Seeking

Do you ever get to the point like giving up on something or someone? Knowing there is nothing you can do to change it or them? Feeling defeated, like your prayers are going unheard? Last fall, there were a few situations I became discouraged over, and I remember telling my husband my angst on our way home from church. He graciously responded, 'It's a good place to be' and pointed me to the Lord. We put away our things from Sunday's activities, and I began to read a book I had been wanting to read, "It Happens After Prayer," by H.B. Charles Jr. 'Weary, frustrated, discouraged, faint, at wit's end, hopeless' (45-47); "... prayer is the remedy for discouragement...divine insulation for your heart and mind " (48, 150). Over the next few weeks, I was greatly challenged and refreshed in prayer and want to share in hope that it might encourage you. The book opens by acknowledging the real and present sufferings in this life, but we are to, '...

It was an ordinary Sunday in Galilee...or so I thought. I was on my way to the priests and expected all to be calm in the city, because of the Sabbath. I was in search of a lamb. I noticed people were gathering in the streets, and I heard a man shouting, "He who fed the 5 thousand men has arisen from the dead, as He said. Two women went to the tomb this morning, and an angel of the Lord told them He was alive." When I arrived to the temple, there was a board on the doors with the words: "Do not believe the tales: the man who says He is the king of the jews was crucified on Friday. His followers stole the body." Later, I witnessed a wealthy young man throwing coins, fine linen and valuable items from an upper room crying out, "I am ready to give all that I have to follow the one who called me to Himself."   It was near dusk, and I had not found what I was looking for. I stopped by a well for a drink of water, before returning home. A woman who was rejoicing...

Happy Fall Beloved! Over the Summer, I had the blessing of reading and discussing Dane Orlund's book, "Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners" with 8 other women, and it was a fantastic read and time of fellowship. I used to think if I wanted to grow spiritually, I had to try harder, be more disciplined or focus more on the end result i.e. be more patient or submissive (I can easily fall back into those thought patterns, too). But by God's grace, He continues showing me: spiritual, heart changing growth is only found as I gaze at Jesus then walk in His provision  - may the Spirit quicken us to remember [the gospel], rejoice and repeat. First, as the book title implies, to grow in our walk, we do not need to learn new things, but, rather, keep pressing into the one thing and person we have already come to know: the gospel of Jesus Christ. As stated in 2 Peter 1:3, "...His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true ...

Happy New Year Beloved! To start off 2022, Husband and I would love to hear from YOU :D What is one area we can be praying for you and what can we give praise to the Lord for 2021 , together? You can respond directly to this email or "enter your comment" at the bottom of the blog post. Also, we would like to share our vision, too. For those that do not know, several years ago, Husband and the boys started writing out their annual goals on a poster board. Since getting married, we now get a little more creative and hang them on the wall as a reminder and encouragement. (Enjoy the PJs :D) Top priorities for us include our relationship with the Lord, each other and others . We want to better use our gifts, resources and time, to the building up of His bride and kingdom . And I am reminded Christ and the Spirit live in us, to carry it out . You and I are precisely where He has us for the good work before us.  As you may be aware, we leave for Rome this Sunday, January 8. This wee...

  Fall is in the air, and my Valadez men are loving it! I am a summer girl myself, but the change of colors and smells humble me to God's creativity and wisdom with seasons. This past month, our church has resumed various ministries, Husband continues with TC and we have been enriched by various interactions with the body of Christ and time in scripture and prayer. We are still praying about attending the bible conference in Rome, January 2022, because travel restrictions continue changing. Additional praise reports and prayer requests are noted below. Please let us know how we can praise with or pray for you. Also, we would like to share three  encouragements from John Bunyan's classic, "The Pilgrim's Progress," published in 1678: 1. the life of a believer is transient, 2. provided for, and 3. tested by sin, but God is gracious. Husband and I had the pleasure of reading this book with others from our church earlier in the year, and we highly recommend it (and I w...