Looking Back & Springing Forward

Happy March beloved! While I do not like the rain, I know that that which is watered grows. This month, we have three areas that are bearing fruit: first, Husband, Hacob and I attended a one-day missions symposium; second, Husband attended the annual Shepherd's conference; and third, the family and I are adjusting to me working 30 hours a week at CBU.

Jonathan Jones (elder), me, Husband, Cesare, Johnny, Pastor Mike Berry, Yarislav

On Tuesday, March 8, Husband, Hacob and I embarked on a journey to Santa Clarita at 5:30AM. I could not help feeling nostalgic, recalling two years prior, I was a babe in my understanding with missions and only two months at our new church. That was the conference where many had suggested linking up with Johnny Gravino (GMI missionary in Rome). Since 2020, we have grown EXPONENTIALLY; this year we were able to understand much of the topics being discussed. Also, we were able to have lunch with Johnny, two others from his team in Italy, our missions pastor and an elder (pictured above). It seemed surreal when our elder asked, 'How do you see Rick and Avi serving with your team?' Gravino's answer was affirming - only by grace and all glory to God. During the day I remembered thinking multiple times, I just want to be faithful. On the way back to Riverside around 7PM, I was sharing that it seems the road is narrowing, straightening and doors continue opening, as we continue toiling. The reality is that the Lord continues paving the way and setting these opportunities before us, and it is a privilege.  

Husband at the Shepherd's Conference

At the end of the one day missions conference, Husband joined others from his Monday night class to attend the Shepherd's conference, March 9-11. From powerful teaching, complete provision and accommodations, Husband was humbled by the Lord's generosity, encouragement and favor. He was also able to enjoy intimate and fruitful fellowship with the TC cohort and other men from around the globe. His takeaway was to continue keeping the gospel front and center, always ready to preach the word. The boys and I were eager and thankful to hear about all he learned and enjoyed looking at the many gifts he received and brought to share. But by far, we were thankful he came home...the house was not the same without him.  

Sister & I @ the end of the "Spring Thing" 

Starting my CBU shift most days at 10:00AM with a 5-minute commute is such a blessing :D My evening commitments have been eliminated, for the most part. Cooking, chores and grocery shopping remain a work in progress. We continue rejoicing about a late start on Thursdays to still attend and serve with the Women's Bible Study and the ability to take 2 months off each year - we hope to use this time for missions trips. Another unexpected blessing, Hacob in from time to time to say hi, and we have been able to enjoy lunch al fresco. Despite the new schedule, on the 19th, my sister, Desi, joined me at Cornerstone's "Spring Thing" - I am thankful for the time she and I were able to share with one another. My takeaway was to keep growing in the knowledge of God's love via reading, study and fellowship. Application and change will follow, as I behold Christ. Lastly, while I remain sad about not being available to meet regularly with two before-mentioned young ladies, one of them has remained in regular contact during the week and on Sundays - it has been SUCH a blessing to be growing in the same body with her.

Husband & Zachary (he was asking my sister, what are the names of all these cheeses? LOL!) Serving Breakfast for the Women at the "Spring Thing"

"So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth" (1 Corinthians 3:7, NASB). From the supplies, desire, ideas and opportunities, the Lord provides it all. We continue to be encouraged and humbled by the open doors before us at home, our church and community, and we give the Lord all the glory and praise.  

Praise Reports:

1. Husband has been an even bigger help around the house; he and I had a divine appointment at a thrift store encouraging a young believer in the faith; and we will be hosting a Seder Passover meal with our small group from church on April 23 
2. At CBU, I was able to pray with one of my coworkers and have been carpooling with another
3. In terms of health, I had a visit with an ear, nose & throat specialist from Kaiser-all looks healthy; I have an appointment scheduled with a pulmonologist in April and a holistic doctor in May
4. Hacob was able to attend a live stream of the Shepherd's Conference at our church with about 75 men
5. Zachary continues developing well as an athlete in tennis; he and Husband plan to visit CSUSB in April, as he considers colleges and selects classes for his senior year at Norco High
6. Our credit card company has refunded one airfare ticket from January, and I am inquiring to see why they did not refund both 

                                                                                    Hacob & I on our way to the School (First day working @ CBU)

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

1. My new role at CBU
1. To rest in God's providence and have peace of mind, to take every thought captive 
2. Opportunities
3. To be set apart
4. Meal, grocery and transportation logistics
2. We have been invited and encouraged to attend an expository class in Rome the first week of June or October - wisdom & logistics
3. Continued direction/balance with ministry/missions (+ faith, patience, wisdom & obedience), especially as Husband continues bible training 
4. Faithfulness in our current season
5. Unity in marriage & family 
6. Physical healing for me (ongoing fatigue, congestion & asthma), our ability to conceive or contentment with the boys
7. Hacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation
8. To seek God’s glory & submit to His will, above all else 
9. To walk in the gospel & bear fruits of the Spirit