Come What May
While I was in high school, one of my favorite songs was, "Come What May," from the musical Moulin Rouge. The sum of the song and film is this: this man and woman are changed and can overcome anything, because they are "in love" and now have each other. As a 16 year old teenager, this appealed to me; I, too, thought I could find myself in other things, experiences and people. I had yet to discover fullness being in Christ. But the Lord was and is so good to reveal that in order to know ourselves best and be most satisfied, is to know Him (John 4:13-14, 6:35). As believers, the reason we can face anything the Lord allows in our life, is because our sure and steady anchor is Christ alone. And while we are more than conquerors and have no reason to fear...believers still fret. Thankfully, we do not have to do this alone. This month, we want to share a few family updates, praises and ask for your faithful prayers, as He continues growing our confidence and trust in Himself, this season.
On May 5, Zachary turned 18 years old (I met him when he was 9 and thank God for the time he was in our home)! We had the blessing of celebrating with family over meals, games and quality time. And Husband and I did the embarrassing parent thing by putting together a slide show celebrating his life from birth to present, lol. It seemed to be very special for all of us. On May 8, he moved out. On May 31, he graduated from high school. Since then, he is looking for a job, learning to drive and registered for Norco Community College. While we celebrate the young man the Lord is making Zachary (compassionate, a great listener and gentle), we are being stretched. The Lord is growing our confidence in His word and heart to love the way He does - moving toward and being patient with sinners, with wisdom and grace.
The second Friday of May, Husband finished year 2 of 3 at the Training Center (Monday night bible training with Foothill Bible Church in Upland). There was a delicious dinner and celebration with each student and a guest. Each man was given a certificate (his small group above), and a few peers said something encouraging about a strength or characteristic - it was such a blessing to hear others speak on my husband's compassion, sincerity and persistence. I was caught by surprise when the host prompted each guest to share something we have noticed, as students continue learning. It was a blessing to highlight what the Lord has been doing in my husband: growth, endurance and faithfulness. To end the night, a few awards were presented. In unison, Husband was presented with most improvement - glory to God for the fruit He is yielding in a man who is yielding and pressing hard into Him, as he toils to learn and allow these truths to transform and strengthen him.
The third week of May, Jacob applied, interviewed and was offered a summer job with Forest Home in Ventura (a Christian camp center). The following week we took him to Ojai, getting to meet his boss and coworkers, who seem to be genuine believers. We are thankful to hear that he and a few coworkers have been attending a local church. It has been a delight to connect with him via FaceTime and hear the many ways the Father is growing him spiritually and ministering to Jacob's soul and practical needs. This temporary move has been allowing us to examine our hearts as parents of him and gain better understanding of our roles and the Lord's, more practically.
In what season do you find yourself in, friend? Are there areas of safety or routines that are being threatened? It is a grace when Yaweh exposes things we prefer, depend on or turn to, in the place God (big, small & everywhere in between, they are idols and sin). While painful to the flesh as we learn what it is to take up our cross and die to the flesh daily, praise be to the Father who freely sent His son to walk and be tested as we are, yet without sin, to redeem sinners like me and you to Himself. May we continue to confess our sin, as it is lovingly brought to the light by the Spirit, and thank the Father for providing our greatest need and encouragement: Christ. No spouse, child or accomplishment can ever deliver what we alone can find in the Lord, come what may.
Praise Reports:
- Husband and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary and had the blessing of going on a vacation in Cancun that was mostly provided for;
- We were invited, got time off from work and have been given encouragement from our missions pastor to join a trip of 5 others on a short term-trip to do Vacation Bible School with Foothill Bible Church in Queretaro, Mexico (likely July 28-August 5);
- Jacob took me out for breakfast for Mother's day, and we had great fellowship; and
- Zachary attended the annual youth retreat.
- The 3 Valadez brothers as they consider different housing options for Ama Valadez;
- Husband is near completing some legalities with his retirement;
- Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit, with ongoing health challenges, daily dealings with sin and a work situation (Avi);
- Witnessing opportunities; and
- Hacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation.
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