Seeking

This is my third update topic, because things have been changing so quickly. Earlier this month, Husband and I were discussing whether the Lord had confirmed for us to return to Italy this summer. We were both at peace with no. The next week, we received counsel and every necessary green light to book flights to Rome May 26-June 10 for a week long exposition through the book of Daniel . Planned before the foundation, the day after Husband's one-year graduation from bible training, our oldest son tested positive with COVID. The verse that was brought to my attention is, " Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God..." (Philippians 4:6) . Would you continue joining us in prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, regardless of His answer? 'Trusting He can and will guard our hearts and minds' (Philippians 4:7). One very specific prayer request is for peace:  Husband is staying in the hous...

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 pasto...

Happy February Beloved! Recently, I had a conversation with a sister about the film, "Redeeming Love" and the book of Hosea. That evening, I had a sobering dream that Husband was unfaithful. I woke up, distraught, speaking truth to myself about my marriage and the Lord, but I began to weep. Husband woke up, and we prayed together. He hugged me tightly and told me, "I'm right here. I'm right here." But I could not sleep. There was a stirring in my spirit. I went to the living room, began to write and the Lord showed me a deeper instruction: there are  three types of love 1) imperfect, 2) cheap and 3) redeeming. Engagement November 2014 I pray it goes without saying, I love my husband, and I know my husband loves me, yet I am keenly aware,  our love for one another (& others) is imperfect, conditional and ebbs . At times I find myself believing the false reality that our marriage will endure anything, because of our love for each other. But disappointmen...

Good day Beloved! Husband and I would like to share a bit about how our last week has gone and give God all the glory (video recap here ). As you know, we set out for Rome on Sunday, January 9 to attend a conference and meet a missions team. We were compliant with travel regulations and documents but were detained in Zurich by customs. We did all we could practically to get through but were sent back to L.A. on Tuesday, January 11. It is with sadness we share this news, coupled with hope, encouragement and greater faith. This week, we would like to highlight three ways the Holy Spirit has been moving in strangers, the church and us . On Our Way to L.A.X. L.A.X. Airport Line for Document Check & Boarding Passes Zurich Airport, On Our Way to Customs & Connecting Flight Once the Chief of Police said, 'It's not going to happen folks,' referring to us passing through to Rome, tears began to pour out, and I began to sob, processing the reality that our trip would not go a...

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...

"But the angel said to them [shepherds], 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people" ( Luke 2:10, NASB ). Beloved, when you think of "great joy," what comes to mind? My prayer is that your great joy is in Christ alone . This advent season, Husband and I rejoice as we reflect back and look forward to visiting Rome on January 9-23, with the privilege of sharing this precious gift with others in Italy. We need your faithful prayers more than ever, as this could potentially be the location where God is calling us to serve long-term (to be confirmed). As such, this month we will share on: 1) past events, 2) our upcoming trip, 3) the need in Italy and 4) ways we are at looking to the Lord for practical provision (for the formal approved support letter, click here ). 1) past events: when Rick and I began courting in May 2014, there were no discussions or desires to be missionaries - where we are today is a testame...

Happy November beloved! I recently read an article by Al Mohler on Thankfulness , and I was so encouraged by a practical apologetic. When someone says I am thankful for x-y-z, a great follow-up is: 'to whom are you thankful? ' In the Psalms alone, the word, "thanks" comes up 50 times in 49 verses  (NASB).  Everyone says thanks, but not everyone directs their thanks to God (even Christians): "Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples" (Psalm 105:1, NASB). This month Husband and I would like to share three items we are thanking God for.  (Conference: The Church, 2022 - An Urgent Appeal to Strenuously Contend for Our Common Gathering) First,  we are thanking the Lord for giving us the green light from our church to travel to Rome January 9-23  to visit a new mission's agency and team. We are excited to meet the brethren serving in Italy, their families and local church. Husband will attend their 3-day men's c...