in contact with me through the contact information. I went to bed that night with a heavy heart.

There's no telling how many times we pass people just like that every day. They're just one step from making a terrible mistake. Some are just one step from eternity.

But we don't notice because our eyes are turned inwardly.

My husband and I went out together on Valentine's Day to walk around the town square. It was a cold night, and we passed an old Indian lady who was standing on a sidewalk next to a cardboard box. When we walked back around the square toward her, we saw that she had gotten inside the box, had put her hands inside her thin cotton blouse, and had fallen asleep. How it broke our hearts to see her! We went to a nearby bakery and bought her a bag of bread. My husband tapped her on the shoulder and spoke to her. She opened her eyes and gave us a toothless grin. She was so grateful for the bread to eat!

Vendors come to our doors. How often do we realize that God sent them so we could share His love and the Gospel with them? We ride in a taxi, and we're so engrossed in our own thoughts and errands of the day, that we don't even think about sharing Christ with the driver.

Hey...get your nose out of your phone. Take your eyes off of your electronic devices, and lift them up to look at lost souls that pass you every day. You rub shoulders with lost people every day, and yet you have no spiritual interest in them. When did we become numb to the hurt and the needs of others around us? There's more to this life than social networks or a "good deal" that we might miss. And I believe we'll give an account one day for all the time wasted on insignificant things that have no eternal value.

Lift up your eyes. Look at your children's faces when they're talking to you. Try to see through their little eyes and into their souls and find out what's bothering them. Talk to them. Pray with them.

Lift up your eyes.

"But when he SAW the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them..." Matthew 9:36a

There Is Romance

2015-02-19T08:27:00.000-06:00

(I wrote the following on February 14, but did not have access to the internet to be able to post it.)

After 12 years and 11 months of marriage, I can say that there is still romance.

You may imagine then, that we always have a weekly date; or that we spend all day in each other's embrace.

No, that is not true. In fact we rarely have a weekly date. I get a quick hug and a kiss as he's walking out the door in the mornings. But there's still romance.

We don't spend every day together all day, and some days are so busy that by bedtime, we're so exhausted that we can't even have a sensible conversation.

But there's still romance. When the room is full of people, and he gives me that look that makes me feel like he and I are the only people in the room. Or when I pass his chair and give him a loving pat on the shoulder: that's our romance.

Baby is crying, and I'm feeling completely overwhelmed with the stress of the moment, and he takes the baby for a ride in the car. That's romance. To me, that says, "I care about you."

This week has been one of the busiest for us as a family. My husband's relatives are staying in our home due to a surgery. I've been busy keeping everyone fed and comfortable, and besides my husband's very busy work schedule, he has shuttled people to and from the hospital as turns are taken to stay with the patient. We have hardly had time to sit together for a meal. I blow him a kiss as he's leaving again.

Today, I took the time to go with him to make another trip to the hospital. Whew! Finally, some alone time. We can "catch up" on each other. But he gets a phone call from a mommy with a sick baby who needs to know what to give to her baby for diarrea. I listen as he gently speaks to this troubled mommy, calming her fears and reassuring he that her baby will be OK. I listen with admiration. I look over at this handsome man that I call my husband. He is constantly going, giving, caring. Such a compassionate man.

When he hangs up the phone, he squeezes my hand and says, "You're doing a good job. I know it's a lot of work, but it's not forever."

To me, that's romance.

Not necessarily if he takes me out once a week. We hardly ever go out alone. But there's still romance. My time alone with him is in the evening when we have our cup of coffee together at our table and talk of the events of the day. He shares his activities and happenings of the day; and I ramble on (and sometimes on and on) about mine, while he patiently listens.

A sweet text message here and there that tells me, "I'm thinking about you."

Now, perhaps your expectation of romance is higher than mine. But I choose to be content and let the normal happenings of a normal day satisfy my need for romance. A coy smile; a loving pat; a call from him on his way home: "Can I bring you something from town?" Those are every-day things that I treasure. My heart goes pitter-patter at the sound of his voice; I thrill at the sound of him opening the front door. I don't want to let those little things lose significance in my life.

So, can romance still exist in marriage nearly 13 years and 3 kiddies later? Can love still be in the air, even with a toddler who interrupts nearly EVERY conversation you try to have?

Yes! Take the time to wink at him from across the room. Give each other a loving squeeze every time you pass one another. Steal a kiss when you think no one's looking (or even when little eyes are watching). Romance is not only made of romantic outings in fine restaurats, or trips away, just the two of you. (Honestly, we don't have the money to make frequent get-aways.) Romance consists in the knowledge that "I'm here for you."

So to my handsome, ever-cheerful Sweetheart, "I love you, my Valentine. I've loved you for 20 years, and I look forward to loving you the next 20 years!"

New Things

2015-01-13T10:31:00.000-06:00

“Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Isaiah 42:9

Happy New Year to all!

Aren’t new things fun? Like when you buy a new pair of shoes, and you can’t wait to get up in the morning and put them on? Or like when we ladies get new makeup and can’t wait to try it out? I like getting a new hair cut, and can’t wait to style it in the mornings!

And when we get something new, we tend to take special care of it…no scratches, no soiling, no bending or dropping it. We take time to shine it, wash it, clean it, and put it away carefully.

When we were newly-weds, didn’t we try our hardest to keep everything perfect?! And when we had a new baby, the wonders of holding a new-born in our arms was so thrilling!

But eventually, those new things do become old. We live in a world where things deteriorate, hair turns grey, and shoes eventually do get dirty and torn. One day you wake up and realize your spouse has imperfections, and a few days after delivering that perfect little baby, you’re so tired you can’t even remember what a full night’s rest feels like.

And the new wears off. And as the new begins to wear off, you stop trying so hard. You stop shining, caring for, cleaning. You give up on styling. You eventually show your grumpy side, and a few remarks that you later regret come from your mouth. That sweet little newborn is SO precious, but I need some sleep; and grouchiness becomes a thief that steals that awe and wonder of the amazing feeling of motherhood that you felt only a few days ago.

And so it tends to happen in a New Year.

Remember only a few days ago, when you and your family gathered together and reflected on God’s wonderful blessings in 2014, and you purposed in your heart that you are setting new resolutions, and everything will indeed be different in 2015?

May I urge you to keep the “New” in this year? Keep the scratchiness of nagging out of your voice. Don’t soil a perfectly good day by selfishly wanting all to go your own way. Remember that flexibility is the key to contentment, and seek to bend for the benefit of others. Drop all negativeness and criticism from your attitude. Shine that attitude every morning with some refreshing time with our Lord. Wash away all poutiness when things don’t go exactly the way you think they should. Put aside all conflicting thoughts and think only on those things that are virtuous and praise-worthy. Don’t forget that every morning, His mercies are new. Keep the freshness and the awesomeness and the excitement of a New Year all year long.

And those New-Year Resolutions…remember that you CAN do all things through Christ which strengtheneth you. We can, and with God’s help, we will.

We Are Held In His Hands

2014-11-17T07:22:00.000-06:00

Two weeks ago, on a Sunday morning, my husband walked outside, and when he came around the corner of the house, he saw a hummingbird fly into the wall and fall to the ground. There was a flock of crows chasing her, and when she fell, they all flew down, wickedly hovering over her. My husband moved toward her, and the crows scattered. He picked up the feeble bird and laid it in his hand. She lay very still. In her long beak was a bit of cotton. My husband figured she was building a nest, and thinks the crows wanted her spot.

We watched as she lay there, so still, so unlike a hummingbird! We marveled at her beautiful green feathers, shining in the sunlight.

After 15 minutes of lying so still in my husband's hand, she gained strength and stood, perched on her feet. She then stood, looking around. She didn't seem frightened at all. Once, she tried to flutter her beautiful wings, but was unable to fly away.

About 15 minutes leter, as someone else approached my husband, she fluttered her wings at an amazing speed, and flew about three inches above my husband's hand, testing her wings. Ten seconds later, she flew up onto the roof. She stayed on the roof another five minutes, or so, and then flew away, fully recovered from her fall.

As I watched that helpless bird in the palm of my husband's hand, I thought of how we are held in our Heavenly Father's hand. He picks us up so tenderly and holds us. And those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. I was reminded that not a sparrow falls to the ground without our Father seeing.

I think God that put my husband right there to shoo the bad crows away from that Mama hummingbird, and to pick her up and to sustain her until she had the strength to fly away. And doesn't He do the same for us? He often puts people in our path to help us get back up, to shoo away the discouragement and depression. Don't doubt it for one minutes. He sees you today, no matter what you're going through.

Isn't that a blessed thought for today?

His Eye Is On The Sparrow (A Guest Post from a Missionary Wife)

2014-11-01T17:28:00.004-06:00

"Anna, come here and listen to this."

Mom called me to her office one evening when we were at her house in mid June and read to me an email that my brother-in-law, Ulises Martínez had written to her. He wrote that the roads that lead to the small village in which they live had been blocked off on all sides. They had not had food nor water for a couple of weeks; there was no money in the banks; the shelves in the grocery stores were not being stocked with more food. They were literally living from meal to meal. The water supply had been cut off to the village. "Please pray for us," was his earnest plea.

My heart sank, and I prayed, "Oh, Lord, please be with my sister and her family! Provide for them, comfort them, and help them to feel Your presence!"

The days following, Ulises and my sister, Elizabeth, were not off my mind. I woke up during the night and prayed for them. I wrote to my friends and family and asked them to please be praying.

Knowing they had no food, we wanted to drive down the mountain to take them some; but we were told there was a danger that they would confiscate any vehicles that were even driven to the edge of the village. Feeling so helpless (as we certainly are as humans!), we placed them in our Heavenly Father's hands and trusted Him to take care of them.

In early July, I was able to visit with my sister, Elizabeth, for the first time since their traumatic experience. We stayed up talking until the wee hours of the morning, and I couldn't hold back the tears as she told me about what she had lived and seen and felt during those weeks they were "taken hostage" in their little village.

I was so touched by her account of what she told me that she and her family went through, and I thought that others might be encouraged to take heart when the going gets rough. I asked Elizabeth if she would write about her experience, so I could share it on my blog. I appreciate her taking time to write to me the following, so that I could share this with you.

So, with a prayer on my heart that the Lord will take this and use it for His honor and glory, and that someone's heart somewhere might be encouraged, I share with you the following that she wrote to me.

Ulises and Elizabeth have three children, Sophia Grace (10), Paul Laymon (8), and Emily Ruth (2)

"Thank you, Anna, for letting me share with you what God has taught me these past few months. When you asked me to write what God has taught me, I could not find a place to start, because God has done so much! I think, then, the most simple and brief way is for me to write small excerpts from my journal. I pray this will bring God honor and glory. I pray this will be an encouragement to some weary, struggling missionary lady. Yes! It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!

June 3: I got up at 4:40. Ulises went to men's prayer meeting. I drove up to town with Hermana Elvira to the mission to ladies' prayer meeting. Hermana Pili gave a sweet devotional on Ecclesiastes 3, a time for everything. As we drove back home, I noticed a lot of Indian men on the sides of the highway. Any time there is a big group of Indians on the side of the highway, it can't be anything good. Fog covered the mountains. I marveled at the beautiful sunrise, and forgot about the trouble I knew was coming. Ulises came home from men's prayer meeting. He told me the awful news...the roads are blocked. About noon, the day turned cold and rainy. I gave the children their school. Faithful few walked down the mountain through road block to church. Thank you, Lord, for these precious, faithful people.

Indians put up banners with their demands. They want fertilizer.

June 4: Roads still blocked. We do not have food. Precious folks walked around the road block. They brought us our food, so lovingly. Yes, I ate (cow) stomach and feet soup today. The kids didn't seem to mind. Thank you, Lord, for lemons and jalapeños to cover up the taste and smell.

June 5: Herds of rats and mice. One ran into the house. Ulises and Hermano Emanuel killed it in the kitchen. It is hard to cook; I can't keep the flies off the food. They swarm in through the opening in the roof. Men keep sending Ulises messages, telling him not to go out, to stay inside with doors locked. Things in town are not good. Indians are protesting. They did not get all the fertilizer the government promised them.

June 6: Ulises and Hermano Jorge walked up the mountain around road block. The roof at the mission leaks, and there are worms falling through the holes. They cleaned it...Ulises didn't have an appetite at dinner. I was sick today. My stomach hurt, headache. Ulises and children took care of Emily.

June 7: Cold and rainy. Roads still blocked. Our roof is leaking. Our bedding is damp and cold. When we get in bed at night, it takes a while for us to go to sleep...it is so cold. I sense the children are scared. A thief came in, stole Sophie's beautiful black dog. I feel unsafe. Ulises gets up a lot during the night to look out the windows.

June 8: No money. Ran out of water, gas, diapers. When Ulises and I walked over to church, there was a sparrow that had fallen from its nest. It took my breath away, my eyes filled with tears. Yes, Lord, you saw when he fell from his nest. You see me, you see the danger we are in. Thank you, Lord, for the delicious papaya from the tree in front of the church! That was our dinner today. Thank you, Lord, for the faithful people who came to church today, in spite of the rain and road blocks.

Papaya Tree outside the church

June 10: Roads blocked. Thank you, Lord, for Bro. Manuel bringing us fresh cow milk for Emily. I am still learning how to keep my floors clean. Sprinkle it with water and dip the broom in a bucket. Seems to keep the dust and cement at a minimum. Sarah and Jason's family have Typhoid. Emily woke up from her nap with fever. Thank you, Lord, for the Motrin I had! Ulises and I sat up after the children were in bed, listening to gun shots, men shouting. Those people are getting tired of sitting out in the rain day and night, demanding their fertilizer. They are getting restless, bored, and violent. I am learning the power and sweet relief of prayer.

Fresh cow milk every morning

June 11: Paul's wheezing is getting worse, I am sure because of the damp walls next to his bed. Girls and I stayed home while Ulises and Paul walked up mountain around road block in their rain coats. Ulises preached at the mission. Sophie and I had a devotional. I did my best to listen to her sweet devotional she worked so hard to prepare, but I was uneasy. Indian men were running back and forth on the highway, shouting. How wonderful to see the men's flashlights as they came down the mountain. Paul told me how he fearlessly walked by the cliff around the road block. Thank you, Father, for letting us be together again.

The blessing of rain boots!

June 12: Roads still blocked. No water. The Indians have taken over the town's water supply. Thank you, Lord, for the rain you sent. We put buckets along the edge of the roof outside, gathering rain water. We all put on our rain coats and mud boots. Walked up the mountain to the mission. I carried Bibles and flashlight. Ulises carried Emily. As our family was singing a song, I was holding Emily, and she would give everyone thumbs up. "Aren't we singing so pretty?!" I got tickled and couldn't sing. God gives joy and laughter in the midst of fear and trials. We walked back down the mountain in the dark. Thank you, Lord, for the moon light and my Mother's prayers. Made it home safely. I am praying for curtains. I felt we were being watched as we ate supper.

The invaluable gift of water!

June 13: Roads still blocked. God sent us water! As I was bathing Paul, I said, "Raise your arms." He said, "Please don't shoot!" He hasn't lost his sense of humor. Washed all our clothes! Ulises went soulwinning. I stayed home with the children. I was very uneasy. Kept children busy with a drawing contest; they both won. Hid their prizes and had them hunt for them. So very thankful to see Ulises' flashlight as he walked down the mountain.

June 14: Roads still blocked. Used the last of our gas baking two cakes for Father's Day. All stores in Ixtapa closed. Store owners threatened with being ransacked if they opened or sold to anyone. Heard gun shots. Hermano Emanuel brought us a jug of drinking water. He told Ulises to stay in the house. Sarah called. Anna and Mom sent messages; several churches in the States are praying for us. Our dear friends in Decatur are praying. How comforting to know we are not forgotten by our friends!

June 15: Father's Day. Men enjoyed chocolate cakes. Hermano Ramón licked the plate. He said he had never tasted chocolate cake before. It was worth using the last of our gas! Anna called me today. Thank you, Lord, for my dear, precious sister. We walked up the mountain to the mission. Lightening and rain. Tin roof on mission leaks.

June 16: Stayed home all day (...duh.) Ulises worked on our water supply. Joel called with wonderful news: someone sent us a love offering. But we have no way to get it. We are held hostage, 3 road blocks toward Bochil, 4 road blocks toward Cañitas. And even if we had money, there are no stores open. During the night I sat up in bed. I heard a truck driving past...how long has it been since I have heard a car drive past on the highway?! Can it be, Lord? The roads might be opened!

June 17: ROADS OPENED!!!! What a feeling of freedom! And we got water! The sun shined today for the first time in so many days, and it didn't rain. Jumping up and down, embracing, someone knocked on the door. Hermana Elvira brought delicious breakfast, and homemade tortillas. We had, perhaps, the sweetest family devotions we have ever had. we each wept as we gave testimony of God's protection, faithfulness and goodness. Thank you, Lord, for letting my children really SEE you.

Since that day, we continue to see God's miracles, His protection, His blessings! We now have running water in our home! I could write many more stories! About the children saved during Bible School, and the families that have been added to the church because of Bible School. Our trips to Soyalo, the blind Indian man and the old widow lady who attend the mission there. The people God brings to our door for us to witness to. Sicknesses. Earthquakes. Rain and wind storms under a tin roof. Our house flooding. I could write about Bro. Beltran and Aurora, the loss of their baby, and his ordination as pastor. I could write about Angelita, Susana and Sany's salvation.

His blessings are endless! Just when I think I could not love Him more, my Precious Lord does more miracles and I fall in love with Him again!

If I could resume all I have learned into one phrase, it would be this: Serving Jesus is a privilege. There is no higher calling. No sacrifice is too great. No burden is too heavy. This light affliction works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory! And all I could possibly go through, at the end all I will be able to say is, 'We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.'"

Will you please take time to pray for this missionary family?

For People Like Martha

2014-10-22T09:03:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday, Mom and I and a lady in our church made a very meaningful visit. We went to visit Martha, our dear (nearly) 80-year-old friend who was saved in 2012 at our Annual Christmas Banquet. The following year, she was diagnosed with cancer, and began receiving treatments. (You can read another post about Martha here.)

When we went to her house on Saturday, we were so pleased to see Martha looking so well! Her beautiful hair was fixed so nicely; she was dressed very elegantly, and she seemed so full of energy. She busied herself in the kitchen, and served us coffee and pastries.

As she told us about the experiences she has lived concerning her treatments and with the doctors, there was one main message that she conveyed: God is my Healer, and I trust in Him for my life. Her sweet attitude and positive spirit were so refreshing!

I couldn't help but thank God for this sweet old lady, who lived so many years without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She married, raised children, and lived her whole life with no understanding of what God did for her, and of His desire to save her. Yet, God brought this dear lady to a banquet where she heard the Gospel preached, and she accepted Christ as her Saviour. Now, she is being a testimony for her Lord. She testifies to her doctors that it is God Who is working in her.

Martha is the lady in the lime green, standing next to her sister, Beatriz, on her right.

Martha and Beatriz are daughters of a former mayor of our city, who served in the 1940s.

As we prepare for the upcoming banquet, to be held on November 21, I thank the Lord for allowing me to be a part of this ministry. We have had hard struggles and deep heartache this year as the devil has fought his hardest to destroy this ministry. But I think of what Gamaliel said in Acts, concerning the work of Peter and of the apostles: "And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."

So, with our eyes on Jesus, and in hope of the blessing of God upon this ministry, we look forward to seeing just what God will do for us and through us. If just one more Martha would be saved, it will have been worth it all.

And with this prayer on my lips, I press toward the mark: "And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." Psalms 90:17

Would you please be praying for us as we work hard the following four weeks toward the banquet? (If you want a specific prayer list, please get in touch with me, and I will be happy to provide that for you.)

A Birthday Girl and A Poem

2014-10-20T16:08:00.001-05:00

"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."
Proverbs 20:11

Our Precious Debbie Jolene turned nine years old last month. I know that every mother feels this way, but I'm going to say it: "I just cannot believe how quickly time is passing!" And she really (REALLY) grew a lot this year!

I have so enjoyed watching her grow and mature this year, though. That is one of the joys of motherhood, is it not? To be able to watch our children grow and mature and to see them begin to develop their talents and watch them learn new things.

God gave our Debbie-Girl a special love for animals. She told me, "Mommy, do you know what I want to do? I want to take in stray, hurt dogs and fix them up and help them get well." It just absolutely amazes me to see with what love and tenderness she cares for animals. This past year she had a cute little Lab puppy (which she named Chelsea) and she learned responsibility in caring for her puppy. She has had rabbits and chickens as well this year. The thing she desires to have the most is her own horse. She told me, "Mommy, it just seems that I will never, ever get a horse of my own." I told her, "I really do believe that the Lord is going to give you a horse. But we have to wait on His timing." I told her, "Delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Isn't it such a comforting thing to be able to raise our children on the certainty of God's Word, and know that He will keep His word? I just love that!)

And the thing that blesses my heart the most about our Debbie-Girl is seeing her rise early in the morning, while the house is still quiet, and sit and read her Bible and write in her notebook the things that she has read that morning. I know there is no greater joy than to see that our children choose to walk in truth. My heart over-flows with gratitude every time I see her bending her little head over, reading her Bible by the light of her lamp. I tell her over and over what a blessing that is to her mother!

So, to my Little Debbie-Girl: my prayer to my Lord for you is that God would use your life to bring honor and glory to His name, and that He will use you for the exact purpose for which you were created. I can hardly wait to see how He uses you! But while I wait, I pray that I will enjoy every moment with you. You are a delight and a joy to me. Daddy and I love you so very much!!!

This year, Debbie's cousins were here with her and helped her celebrate. She had a very fun day and received many special gifts. Her Uncle Jason picked out a purple flannel vest that she loves; her brother Andrew gave her a jewelry box and a tea set; and her Uncle Lanny and cousin Rebecca bought her a Barbie with a horse which she LOVES! And her Mimi gave her a special card with a poem written especially for her; oh, and there was a $200-peso bill in the card, too!!

I really do enjoy reading the poems that Mom writes for our birthdays. The one she wrote to Debbie this year is just as special, and I want to share it with you.

"Your Birthday comes in three more days,
But we just couldn't wait!
So this is what we'll do today:
We're gonna celebrate!
We'll thank the Lord for sending you to us nine years ago!
And with this money in your card,
A-shopping you can go!"

How loved you are, my Debbie-Jolene, by your Mommy and Daddy, by your brothers, your cousins, uncles and aunts and your grandmothers, and by Jesus, too! Live to please Him...that's what really counts in this life!!!

Freedom of Forgiveness

2014-09-26T09:01:00.001-05:00

When my oldest son was only about two years old, a sweet lady in our church invited my husband and me to her home to eat supper. We had a good time of fellowship. After we had eaten, she told me and my husband, "I want to talk to you about your son. He misbehaves in the nursery, and I think you should know." She lovingly and compassionately continued to give us advice and pointers as to how we could help our young son.

My husband graciously thanked her for the interest she had in our son, and told her that he was going to try to work with our baby on the matter. Although I smiled at her as my husband was talking, my proud mother-heart was not smiling at all! On the inside I was thinking, "How dare she?! My precious little angel-boy wouldn't hit other children in the nursery!" My thoughts were not kind at all.

Then, I felt completely ashamed and let my guard down. I thought, "Now, Anna, you know that your little Andrew is not an angel. Listen to what she has to say."

This dear lady was the lady who held my little Andrew the first time I went to church after he had been born. As he grew, she had a special love for him. I knew that she loved him. She would never say or do anything to hurt him! I listened to her as she told me what SHE did when her little boys (who were then young men) acted up in the nursery.

Then and there, I prayed in my heart, "Lord, show us what to do. Give us humility to accept this advice, and give us wisdom to do what we can to try to correct this behavior problem in our son."

That was on a Saturday night. The following morning, I put a new prayer request on my prayer list and began to pray for our little Andrew. It became a blessing for me to pray specifically for this in my baby's life, and led me to pray from then on for very small things in his life, as well as in the life of my other baby, Deborah.

As I look back on that night, I can only thank the Lord for my friend, who cared enough for our Little Andrew and for us as parents to talk to us. And I thank the Lord for "knocking me up-side the head" and helping me to see that if I could accept this advice from an older, wiser lady, this would help us.

To this day, I pray that my son (who is 10 years old) will be a blessing to his teachers and that he will listen and receive a blessing in his Sunday School class.

And about 4 years ago, a dear and precious friend of mine said something negative about my children. Although I did not show it at that moment, it broke my heart, and later I cried and cried! As the days following passed, I could feel anger and bitterness trying to take root in my heart. "I'll never let my children around her, and I'll show her. She'll be sorry she EVER said anything about my children." I think that when something hurtful is said or done to our children, it is WORSE than if it is said or done to us, isn't that so?

I remember one Sunday morning about one month later, I was struggling with this horrible and ugly tug-of-war in my heart. I knew with all of my heart that I had come to a point in my life where I had to make a decision: to let this anger and hurt continue in my heart; or to forgive and let go of that ugly comment that had been made. The bitterness that was beginning to take root in my heart was going to hurt me and my children one thousand times more than the comment that had been made.

I had lost my joy over one thoughtless comment.

Thanks be to my God, He gave me the power to forgive. He helped me to choose forgiveness.

Almost immediately, a tremendously heavy burden was lifted from my heart, and my joy was returned to my spirit. God lifted me out of that pit of unforgiveness and bitterness.

Did God deal with the lady about what she had said? I do not know, but that is not my business. What I do know is that God loves me enough to have dealt with ME, and I am so, so thankful!

4 years later, I can say that the sweet lady who caused my grief (in a time when perhaps she was tired, moody, or frustrated) has become one of the greatest sources of encouragement and joy to me. She has blessed me a hundred times over since then. I am so thankful that I forgave and let go.

What are you holding on to? Did someone do or say something hurtful to you, and you just can't seem to forgive and forget? You cannot; but God will give you the grace and the strength to do so, if you will allow Him. You see, forgiveness is a choice. You make the choice, and God gives the ability.

Experience the freedom today that comes through forgiveness!

From My Kitchen Window

2014-08-08T09:49:00.000-05:00

From the spot where I work the most (my kitchen), I can look out my window onto the street where cars and people are constantly passing. I see men walking to work and young people going to school early in the morning. Then I hear (before I see) the water truck and the gas truck passing; I see Mommies walking their children to kindergarten. I must admit that I have become familiar with the routines of people in my neighborhood, including the new couple who just moved in across the street. There are certain people, though, whom God has laid upon my heart specifically, for whom I pray almost daily. In a way, I feel they've become my friends, although I don't know their names and neither do I know where they live. But I see them pass, and I pray for their salvation.

One is a young man, probably in his early 20s. He pushed a tricycle (a yellow one with a carrier on the front). Every morning, at 9:00, he rides the tricycle down the hill past my window. I see he sells cold "horchata" (a sweet rice drink) and cold "jamaica" (a hibiscus drink); and he also sells tacos. I imagine that he goes down to the square in town and sells. I have seen him ride by on a motorcycle and big blocks of ice are strapped into a crate-type container. I assume he delivers ice to someone. I am under the impression that he's a very hard worker. Not too long ago, our family returned from town in our car, and I saw this young man walking on our street with a young lady. They appeared to be more than just friends. But I thought: if she marries him, I'm sure she'll be getting a hard-working husband.

And every time he passes my window, I pray for God to save him.

I also see a deformed and crippled lady who passes every so often. She always seems to be so jolly and happy. I don't know her name, but I pray for her salvation.

And I see a little old Indian woman who passes my window nearly every day. She actually comes very near to my kitchen window. There is something that grows outside that window that she comes and picks...to me, they're just weeds, but to her, they might be medicine or special seasonings. I don't know. But when I see her, I ask God to save her, and to provide for her needs.

My ministry is in my home. Between home-schooling, cooking, cleaning, caring for a baby, training children, and being the help meet for my precious husband, I feel that I don't have much time for ministries outside the home. I ask God to give me a special ministry. And I feel that He has. I can pray for the many people who pass my kitchen window. As I see them pass, the Holy Spirit reminds me that my neighborhood is a mission field. They are my ministry. "Pray for them. I'll prepare their hearts, and when the time comes, I'll give you an opportunity to speak to them about Me."

What a special ministry we have in praying for others, for only God knows the hearts, and only He can prepare them to accept the saving Gospel.

Will you take time to pray with me for my neighbors who pass my kitchen window?

A Child's Art

2014-06-28T08:35:00.002-05:00

I have always loved my children's drawings and art work. Since they were very small, I have collected and saved back their finest masterpieces.

Their pictures and drawings give me an idea of what is in their little minds and hearts, and it allows me to know what they are thinking. This has always been so important to me!

The things my children say and the way they say them are a signal to me of their attitudes and their innermost feelings. And their attitude is the light that shines on what is in their souls.

"The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly." Proverbs 20:27

--If you can read this one and figure it out, you'll get quite a laugh!--

There have been times that I have paid special attention to some things my children have said and the way in which they were said; and sure enough, there was an "unsettled bit of business" in their little minds and hearts. A bit of talking to, encouragement to talk to Mama, some tears shed, reading Scriptures pertaining to the subject; a word of prayer with my child, and it was all taken care of. He's back to his old happy self, and Mama feels relief and gratefulness in her heart. "Thank You, Lord!"

May God help us parents to really look into our children's eyes, to see their expressions and to see the attitudes and meanings behind the words they say. Look at their drawings and ask them what it means and what they're expressing. Don't be too busy with life's less important, sometimes demanding things. Make your children a priority.

Taking 3-4 minutes to look at her picture and to talk about it with her may save you heartache down the road in her life. Mommy sees and appreciates my work; she takes the time to ask me about it and makes sure she understands what I'm conveying through my pictures.

Then she hangs it on the fridge and shows Daddy when he comes home. This makes me feel appreciated. I am special, and I am loved.

How Does She Do It?

2014-05-30T09:04:00.001-05:00

Have you ever watched one of your Mommy friends and asked that question? "How does she do it?"

I have. On a day when the kids are lagging behind in their school work; when you just can't get around to cleaning the bathroom (the last 3 days); the laundry is piling up because it has been raining and the laundry can't be hung outside; you look out the window and see the neighbor walking by to take her children to school, and she has her hair done up so nicely and she looks so fresh so early in the morning. Or you feel like you're really "on the ball" this morning and everything seems to be under control, only to realize...you're not sure what you will fix for lunch and the children are hungry.

Have you ever had a day like that, or am I the only one? And you're standing over a sink of dirty dishes, and another Mommy friend comes to your mind, and in frustration you think: "How does she do it? She has seven children and her house always seems to be in perfect order; the children's school work is done; her laundry doesn't ever seem to be piled up; she always looks like she stepped out of a fashion magazine."

I've had days like that, and the devil perches himself right up onto my shoulder and begins his accusations, and discouraging darts strike right through my mind and heart. If I let myself, I can get pretty low, and be really hard on myself. "You got up at 6:30. What do you have to show for it?!"

If I can make myself reason correctly, and let the Holy Spirit speak to me instead of paying attention to the devil, I realize several things:

1) Comparison is the thief of joy and contentment

II Corinthians 10:12 says that "...but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

I must realize that I will never be like my sister, Sarah. She is the sweet and patient mother of six beautiful children. She has the gift of being able to just sit down in the midst of a messy living room and relax and enjoy watching her children play. She is not worried about cleaning up the living room before sitting to relax.

My sister-in-law, Jolene, is the perfect example of organization and being able to stick to a job until it is done. Her beautiful daughter is always (ALWAYS) dressed in doll dresses, with her hair done up in the cutest styles. In my mind, she is the ideal mommy. But I am not her, and I will never be just like her!

My friend, Colleen, always makes time for tea parties with her girls and has time to sew such lovely things, and makes (yes, I said MAKES) dolls for her girls for Christmas. What an ideal Mommy! But I am not her, and I must realize I do not have the gift of sewing or making lovely crafts. I can't be just like her!

Not long ago, I threw up my hands in frustration and thought, "I will never be patient like Sarah! I will never be organized like Jolene! I will never be creative like Colleen." Then I thought, "I am not them! I will never be them! I am myself and God made me who I am!"

There is a danger in comparing yourself to people whom you THINK are smart, organized, patient, creative, and just always "on the ball." Comparison is the thief of contentment and can steal your joy.

2) You are who God made you to be

I can lament not being all that I want to be. Or I can say, "Hey, I am NOT Jolene or Sarah or Colleen. I am MYSELF!" My mother said something recently that just really blessed my heart. She was speaking on "The Ministry of a Mother," and she said, "God placed your child in YOUR womb because He knew that your child needed YOU for his mother." You can say, "Oh...my poor children will NEVER have a perfect mother!" Or you can say, "I am the mother God chose for my children!"

God knows me. He knows my failures and He knows my frustrations and He sees me when my house is a mess and my day isn't going as planned. And yet, He gave these children to ME. He chose ME to be the wife to that wonderful man who is my husband. I love reflecting on the thought that, in spite of the fact that He knew what my faults would be, He still entrusted these precious children into my care.

I like observing Sarah and Jolene and Colleen (and others) and I try to let them encourage me and inspire me to do better. But I can't compare myself to them because I am NOT them!

3) Enjoy what God has given to YOU

When you let comparison rob you of your joy, you are missing out on great blessings every day. I remind myself that, although I am not perfect and my children aren't either, they are so precious, and there is no greater earthly treasure I have than them. I live in a comfortable house, and it fulfills the needs of our family. Our house will sometimes be a mess, the furniture will sometimes be dusty, dinner will sometimes be a little late, the laundry will sometimes get piled up; and although I like to get my chores done in the early hours of the day, it is OKAY if it doesn't all get done. Life can still be sweet and fun when things are a little messy.

What do I want my children to remember when they look back on their childhood? Do I really want them to remember a Mommy who was always stressed out because she just couldn't get it all done? Or do I want them to remember a peaceful and joyful Mommy who conveyed an "it's okay, I will eventually get it done" attitude?

4) Let Jesus be your example

God is so compassionate. He made you. He knows you. He doesn't expect you to be like anyone else.

"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." Psalm 86:15

I thank the Lord that He knows me and loves me as I am. He sees my struggles, yet He encourages me and gives me hope. The devil tries to get me to see only the negative, but the Lord helps me to see that I can do all things through Christ. He is my strength.

So determine that you are going to enjoy being YOU the way that YOU do things, and don't forget to do all that you do for the glory of God!

Have a beautiful day with Jesus! You and He make a great team!

The Marvel of a New Road

2014-04-27T07:36:00.000-05:00

We pulled off the main highway and my husband drove down the new dirt road. We were on our way to a jungle village which we had visited many times in the past twelve years. "I hope the rains have not washed out any parts of the road," my husband said with a bit of worry in his voice. "If it has, we will turn around and go in the other way."

"The other way" was the way he had always come in. It was another hour's drive on the main highway, down an extremely bumpy road for another 25 minutes; then we'd have to cross the swinging bridge hanging at least 25-30 meters high; walk through corn fields and cow pastures for another 30 minutes until reaching the foot of the mountain that we'd have to climb.

I had made that walk and climbed that mountain (up and down, mind you!) pregnant (twice), carrying a baby and a backpack countless times; we had made that walk in the dark, in the rain, walked in knee-deep mud, many times hoping the cows in the pasture didn't charge at you as you passed them at arm's length. Children see everything as an adventure, especially when you can ride a horse! We have surely made a lot of memories on the old trail, for sure!

But quite contrary to my husband's fears, the road to the village was just lovely, and our vehicle made it through the "back way" with not a single problem. The view was beautiful, and I got to see the other side of this majestic mountainside. It was absolutely breath-taking. And to listen to my husband exclaim over and over what a miracle it was to have a road back to this village was priceless. He relived the days when he was just a very young boy, walking with his Daddy and Mama down a small path over this same territory. "I just can't believe it!" he said over and over.

In a short time, we were riding down the gravel road that we had walked over countless times, to his sisters' homes. The last time I had walked down this road, I was jumping from rock to rock to avoid stepping in mud. The rocks were huge. One had to be careful not to slip! So many times I had held tightly to my children's hands so they wouldn't slip and fall on this very same path.

And now, we were in an air-conditioned vehicle, driving down this same road. You would have had to experience the many things I experienced in this same place to truly appreciate the wonder of the new road. I hope I have adequately described it to you.

As I stepped out of our car, I realized that I had forgotten just how hot it got back there. We had arrived at the home of one of my three sisters-in-law who live there with their sweet families. They immediately ushered us into the little kitchen, where a short, tin roof made it feel as if you were sitting in an oven. Off to the side, an open fire burned as they prepared their dinner. We were served cold watermelon. How refreshing!

My sweet mother-in-law, recovering from an awful case of Shingles, was staying with her daughters as she rested and regained her strength. Everyone was so happy to see us and welcomed us warmly. They always give us the very best that they have.

Feeling as if I were going to suffocate from the intense humidity, I walked outside and sat in the hammock with Baby Tommy. It felt maybe 3 degrees cooler outside. At a short distance I could see the chickens and turkeys in the pen. Off to the side was the simple wash area. Then just past that a beautiful view of the river flowing down beneath.

I had forgotten a few things, I realized as the days passed. The rocky walk to the outhouse. The big bullfrogs that hide in the outhouse at night. The constant struggle to keep my ready-to-walk-but-still-crawling-around 14-month-old baby off the dirty floors. The crows that land on the tin roof early in the morning and make enough noise to wake a sleeping baby boy.

Too often, we tend to allow the inconveniences or discomforts of life to overshadow the amazing, fun things we are to enjoy and cherish in life. The fellowship that we always enjoy with my husband's family; the retreat from a busy life in the modern city; the beautiful sounds and smells of nature; watching the children enjoy the thrill of riding a horse and laughing with cousins; the beautiful Ch'ol dialect spoken by these dear people...I didn't want to take this for granted. The discomfort would last only for a few days, but the sweet memories we were making were going to last forever.

I look at my husband, his heart full of laughter, relaxed completely as he jokes with one of his brothers-in-law. He is so happy here. I enjoy seeing him this way.

Debbie came close to me and whispered, "Mommy, I am so hot!" I took her hand and led her to the wash area. I had her lean over the wash area and poured water over her head, down her neck, and got her clothes wet. She looks up at me and grinned. "This is fun!" 'That's the spirit!' I thought. That became our routine...about every 2 hours. It kept her cool and happy, and she told me, "Mommy, this is SO MUCH FUN!" Amazing, the simple pleasures in life.

That first night, when we finally got to bed, my baby boy sleeping beside me, I closed my weary eyes and thanked the Lord for a safe place to sleep. I opened my eyes once more to look at my husband. He was just staring at me. He smiled and said, "Anna, who would have ever thought?! I just can't believe we rode in our car all the way here!" I wouldn't have missed that moment for anything in this whole world!

We did enjoy 4 days of sweet fellowship with the dear family members, fellow-believers. The last night we were there, my husband took his guitar and our electric keyboard out of the trunk of our car and hooked up the keyboard. We realized the electric power was not quite enough for the keyboard. So my husband strung an extension cord out to our car, started the engine, and plugged in an electrical strip to the cigarette lighter. As my husband's family listened, our family sang for them..."Until Then," "Mansion Over The Hilltop," "On The Jericho Road," "One Day At A Time," and other songs. There is hardly a better way to make a family reunion complete than to have a little singing. What a joyous time it was!

It was a sad good-bye the next day as we drove off. How my mother-in-law wept! (I believe that the older one gets, the harder good-byes become.) As we waved good-bye, I couldn't help but be thankful in my heart for the time we were able to spend there. Before we made the trip, part of me was dreading the trip, knowing it would be hard going back with a baby. I prepared my heart days before the trip, praying the Lord would help me to "rough it" with a good attitude. (I realize now that Satan tried his best to steal this opportunity from me, and I'm so glad I didn't let him have his way. It was an experience of a lifetime!)

And you know what? The Lord helped me! Dread turned to happiness. Fear turned to thrill and excitement! Nothing could take the place of the thrill of riding beside my husband and watching him enjoy the wonder of a modern road back to the place that seemed so remote and far, far away!

I hope that this little adventure that I share with you will encourage you to enjoy the ride of life that the Lord takes you on. Comfort is really not important if you can cultivate the right attitude in life. I was reminded of that once again on this trip. The first of many to come, I hope!