IBCD Training Updates & Annual Conference Takeaways

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In the last two years, Husband and I have asked for your prayers as we have been training with the Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship, AKA IBCD, to be better equiped to come alongside of others. IBCD training consists of watching online videos on different topics like the sufficiency of God's word in contrast to psychology, taking exams and interviewing with an elder. We are thankful that we have finished two out of three levels. The third consists of reading two books, writing a response paper on each, another interview and observation hours of counseling. Please continue praying for us as we work toward completing these steps by the end of the year, wisdom on whether to pursue formal certification with ACBC next and faithfulness to apply what we are learning in our own hearts, relationships and church.  

Also, we recently had the blessing of attending IBCD's annual conference and learned so much - over 600 attended! Below are a few of my own encouragements, in the hope they can minister to you :) the main question to ask ourselves is this: is God my greatest treasure, or is...xyz?

  • Parenting is NOT a formula with guaranteed results (Psalm 127);
    • Our call is faithfulness;
    • Our hope is in God;
    • If there is success, give glory to God;
  • Suffering is a real experience (Psalm 22);
    • And it might be big, but it is NOT bigger than Jesus;
    • It is NOT an excuse for sin;
  • Contentment is NOT the absence of the thorn (2 Cor. 12, Phil. 4);
    • It is NOT found within you; 
    • It is only found in Christ; 
  • Anxiety is a common feeling we experience in response to a perceived danger (Matt. 6; Phil. 4);
    • Our good Father is infintely more concerned about it...and in control;
    • Are you trying to take control? Resisting?
  • Parenting & all our emotions are meant to draw us to Christ!
Anniversary Dinner
Neveah's Graduation

Praise Reports:

  1. Husband and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary on May 23rd and got to visit one of his aunt's while we were in the OC;
  2. We attended one our niece's graduations that we have been trying to build a relationship with; 
  3. We also had the pleasure of attending two weddings;
  4. We are getting ready for our annual family vacation with our boys in July; and
  5. They spoiled me for Mother's Day, and I got to spend good 1 on one quality time with each of them <3  

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

  1. Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit; 
  2. Discipline & understanding, as we continue IBCD training and serving with our church;
  3. Humility as we come alongside others in counseling, discipleship and day to day;
  4. Faithfulness as Husband serves as the Spanish chaplain for the IE 66ers of San Bernardino  baseball team (he has led 5 chapels with 6 to go); 
  5. God's leading with some minor health concerns for me; and
  6. Witnessing and discipleship opportunities.

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