Come Sit With Me

Sometimes it's the simpler truths that resonate most strongly within us.

Tonight's class for married couples seemed like it was very simple, and my part was especially short, but generated the most comments. Seems that as woman we benefit greatly from understanding what our men need from us but haven't expressed in so many words. "Come sit with me." And all we find is silence, bewildering our feminine mind. But if we can beat the urge to go off to start the laundry and dishwasher, we might discover how our presence energizes our husband. Eventually, he just may open up his deepest feelings to us.

Reminds me of Jesus. Mary sat at his feet. Will I? From the Psalms we learn that God reveals his secrets to those who fear him, and to them he shows his covenant. (25:14) Once again, marriage teaches us to know God. Just like my husband likes me to simply be with him, it turns out that God likes my company even when I don't talk. "Come sit with me."

Yes, honey, can I get you something to drink?

Yes, Jesus, I'll do like Mary and choose the better part.

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Grace: Finding My Pathway

Isaiah 48:17 I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go.

So often I find myself overwhelmed and feeling that I'm behind on everything, and never able to accomplish the things on my to do list. How do I deal with such and such in my marriage? What should I do about those issues with my kids? What about he ministry work? Am I doing enough in home school? Am I trying to do too much? When will my house ever be clean?!

And then Jesus softly whispers his promise, "I will lead you in the way you should go." If I can just be still for a moment and set my face heavenward, I can hear him. My sister, my brother, his Grace is enough, and not just enough; it is abounding, overflowing, and extravagant.

The Lord is teaching me to fall back on him, to rest in  his strength, trust in his goodness. Suddenly I see how I've offended my husband, and an apology paves the way to peace. I realize that my kids need some more attention and some fun times with me, and things start to settle down. If I let some of the ladies share in the class, then I don't have to do it all alone. As I take time with the girls and listen to them,  my eyes are opened to how much they are learning and where they are struggling. Clean houses are over-rated...

Yes, Lord, "You make known to me the path of life." Psalm 16:11

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Surprised by Grace

Reading a little devotional book, What is the Father Like? by W. Phillip Keller, I came across the following:

It takes time to know me. It calls for your attention, your interest, your willingness to wait for me to speak to you clearly. It requires you to come and find great delight in my company. It implies that you will begin to fulfill my wishes, obey my word to you, and trust me always to accomplish all I command.

Oh, how true I'm finding this quote to prove in my own experience. Knowing Jesus, just like any other friend takes time, but is worth all our patience. How patient has He been with me?

As I am learning to walk in His grace, I laugh to discover the energy coursing through me. A new peace has settled into my heart, as well, spilling over to my children!

What has surprised or blessed you as you come to know God more?

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The Lion Roars

Ever feel like your world is crashing down all around you? Everything you had confidence in, everyone you thought you could trust gave way beneath your weight when you most needed the support?

This morning I came across a passage that really struck me as I read the Scriptures:

Hosea 10:13-14
...Because you have trusted in your own way

and in the multitude of your warriors,

14 therefore the tumult of war shall arise among your people,

and all your fortresses shall be destroyed...

Could this be how God explains those mysteries of life, those unexpected tumults in our life? Perhaps He is showing us that we have put our trust in fortresses and warriors who are not the Lord Almighty. Listen to the charge He brings and the consequences that come (Hosea 11:5b):

...they have refused to return to me.

6 The sword shall rage against their cities,

consume the bars of their gates,

and devour them because of their own counsels.

7 My people are bent on turning away from me,

But His lovingkindness  trumps all else, inviting us to take our counsel from the Omniscient and trust in the Omnipotent:

My heart recoils within me;

my compassion grows warm and tender.

9 I will not execute my burning anger;

I will not again destroy Ephraim;

for I am God and not a man,

the Holy One in your midst,

and I will not come in wrath.

10 They shall go after the Lord;

he will roar like a lion;

when he roars,

Remember Aslan?

his children shall come trembling from the west;

11 they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt,

and like doves from the land of Assyria,

and I will return them to their homes, declares the Lord.

 

Our Father's heart is to return us home, the place where trust is rightly placed, where safety is real. His heart is home. Though you tremble, come!  The lion roars. 

My Ferris Wheel Reached the Top!

As the Ferris wheel neared its highest point, my stomach did a little flip flop, and yet the thrill of the cityscape was worth all the anxiety of every revolution. Life is like that. Full of nerve-racking thrills.

Scraping the bottom of the barrel month after month for years on end and pinching pennies like a miser has been our lot, occasionally punctuated with provision for some great need. Perhaps my readers can imagine the delight that filled our hearts as we shopped this past week in Texas without the need to count every last cent. How delicious to check off so many items from my school supply list, knowing I'd gotten a great deal compared to buying in Mexico. How wonderful to be able to buy the footwear each one needed! For the first time since moving to Torreon in 2008, we made the trip and came back with more than enough for our purchases and cost of travel, as well as the rent and bills that awaited our return. Long habit of frugality kept us from unwise splurges, and we find it exciting to see how far we can stretch the remaining dollars.

I posted on facebook, "I'm trying to print everything I need to start school on Monday. Gotta set up binders, have the girls arrange their desks and supplies, etc. This is so much fun!!" My mom's reply:
my, my....how warped you have become! printing and arranging binders is "so much fun"? you gotta be kidding.....LOL
      Yes, it is "so much fun" to finally be able to prepare for a semester having the supplies I need--a printer (thanks, Mom), ink, paper and card stock, folders, binders, curriculum, etc. Too many times I had to do without, printing only the very most important pages: I had to pay for each page at the internet cafe. While in TX, I picked up the books I ordered over the past few months, rejoicing that we're starting the year with what we need for the semester. God has indeed been good to us, answering prayers we've made, along with those of our intercessors.

And now that I told you about my latest joy, I'm going in for another dive into teacher-dom, gearing up for classes on Monday.

Have you had an exciting high on your Ferris wheel of late?

A Hug From God

After turning down the wrong street by mistake and with fifty cents in my pocket and two backpacks in my hand, I ask the girl at the garage sale, "How much for these?"

"Ummm.... Oh.... twenty-five cents each."

Two people are going to be really happy with them!! One is my husband, who bikes all over the city bringing provisions for our family, as well as visiting our church members, paying bills and just biking for good health. As for the other man, I am pleased to be able to replace the pink pack he carries riding a motorcycle to work!

Kind of like a hug from God, "I'm taking care of you, and I know what you need. Don't worry; just lean on me."

The Pursuit of Blessing

                 Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
We regularly ask for God's blessing on our lives, on the lives of our loved ones, and even for strangers. We seem to realize that we'd be lost without His blessing, and we rightly believe that it will only bring good to our life. The question is, in my opinion, do we recognize it when it comes? Too often, I suspect our definition of blessing differs vastly from God's.

In the beginning, God was. And He existed in perfect communion and love as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with no struggle for heirarchy or power.

Pain

Pain. Nerve endings screaming for relief. Waves of despair rolling over your whole body. Feeling the pull and tug of the whirlpool as you helplessly flail about gasping for air.

There is the pain that throbs, the kind that stabs, the variety that aches. Pain that plunges you into the darkness of unconciousness.

How we fear it. What lengths we go to in hopes of avoiding it. We curse it. Abhor it. But can we find anything to learn from it or appreciate from pain? Of course, pain may save our life from burning or cutting. But what about the pain that goes on and on, long after the danger has been removed?

Divine Appointment -- A Beautiful Thing

Photo by my niece, Sabrina Popa

Have you experienced divine appointments? Those unexpected meetings with someone where something made you realize it was a God-thing? Those moments where you exchange deep and significant conversation, and you know you never could have planned such a thing are just thrilling.
                                                        Today I had one.

Be Not Dismayed

Photo by Bob Askey

"Oh Lord, how am I going to make it through another day? How can I deal with all of today's challenges? I need your help! I can't do this alone."
Early one morning, when I was feeling overwhelmed with parenting and teaching, keeping house and ministering, my eye came across the memory verses one of the men of the church chose for our latest competition. Immediately I knew the first verse was intended for me. (Others in our group would like to argue that the verse was sent from the Lord just for them; although I won't dispute it with them, just between us, it was a special word for my heart.)

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

A Promise for Times of Trouble

About a week ago I took my kindle with me on my walk to a nearby plaza so I could read some Scripture and commune with the Lord under his big, beautiful blue sky. My heart was heavy that day, and I felt Psalms was the right thing for it. Seemingly, I stumbled across these blessed words:

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10 ESV

 I repeated to myself over and over again, "Those who know your name put their trust in you. You have not forsaken those who seek you." You know what? I found relief from my burden. Hope came. Joy.

I just wanted to share this verse to bless someone who needs this promise from the Lord.  Perhaps I may not know for a long time, and then again it may be yet tonight, but I believe there is a person who needs to know they are not forsaken, but that he or she has a stronghold for this time of need. If you are that someone, will you please let me know?

Let us live in the Kingdom of Life

Many of my readers keep up with me and events in my family and church through Facebook, but posts get lost in the newsfeed and forgotton with the passage of time. Therefore, I believe it would be good to make an entry recording the tragedy of my nephew's murder this week.

Cristian Daniel, son of my husband's youngest sister Paty, had turned 16 in October 2011, and was having a good time with the family celebrating his cousin's 9th birthday on May 29th. In Ruthie's words, "He was so happy and alive." While I don't want to idealize his life and character, neither will I publish all the unfavorable details. What I will say is that his life was full of possibilities for a bright future, if only he would have taken counsel from aunts and uncles.

Two days later, just 10 days after the second anniversary of his Dad's death, Cristian went to hang out with his (shady) friends on the plaza by his house. None of them imagined that some other teens like themselves were sent that day to punish one by taking his life, apparently for working for the wrong cartel. An SUV came and the kids jumped out carrying weapons that were nearly as long as the kids were tall, they caught and wrangled the boy on their list and ripped his body open with gun-shells. The rest of the kids scattered, some managing to get into their house, but another was taken into the vehicle, and my nephew took two bullets in his side before they ran the SUV over him four times. He lived for about an hour before the ambulance came, but as he really couldn't survive and the hospitals refuse to take victims of the narco-cartels, he was left to die on the plaza.

On that fateful Thursday morning, I felt a sudden apprehension about my husband going to the prison to preach, but he assured me all would be fine. How could we have prepared for the phone call shortly after lunch? Chuy went to his sister's house where several more of the family gathered, and after I confirmed the news, I had the painful task of informing my three young daughters that their cousin had his life stolen from him. To their questions I replied in the simplest, yet truthful way I could find. Only God knows if he had a moment to turn his heart to Jesus; this was NOT God's will for him, rather, it was the work of our enemy who steals, kills and destroys. We do not need to fear because we belong to the Kingdom of Life, and God's Spirit guides us. He would guide all, but not all are willing to listen to Him and follow His leading.

In the following painful hours, Chuy, his sister and their brother-in-law saw to the legal requirements and funeral arrangements (witnessing the breaking in and stripping of a vehicle as they drove on an overpass). The two men lived through the horrific experience of identifying the mangled body which I won't describe to you, but I do ask you to pray that the images of him and the other cadavers be erased from their minds. From home, I made some calls and got our evening church meeting and birthday celebration covered, delivering the cake I had already made for it. A little niece played with the girls, which I think helped them all deal with the shock and grief and confusion. I dealt with it by cooking up a storm to feed the family supper at the funeral home, trying to be of some comfort and aid to them.

It seems that there were multiple murders and police arrests on Thursday, and Chuy preferred that I wait for him at home and he brought a little nephew to spend the night. The next morning those two went back with the family and the girls alternated playing with helping clean up the house. Shortly after noon we all went to the funeral home where we mourned with the rest of the mourners. People grieve in many different ways, but I was thankful that even with all the sobbing, Ruthie included, there were no hysterics as in recent funerals I've had to attend. The father's family had planned to take the boy back to El Paso the next week to spend the summer with them, and one aunt loudly repeated, "Cristian! wake up, we've come for you!" Little Grace was rather stoic until his coffin was lowered into the ground, Rebeca had tears streaming down her face, and Ruthie spent many minutes openly crying, for she grieved that he may not have been saved and she had not been able to be close to him, "And now I'll never see him again!" All who fit into the tiny room listened attentively to Chuy's words before the body, urging all to look for their comfort in God and to consider their own eternity.

About 75 people stood around his coffin at the graveyard on an unusually cool June first. I kept my girls close to my body trying to give them support and comfort while allowing them to grieve as they would. Another cousin, big and tall, kept his arm around Rebeca who stood behind me, while Chuy stayed close to his sisters. My own tears were for the mourners and for the anger of the injustice of a young life cut too short. These young children, the teenage friends, the cousins, should not be suffering this kind of tragedy! My daughters should not have been to four funerals in three years!!

The immediate family gathered at my mother-in-laws to rest and eat together, trying to digest all that had occurred in the previous 28 hours. Details were shared and discussed, a bit of humor lightened the mood now and then, and we all were grateful that Cristian's mother and sister were able to sleep for a few hours. The younger kids played out in the street, enjoying the cool air and shaking off some of the gloom in their hearts.

In closing, I'd like to say to you what I tried to say to my girls. What we just lived through was pure evil. It is exactly what our enemy wants to do: to steal (joy, peace, love, life), kill, and destroy whatever is left over. So let us not participate in his kingdom, in his tactics, but let us love one another, forgiving as Christ forgives us. Let us be patient with each other and be proactive about sharing God's love with others. Let us live according to the Kingdom of Heaven, bringing it close to those who are still in the kingdom of darkness.

Thank you for your prayers for the family, especially that Paty and Ayra, Cristian's sister, would finally stop running from the ONE who loves them and would give them abundant life, peace, love, joy, and comfort.

Col 1:13  He has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of the Son whom he loves.

He's GOOD!

I just saw a photo that a Facebook friend posted of a little boy with the caption:

"Found another one I wanted to bring home, but Michael said 'no more pets'. ;) What a cutie!!"  Claudia Labrador and her husband are missionaries in Ecuador.(http://www.pathwaysinternational.org/ ) 

 Claudia's comment set me thinking, that's what a woman's heart is like: we see a child or animal in need, and we want to pull them close and take them home. We want to nurture and heal the innocent, the helpless, the hurt.

Isn't that what God's heart is like? He sees His hurting children and the lost souls, and He longs to pull them close to His heart and to bring them home. He yearns to see us made whole and to be filled with joy, peace, and grace.  As I journey towards Father's heart I am getting to know these things in a deeper way.

Jesus reflects His Father's heart when he says,  "how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings." I love what this expression of Jesus reveals about God's love and kindness!

My heart sings to think of what Bob Santos declares in chapter one of "Search for Me" (http://searchforme.wordpress.com/audio/), "The goodness of God cannot be overstated." Beautiful words! Powerful words. Full of hope and healing.

I pray your heart is blessed with these thoughts and that you too, will find yourself on the wonderful journey of getting to know Father as He really is, good!

I look forward to your comments!

Ever hear of the Society for the Picking of Apples?

A powerful point is made in this article I'm reposting by James M. Weber, missionary to Japan:

    Once upon a time there was an apple grower who had acres and acres of apple trees. In all, he had 10,000 acres of apple orchards.
    One day he went to the nearby town. There, he hired 1,000 apple pickers. He told them:

"Go to my orchards. Harvest the ripe apples, and build storage buildings for them so that they will not spoil. I need to be gone for a while, but I will provide all you will need to complete the task. When I return, I will reward you for your work.     "I'll set up a Society for the Picking of Apples. The Society -- to which you will all belong -- will be responsible for the entire operation. Naturally, in addition to those of you doing the actual harvesting, some will carry supplies, others will care for the physical needs of the group, and still others will have administrative responsibilities."

What drives you?

Today Chuy was asked, "What drives you to stay here? You have your American citizenship, you could be comfortable, why are you here?"

From his answer that he related to me a few hours later, here are 6 points:
1. Seeing a marriage restored and growing
2. Seeing young people who say, "help me in my walk with God"
3. Seeing lives healed and restored by God
4. Listening to people with their problems and then to minister to them, to pray for them and to see God transform their lives
5. Seeing people come to our home Wednesdays eager to worship the Lord and to learn more of Him and of walking with Him
6. Seeing people who didn't even know God and now they want to know him and to grow in a personal relationship with Him
These are things he says that are his motivator, his driving force, his gasoline!

I'm in full agreement with Chuy that all our struggles are worth it when we see these kinds of miracles. I begin to have a notion of why God says there is "great rejoicing" over one soul who is saved. It is downright fun to be a part of restoration, of taking territory back from the enemy. Walking with Jesus is an unparalleled adventure which I wouldn't trade for anything!
     Are you experiencing thrills on your adventure with God? I look forward to your comments!

Branching Out

Rebeca's creation for playing Pirates

When I started Tree Pickings, I had the idea in mind of sharing a broad range of topics, and I feel that I've not branched out very well. However, today I have several things on my mind. For one thing, I'm doing some reading in different books that is challenging revolutionizing my thinking. Then I have the day to day living experience which has parts that are just joy and parts that I'd never choose to go through. Finally, there are some local events that threaten to disturb my mental peace.

Faithful God

      Today I'll just give a quick update to my last post giving testimony to the faithfulness of our God. He surely did provide for our needs in creative ways. We were able to give half the rent on the weekend and they gave us grace to pay the second half today, which is at this moment sitting in the cupboard. Praise God! He has also given us enough to pay for the swamp cooler* (and I know he'll take care of the missing parts next). It was so good to just lean on Him and keep reminding myself that truly He is in control and He is my loving Father.

       These past few weeks, the Lord has been filling my soul with so many good things, leading me to a renewed perspective and releasing me from subtle lies I'd bought into. I hope to soon share more of this, but at this point, while it's making a difference in how I live, it isn't all crystal clear in my mind.  

       Has that ever happened to you? You know things are different, but you can't quite explain it to someone else?


        May God bless you this week, even if His hand is unseen.

God is my Reality

Sunday evenings we total our local income. Last night's count set our emotions running wild with fear and anxiety clamoring, "What are you going to do? Look, you have the rent to pay! It's so hot and you still don't have the swamp cooler! Rebeca's surgery! Chuy's tooth! Food! Gas! This! That! " But I told my heart, "Now YOU look at truth. I know in whom I have believed." For our emotions and our fears are not reality. God is my reality.

Questions Rustling my Leaves

A pensive Rebeca in her favorite outfit

Sometimes I have a lot of questions running through my head, as I imagine my readers do, too. Tonight I'm wondering about how people who count God as their direct boss should handle their money. When you have more needs and obligations than income, should you stretch every cent as far as possible? Or settle for reasonably prudent and trust that God is a faithful provider and doesn't want to see his children suffer? What is trying to be your own salvation and what is being foolish?
          I'm thankful that this week we have enough to pay the electric, water and phone bills. We'll get meat, fresh produce and milk, and tonight I picked up laundry soap and a few other essentials (under $25). But the list of things we're needing is longer than the list of what can be purchased with funds available at the time of this writing. So I thank the Lord that He has a plan, although I can't help but hope it will happen yet this week. If not, then I have to believe His Grace is sufficient to get us through.
           The hardest part of this is answering the girls. Teaching Rebeca to tell God that she needs more blouses and appropriate shoes for church meetings. Dealing with kids who want pears, peaches, and pizza, all outside current means. Avoiding outings or visiting to save gasoline.
            I keep telling Chuy (and myself) that providing "the best" doesn't usually produce thankful kids who know the value of a dollar...or a peso. That character is worth a lot more than fulfilling wishes. That learning to look to God at an early age will serve them the rest of their lives.

           It's getting close to midnight, this Sunday evening, and the squeeze on my heart seems to be squeezing out logical thought. I'm hopeful that in a few days this post will have an inspiring sequel, to the Glory of the One Who makes it all worthwhile. I pray you are blessed this week with Grace for all your challenges. Greater is He that is within, than he that is in the world.

P.S. Monday morning: Chuy went to pay the electric bill and discovered we owed  30% less than the e-mail reminder said! Praise God for an eased burden!

Sandpaper and Chisels

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Today I had some thoughts come to mind concerning the situation we are going through, namely, too many expenses and too little income. To a large extent, we've been living this way for all of our nearly sixteen years of marriage. This week was especially frightening with all the bills coming due and very little income while the cabinets and fridge sat empty. On top of all of that, my tourist permit expires and I'm obligated to leave the country for three days before requesting a new one. So, as we were about to compare ourselves to other pastors who are living much more comfortably, a thought occurred to me.