Seeking

For Rick, Jacob, Zachary and I, "Quarantine Life" doesn't look too different from "Married Life." We already spend a significant amount of time at home, make our own meals and seek opportunities to serve God and others in and outside the home. Granted, Rick staying home from work for 3 months (with pay) was one of the BIGGEST BLESSINGS ever!!! He and I had not spent so much time together since our 2-week honeymoon, 5 years ago. And last month we had the honor of recording our  testimonies  on a marriage podcast, and it's been such a blessing to hear it is encouraging others (listen by clicking here ). We are grateful God continues stretching, growing and using us . We are being practical, praying for wisdom, remaining cautious and are making the most of the opportunities/technology available. Most importantly, the Lord continues opening doors and drawing hurting people to be pointed back to Christ. I am so grateful to Redeem this Time for God, by Ri...

In June, we were asked to share our testimonies, how we met and were God is calling us to (Missions). Below is the abridged version, and you can find the podcast and more, by clicking here . How We Met... Depending on who you ask, the background story may vary :) but one thing we completely agree on is that God brought us together. [Rick] We met while serving at church, where we both were serving in children's ministry on Wednesday evenings. One day during worship (music), I noticed "her" singing and signing to the Lord. A few Wednesdays after, a 3 rd grade class needed help, and I was asked to assist. That was the Wednesday we exchanged names, occupations and a few other particulars. [Rick] After a couple weeks of serving together, I took courage and proceeded to ask "Aviana" out for coffee one Wednesday night, after serving. This was after a couple weeks of prayer and after she completely turned and walked away, the first I asked her. [A...

2019 was not a path I would have chosen for myself , if given the choice. As Rick and I began our quest knocking, seeking and asking God for His leading and blessing with missions in April, we had no idea what or who to expect. “Incidentally,” the day of our first conference call vetting a mission’s agency in May, we bumped into a very wise pastor-friend. He advised us, ‘Make sure you know their doctrine, statement of faith and stance on controversial issues like marriage and abortion.’ Upon talking to the rep, it was very clear, not all mission's agencies are created equal . We scratched them off the list, fast. Our next call was with a family from Italy. Night and day – they were very friendly, lively and sound. They also indicated the team’s need is long-termers. Many come and go, but not many come and stay. In June , we began hosting a weekly home bible study and potluck on Saturdays with 4 couples. We learned so much about the differences between hosting and hosp...

Anyone can pray a prayer, but is every prayer heard? [1] As a whole,  the Church grows apathetic  (2 Timothy 3:1-7). It was not until my husband and I began attending SWAT [2] and sharing our faith, that our own apathy was revealed. We had become numb to weekly gospel presentations and command to share it with others. Now, we love to engage people in gospel conversations. We have spoken to many over the last two years. Some of the conversations baffle us: long-attending church-goers say they have never been approached by someone; long-standing believers admit they have never shared their faith; others just go in and out on Sundays; or that sharing the gospel is inviting others to church. What grieves us more than anything, the majority of people think: they’re good, doing enough good, can live the way they want and are going to heaven.  We are concerned many church-goers have a false sense of salvation and are going to hell . [3] Why is this happening? We...

“ You did not choose Me, but I chose you and   appointed you that you should go and bear fruit , and  that  your fruit should remain... ” (John 15:16a, NKJV). God has, is and will always be. His choosing has no beginning or end, and it is not based on our ability or worth – hallelujah!  The almighty, all-knowing creator chose  me ...and He chose  you , too!  For context of the verse above, Jesus is with his 12 disciples, washing their feet and celebrating the Passover, hours before being arrested to be crucified and abandoned by each one of them. Can you picture the scene or imagine His thoughts? What a perfect example of unconditional love. He takes the last of His time in prayer, communion and conversation, ministering to their needs and giving them instruction. He also explains the purpose behind choosing the disciples. It is the same reason we are chosen and appointed. We are commanded to go and bear fruit – His fruit: love, joy, peace,...

Where has 2019 gone?!?! In February, Rick, the boys and I made the move from Corona to Riverside. I now have a 4-minute work commute - hooray :) The space...at least half the size from our previous home, one of the biggest blessings was the need to downsize...a...lot...like plastic tubs, old card-board boxes I kept for kitchen appliances and trash bags for clothes - you'd probably do the same it if was your 16th move, too. Anyhow, this purging helped me see how much value I placed on physical things and the fear that a move would happen sooner than desired. Now, I enjoy being "weight-less," ready to leave and go anywhere God calls me. What else can go? Early in the year of 2018, God placed this desire in my heart to do full-time ministry (work that shares the message of Jesus Christ and builds up God's people). From wedding planning, to working for the City of San Bernardino, to being unemployed, my career path has been anything but straight - twists, turns, bend...

In my last blog, I shared that my in-laws had to move back into the house my husband and I were renting. Almost two years ago, while our two boys were warming up for a soccer game, my husband and I saw a garage sale across the street that I had to check out – you know what I’m talking about. While there, Rick and I began talking to a husband and his wife. Next thing you know, we’re asked to tour their house next door that they had just built. Not to mention, they began sharing details about their life, faith and the wife even gave me her cell phone number. And in talking with her husband, he mentioned his intention was to rent out their old house. Fast forwarding, as my husband and I began exploring housing options, my husband asked me a few times to call "the wife". I dragged my feet and thought: they won’t remember us; we’ll find something else; or my husband will forget. Let’s just drive by, I told him, finally. Boy was I wrong! On a normal Tuesday evening, my hu...

Context: 2018 was a  year like no other  – went to court twice for custody matters, laid off from my job, interviewed 11 times for 6 different positions, my sister moved out over the summer, and on the eve of the week of Thanksgiving, my in-laws moved back into the house my husband and I had been renting for two years. So sets the scene... Who doesn’t like to be on a warm cozy couch, snuggled up in a blanket on a cold night? While I don’t do that often, I sure do savor those moments! The word “comfortable” is defined as support, ease, relaxation and as is needed. But  everything in   moderation , right? In terms of life,  getting too comfortable is debilitating . The moment things switch around, anxiety and fear can cripple anyone. I had my share of moments in 2018 alone. When I pray, I typically utilize the acronym ACTS [1] . Last year, I was thanking God for our house, asking to keep us here or move us when and where he desires. On our way to a marria...