I just keep trusting my Lord

Summer is here!

2011-05-26T20:42:00.003+02:00

I don´t know about where you are, but we have been having crazy weather this year. We don´t live in an area where you see much snow in winter; but we have seen lots of snow this year. We even run out of snow days in school, and that just doesn´t ever happen (unless we use the snow days for something else ;)).

We don´t live in a place where we take the tornados seriously; but let me tell you, since April, we don´t ignore the tornado sirens anymore, no matter if they are sounding sometime in the middle of the night. Since April, we get up, and with shaking hands we take our pillows and go to our save room. (I may talk about awful April 27 one day)

But summer is finally here, and with it we can say goodbye to the snow and the tornados at least for a while (last night we heard the sirens again, but the weather channel said it was the last of it for a while).

Summer is here, and the girls are out of school. Summer is here, and I am out of school!!

So I am planning things to do this summer. I see books in my future, and a vacation (first real vacation since we got married 11 years ago), I see visits from my family in Spain (or part of them :)).

Oh, summer summer, how I love thee.

I will carry you

2011-03-23T16:50:00.003+01:00

I found this. It is the testimony of Todd and Angela Smith, as they were expecting a baby, and the devastating news that followed. Still, they praise God for what He was about to do with them. It was a great blessing to me and thought it may to you.

The interview is a two part, quite long, but worth. I tell you, it will bless your heart.

The last video is the song that came after.

Love Spring Break

2011-03-14T17:27:00.002+01:00

This week is Spring Break at our house. Well, at least for the girls and me. So I see our near future very clear.

I see lots of trampoline jumping (Praise God for good weather)

I see a couple of play dates

I see a trip to the park

I see a library stop

I see lots of messes in the girls rooms

I see lots of laugh and fun

You got to love Spring Break!

A newly found passion

2011-03-09T16:55:00.003+01:00

Lately, my middle daughter comes home with beautiful stories written by her. She has this beautiful penmanship too, and she finish the stories off with a nice picture about the story.

Even her teacher told me yesterday how much she loves playing in school with a "story starter" the teacher has.

She says she loves writting. So on our trip to Target yesterday, we found this beautiful notebook for her to write and keep her stories in.

Right away she went to find the stories she has written so she could rewrite them in her new notebook.

It may pass, but if it does, we will still have something cool from her childhood for her to show her kids one day. Her story notebook.

And if it doesn´t, this picture may be worth millions one day :) HA!!

I love to see my children developing new passions.

Family Time

2011-03-07T18:25:00.004+01:00

This weekend we had a great family conference at my home church. We had a Spanish Pastor of a church in Puerto Rico that was such a blessing, and taught on a simple way, on a way that everyone on every level of their Christian walk would be blessed by the teaching.

As Christian moms, I think we always pray that God would show us ways that we can be better moms, better models to our children, and of ways to point them to Him. As I have three girls, I pray that God would allow me to be a good testimony to them, to be a good example, that they may learn good habits of a godly mom and wife. That is so hard, but I praise God for His mercy, because He gave me three beautiful, sweet girls despise of myself.

Some of the main points that God highlighted in my heart from this conference are

- God, and to please Him, should be the number one priority of every member of our family.

- Love is not just a feeling, it is also a choice.

- It is important that every member in the family knows the role that God has given them, and that they would do their best to fulfil it. To take a role that is not yours, is to change the order that God has for a family.

- Our husbands need and deserve our respect.

- We are to be an example to our children. We are to lead them to Him. We are to teach them to fear Him and love Him.

- We must not let materialism, lack of correction, personal sin, or poor example, destroy our family.

- We must wait on God. Abraham and Sarah decided to "help" God when He had promise them a child, and we can still see the consequences of that bad decision. He wants us to submit to His will, and wait on Him.

- We must pray together, we must have family devotions together. That would bring our family closer together.

- We must have the right priorities in the right order.

Simple points, but so important.

Praising God for His mercy

2011-02-17T18:22:00.004+01:00

I read this the other day in a friend´s status in Facebook, and thought it was a reminder to me of my need to praise God for everything He is and does; and also a reminded of God´s love and mercy towards me..

What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?

What kind of kingdom do I want?

2011-02-14T18:48:00.005+01:00

Pro 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

Every time I read this verse, at least every 14th of the month, I am reminded right away of the power that our actions as mothers, wives, have to affect the state of our homes?

Our hands, no only can make of a house a home, or of a home a stumbling block, as a place in itself; but we can help each one of the people that live in our homes, our husbands, our children.. we can make them feel love, supported, protected; or we can make them feel push to want to find a corner where they can hide.

Our husbands are biblically the head of our house, but we are the queens of our homes,

What kind of kingdom do I want to have?

Christmas table

2010-12-16T15:54:00.004+01:00

I have been thinking about Christmas dinners.

As many of you know I am from Spain, and where here Christmas dinners have lots to do with turkey, ham and casseroles (which I love); Spain has more to do with appetizers (lots of them), seafood soup, and roasted lamb leg.... well, at least at my parents house.

This coming Saturday my family is coming over. Thankfully my sister, my nephews (her grown up boys), and a niece live close by. Like 5 minutes close by. Which is a great blessing considering that we are all from Spain. Some of them are going to be away for Christmas, so we are getting together to celebrate.

So this got me thinking apetizers. What to make, what to make. So this is what I am thinking

I found this recipe in the internet and I thought it look really cute. No, it is not very Spanish (although I found it at a Spanish web page), but I thought it looked cute, and will get the vote of the little ones.

This have King crab in it.... it just sound good.

Every Spanish table has to have some of this. Queso Manchego and Jamon Serrano.

I am also thinking shrimp (we are big on seafood), I am thinking salmon.... and a few more things.

Christmas day will be more the ham type.

So, what is it that you MUST have at your dinner table in Christmas?

Something I love from Christmas

2010-12-14T15:35:00.001+01:00

If you are a Christian, you love Christmas. It is a time when we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

It is because of His birth that He came to this earth. It is because He came to this earth, that He was able to die at the Cross. It is because of His death at the Cross that our sins were paid for. It is because our sins are payed for that we can be forgiven. It is because we are forgiven that we can go to Heaven.

One of my favorite things that I get out to decorate my house with is my Nativity Scene. With the Tree and all the presents under, it is easy to get the focus off the real reason for Christmas. Let us not forget.

What is your favorite Christmas decoration?

What is going on?

2010-12-13T15:33:00.004+01:00

So, I figured I should start by letting everyone know what is up.

In my last post I told you that we were moving forward with a house and that my husband had found a job. After months of waiting to go forward with our lifes, the wait was over.

Of course, it is not that we stop living, but when you live at your in laws house (Praising God for their help), your husband doesn´t have a job, and you still don´t know exactly the reason why you are back where you started (for those that don´t know, we had been missionaries in Spain - my dear home country- for 3 years), you are ready to go somewhere, to feel "normal".

We got the house, we have been here 7 months and although in the beginning I got lots done in the form of painting, decorating..... we got things to do to finish it ;). It is a new home, so there are not renovations that needed to go on, other than the adding of the fence in the back yard, but there are things that need to go on at a house to feel like home. Still, this is home, and I love it. It is funny though because after moving so much in the last years, it sometimes feels like "so... where next?". Not that I am looking forward to another move, don´t take me wrong ;).

My husband loves his job, and it has been such a blessing. Still, although we are not in the ministry full time, it feels sometimes like the job just pays the bill, we are so busy at church praise the Lord.

My husband is helping with the mission board at our home church, teaching/directing the Spanish Bible Seminary at our church (20+ students), at whatever else needs to be done. I am teaching Sunday School (love my 3 years old), teaching Spanish at our christian school (high schoolers... you got to love them ;)), and acting as my husband secretary for the Bible Seminary. Things are busy, but they are great. We knew God was bringing us back from te field, but we knew He didn´t bring us back just to warm up a pew at church. It is such a joy to serve God. We are open to go through any doors God would open.

The girls are great. They love school, they love piano, they love church, they love their friends. I praise God for my girls. They make things so much easier.

So, now that you are caught up :) .... Did I forget anything? Feel free to ask me anything, I would love to answer any questions you may have. Love being back. Thanks for those that left me a comment. It was encouraging to feel missed, it gave me the extra push I needed to get back.

Through the week I am going to try to visit everyone. Hope to "see" you back.

I have miss all of you.

Such a long time

2010-12-11T18:23:00.003+01:00

Wow, I don´t know about you, but I feel like I have been gone forever. I do think about you often though and wonder what things God is doing in your life.

I feel like life is not leaving me any time off to do some of the things I enjoy. Like blogging.

Things are busy. Things are good, but busy ;).

How are you? I am going to try really hard to get back soon and visit everyone of you. Love ya!

A Mother´s Heart

2010-06-04T17:58:00.005+02:00

As I have been without internet for the last several weeks, and since I have it today for the first morning in a long time, I realized how much of a hinder this internet is to my relationship with God. I have been able, without it, to have so much more time with Him, I have gotten closer and that is something I don´t want to lose. I have been missing though, pouring my heart out in this blog as well.

As a mother, I have such a burder to be the mother God´s wants me to be. I know I can´t be perfect, but I want to fullfill God´s will for me as a mom.

I look around and see children that has been given such a great opportunity to serve God, they have been given every tool they need to never have to look back on regret for a season of their lifes not being used for His honor. Still, they put that tool aside as if it wasn´t anything of importance and they want to ¨live their lifes¨.

That mind set is scary for me, as I have three little girls. I want nothing more than a life without regrets for them. I want a life lived for God for them. That leaves me praying for wisdom and seeking God´s guiadance everyday for His leading in my life as I lead them while my husband is at work.

" My Lord, my God, I beg for your wisdom in my life. Wisdom to raise my girls in your love and fear. Help me to teach them and not to break them. Show me when to discipline and when to love. Help me to disciple in love. Guide me and lead me to be a mother that glorifies your name. And to you, my God, I´ll give the honor and glory for everything you are going to do. In the name of Jesus. Amen".

Proverbs 4

Toothless Wonder

2010-04-20T15:39:00.002+02:00

Toothless wonder is a book by Junie B. Jones, one of the latest my daughters have read. Have you read June B. Jones books? , that girl is too funny.

Anyway, toothless wonder is also my oldest daughter´s latest nickname (try to say that 3 times really fast). With a month short of turning 8 she has lost her first tooth. Which is amazing enough since I guess any more kids start losing teeth at around 5... ??? I don´t know I just don´t remember it being that early when I was little.....

Yeap, she looks like she was crying before the photo. Daddy had to pull it and the idea didn´t go very good with her....

My girl is growing up.... The funny thing is that now she has 3 more that are loose, she is going to be a toothless wonder for sure pretty soon ;)

But she still has a pretty smile!

Showers of Blessings

2010-04-19T20:24:00.004+02:00

A lot sure has happen in the last week. God open and closes door in His time, but when His blessings start, they sure come down fast.

A week from last friday my husband got an email from a job that we thought was pretty sure, they had hire someone else.... it was hard because it wasn´t the first time, and he really didn´t have any other leads on any other jobs. Friday night ad saturday was hard, but we knew we would praise God even in the storm.

On monday morning he got a call from an old job giving him a phone number of someone she knew from church who was looking for an accountant in a fast growing company. He had an appointment for an interview for 10:30 that same day, and after a great interview he was told that he would be receiving an offer letter within the day. He did and he was schedule to start working on thursday. On friday we met a lender and we got pre-approved for a mortgage and on saturday we found the house we would love to live in. We are going to try to write an offer today, but for what the realtor told me, they don´t have any other offers and she is sure we would be able to get a great deal (I already think the house is a deal all together).

So here I am a week later, praising God for His blessings, and for His trials and so looking forward to go furniture shopping and gathering decorating ideas.

God is so good! Even in the middle of the storm!

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,

from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD,

which made heaven and earth.

Ps.121:1-2

Can you help me out please?

2010-04-16T22:52:00.002+02:00

Hey everyone,

I was wondering if you could help me with something. I have notice that when I write post it won´t show or give you the option of comments. I don´t know why and I haven´t done anything to change that option so I am not sure what the problem is.

Do you know what the problem is? Do you see the comment option on the post you read in my blog? Now watch it working on this one ................. I will look silly.

Well in case it happens what usually happens and you know how I could fix the problem, send me an email to pilarstark(at)gmail(dot)com. Thanks so much!

Trials and changes

2010-04-13T15:58:00.003+02:00

You know, I sure don´t like to go through difficult times.

It is hard, it hurts, it is confusing, it challenges my faith and if hard enough, even my beliefs. It makes me feel bad and get sick of myself when I fail.

But it also makes me spend more time on my knees, praying, seeking the Lord. It makes me realize once again that I can´t make it on my own, that I MUST learn to trust in Him. It teaches me about God, His love and His wisdom. It makes me see Him in everything, His hand orquestrating every situation to give me His will.

I don´t like trials, but I sure can see why I need them. God is molding me in His hands, making me the christian He wants me to be, for His honor, glory and for His use. That I may be the vessel He wants me to be.

Things are lighting up and I am excited. What is God doing in your life? What trials is He using to make you what He wants you to be?

How Deep the Father´s Love

2010-04-02T17:47:00.004+02:00

Isa 53:5-6

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:

the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;

and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

May we all remember the price of our salvation. Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Spring break!

2010-04-01T18:04:00.003+02:00

We are having beautiful weather and on top of that the girls are on spring break, so I can get myself to sit in the computer long enough to write a post and visit with you´ll (yeah I live in the south ;)).

I am heading outside with my beautiful girls and enjoy the great weather.

Have a great day everyone!

Saturday's reflexions on a Monday

2010-03-29T17:51:00.008+02:00

I wrote this saturday morning and I thought I would share with you.

" While I am here, sitting outside in my in law's house, under the sun of a beautiful saturday, seeing my girls playing while I read my Bible, I am reminded once again of God's blessings.

I have so much to be thankful for; but it is so easy to gorget when things are not going the way you would like them to.

Sure, we are still waiting on God's direction for us and waiting for a job for Matthew, but God is taking care of us.

Sure, things have been crazy the last few months with the move and all the changes, but I see my girls happy, healthy, sweet as always, well behaved and soft to spiritual things.

God tells us that if we follow Him, He will never leave us, not forsake us. Sometimes God's will is not clear to us, especially if we are in that "waiting" time; but His promises to us are still true. He doesn't leave us, not forsake us, no matter the way it looks.

Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content"

Now, if I can only remember this lesson learned every day! ;)

Thoughts of peace and not of evil

2010-03-27T03:39:00.004+01:00

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jer 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart

I can't wait to come back to blogging and be able to tell you all it has been and is going on, but right now I wouldn't even know where to start.

We are just waiting for God to open doors and lead. There is nothing harder than wait patiently in the Lord when you can't see what is coming ahead, but at the end it sure is worth the pain.

Everyone have a wonderful weekend.

Celebrity look alike

2010-02-04T05:01:00.006+01:00

So, if you are in facebook, you know the theme right now is to put in your profile a photo of your celebrity look alike right?.

I found one that looks just like me right now.... are you ready?

Yep. this is me right about now........

.... although I think this guy looks better than me......... I feel so sick.. Where is my medicine!!

Does he qualifies as a celebrity? I found him in google.... HA!

One of those days!

2010-02-02T20:44:00.003+01:00

Today is one of those days.

Last night I got a call from the director of the school where the girls go, asking if I could sub for the 1st and 2nd grade class since their teacher is sick. My husband is out of town (the one day he is schedule to go out of town) but I got my sister to take care of my youngest while I was going to be in school, so my answer was SURE! anything helps right now.

So at about 2:30 in the morning my youngest starts throwing up and has been since.

Noelia, my youngest one, was blessed enough to be gifted with one of those viruses going around and has thrown up about 15 times since 2:30 am last night..... poor baby.... What are the chances, she wasn't even sick....

My husband is out of town and I have been sick for the last week, so that makes the stay up all night even more fun! HA

Of course I didn't get to sub, praise God they were able to find someone to sub the sub at 6:30 am. HA!

So much for my getting back full force to blogging uh? Murphy's law anyone?

Little Update-- Wow, it has been so long!

2010-02-01T21:13:00.003+01:00

Hello everyone,

Wow, it has been a while since I blogged last. This has been some crazy few months, lots of changes and lots of ajustments to even still be made, but here we are, still and always trusting in my Lord.

Needless to say, we are not back in the States, back at home in Madison Alabama. We have put our missionary work in Spain behind, but we are still praying that our future would still have much to do with missions, because it is our heart. Matthew has an open door helping the person at our church that handles the Mission Board out of our church (hopefully I made sense there). God is showing us reasons why it was time for us to come back. His timing is perfect!

Matthew is looking for a job, we are waiting in the Lord to answer that prayer. So we are house hunting, but really not in full force since we have to wait for the job first. Patience is a lesson we are learning. His timing is perfect!.

The girls are in school, christian school, and loving it (and so am I, what a difference!). Our home church has a great school and the girls couldn't be happier. To them it seems as they never left. They love the church, the kids' clubs, the sunday schools, Patch the Pirate club, the friends, the family.... but they do remember Spain for it is now a part of them too.

So, I am back to blogging, hopefully full time. It was a nice break though, but I was missing it.

Sorry I was away so long, did you miss me? Well.... I sure did miss you!

Update on little Esther

2009-12-23T22:15:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone,

I am having a great time with my family and trying to get as much as possible out of this few days.
I have limited internet access so, I probably won´t be able to get on full blogger mode until after I arrive in the States on the 29th of December.

I did wanted to post this last update on little Esther Elliot. The doctors told them that because of the rare cancer and how extended it was, there was really not an option for a cure. They recommended 14 sessions of chemoteraphy, but still with that, they only gave her not longer than a year. The parents needed to take a decission over the weekend. This update is the latest we received today. Please pray for them. May God be glorified in all this.

Dear Friends,
We so much appreciate your prayers, thoughts, cards, concern… This past week has been very difficult for Lydia and I. On Monday, we met with the doctors and told them that we had decided not to do chemotherapy. It was a rough meeting with the doctors strongly pressing their case for chemotherapy. However, they have accepted our decision and Esther comes home today (12.23.09). We will do a small amount of traveling to visit relatives over the next month or so and then be in Springfield, MO until Esther goes home. The doctors have given 2 – 6 months, but no one really knows for sure. Once we are done with the traveling (we want to visit family in Mississippi, Kentucky, and Indiana), we will have pediatric hospice involved. Our doctor in Bolivar and hospice will oversea Esther’s care.
We appreciate your prayers as we go through this difficult time.
For Souls,
Daniel Elliott
Your Missionaries to Mongolia
www.danielelliottfamily.us

I did it!

2009-12-17T22:40:00.003+01:00

I did it, I got my hair cut, and I actually did it shorty after I ask you ladies about it.

But with all the craziness around here I haven´t been able to post photos. I took photos of the layers, the back.... everything! but now those photos are in my desktop, inside a box, in a container, in a boat, in the ocean, on its way to the States ;).... so this is the best I could do. I needed to do it though, because many were asking about it.... so......

You can´t tell really good but I pick hair cut number 1 ;) Thanks everyone for your help, I am pretty happy with the results :)

I want to apologized for not being able to make it to visit with you all but things are pretty busy in here. We shipped our stuff and donated the rest. Today I am packing suitcases and trying to finish up around the house because tomorrow morning I will be turning the house back to the owner and heading to Madrid to spend the next week and half of our remaining time in Spain with my family. We have also been doing good bye parties for the girls in their school...... tomorrow we are leaving Granada, and there is still so much to do.......

Oh please, could it be a long time until I get to move again???? Pretty pleaseeeeee

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

2009-12-16T22:05:00.003+01:00

I have a very special and urgent prayer request.

While on deputation we met the Elliot Family, missionaries going to the field of Mongolia. They have been in the field for a few years now, and God is blessing.

Recently we received an email from them, as we often do for ministry updates, but this time the prayer request was heart breaking.

They have a little daughter, Esther, I believe she is about 6, and she has been diagnose with a very rare cancer, now stage 4. I am going to add their later update so you can pray for her. Also, they have a web page, I am adding a link. I believe you can ask to be added to their email updates, so you can know how everything with little Esther goes, and then better pray for her.

" Dear Friends,

Late last night, the doctors told us that the pathology was back on both the biopsy on the lungs and the original tumor. First, the lung biopsy was positive. That is to say that the nodes on the lungs (both lungs) are cancerous. As we suspected, they have staged the cancer as stage 4 with metastasis. The type of cancer is a cancer called medulloepithelioma. It is an EXTREMELY rare cancer and is considered a cancer of the central nervous system. This type of cancer, when it is found, is normally found in the eyes or brain. There are extremely few instances of this cancer being in the abdominal cavity. As a result of the rareness of this cancer, the doctors cannot give us a prognosis, nor is there an established treatment protocol. There have been a few cases (10 or less) of this cancer. The doctors here will be talking with the doctors that have treated this cancer before to see what they faced and how they treated it. The doctors here will be running a series of tests (MRI, Spinal tap, bone scan, echocardio exam, ekg and bone marrow) to see if we can determine if the cancer has spread beyond the lungs. We appreciate your prayers as we will need to make some hard decisions regarding treatment, chemotherapy, etc within the next few days.
We appreciate your prayers as we go through this difficult time.
For Souls,
Daniel Elliott
Your Missionaries to Mongolia
www.danielelliottfamily.us "

Ministry changes

2009-12-15T16:54:00.003+01:00

I don´t know if it is for how long I have been aside from the bloggy world, or how busy this season of our my family´s life is, but I am having a hard time getting back into blogging full force.

I have things I have done, a birthday, a hair cut ;).

I have things God is doing. Much teaching I would love to write about to keep it record somewhere.

Lots of photos to share.

But still, never seem to get in here for long enough to do it.

But there is something important that I have to share. There is a huge ministry change that is is about to take place. And I must, and want, share it with all of you.

God is redirecting our ministry and is closing doors for us in Spain.

Do you know with your children. Sometimes, they are frustrating, sometimes they don´t listen, sometimes they even make you angry. But you love them the same right? You don´t want to leave them. You want to love them, you want to share with them, you want to spend time with them, you want to teach them. And you want to see them grow. Don´t you?

That is how I feel with the people in Spain. They are hard hearted. They don´t want to listen. They want to do it their way. But I still love them. I still have a burden for them. I want to see them save, and I want to see them grow. They are my people, and I was once just like them. I wanted to spend my life here telling them about Christ, no matter the cost.

Yeah, sure, I would complain some. But who doesn´t do that with the ones they love the most.

But a few months back, not too many, my husband and I were talking about things we could do, new ministries we could start, different approaches we could take. Excited was building up, there was so much to prepare, so much to plan, so much to do.

While he (my husband) was praying one day, he was begging God to show him of the great things He was going to do. Begging Him to show Him what to do next, what to do first, and making sure His plans were our plans. He was fasting and praying. God took him to Jeremiah, to a chapter where God talks about the people. Talking about how people had turn their ears because they didn´t want to hear, they had turn their hearts into diamond. Hard as it could be. God showed my husband we were done with the work He brought us to do in Granada and that He wasn´t going to start a church with us here (not that He wasn´t going to start a church, just that He wasn´t going to do it with us). We were done here.

Now, I would love to say that we didn´t fight, but we did. We didn´t want to leave, but God´s guiadance is so clear. If we were to stay, we were going to do it alone.

So we prayed. About helping other missionaries in Spain. About starting some other place in Spain. But no was the answer.

So we prayed. About another country, about another kind of ministry. But no was the answer.

So finally my husband felt God clearly telling us to go back. Why? I don´t know, but I know He knows why, and that is all I need to know.

So we are taking a step of faith by leaving everything without knowing what is to come. We have sold everything when we came here, thinking our days were going to end here.

Our thoughts are not His thoughts, and our ways are not our ways. But we trust Him, because He is God.

We have peace, and we have joy knowing we are doing His will.

So, my house is almost empty, we have sold everything :) We are selling our car and this friday will be our last day in Granada. Then, we will head up to Madrid to spend Christmas with my family. And the 29th we will take a flight back to Madison, Alabama, to our home church.

I am adding a link to our ministry web page in case you want to read our prayer letter.

So here it is, what it has been going on with us the last couple of months ;).

Pray for us. My husband will be looking for a secular job.

And yes, I am a little sad because I am leaving Spain, but also so excited because I know this is God´s will. I am so glad He loves me.

To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Merry Christmas everyone!

2009-12-11T21:11:00.003+01:00

Hello everyone,
I know I haven´t been in here much the last several weeks, and having been able to visit you over at your "place".

The last few weeks have been full with much prayer and planning. God is bringing many changes to our lives, big ones too. I will be able, hopefully, to get in here next week and share it with you.

Until then, I wanted to wish you a blessed Merry CHRISTmas. May God bless you greatly this holiday season and the next coming year.

We serve a great God!

A new hair cut..... maybe.....????

2009-11-16T21:17:00.003+01:00

I have been thinking about cutting my hair.....

I tried to let it grow, but you know, my hair is not cooperating.

It is in this yucky shoulder length where it is easier to pull it up to a ponytail and forget about it.... which obviously doesn´t make my hair look really nice.

I have seen those girls that wear ponytails and they look cute, stylish, chic..... but yeah... I am not one of those girls ;)

The other day I caught myself with scissors, looking at my hair in front of the mirrow... didn´t think that was a good sign......

It is not that I have a bad hair cut. It is actually pretty good. I just had it done a couple of weeks ago ;) when I got my highlights redone.... I just LOVE short bobs too much.

So this is what I am thinking about. It is really pretty much the same hair cut, just one has shorter layers than the other one.....

So, what do you think? Should I forget about it and let it grow, or should I cut it and get it out of my system?..............

A short stop

2009-11-05T20:30:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone,

I am doing well, I am still alive :)

I know it has been over a week since I was in here last and also it has been a while since I have been able to stop by to visit with you ladies. I sure hold you as a blessing so I am missing you, but lots has been going on.

I have been going to the chiropractor. Praise God is helping, but my back is still pretty back. I had 10 sessions and just today it got extended to 20 more. It is taking all my morning, which is my usual blog time.... :( So that is a very big reason.

A second thing that has been keeping me away is that my computer is in the shop, yep, my new computer....... :) it is not very big, but still needed to get fix, so all I have is my husband´s computer, that, as you can imagine, is his, which means I have very little time with it :).

So, now I need to go :) the girls need to get to bed and I need to take them there :) you know the drill, but I wanted to stop really fast to let you know that I miss you and that I hope to be back soon.

Word Filled Wednesday

2009-10-28T09:08:00.004+01:00

Susan over at Forever His is hosting this week´s Word Filled Wednesday

Isaiah 55:8 says : "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD"

I used to fit God in a box. I used to think God works in a certain way, and that He did things a certain way.

I used to judge people when they told me something was God´s will, because I thought God didn´t do those things.

But God is showing me in my own life that I was wrong.

God can do anything, anytime and with anyone.

Sometimes we see it coming. Sometimes it caught us by surprise.

Sometimes we don´t understand it so we fight because we don´t believe it can come from Him.

Sometimes it is so clear it is easy to follow.

I know I don´t make much sense, but right now it is all I can say. It comes from the thoughts of my mind.

Have a wonderful day!

Make your Home Sing Monday: 7 things your kids must hear

2009-10-26T17:57:00.006+01:00

I have been reading an awesome book that I would encourage everyone to read. It has been a great blessing to me, and I know it would to anyone that would read it. It is call “Words kids need to hear” by David Staal.

I wanted to share the main points of the book, because I believe if we apply them in our lives, our children, and our homes will be singing beautifully.

This book gives you 7 things your kids must hear. And then it goes on to give you the why and the how. I am also sharing phrases about those points that I have taken from the book and underline.

1.- I believe in you. To show them that no matter what, they´ll always have somebody who believes in them. Slow down to look and listen. To look and listen for opportunities to speak encouraging words requires a parent who willingly slows down from high speed of life; efforts worth noticing then become far more obvious.

2.- You can count on me. Kids long for someone to rely on, because life offers plenty of opportunities for disappointment. Make sure your child knows how important he/she is. Not based solely on what she says, but also by what you choose. What I am saying is that when you´ve committed to go someplace or do something with your kids, then don´t let “something better” come along and change your plans.

3.- I treasure you. Kids long to feel special, the kind of feeling that comes straight from a parent´s heart. Not as a result of performance. Not for physical appearance. Not earned at all. Children need to feel precious, prized, valued, or cherished—you pick the term—by mom or dad solely because they´re kids and because kids are worth treasuring.

4.- I´m sorry, please forgive me. Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they never failed to imitate them.

5.- Because. Don´t just tell them you love them, or they are special, tell them why, make them feel unique and treasure. As a weekly habit, challenge yourself to bring to mind how, and the reasons why, you´ve affirmed your child lately. Make sure this challenge includes the question “Have I shared the specifics with her/him?”.

6.- No. In addition to hearing you say no, a child must learn to take that word seriously enough to obey it.

7.- I love you. We can best define unconditional love by showing what it does. Unconditional love shows love to a child no matter what. We love regardless of what the child looks like; regardless of her assets, liabilities, or handicaps; regardless of what we expect her to be; and, most difficult of al, regardless of how she acts. Love matters too much to leave it assumed and unsaid.

If you take those points and apply them to your vocabulary when you are talking to your kids, I believe your home will be singing beautifully. For more Make your Home Sing Monday go over Nan´s

Anniversary bands

2009-10-23T17:12:00.004+02:00

Today I am sharing a before and after photo by joining Alicia with her weekly meme "Friday Photo Flashback"

Sorry for the photo, but I had it only in my wedding album scrapbook and I couldn´t get it out. What I am trying you to see is our wedding bands. I think I had the most beautiful engagement ring. The most special part of it for me is that Matthew and I never went to see rings together. So he had no idea what I liked. He picked that ring by himself, no help from anyone, so to me that made it even more special and even more beautiful. It came from his heart to mine.

If you want to see this photo bigger, you can just by clicking in it.

As many of you know we just celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. We were planning to go to Rome, but the crisis is hitting everyone and we thought it would be smarted to postpone the trip for better days :).

Still, it was our 10 year anniversary and we knew we needed to get something special for each other. Something that would be with us forever.

So we decided to buy new wedding bands. We still wear our original ones, but here in Spain, the wedding band are wore in the right hand and it is just a band (no diamond). They are also suppossed to match.

My wedding ring doesn´t fit in my right hand so I have been wearing a ring that Matthew bought me when we first were going out. I was fine with it, of course, but always wanted to get matching ones one day.

So this is what we found and we love it!

As you can see it is one part white gold and another part yellow gold.

This are the flowers Matthew got me too.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Thursday´s memes

2009-10-22T18:07:00.005+02:00

Once again I am joining Carin for her great meme. I am liking this meme, it is making me take photos (or someone else :)) o me with the girls, something that I know, will be very special for them and me in the future.

No, the photo is not uploaded wrong. We were all having fun in my bed. We went to wake Noelia up from her nap, and turned out into a fun tickle fight :).

Also, I am joining Truth 4 the Journey on praising God for His many goodness

1.- I praise God for being able to start the chiropractor on tuesday. Although I a in major pain while I am getting the massage, I notice that the rest of the days, my headaches are a lot milder.

2.- I praise God for the rain. We have had a couple of colder days and it feels so good. I can start seeing snow in the mountains around us. It is a beautiful sight. I know soon I will be wishing for the warmer days but.... for now, cool is what I want :)

3.- I praise God for answering prayers. There in something that we have been praying about for a few months regading our family, and we are starting to see God leading. We don´t understand His will and leading sometimes, but we know that His ways are better than our ways.

4.- I am praising God for my daugthers. My two oldest ones are in love with reading, and I just love seeing that passion on them.

5.- Today I was able to share a little bit about our faith with my oldest daugther´s teacher. There is something that is going to take place in the school that we don´t want our daugthers to participate in. I was talking to the teacher wanting to know exactly what was going to take place to see if I was going to be sending the girls to school that day or not. Then, to my delight she mention that my daughter had talk to her about her not wanting to take part and why ( my little 7 year old daughter used to be a testimony!). She wanted to know more though, so I was able to share a little more. It is in times like this when I see why God put us in the school He did (public school) although I know it is not the "popular" thing to do among christians, and even not what I had in mind. God has a plan for every family and we just have to make sure we are doing what God wants us to do.

Count your many blessings see what God has done!

Word Filled Wednesday: The Greatest news

2009-10-21T08:36:00.001+02:00

For more Word Filled Wednesday click here

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him

LoveNuts

2009-10-20T08:51:00.004+02:00

Jill posted this questionnary in her blog the other day. I thought was pretty cool and decided to use it :)- I did ask first :)

♥What are your middle names?
Mine Pilar, His Gordon (I didn´t tell you J)

♥How long have you been together?
We just had out 10 years anniversary

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
We were introduced 1 year minus 1 week after we got married.

♥ Who asked who out?
He asked me out, but I have to admit that I threw a couple of hints :)

♥ How old are each of you?
I am 31, he is 33.

♥ Did you go to the same school?
Nop.

♥ Are you from the same home town?
Nop. We were not even from the same country. My sister and her family moved from Spain to AL so my b.i.l. could pastor a Spanish ministry

♥ Who is the smartest?
He is, I believe, at least his grades proof it :)

♥ Who majored in what?
He is a business major and also has a missions major. I didn´t go to college, but I have an administrative assistant "degree"

♥ Who is the most sensitive?
Me, I think.

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Right now, in an Italian restaurant

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Spain or USA depending on from which side of the ocean you are reading this :)

♥ Who has the worst temper?
ME withouth a doubt

♥ How many children do you want?
We are happy with the three we have.

♥ Who does the cooking?
ME, although he makes some awesome burguers

♥ Who is more social?
I think I am more open to talk to people we don´t know and start conversations. He is more shy. But everyone that meets Matthew likes him a lot. I can´t say the same thing about me :)

♥ Who is the neat-freak?
Him. His shirts have to be all hang in a certain way in the closet and they are colour organized (yeah, I didn´t tell you that either)

♥ Who is the most stubborn?
I think we hold a tight on that one.

♥ Who wakes up earlier?
Him, he is a morning person. I get up early because I have no choice. He does it because he likes to get all those things done before the rest of the house gets up.

♥ Where was your first date?
Well, we could count two different first dates. The first time we went out together he took me to a sport store because I needed to check into a football for my brother in law in Spain (there is the hint I sent him so he would ask me out—he is pretty shy), but his sister came along because we were also friends, and so the next ones after. So the actual time that it was just him and I was to a football game (I wanted to go to one) and the he took me to cracker barrel to eat dinner (yes, I am a cheap date :) what can I say, I like simple :))

♥ Who has the bigger family?
Him. They are 7 and we are 6

♥ Do you get flowers often?
I get them occasionally. Not too often that I would get used to and not appreciate them, but neither too far apart that I would miss them.

♥ How do you spend the holidays?Usually as a family. If we are close to our extended family we probably would get together with them.

♥ Who is more jealous?
I am not sure. We are not jealous people, neither has given the other the possibility to feel jealous.

♥ How long did it take to get serious?
I had him from hello ;)

♥ Who eats more?
Him, but he runs and loves sports so he doesn´t look like it.

♥ What do you do for a living?
Missionary work

♥ Who does the laundry?
Me generally, but he would help no problem. As a matter of fact he does.

♥ Who’s better with the computer?
He is probably

♥ Who drives when you are together?
He used to always drive but he hasn´t gotten the Spanish driver license yet so lately I have been driving to stay away from tickets

♥What is your song?“I do cherish you” by Mark Wills—we were into country

Encouragement for the weeked

2009-10-17T11:49:00.004+02:00

God didn´t promise days without pain,

laughter without sorrow,

sun without rain.

But He did promise strength for the day,

comfort for the tears,

and light for the way.

If God brings you to it,

He will bring you through it.

Author Unknown

10 years later

2009-10-16T08:53:00.004+02:00

10 years ago today, God blessed me with the best husband I could have dream of.

Is a dream that is lasting 10 years. 10 years full of blessings. 10 years of walking together through roses and rocks.

Still, loving each other, even more than 10 years ago.

I am looking forward the next 10 years, 20, 30, 50, 60... years together, because I know, that no matter what happens, he will always be by my side.

Love is a great blessing!

Have a great weekend everyone

Btw-- No, I am not in Rome, we had to cancel the trip :) Not a good time :)

More Photo Friday Flashback over at Alicia´s

Joys and blessings

2009-10-15T09:37:00.005+02:00

Once again I am joining Carin for the challenge of posting a weekly photo of me with my girls.

Noelia right after her bath. This girl is silly, sweet,beautiful and funny.

My girls are going to break some hearts when they grow up.. :) you know, when they are ready to get married at 45 or something.... hehehe

Also I am joining Sonya at Truth for the Journey on praising God for His many goodness.

1.- I a thanking God for a better week with my headaches. I still have them but they are ok to live with :) I know that lots have to do with the many people that are praying for me. The prayers or th righteous abideth much.

2.- I am thanking God that I was able to go to the doctor yesterday and told me the reason for my headaches is nothing to be concern about. I still need to go to the neurologist, but he thinks is probably stress related. I don´t feel stress, but I know that with the girls, the ministry and everything else there is a lot in my mind.

3.- I am thanking God that the doctor send me some sessions wth the chiropractor though, those always help.

4.- I am thanking God that He has allow me to be married to my dream guy for ten years. Tomorrow is our 10 years anniversary. Can you believe it?!!! Time sure goes fast when you are having fun :)

5.- I am thanking God for another week without sickness in our home. Colds, flus, stomach virus, fevers.... everyone is getting them. But praise God my house has been able to stay out of it. I pray God may give us a healthy winter.

Have a wonderful blessed day.

By the way. Thanks to those still praying for baby Jenna, she is improving and her levels are normal after only 3 sessions of chemo. Praise God! They will continue with the treatment though so please keep praying.

Word Filled Wednesday: Never alone

2009-10-14T09:03:00.004+02:00

Amazing how fast the days go. It is wednesday again, and this week´s hostes of Word Filled Wednesday is All You Have to Give.

Psa 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

There are so much in this world that can feel heavy on our hearts. Sickness, economy, spiritual battles, a family problem.... We live in an imperfect world, and we are imperfect people.

At those times, sometimes we pray, and God seems to be waiting for our prayer, because right away, we have the answer right there.

Other times we pray, lift up our eyes with faith, but there is no answer.

Sometimes we pray for long, but we look up, and it is still rainning.

At those times it is easy to feel alone. It is easy to feel forgotten. It is easy to feel without hope.

And at those times Satan snicks in, and tries to still our faith.

It is then that we have to find one of God´s promises to His people and hold on to it, so hard, that Satan will not be able to move us.

God tells us to give up our burdens and put it at His feet. He promises to carry them for us. He also promises us He will hold our hand and pull us out of our darkest hour.

He will not leave us, not forsake us.

Look up to Jesus, He is our deliverer.

Making your Home Sing Monday: Free Day

2009-10-12T17:55:00.002+02:00

We are starting a new week. Usually mondays are hard, trying to get back into schedule, getting up early, get back to work/school, or whatever goes on in your life on weekdays.

But for those of us that live in Spain, we get a break. We are having a 3 day weekend, s tomorrow tuesday will be our monday.

So making my home sing today is being pretty easy. We just pretend it is Saturday.

Morning in the park with the bikes, fun, lots of talking and playing, and maybe even a movie or game.

With mondays like this, who needs a weekend :)

Have a great monday everyone.

For more, Making our Home Sing Monday visit Nan at Moms the Word

Update on baby Jenna

2009-10-10T14:24:00.003+02:00

I wanted to thank everyone that is praying for baby Jenna since I mention the prayer request last thrusday. I am sure the parents can feel the prayers of God´s people, and will be thankful if you would continue to do so.

I have been following then through facebook and the doctors found the problem on thursday. The diagnosis is HLH. I must admit I have never heard about this illness, but went to http://www.histio.org/ to try to read some about it.

Histiocytosis is a rare blood disease that is caused by an excess of white blood cells. They call this disease the orphan because there are so few cases of it, that it doesn´t generate enough "noise" to get govertment attention to do research. It can attack the skin, bones, lung, liver, spleen, gums, ears, eyes, and/or the central nervous system, and it is treated like cancer, although is not.

Baby Jenna started chemo and will be having treatments of chemo for 8 weeks. Then, her mom said that will probably then be having a bone marrow transplant.

The answer prayer was that they did an MRI to see if the HLH had affect the brain, and the results came back with no evidende of brain involvement.

Please continue to have baby Jenna and her parents in your prayers. I will keep you posted as I hear something.

Once upon a time...

2009-10-09T04:41:00.000+02:00

Friday is here and, once again, I am joining Alicia at More Than Words, for her Friday meme.

This meme is a great opportunity to go through all the photo albums and bing back memories from past blessings. In this post I am also using digital photos (the last three), I hope Alicia forgive me, but I couldn´t tell the whole Once Upon a Time story without them. :)

So once upon a time, there was young american guy that had just finish college and gone back to his hometown. And there was a young spaniard girl that was going for a short trip to visit her sister that had move the year earlier, with her family, to start a spanish ministry in AL.

They meet and quickly feel in love. Shortly after they were married.

(Oct, 16 1999)

They were blessed, they were happy.

(Dec 4, 2000)

And a couple of years later, they were blessed with beautiful baby Kayla.

(May 6, 02)

They were so happy, and to their surprise, 10 months later they found out that they were expecting again.

(Jun. 2003)

Nicole was a Christmas present, and a baby doll for her older sister.

(Dec.23, 2002)

By this photo, the Lord has called us to Spain, and Matthew had finish Bible College. We were on our survey trip and getting ready to start deputation. Our lives were changing. My husband was an accountant and now we were going to the mission field. We were excited though looking forward seeing what God was going to do.

(Sept. 2004)

But they changes didn´t stop there, and in the middle of all the traveling, we were blessed with yet another beautiful blessing. Our Noelia. I remember I was feeling so sick but I din´t want to do a pregnancy test because I was just so sure it couldn´t be..... but........ it was :)

(July 28, 2006)

I praise God for His goodness. For the wonderful family He has given me.

July 2009

Once upon a time I was lost, but He found me.

Once upon a time I was a sinner, but He saved me.

One upon a time I was undeserving, but He blessed me.

Once upon a time I was empty handed, but He fillled my hands with blessings.

I praise the name of the LORD!

Prayers and Praises

2009-10-08T15:45:00.008+02:00

The most important part of today´s post is what I am about to share. I know many of you are prayer warriors an, I know, that many of you will pray. So today I am coming to you knowing that the prayer of the righteous abideth much.

We have some friends that have been praying for years for God to bless them with a baby. God granted their prayer request and gave them beautiful baby Jenna. She is only weeks old, but we jut found out that she is in the hospital with liver failure.

They are doing test on her to find out the reason for the failure and to figure out if she needs a transplant or not.

I am also asking you to pray for her parents, Mark and Christy, for much strength for them. I know how much I hate seeing my kids with a little fever, so I imagine that this must be very hard on them.

Would you remember baby Jenna in prayer?

I am wanting to also join a couple of memes that I have done before on thursdays and that I enjoy.

"Mommy is missing from the pictures, help us find it!" Isn´t it cute. Join Carin in Forever in Blue Jeans for more mommy photos :)

Also, I am joining Sonya from Truth 4 the Journey with Thankful Thrusday. We have so much to be thankful for, and God calls us to praise Him before the multitudes that they may know of His goodness.

1.- In the last couple of days, God has brought to my mind again the blessing that it is to have healthy children. I have three wonderful, sweet, intelligent, healthy girls, and I KNOW it is only by the goodness of God in my life, and His blessings upon my family.

2.- I praise God for the liberty I have in Him. This morning we were out passing our tracts, and again I know it is by the goodness of God that we live in a country where we can freely pass out christian literature, we can leave information in mail boxes, and I can pray wherever I am.

3.- I have had headaches for the last 7 years on and off, due to knots in the muscles of my back and neck. This past month has been specially painful, but still God has given me the strength I need to do the things that need to be done. And when it is not so, He has given me a wonderful husband that has taken those "undone by me things", and done them for me.

4.- I praise God for answer prayers. I have a sister that has been away from church for many years and now she is back with her family. I praise God for that!

5.- I praise God for how He shows Himself to me by showing me the things He wants change in my life. And how He is merciful and faithful to forgive me when I fail.

And last, but not least, I would like to thank Cris from Mommy´s Journey for the cool award she has given me. It comes with a questionnary that I will do in a different time. Thanks so much Cris!!!!

Thank for reading if you have made it this far.... I know it was long!

Have a wonderful day!

Word Filled Wednesday: By Jesus

2009-10-07T15:48:00.007+02:00

This week Penny is hosting Word Filled Wednesday. The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse!

1Jn 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God;

that ye may know that ye have eternal life,

and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God

We serve a great God that loves us despite our failures and our sins.

We serve a God that gave His Son to die in the cross for our sins, that we may KNOW that we have eternal life.

We serve a great way that made the way clear for salvation: Believing in His Son as the ONLY way.

There is nothing we can do that would take us to heaven. Eph 2:8-9: " For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Have a blessed Wednesday!

Thank you, thank you!!

2009-10-03T19:35:00.005+02:00

Isn´t this award cool!!!????

My super cool friend Rocio, gave me this award, and I think it is just so cool.

I am always amazed when any of you thinks of me when it is time to give an award (for real, this is not false modesty :)). I have been so blessed with you (yes, YOU!) and I praise God for this blogger world He has allowed me to enter to.

I need to write 10 things about me..... I have done a few of those kind of post, so I am not sure what else I could write, but I am going to try to think of some new things okay?

*I used to be the kind of girl, several years ago, to always wear black fom head to toe. I wasn´t trying to hide anything, I just liked black. Since then I have turn around completly and I can´t seem to get tired of buying purple clothes these days :) (well, at least for this season). I need to make a post of my all purple favorite stuff for this season ;)

* Since getting saved (16 years ago) I haven´t gotten into music much, I guess because of my background before the Lord, and you would be surprise (and would laugh) of the singers that have been discover by me lately (I am talking christian btw- and not they are not new -- but new for me). Girl, I feel like I have been living in a bubble :). So if you have a favorite, share away, I am looking for good music. (Beware though, I am very conservative with my music)

* I am the youngest of 6 children. All girls but one boy. I grew up with my nieces and nephews. My mom was 45 and my oldest sister was already married and had a child-- imagine the shock of my mother when she found out!)

* I love scrapbooking, but has been years since I had done more than a couple of pages. The shame is that I have no excuse. I have TONS of scrapbooking material.

* Because of having a "non straight at all" nose for several years (yes, it is fix now) I am uncapable of running because I can´t breath right through my nose (well, not in the breathing running mode). And not, I am not sharing a before photo of my nose.

* I have never been good in any sports.

* I am not sure how I am suppossed to come up with 10 things about me I have never told before...

* I just started taking correspondence Bible College classes.

* Lately I can cry even with sad commercials..... talking emotional

* I love photoshop!

Now I have to pass this award along to some of you, my cool friends, so......

* Darcie from Life´s Unfolding Story
* Mimi from Frump´s Findings
* Dani from Gospel 2 Gijon
* Kim from Stuff Could Always be worse
* Montse from Pasitos de Duende
* Shara Dawn from Splashin´Glory
* Rachel from Smith Family of Six
* Mich
* Alicia from More Than Words
* Alicia frm Confessions of a Snowflake

Word Filled Wednesday: Be still

2009-09-30T09:45:00.004+02:00

Once again I am joining Amy Deanne for Word Filled Wednesday. To me it is a way to highlight the things God has given me in my devotionals that morning, and praise Him for His goodness.

We serve a great God and worthy to be praise.

Psa 46:10-11

Be still, and know that I am God:

I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Psalms 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Making your Home Sing Monday: Movie night

2009-09-28T18:03:00.004+02:00

Movie night is one of the favorite things for us to do as a family. It brings us all together and it makes us stay there.

Sometimes it is easy to start reading books, finish one and then leave the girls with the rest of them. Ot start making a puzzle or playing a game and have to leave in the middle of the game to answer the phone or check something, never to come back.

How many mothers of teenagers have you heard say "One day you have your baby in your arms and suddlently you blink and they are all grown up".

It is hitting me too hard that the girls are growing up.

Noelia, my baby sits in the table while we are eating, telling us all she did in school and the conversations she had with her friends in school. And I look at her and all I can think is "when did she ever start talking?"

Kayla and Nicole, my two oldest, they read, they write, they make their beds better than I do, they help their youngest sister get dress, they set the table, pick it up..... And I look at them and all I can think is "wasn´t they born just yesterday?"

So today I am not blinking. I am headed off the candy store with them, and we are going to buy candies and pop corn, and we are going to have movie night. I have a great movie we have only watch once a long time ago, and I remember we all loved it. And we are coming back home and we are setting up the living room sofa´s and all our snacks, and we are all sitting down and we are going to have fun.

And I know the living room I just clean is going to look a mess when we are all done. But who cares, I can clean and blink tomorrow morning while they are in school.

For more ways to Make your Home Sing go over Nan´s blog.

Thankful Thrusday and a cool challenge

2009-09-24T16:56:00.004+02:00

Today I am linking up with “Truth 4 the Journey” for first time for her meme “Thankful Thrusday”.

A while back I told you about wanting to start a meme like this, but a couple of weeks ago I found this one so I thought I would just join in.

So here it goes, for the 5 things I am thankful for this week.

1. Since we have been in the field, living by faith is the only thing you can do. There are not extra hours you can put into work, there is not a second job you can get, or extra things you can do. Trusting in God is the only thing you can do.
Still, God has sought us through. Lots of times we have wonder how, and when, but God has not left us. This week, once again, I have seen God meeting our needs right at the time we didn´t know how.

2.- I am so thankful that the girls are happy in school. I was a little concern about Noelia, since she is always with me. She hasn´t had times to get use to being away from me. Still, she loves school, she has a good teacher and she seems to have good friends there.

3.- I am thankful for a husband that is understanding and loves me even though I am not the fun girl I used to be 10 years ago.

4.- And I am so thankful that God has allowed me to be with my husband for 10 years and hasn´t allow the devil to hurt our family. After looking around even to Christian friends, being happily married to a respectful, loving, faithful husband, is certainly something to be thankful for.

5.- We got the thermostat for our heater set up today. Hopefully that will bring more praises in our heat bill this winter that we had last year (what a nightmare it was)

And because I wanted to do more than one meme, I am linking with "Forever in Blue Jeans" for the challenge to post a photo of me with one of more of my children once a week. Usually I am the one behind the camera (just like most moms), but I think this is a great meme because I want my kids to know I was there (and without photo there is no proof ;))

Now, praise the Lord for His blessings to you!

The Lord be magnified

2009-09-23T12:13:00.005+02:00

While reading in Psalms the other day while doing my devotionals, I read over these verses once again and blessed my heart, so today I thought of them to share today for Word Filled Wednesday.

Psa 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

Psa 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Have a wonderful day praising the Mighty God we serve!

Click here for more Word Filled Wednesday

Fall and funny

2009-09-22T17:49:00.005+02:00

Happy first day of FALL everyone!

Where did summer go? How times goes by so fast?

I remember when I was little thinking time went by so slow. Since I turned 22, for some reason, time flies.

The birthdays keep getting closer. The seasons keep passing by faster.

............

Changing subjects.... Do you know what is funny?

Funny is having a beautiful warm summer day, the very next day you put out your winter clothes. That same day happen to be the first day of fall. That same followed over a week of fall weather. Praise God I left some summer clothes out.... :) Now, that is funny.

Funny is to spend over 10 minutes fighting with your frozen computer, trying everything you can think of and finally calling your husband so he can save your day. The explaining to him the very thing you have been doing for 10 min and..... voilá.... it will work. It is like your computer is having a funny day and thinks "let´s make fun of Pilar".... still, frustrating but funny.

Funny is that when your tv contoller doesn´t work, all you have to do is hit it really hard a couple of times, and then it will work... forget batteries you know? Mine is working that way... go figure.... but it is funny :)

Funny is to drop everything you are holding, and then having to go buy some new glasses because you have been doing it for too long and you don´t want to drink out of you hands.... in case you drop that too :)-

Funny is to forget where you put the very thing you were holding 10 SECONDS ago. I have seen people (I won´t say who... promise) that was going crazy looking for glasses she was actually wearing... hahahahha.... now that is funny :)

Funny is to forget about what you were talking while you were in the middle of the sentence.... that is also funny :)

So what funny things you do?

Now, funny is Tim Hawins and I am leaving you with one of my favorites videos of him. Have fun and enjoy the fall..... winter will be here before you know it.... and with it... Christmas.... oh my goodness!!!

Making you Home Monday: Fall is here!

2009-09-21T11:55:00.003+02:00

Monday again, cleaning is suppossed to be going on as I type, but I am still in my pj´s and laying in the sofa.... I am not feeling good.... headaches, nothing else, so I will pull a double and leave it for tomorrow.

Update on Noelia, she is still clean from fever, praise the Lord. I am so thankful to God and praying it will stay that way all winter.

But I can´t be in the sofa all day.

Two weeks ago we were hitting 100 everyday, now fall is here and we are in our 50´s- 60´s. Last week I had to run to the store to buy some clothes for the older girls, and today, for sure, I need to go to the basement and rescue our winter clothes. All of Noelia´s is there, and lots of it too since she has two older sisters.

Mine... well.... Let´s hope something fits.

My home will sing better and also warmer.

Have a great monday!

For other Make your home mondays link up with Nan at Moms the Word

Praising God

2009-09-19T21:08:00.003+02:00

I usually don´t post on the weekend but I wanted to praise God for His goodness.

Last night Noelia got a fever, it was pretty high. She didn´t have any other symtoms other than a runny nose. I must say I am a little "worry" of the girls getting the flu, even more if it is the swine flu. Everything in my house multiply by 5 and something like that could be a very huge deal in my house.

I started praying and begging God to take the fever away from my little one. I am a mommy, regardless of how little the illness is, I hate seeing my kids suffer. I know you understand.

So the fever went away after medicine but didn´t came back through the night.

This afternoon she was feeling hot and started praying again. The fever went away without medicine praise God.

I know I can´t put my kids in a bubble so they won´t suffer..... but sometimes I wish I could :)

What a great God we serve. The King of kings. The Lord of lords. The Doctor of all. My God, my Savior!

Me, me, me

2009-09-17T09:44:00.000+02:00

My youngest daugther, the one that has always been very independent, the one that has always allow me to do things around the house because she is fine playing on her own, that very daugther is stuck to my hip ever since she started school last week. She only goes 2 hours now, but when she is home, and her sisters are not, I can´t even go to the bathroom without her knocking at the door wanting me to get out with her.... It is cute but...

So my head juices are not running and I can´t think with her on top of me ;). I got this questionarie somehow and tought would be a way for you to get to know me a little better (assuming you want to :)) but I won´t blame you if you don´t read it :) ... it would make me happy though.. :)

The phone rings. Who will it to be?

One of my sisters, and I will be in it for a while :)

When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart?

Always, because here in Spain you have to put a coin to get a cart and you only get it back if you return it to its place (… smart people uh? One pay check less they have to pay)

In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener?

It depends of how comfortable I feel in it.

Do you take compliments well?

Not at all. I can take negative one but positive…. Not so well. I remember the first time my husband (back then boyfriend) tried to tell me how beautiful my eyes were. I thought he was making fun of me and told him something back not very nice. Somehow, he still liked me.

Do you play Sudoku?

In my husband´s phone because I can get help from it :)

If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive?

I think so, I have watch Lost enough times…. LOL

Did you ever go to camp as a kid?
Not as a kid but when I was a teen. We went a few times with church

What was your favorite game as a kid?

Anything that I could play outside. I remember making food with mudd

Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you?

Well, I am married so that is now out of the question. But if I wasn´t and I had the same standars than now I would say no.

Do you like to pursue or be pursued?

Depending of how bad I want whatever it is that needs to be pursue

Use three words to describe yourself?

Sarcastic, fun (I think) and loyal

Do any songs make you cry?

Many

Are you continuing your education?

I am doing Bible college by distance if that counts :) and there are a few classes I want to take of different things (photography…)

Do you know how to shoot a gun?

Nop, I have only done it once. It was pretty cool though. It wasn´t a real gun though… well maybe it was a real gun but not real bullets I should say. The tree died ;)

Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth?

Many, many times

How often do you read books?

Daily

Do you think more about the past, present or future?

The three of them but I guess maybe more about the future..???

What is your favorite children’s book?

I love you all day long

What color are your eyes?

dark brown

Where is your dream house located?

I don´t know. I never thought about that..

If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed?

My family would be first, but since you said thing… probably my purse and photos

When was the last time you were at Olive Garden?

A couple of years ago

Where was the furthest place you traveled today?

No where, I didn´t get out of the house today

Do you like mustard?

No, sometimes honey mustard for the chicken, but I have to be in the proper place.

Do you prefer to sleep or eat?

Sleep, although lately I look like I rather eat… :)

Do you look like your mom or dad?

I would say neither, but people say my dad

How long does it take you in the shower?

10 min maybe?

Can you do the splits?
Nop, I think if I tried I would break… or never be able to walk normal again :)

What movie do you want to see right now?

Pride and Prejudice… I am always in the mood for that one. I love Mr Darcy ;)

What did you do for New Year’s?

Spent it with part of my family at my sister´s house

Do you think The Grudge was scary?

I have never had the pleasure to meet him so…. LOL

Do you own a camera phone?

Yep

What’s the last letter of your middle name?

How many hours of sleep do you get a night?

I don´t know, 7-8 on a good night?

Do you like Care Bears?

yes, and I am not ashame to admit it :)

What do you buy at the movies?

Popcorn, candies and coke (Zero of course, for the calories…. Hahahha)

Do you know how to play poker?

Do you wear your seat belt?

If I am driving always, if not…. sometimes.

What do you wear to sleep?

My pj´s, what kind of question was that?

How many meals do you eat a day?

2-3

Do you like funny or serious people better?

Funny.

Ever been to L.A.?

Did you eat a cookie today?

No…. yet

Do you hate chocolate?

Who could hate chocolate?

Are you a gullible person?

Not at all.

Are you easy to get along with?

I think so, although I am sure they would be people that would laugh at my answer

First day of school

2009-09-16T10:59:00.003+02:00

Schools starts later here in Spain (or in the States starts sooner, however you want to look at it) so for most of you, the excitement of the first days are over. But us, it just started, especially since our girls are still little and still think school is a cool place (let see if they keep their excitement in a couple of years :)).

Last wednesday night was a nut house over here. The girls were as excited as excited can be, we were getting ready for school and they couldn´t wait. They were going to get to see their friends again, and for Noelia, our youngest one, that meant she was going to be a big girl like sisters.

So thrusday morning was easy to wake them up and get them off the door :) (that always takes forever here at our house, after all, they are girls :))

Kayla. 2 grade. 7 years old. How did she grow so fast?

Nicole. 1st grade. 5 years old (6 soon). The funniest part with her was that she was going to get a new teacher. Once I found our who he was, I pointed him our to her and she just said "a boy?". I think she didn´t know guys could be teachers too. :)

Noelia. My baby. In school. How did that happen?

Did she look excited or what?

Showing off the backpack she was so excited about that now can take to school because the teacher says the wheels are to dangerous at this age...... :(

Noelia´s teacher. She is so sweet and Noelia took up to her right away.

No fits at all.

Have a wonderful wednesday everyone!

Encouragement

2009-09-15T10:51:00.002+02:00

Today I was going to post about my girls first day of school and a couple of funny stories that went along with it, but I just finished my devotionals and after reading God´s Word, I am so full of God´s love, that I would like to share a few Bible verses that have encourage my heart today.

Maybe this will be a blessing to you too. May you have a wonderful day!

Psa 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Psa 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psa 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psa 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
Psa 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him...

Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORDH upholdeth him with his hand.

Psa 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

Psa 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
Psa 37:40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

WHAT A GREAT GOD WE SERVE!

Making your home sing monday

2009-09-14T10:20:00.005+02:00

Wow ladies, what it has been going on!

The last few weeks I have had little to not time to post or visit blogs. I have been having lots of time with my family as well as getting ready for school to start (it did last thrusday). To be honest, I haven´t been wanting to get in the blogsphere, which is strange because I love you gals, and I love spending time with you but..... one of those things.

Of course I am not trying to look good before you so I should be completly honest, the reason why I didn´t have it in me to spend more time in the computer to check blogs has a name and one name only.......... FARMVILLE from Facebook....... I know, lame, but.... soooooo guilty.... :(

But I am back, the girls are in school and I get some time in the mornings, and Matthew starts today football practice back up, so I also have some nights. I´ll be seeing you soon :)

So mondays I have been joining Nan at "Moms The Word" for Making Your Home Sing Monday, where we post about the things we are going to do today to make our homes sing.

Well, Mondays is my cleaning day, so today sheets have to be change, laundry has to be done, bathrooms have to be clean, dusting needs to be taking place (have I ever told you about the "dust magnet"? I have a piece of furniture that rightly deserve that name), floors need to be wash, and so on.... you know the drill.

Excited? Nop, who would?

The task I less look forward to? Ironing. I honestly can say that there are clothes that I haven´t worn all summer because it needs ironing and I just HATE ironing. Hate it, hate it, hate it!

So I better go, because I don´t think the house is going to be tired on waiting on me and is going to be clean all on its own.

Have a blessed day everyone!

Missing

2009-09-02T09:56:00.004+02:00

Hello everyone,

I have been missing from the blog world since last friday, I have been busy busy.

We had a great weekend. We had lots of family time. Ice cream, walks, parks, feeding ducks, games, movies. Those things filled up our weekend and made lots of memories for years to come.

Monday was my husband´s birthday and we were all devoted to make his birthday special and just about him. I pray God will allow us to share many more birthdays together. What a wonderful gift He gave me when I meet my husband.

And yesterday we were able to enjoy some time together too, wasn´t plan, but I sure enjoyed.

I have also been busy getting all the books and stuff together for the girls´school starting the 10th. It is amazing how much money those books cost. My 3 year old starts school this year, and only in her we spent over $150, and I am afraid that once school starts, they will come up with a list of things to buy aside of the books, because after all, at 3 years old what else do you do other than crafts?

Having 3 kids add up a lot! Especially because at this age they have to write in the books, so you can´t pass them from one kid to another..... so, you pretty much need an extra job income just to pay for books..... only I don´t have one.

I know many of you are feeling the pain just like me.

Well ladies, I just wanted to show in but can´t stay. I am in a complicated week of the month, if you know what I mean, and I am crawl up in the sofa with pain.

I´ll be back.... ;)

Friday Photo Flashback-- The angry years

2009-08-28T16:19:00.005+02:00

Today I am joining Alicia at More than Words again for Friday Photo Flashback.

If there are very few photos of me when I was little, there are even less of me as a teen, or how I would call them, my "angry years". Not that I was angry all the time, but for what you see in the photos, I may as well. I never smiled. Don´t ask me why. But no one else is showing teeth is these photos, so maybe it was in back then... :)... you know, back in my time :).

This photo was taken in 1998, in the end of April. I remember because my sister had move to the States the december before and my mom was going there to visit them. She was going to spend mother´s day with her in AL, so before she left, the whole family went together to a restaurant to celebrate it with her early.

In the photo I am with my nephew and niece. I am the one on the right of the photo. Yes, my hair was that short. I went through a time for a couple of years that I kept cutting my hair shorter and shorter. This was when I hit rock bottom :). It may be funky, but it was sooooo comfortable. Wash hair, hair gel and go!

That october was when I met Matthew. He told me if my hair hadn´t grown by then he wouldn´t had like me.... or so he says :). He really doesn´t like hair that short in girls, at least his girl.

This one was taken just a few months earlier (notice my hair is longer). It must be taken around october november 1997, because those were taken from my sister before she moved. I am the one on the top right, the other two are my nieces.

So, everyone, have a wonderful weekend!!!

A victory and a surprise

2009-08-27T12:22:00.003+02:00

A victory: I think it is safe to say that my youngest child, my baby is officially potty trained. After almost a couple of weeks of lots of frustration going both ways, last friday I decided to give up. I had it. She wasn´t ready. So I was going to leave her the weekend (and me mostly) and then think about starting again on monday..... maybe.

I guess something click on her head about 15 minutes before my decission, and since then, she hasn´t had an accident, she ask every time, for #1 and ·2. And although I do put a diaper on her for naps and nightime, no accidents have happen since friday.

So what I have to say................... PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!

A surprise: October 16 is mine and my husband´s 10 year anniversary. We were not planning on doing anything because we live away from family and friends and didn´t have anyone to keep the girls. Plus, I have never slept away from my girls, and haven´t left them with anyone for more than a couple of hours.

But last night, after church, I was putting the girls to bed and when I came back downstairs I saw candle lights, and a few snacks to eat for dinner. Afterwards there was a little game when I was supposed to follow clues that lead me to a bottle with a message inside.... I know, isn´t he romantic?.

So inside there was a little message about our anniversary....... You want to know??

We are going to ROME!!!!

Flights within Europe can be as cheap as 30 dollars!!! So Rome here I go!

My girls will be taken care by my sister in law and brother that have girls my girl´s ages. They will have fun.

Give me a walking stick!

2009-08-25T18:32:00.004+02:00

Do I deserve this? I don´t think so

After all, I am only 31..... kids this days......

I feel old, really, really old. Prehistoric old. I think my wrinkles are growing within the seconds.... why???? You want to hear the story???

It was mean, he didn´t mean too, but it was mean.... it hurted.... really bad...

So there is a young 24 year old guy coming to church. He is from Brazil and he is on his own for the next week. He has been here already 4. He came to Spain for 5 weeks for some intensive spanish classes in the university here. He has been coming to church and he has been a blessing to us, because of his faithfulness and because he has been going with Matthew on visitation and I know that has been a blessing to him.

I tell you this so you don´t hate him after the story I am about to share....

So I thought I would invite him home today, before visitation, so he could have a home meal. Not that I think I am a chef or anything, but hey, at least it won´t be a sandwich.

So we were talking after lunch and somehow the subjet of high school came out. He was asking something and we were comparing it to the way it was when I was going to high school here in Spain.

So then, he said. " Well, I don´t know how it was for you in the old times...."

Then he said something else but I didn´t hear it... as you can imagine..... OUCH!!!!!

So I said "In the old times?" (big smile and everything, at all times he knew I was ok.... although I was thinking about plastic surgery inside :)). Right then he turned bright red, he is not a bad guy after all. He had just realize what he had just said. He tried to fix it.... it didn´t work :) You know guys when they try to fix things.......

Well, trying to help him feel better and me, by joking with my pain I say "I don´t look so old for being 40!!.

Remember, I said I was 31 (which I am).

Total silence...... wrong..... he should had say something like you don´t look 40!!!

But he didn´t....

I think he was to afraid to open his month again.

So this is how I feel now.....

A quick post to share our family photos

2009-08-24T20:48:00.003+02:00

A quick post to let you guys in to our beautiful photos our favorite photographers took os us while we were at the States in July.

Like I told you then, my niece Arancha and her husband are photographers and they gave us, as a gift, a family session. To take a look at their work click here or here.

She called me this afternoon and told me my photos were ready and up in her web site, and I wanted to share it with you!!! Click here to see those.

Do you need a photographer?? Call her!!! Satisfaction guarantee.

Make your home Sing Monday-- A party pooper

2009-08-24T15:05:00.003+02:00

Today I am joining Nan from Moms the Word in her weekly meme, "Make your home Sing Monday".

I really enjoy this meme, but this morning, when I sat down, I decided I could not participate in the meme today. You know, there are good days and bad days, and today my flesh is taking a lot of control over me, so what could I say?

So I got up and went on my way.

My heart is heavy and I am so sick of living in this sinful body.

I think we all have something in our personalities that makes us look bad. Those little corners that are not yet fully controled by God, not because He is not powerful to do it, but because we let our flesh out for while instead of turning to God when we see it coming.

Mine is my temper. It is ugly, it is strong, it says things that I hate, it says things that make me feel like a failure. Still, it is in me and, although I fight hard against it, and God gives me many victories, there are other times when I lose the battle...... but I will not lose the war. Because my God is a powerful God.

So, what I am going to do today to make my home sing?.

First, I am going to ask God forgiveness one more time, knowing that He loves me and He will give me that forgiveness.

Second, I am going to stop looking angry and jumping at everyone around me, and apologize to my sweet patient dear for being a party pooper.

And third, after spending some time reading my Bible (taking advantage of the girl´s nap), I am going to start reading these two books that I got while we were at the States this summer and that haven´t been started yet.

Also, and aside from this meme, I finished reading the third book of the Defenders of Hope series by Amy Wallace. This books was just as good as the other two and I would recommend this book to everyone. I would like to share a couple words that Amy Wallace enclosed in the Author´s Words section.

" My prayer for you is twofold. One, that Hanna and Michael´s story challenges you to look deeper into what you believe about God, yourself and others. Because in the end, it´s what we believe -not what we´re supposed tp believe- that determines the course of our lives.

And second, that you would experience God´s amazing, unfailing and perfect love for you. He´s the One who puts shattered lives, hearts, and people back together again. Grab His hand, trust His heart, and take the leam into whatever holds you back. He´s there. And He loves you. Forever"

A blessed Fall

2009-08-21T11:27:00.004+02:00

Is it Friday again? It is funny how fast the days fly anymore. I remember when I was little the days going by slow.... well.... not anymore...

So you know it is Friday Photo Flashback here, at the Stark Family blog, so it is time to take a part of Alicia´s meme. It is great to have a reason to go back and remember all the wonderful memories pictures bring.

The fall of 2001 was a wonderful, life altering, blessed, fall for us. It was the year we bought our first (and only) house.....aaahhhh, I loved my house.

And also the fall we found out we were expecting our first child. We had lost a baby that spring, a day after we found out I was especting, so it was so exciting to know that God had bless us again, and that this baby was fine. Notice the hads on the belly :)

Such sweet memories. Have a blessed weekend everyone!

Bubble gum anyone?

2009-08-20T12:37:00.003+02:00

Well, the day you guys were waiting for.... (hahahhaha) The revealing of my girls new room (well, just the paint).

This is the color wall before.... yeah, so girly..... haha

And this is the beautiful new bubble gum pink wall color!!!!

Every girl needs a special place for her purses :)

Love those wall stickers

Three happy girls!!!!

Now I can´t wait to change the color in all the rooms!!!! The whole house the the same color of the before photo. I am getting so sick of it. :)

Oh, btw, a word to describe out potty training journey so far..... FRUSTRATION.... in both sides!!

True Heart

2009-08-18T11:56:00.003+02:00

Mocha Momma, from Life: Be in It gave me the True Heart Award, and I thank her so much for it.

"Those who receive this award are of the sweetest nature. They are kind, fun, friendly, loving, eager to share their love for Jesus with others, and brave with their effords to reflect Him with this darkened world. They are the kind of folks you are blessed to know, even if it is only in the bloggy- sphere¨--- From Mocha Momma

I am not sure I deserve those worlds. There are people whom those words describe them because of their nature. It comes easy to them. The light of Jesus just shine through them. Those are the ladies we look up to.

For me, it is not like that. I have a daily battle with my flesh to even be close to accomplish one of those things in my life. But I can see God working in me, despise my own self, and it is a blessing to know that maybe someone can caught a glimpse of that work God is doing in me. He is taking my old nature and is making me new. And I thank Him for it. Because I know there is no good in me aside from Him.

Well, I am suppossed to pass this award along. I know many of you have already receive, although you would be the ones I would think of to pass it also. So I am going to try to give it to those that deserve also, but I don´t think they have received it. I also want to give it to those ladies that I follow that are married to the ministry because of the godly man they married.

Nina, from Portugal Bound for sharing the Light of Jesus with the people in Portugal

Rachel from Smith Family of Six for her service as a Pastor´s wife

Nan from Moms The Word. Her blog reflect Jesus and other fun stuff :)

Jill from Jill Boyd Place for her service in the mission field in the past and now as a pastor´s wife

Ingrid from Reaching Brazil for her service in the ministry

I know there are more, but I will stop for now.

Again, Mocha Momma, thanks so much, I feel so honored that among all those godly ladies you thought of me. And to everyone else, have a wonderful blessed day!

Making your Home Sing Monday: The Chart

2009-08-17T13:00:00.003+02:00

Mondays are now, "Making your home Sing Monday" day. You can head over Moms The Word for more MYHSM or to participate in this cool meme.

MYHSM is about sharing and action, and attitude, a motivation... whatever!!! that you are going to do today to make your home sing.

May I introduce you...... THE CHART......!!!!!

Times before we have started doing kind of the same thing. But eventually it has gotten old, and the girl have done the some chores but without the chart..... and the money.....

But today we are starting again, hoping to teach the girls more than just doing jobs at home. Of course, we have the jobs at home they can do everyday (like they have a choice... :)), and then they will get 5 cents for every sticker they get, once they complete the chore. The money will be given to them on saturday night, and then, with that money, we can teach them about tithes, offerings.... at church; and also the value of money, as they will be able to use that money to buy things.

And update on last weeks "Potty training making your home sing monday", well, the home is not singing very well. She waits between times to go in her training unddies, and hates sitting in the potty chair because she says it doesn´t work.... poor baby.... :(

We were giving her jelly beans just for trying once we realize she hated sitting so much, but then we realized that yes, she would sit, but she would wait and pee afterwards. So..... jelly beans are on hold....

What are we doing now? We took off the training panties and put on her real panties. We hope the house won´t be full of paddles, as that is the reason why we won´t give them the puppy they so much want.

Well, ladies, HAVE A GREAT MONDAY!!!

Here and there and everywhere..

2009-08-14T18:40:00.002+02:00

Today is Friday and I usually participate in PFP, but my scanner is not working and my husband, who would be the only one capable of working that thing again, is gone. I would admit it, I am not afraid to say it out loud, I am no one without my husband. I can work these things, but if they break, I need my hubby to get them working again... I ain´t no electronic gal (did I mention I learned english in the south ;))

I spent all morning painting the girl´s room. It was a while back when I showed you the photos of what I was going to do, but haven´t been able to do it because we were planning on moving to a different house. With the crisis, all the houses were going down on prices and we were looking for something cheaper to take advantage of the crisis.... hehe

Anyhow, my God is great, and He just got my actual landlord to bring our rent down a good bit so we don´t have to move. It is not finish yet, especially now that the girls are out there and the floor is full of girl´s toys again. But I will show you a photo next week. Let´s just say that after painting the room I am feeling like strawberry bubble gum ;)

This morning I was reminded again of my need to be thankful and take advantage of every day God gives me on earth. There are things we take as for sure on a daily bases that are not ours to be sure of.

Marriage is one of them in my case. But I look around and I see all those broken marriages, the infidelities, the abuses, and I realize what I have is nothing but a blessing from God. I praise God for a husband that loves me, but loves God even more. Because I know that as long as God is number 1 in His life, I would be there, second on his list. And that is not something I should be taken for granted.

Another thing is my kids health, mine and my husband´s. Cancer, and so many other sickness are filling up our prayer request lists. I praise God for healthy children, and for my healthy husband. Health is not something to be taken for granted either.

So, what happened? The wife of the assistant pastor of my home church in AL passed away this morning. She had heatlh issues because of her age, but her death was a surprise to everyone. She wasn´t in the hospital. She died, I guess, while she sleep. What a sweet way to die, you fall asleep and you wake up with Jesus, praise the Lord!. But if you would remember her family in prayer I would appreciate it. Pastor Boruff, her husband; her children, grandchildren. Pray for grace, that His name may be glorified in all this.

Have a wonderful weekend everyway and hold on to God´s blessings, that are not to be taken for granted.

Kreative Blogger :)!

2009-08-12T16:37:00.003+02:00

Thank you, thank you to Chris from Inspirational Insight for giving me this award! :)

Now, because every good thing comes with something to do afterward, here are the rules of the game:

1.- Name 7 things about yourself that people may find interesting:

ummmm.... let me think........

* In high school I always ignore english class because I didn´t think I was going to need the english for anything (that and that the teacher obviously hated me... so that didn´t help either)

* Because of that, when I met my husband I didn´t know much english and he didn´t know much spanish.... still, somehow, we would spend hours talking to each other.

* When I was 3 I swallow a coin and they took me to the hospital. There I fell down and broke my nose. They were not able to have surgery on it until I was 15, so I spend most of my childhood and teen years with a very crooked nose.... so much for my self-steem uh? :)

* My mom had me when she was 45. Back then they didn´t think I would make it but my mom went on with the pregnancy (Praise the Lord) and she had to spend 6 months in bed with somewhat of a cast in her belly for what they tell me. I was already giving her problems :)

* Although I am from Spain, and didn´t move to the States until I was 21, Alabama is what now feels like home. I think it is because it is where I started my family. I do live back in Spain again so... I better get over it soon ;)

* When people first meet me I give an impression that is opposite of how I really am.

* I always talk way to much :)

Now, I have to nominate 7 for this award, which I always hate because I love every blog I follow and I follow lots of blogs. But, just to name 7 great bloggers:
Alicia from More than Words
Danielle from Gospel to Gijon
Rocio from You and Me plus Three
Christy Rose
Kim from Stuff could always be worse
Denise from ShortyBears Place
Mimi from Frump´s Findings

Okay, I am done. Have a great day everyone!

It is time....

2009-08-10T10:13:00.005+02:00

I have been following in Momstheword for quite a while and have been enjoying hers and other´s "Making your home sing Monday", but for some reason I never joined before, although I always wanted. Today is the day, it is time.. :)

So, a little question for ya´ll.

What is going on in a house when you mix this....
And this.....

Yep, you guess it!

It is potty training time, and it is well overdo.

With Noelia turning 3 and getting ready to start school in a month I couldn´t postpone it anymore. My car is in the shop anyway, so what better time that when you are stuck at home to do so?

No, I am not one of those mommies with great patience that start potty training when the kids are 1-2. I wait until their 3rd bday. I wait until I can buy them with Jelly Bellies. I wait until months worth if work only last a couple of weeks because they are older and way ready. My oldes one took 1 day! My second took 2! So, can you blame me for trying again :)

With three kids so close together I didn´t feel strong enough to do it any other way. I know there are many out there that agree with me :)!

Well, I better go. Potty training kids are an accident waiting to happen :)!!

I don´t know if my house is going to sing, but for sure my grocery budget is going to sing because it is going to have a little break :)

Photo Friday Flashback- Baby Faces

2009-08-07T17:08:00.003+02:00

Hello everyone, and welcome once again to Friday Photo Flashback hosted by Alicia over at More than Words-

I may be coming to an end with FPF soon, because I am realizing that I have very little to none photos of me when I was growing up and even as a teen.

I was never much of a photo person and always run away when I saw a camera. Too bad because now I would love to have more photos of me and I don´t.... oh well.... I know my dad has photos of me but...... next time I go to Madrid I must make copies of everything I can find from when I was little.

I do have, however, a million photos of me once I met Matthew and once we got a digital camera. I won´t make that mistake of not having enough photos again :).

In one of those trips to Madrid I did made a copy of one of the few photos I have seen of me as a baby.

Yep, that cutie is me just a few months old, dont think I was too old because my back looks like it wasn´t used to hold me up and could let go and let me fall in any second. :)

This second one is a photo of my babes and I when we were little. I have always wanted a boy just because I wanted a boy to look just like my husband- He was/is so sweet and looked/looks like a poster boy.... but, no boys for me :)

Instead I have three beautiful girls with a great mix of both of us :)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Summer Favorites

2009-08-06T14:43:00.004+02:00

Christy Rose tagged me to write 5 things that I would consider to be my summer favorites and I decided to take up on the challenge, after all, who wants to be the party pooper ;)?.

I will change the tag a bit because I am in a bad time of the month (yeah, I know, you didn´t need to know that) and I couldn´t think straigth because it changes my whole.... everything. Am I the only one? Anyway......

I am posting, since we are a family of 5, the favorite part of summer of every one in the Stark household. So here it goes,

Kayla´s favorite part of summer is that she gets to ride her bike a lot

Nicole´s favorite part of the summer is that she gets to play in the pool. This photo is from my in law´s pool while we were in the States. Out pool doesn´t even cover my whole foot so...

Noelia´s favorite part is the playground. She gets to go all year round but... since she just turned 3, among all the choices she gave me (pink, ponys, what?) I decided that one was the one we would use.

Matthew´s favorite is that we get to spend a lot more time together as a family since there is no school and we get more time off... awww

And mine, VACATIONS!! Let´s us face it, this was our first actual vacation in many, many years (I don´t remember ever taking one since we have been married) so I was super excited and praying we would get to do something (even if it is not going back to the States for 3 weeks) every year.

Now, who am I tagging? Well, you ladies are free to follow along or not I would understand. But I would love to read about the summer favorites of Nan at Momstheword, Laura from The Texas Hills, Jill from Jill´s Boyd Place, Mimi at Frumps Findings and Kim from Stuff could always be worse.

Have a great day everyone!

The Way

2009-08-05T11:45:00.003+02:00

Wednesday is Word Filled Wednesday time. For more WFW head over to 160 Acre Woods

Today I wanted to share something from my devotionals this morning.

What a blessing to know that we are not alone in all our decissions, and that we have a great and mighty God who wants to show us the best way.

Have a wonderful wednesday everyone!

I can laugh at myself!

2009-07-31T17:18:00.002+02:00

Alicia is hosting Friday Photo Flashback, over at More than Words, which is a way to have an excuse to browse through all your old non digital photos and bring back old, and not so old memories, scan them and share them with everyone. I am really enjoying this meme!

Now, why do I want to do this to myself? (I am the one all the way to the left of the photo). Well we were just having fun.

Why would I allow someone to take a photo of me doing that? Well, I was already engaged hehe ;)

Why would I post this photo in the web for the world to see? Because as soon as I found this photo I knew it would be a fun one to share. Also, because I do can laugh at myself.

This was taken summer 1999, just a short 4 months before I was to get married. I was in Spain fixing all the paperwork for the fiancee visa and my sister in law (the beautiful blond :)) came to spend a couple of months with me.

After church we went over Veronica´s house, a lady from the church. She is crazy and she is so much fun. It was her idea!

Can you laugh at yourself? Try it! It is fun!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!! I know we will; my sister, husband and two daugthers are coming from Madrid tonight to spend a few days with us.

Word Filled Wednesday

2009-07-29T14:34:00.005+02:00

Word Filled Wednesday is a meme I love to be a part of on wednesdays hosted by 160 Acre Woods .

The purpose is to share God´s Word (not any famous quote) through photo and Bible verse.

Of course I am not one that likes to keep things simple, so I always like to explain why I chose that verse. Usually I pick a verse that God has used recently to talk to my heart. Last week I shared with your 2 Timothy 2:13 and told you how God was using it and the lesson I was learning. Click here if you want to read it, but make sure you come back here again.

Today I wanted to do the same and let you know how God has brought me back to the basics to answer a prayer request. Not the answer I was looking for, but God works in misterious ways and His ways are always wiser than mine.

Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Eph 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

So many things I could talk about with those verses, but..... I know, I will stick at what brought me to share these verses.

Like you have been reading the last few weeks, and as I was telling you again last week, I have been praying to God to show me something. When we came to Spain as missionaries we were excited, we couldn´t wait to see what God was going to do. Now that we are in Granada, and by ourselves, sometimes that "magic" and excitement of being a missionary, goes away. No, I am not descouraged of working for the Lord, but being human, loneliness and a lack of seeing responses from the people, sometimes takes the best of me.

Now, not too many missionaries or ladies whose husbands are in the ministry will admit to that, after all, aren´t we suppossed to be those strong christians willing to give up our dreams always with the best of the attitudes? Well, sometimes (not too often ;)) we are not like that. Because not too many would admit that, it leaves some of us feeling like we are not made for this, and many would quit because of that. So I want to be as real as I can, even of that means that I need to show my not so perfect self, to help others realize that those feelings are more normal that we care to admit, and that with prayer, human help, and especially God´s help we can look up and make the devil flee from tempting us.

Now, how that Bible verse goes with all this?. Bear with me :)

So sometimes the devil would start wispering in my ear "Maybe you are not doing God´s will". "Maybe this is not the place you need to be". Because I knew it came from the devil, I was praying to God that He would show me with a verse, with something clear enough that I would know without a doubt that it came from Him, that this was the place we needed to be. So then, next time the devil would come to me I could answer back to him with the Word of God.

I would not hear God (not that He wasn´t talking to me, but I guess not the way I was hoping) so I would go and ask my husband if he knew for sure this was the place. He would tell me yes, and tell me once again why (poor him).

Problem, I wanted my own assurance and I wanted it clear!

Problem with my questioning?. God set my husband to be the head of the home. He is to lead and I am to follow. God can give me assurance of this being the place if He wanted to and the same way He gave it to my husband. But He gave assurance to my husband and reminded me that I was just to follow.

He didn´t reveal to me through a Bible verse that this was the place. Instead He gave me Eph. 5:22-24. I mean really, can a Bible verse get more clear than that?

So now I have something to answer myself and the devil when I question where we are to be. My husband believes this is the place God wants us to be, and I follow him.

Have a wonderful wednesday everyone!

And now she is 3

2009-07-28T11:01:00.005+02:00

Days are going by quick and now those little hands are growing.

Those little feet that couldn´t walk yet are getting ready to go to school.

That little girl that would make strange noises to try to talk can speak not only one language, but two.

The little baby, the little one of the family is turning 3 today.

Happy birthday my sweet Noelia!

I remember the day she was born. She was my 3rd one, but I was still shaking thinking on the epidural needle, still thinking of it as a blessing (I know, I own it, but I can´t think about going natural, I am a wimp about pain). After a short few hours of induce labor the heartbeat of the baby started to act up. They change me to possitions but still wasn´t working. It was time to get her out.

God was showing me that His hand was there, and that, giving bith to a healthy child is not something to take for granted. I praise Him everything went well and after pushing for an hour I was able to hold in my arms my sweet new baby. Baby Noelia.

It was love at first sight. Not just for mommy but for daddy and sisters.

Now we have our goofy little girl, happy as can be and active as can be. My little alarm clock that always come to be "scratch" in the back by mommy for a few minutes when she first wake up. My little girl is not a baby but she will always be my baby, just like her other two sisters.

My girls, my blessings. I praise you God for three wonderful daughters. May I be the mom they deserve, the mom they need.

Happy Birthday Noelia

Another great one!

2009-07-27T18:16:00.005+02:00

I stayed up until 3:30 am finishing the book I have been reading (it may have had to do also with the fact that I am not used to the time difference between the States and Spain). It is called "Healing Promises" by Amy Wallace and is the book 2 of the Defenders of Hope Series. Click here to read about the first one.

This one is another book that I will strongly recomend to you to read- It has to do with an FBI agent being diagnose with cancer and his fight to admit his illness and trust in God with the process he is to go through. Waiting in the Lord is not an easy thing to do for us especially when we think we need a miracle fast. Also when we want to be able to control the circunstances, admitting we can do it this time, is hard.

It also talks about Sara, his wife, and the struggle to praise God regardless the circunstances. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

On top of that, for those that love adrenaline filled stories, you will see how they fight to track down a serial kidnapper.

For those that think I told the whole story, you are wrong, there is so much to this book. Not only are you being entertain by reading a good book, but also God can use so many lessons from that book to talk to your heart.

Lately I have been impress by God with the need of praising Him more. Not just when I feel like it but also when the storms are dark upon us. It is so easy to praise Him when you are being showered with blessings upon blessings. But how about when you find out you have an illness. How about when you get hit will bills after bills. How about when temptations are hitting you hard. How about when you are depressed and think you can´t go on.

How to get out of that dark pit. Look up to God and praise Him, because there is so much to thank Him about.

I am thinking about starting a meme called "I´ll praise Him" probably for tuesdays. But first I have to figure out how Mr. Linky works :) Any help?

So what do you think? Would you join me for tuesdays "I´ll praise Him"? Coming probably in a week.

Have a great one ladies. I am off for a search of a new apartment/house. Pray for us

Bad hair anyone?

2009-07-24T13:14:00.006+02:00

It is friday and finally I can get back to one of my favorite memes, after 3 weeks away from home and old photos. Photo Friday Flashback is hosted by Alicia from More than Words.

"The grass is always greener on the other side" is a little mind set I have often. I know it is wrong but... I am guilty. I always look thinner in older photos, and it is funny because I remember being at those days when now I think I looked great, and remember thinking I didn´t look good. Girls, I can´t help it!

Shortly after I got married I found a photo from when I was a teen. My hair looked so good I thought. I had it really long and curly, with those loose curls that I liked so much (or at least that was the way I remembered, not really how it was). I had gotten tired of wearing it long and decided to cut it and keep it short (mid length bob) from age 18-19. When I was 20, some weird virus must had come to my brain and I decided to cut it shorter, like a guy really. Don´t ask me why, but I did it. And funny enough, I liked it. I thought it look good.

Well now, I look at photos back then, and believe me. I didn´t look good. Not many people can pull that off. No girl should try to pull it off. But I tried, didn´t succed though.

But now finally my hair had grown again, and it was long, so a perm was what I needed to do.... or so I thought (a perm is another look not everyone should try).

I bug and bug my sister, who used to be a hairstylish into doing a perm to my hair. She didn´t want to. She could do it, she had done my hair before. But I guess she knew better, or knew me better. Or maybe she knew a perm was a mistake. She didn´t want to do it. But after weeks of nagging, she did. (Me nagging btw)

And this was the result.

It ended up coming out as a super tight curl, which gave me lots of volume...... not a good look for me believe me. Well, you don´t have to believe me, you can see for yourself.

But the bad hair didn´t end there. Right away I was unhappy. I always kept it held somehow because I didn´t like it. After a month or so I couldn´t handle it any longer.

I was looking for something to do and someone introduced me to curling irons. My mother in law had one so I asked her to make my straight. She did it to herself so I knew she had experience. If I liked it I would buy my own curling iron "pronto". Where was my flat iron back then? I wonder now....

So this happened.

I can´t believe I am sharing this photos with you. You will keep the secret right?

Don´t worry, I didn´t go anywhere. This happend in my in laws house, and there is where it ended. She did what she could. I felt bad to wash my hair, it wasn´t her fault after all. My hair had its own mind and there wasn´t much that I could do about it...... but there was. I went to a hair stylish and had that product put in that reverse the perm curls. A few dollars and a hair cut later, my hair was back to normal.

Hey, at least I didn´t do this.

A photo of my husband and a friend during college days. Thankfully my husband is the one giving the buzz and not the one receiving it. Youth.......

I know this post is already pretty long, but I didn´t want to close today without thanking Kim from Stuff could always be worse for giving me this award- It is such a blessing for me to know that anyone is bless with what I write. After all, HE is what is all about

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Good Books

2009-07-23T12:33:00.004+02:00

If you know me a bit you know I love a good book. When I find a book I love, I always make sure to let you ladies know about it so you may receive a blessing through it as well.

A lot of times our hobbies, our likes, we make sure we pass on to our children. My love for books is something I always tried to pass on to my kids. I think is a great thing to do with you free time (if you have any :)), it encourages you to use your imagination... so many benefics to reading.

My girls have a million books, and since they were little, they were entertaint very easily with books. Lots of times I will find them sitting down in their room without toys, just browsing through their books, pretending to read them, making up stories. Now that my oldest one reads very well, she has a collection of books she loves to read and I always try to pick up a new one of that series whenever I find them.

Books are also what keeps them entertain while I go grocery shopping. Also grandma and grandpa´s favourite gift to the girls. When we went to the States, I think bookstores were the type of stores we visted the most. Lifeway probably knew my debit card number by heart ;)

In our last visit to Lifeway before we got back from the States this last time, we told the girls to pick up a book each. Noelia, my youngest one, picked up one, I am sure for the artwork (which is great!), that has turned into a favorite, and is the one that I am recomending today.

"What happens when I talk to God?" is a great kids book by Stormie Omartian. I am sure everyone knows who she is, but just in case, she is the writter of "The Power of Praying" books. It teaches the kids the importance of praying daily, how needed it is to have that communion with God, how to pray and why to pray. Also it teaches them what it does. What is great is that not only do they emplain it in an easy language that they can understand but is also very accurate in their teaching.

An example is when you read about prayer, it tells them how God delights in answering our prayers. But it tells them that those prayers have to be according to His will, and that those answers will come in His time.

This is a portion of the book. " My prayers are important to God... That´s why I talk to Him every day. God wants to hear what matters to you-- because you matter to Him!
When you pray, you get to know God like a friend. And even though you may be small, your prayers are important to Him. No matter when you pray or where you pray, He always hear you. Something always happens when you talk to God!"

It is good even for mommies, isn´t it?

He cannot deny Himself

2009-07-22T14:43:00.004+02:00

It has been a long time since I have been able to enter my favourite memes. Today, I was looking forward to being a part of Word Filled Wednesday because it is a way to put out what is on my heart.

The Bible verse that I am sharing today has become a very important in my heart, one I remind myself of several times a day, and thankfully, God is giving me victory and every day I have to repeat it less and less.

As you, usual readers, now, I have been going through a little rough time lately. Emotionally I was pretty weary, and lots of times that comes from a spiritual problem. One that was not there in the beginning, but that, like my pastor has mention many times, I have gotten myself in ¨from thinking myself into a depression¨.

What do I mean with that? Sometimes the devil puts a lie before you. The best thing to do is to fight it back as the Bible says in James 4:17 “ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.“

But sometimes you are feeling low, and you start validating that lie. That gives the devil a victory, and a ground to grow in. And more lies come, and more lies you believe.

Believing something and knowing something are two different things, I have come to learn the last few weeks. I know my God, I know who He is and what He promises, but believe….. I believed something different, and I was thinking about it so much that I was getting myself all depress. Do you understand what I mean now? Has anyone been there?

So what were the lies I believed? Well, I was praying about something (That was a fight in itself so I will let you know about that one in a different post), and the answer wasn´t coming. I was frustrated and didn´t understand what was going on. So the devil started whispering in my ear “God doesn´t answer your prayers”. Now, I should have known better, I should have known the devil was the one telling me, but I didn´t. Eventually, I believed it.

“God doesn´t care for you”

“What you are doing here is pointless”

“You have no power of God”

“God doesn´t love you”

Now, if you have told me you were the one feeling that way I would have told you of the verses were God promises all those things to His children. When I felt that way I went looking for those verses, but another lie sneak in “Those are not for you”. Now, I never doubted my salvation. I am one that believes that once you are saved, always saved. But somehow the devil had control over that, and I have believed him.

One night, at our Wednesday service in our home church in Alabama, pastor Allison preached, and that Bible verse stand out so strongly that the devil couldn´t convince me it wasn´t for me.

2Ti 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself

You see, even if I don´t believe God loves me, He does, because He tells us of His love towards us and He cannot deny Himself.

Even if I don´t believe God answers my prayers, He does, because He promises so and He cannot deny Himself.

Even if I believe God cannot do anything trough me, He can, because He promises He would do with those He calls, and He cannot deny Himself.

No matter what I believe, God cannot deny Himself.

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Maybe this will be a blessing to anyone and a help to many.

Back home

2009-07-20T16:56:00.005+02:00

Hello everyone,

We are now back in Spain and back home. We have had quite a time though.

Our trip to the States was all we hoped it would be, and did what we hope it would do. A lot to ask from a trip, but God was merciful and gave it to us. In the next days and weeks I will put you up to date.

I am one that likes to keep things real. This is one of the reasons why I got into blogging. To know that you are not the only one going through certain trials was a blessing, and found so many of you that seem to go through the same things that I am/was going through and were open about it.... well, that is/was a blessing. I want to be used that same way, so if anyone can be blessed by the things I learn everyday, then Praise God. So I will let you know what God has shown me and is still doing in our lives.

One of the things that God used was a book that Alicia, from Confession of a Snowflake, sent to me. A while back she had a giveaway and I was blessed enough to win it. She was such a blessing, she sent me, in addition to the price, a book that she had read recently "Randsomed Dreams" by Amy Wallace. I do not usually read fiction, but I just loved that book. I couldn´t put it down until I finished it and right away I went to buy the second and third book of that series.

If you like a good book, make sure to check it out.

Well, I am off to finish doing landry and unpacking. I am so excitedd to get all my new books out and have time to start reading them.

See you ladies tomorrow.

Sneak Peak

2009-07-14T16:31:00.003+02:00

It has been soooooo long!!!

I don't think I have ever taken such a long break on blogging. It is funny though because it hasn't been a planned break, but I have been enjoying our vacation and spending as much time as possible with family and friends.

Now the time is getting close and we just have a couple of days to enjoy, but once I go home, my break will be over and I will go back to my dear blogging.

There is one reason though worth me getting in here, my super cool photographer niece Arancha, and her husband Nate, took us yesterday to have a photo session with them. I am so excited to see all the photos, but she was sweet enough to get a couple of photos done to calm my excitement :). If you are in need of a photo session for your family make sure to book her, even if you are not in the AL area, I know they travel a lot for photo sessions. They are great photographers and so fun to be with. They are also future missionaries to Spain :)!!! That is a plus!!

So click here if you want to see a couple of the photos, and I'll see you gals in a few days when I get back to Spain.

Look what she found out about?

2009-06-30T20:01:00.004+02:00

You got to love kids, they can just come up with the funniest things.

Have you notice when you have company over and no one knows what to talk about, if there are kids around, you can just pick them to do something and will entertaint the whole party?

Yesterday we went to our favorite mexican restaurant. Usually for drinks I would ask for juice of lemonade for the girls drinks, but in this particular place all they have is sodas. The waitress told me, after I asked him for our usually juice and lemonade, that usually kids drik Sprite. I am not into giving my kids sodas but I gave in and ask for 3 kids Sprites.

When Noelia, my 2 year old, tried it, at first she was making faces, but finally she said "Anybody, anybody (her way to say "hey everyone") , you never told me this was so yummy?". We were all laughing, we thought was so funny. She didn't stop until she drank it all.

You got to love kids :)!!!!

Who is counting? Sunday hapenings

2009-06-29T17:15:00.006+02:00

Hey there!

How was you weekend? We are having a great time here, visiting with friends and family and just taking it easy.

It was such a blessing to be at our church yesterday. We had a little moment though after the night service.

Nicole, my middle daughter got saved last year. Because we don't have a baptistry we haven't had a chance to get her baptize. So when we found out that we were coming to the States we wanted to take advantage of that for Nicole baptism. So we talk to her about the meaning of it to make sure she understood, and she told us she wanted to be obedient to God and get baptize. So we talk to our pastor, and everything was ready to go.

So, during the invitation on our night service, we did what everyone does when they want to get baptize. They go forward (so I took Nicole and went with her). You go up and get change and then pastor gets in the baptistry and explain to everyone what is about to happen. Then the child gets in and get baptize.... only right at that point Nicole starts getting really nervous and started crying...... needless to say she did not get baptize....... So, we will continue talking, maybe practice some in the swimming pool :), and we will try again next Sunday.... Oh well..... It is something important and she needs to be ready....... and relax....... :)

So, I also had a little revelation last night during dinner. This is us and my family in Steak and Shake after the Sunday night service.

This is a photo of my niece Aracha and me with our dinners. Now, notice the size of her burguer and notice mine. Notice all the extra fries in my plate and how there are none in her plate...???
..... hey, I was drinking Coke Zero.... Does that count??

So, what is my little revelation? Do I have to say it? Why she is so skinny and why I am .......... not :).

Hey, that burguer was worth every calorie :)!!!

Have a great Monday everyone!

And the winner of the giveaway is.....

2009-06-27T07:04:00.002+02:00

Alicia from Confessions of a Snowflake!!!!!!!

Congrats girl!!! I am specially excited to give her this giveaway because not too long ago I won one she was hosting, so now I can return the blessing.

She is also a great blogger friend, a faithful commenter and I just love, love, love her blog. If you haven't visit her before make sure you go there like.... right now!!!

Everyone, have a great weekend!!! I'll see you on monday!

Day 2: Forgot my camera :(

2009-06-26T15:14:00.003+02:00

Hello everyone from Madison, AL

Day number 2 was great as number one, but forgot my camera at home so no photos. Still day number 2 had ladies visitation first thing in the morning, mexican food for lunch, a little shopping and spanish church at night. Matthew preached there.

While on visitation one thing strike me, it wasn't much difference from going on visitation in Spain. I can see how the hearts of americans are getting harder to the things of God. Yes, the churches are bigger here, but out of the church doors, it doesn't seem to be much of a difference with hard Europe. We must pray!

On wednesday, pastor preached about the silent 7,000 from the time of Elijah. God told Elijah he wasn't alone, that He had a remanent of 7,000. But Elijah felt alone because those 7,000 were standing for God but were not being a witness. They had not kneel down to Baal, but they had not tried to make a difference.

There are so many christians in America, may us not be like the silet 7,000. I still believe that in the US, if we want to make a difference, we still can.

Another difference in the non spiritual side, and to lighten things up, is how cheap everything in America is. The cars, the houses, pretty much everything. You may not feel that way, but be thankful, because it is that way.

One thing more expensive than Europe, yogurts, fresh veggies and fruit.

Usually friday means Photo Friday Flashback, but while I am here I won't be able to participate because I don't have my photos :(. Stinks though because I really enjoy this meme. To enjoy Photo Friday Flashbacks go over to Alicia's blog.

Today is my blogversary, and tomorrow I will be letting you know the winner of the giveaway. Make sure you enter for your chance to win.

When I started blogging last year, I really did it because I have a friend that does it and she told me I must got into it. Funny though that she doesn't really blog anymore :), but I just did it to give it a try. I figure it would be an easy way to keep family updated, and I figured that it would save me some time from writting all those different emails. That way whoever wanted just needed to read it here.

Now is not about that anymore, it has turn into part of my day. I am so thankful for all the new friends God has given me through blogging. I look forward getting to know many more through the next year, and getting close to those I already know and enjoy. You ladies have been a blessing to this blogger. I love you all!

Day 1: The things I have done

2009-06-25T15:21:00.003+02:00

Hey ladies,

What a day we had yesterday! I figure an image is worth much more than words so, here it goes, my day in photos!

This one is actually from the day before. Excuse my hair and face but it was 12am for me although not in my already time zone changed wach. I had already been 9 hours in a plane, 2 trying to get out of the Atlanta airport nand another couple of hours in the car going to AL from GA. Dr Pepper, I have missed you so much!!!!!

Starbuck...... ahhhh!!!...... You all are aware of my love for Starbucks Fraps although I do not like coffee.... go figure..... so my first stop of course was to get one of those babies....... so good!!!!

I also love books, everyone knows that too, so my second stop... christian libraries!!!. I actually only got a couple of books for me, but the girls got Veggietales movies, music, we got some bibles for the work in Spain and other stuff.

Lunch time... Macarroni Grill..... oh, so good. It was funny because although it had been 2 years, my 7 year old remember that this was the place of the bread and oil.... she was so excited.... we all were. My sister came over with us.

Chicken scalopini..... sooooo gooooood!!!!!

After a much needed nap it was time for church. It was so exciting seeing the girls with their friends. They were all so excited my pew in church had more kids than adults sitting with us. Praise the Lord for Patch the Pirate!! :) That was one of the things Kayla was telling us she missed, so she was one excited girl. The three of them were.

It was a blessing for all of us. Getting to see our friends again and the christian fellowship is one of the things we miss the most. We really enjoyed church and my husband being preached at. A special blessing for me was to see my dear friend Iara. Her family is on deputation to go to Brazil and they are almost done, so that was so special.

And here is my nephew Sergio. I saw him while it Madrid, but he is so cute I couldn't help putting him in here.

We are having a great time and looking forward the rest of our time here. I will keep you posted.

Sweet Home Alabama

2009-06-24T14:31:00.003+02:00

Hello everyone!!!!

We are now save and sound in Madison, AL. I wanted to thank everyone that prayer for a save trip. We had a good one, the girls sleep a long time, the battery for their DS lasted long :), they had tons of movie for you to pick up individually and watch them.... all those things make a 9 hour flight seem much easier :).

My in laws were waiting for us in the Atlanta airport. Have you ever been in the Atlanta airport? A good one I have to say, but plan about 1 1/2 to 2 hours from the time you get off the plain to the time you get off the airport there. The lines are so long, and you even have to take a train!!! Anyhow, I am use to it because we always stop there but my in laws were starting to get worried because, I believe, it was the first time they had come to pick us up there.

The 4 hours drive from GA to AL was a blur, but of course we had to stop in Chick fil a to eat and to Walmart to pick up some things :)..... oh, I have missed all this!!!! It feels good to be back home... :)

Noelia was up at 5 am with the time change...... she never went back to sleep...... so I see a nap time sometime today :)

I will be letting you know how everything goes here. I am so excited to do all those little things that you miss when you are away.

Sweet Home Alabama

BTW, have you enter for my giveaway? Friday is your last day to enter!!

Getting ready and a few photos

2009-06-21T20:38:00.004+02:00

The last couple of days our house have been getting ready for our trip. Tomorrow we are heading to Madrid from where we will get our flight to the States on Tuesday. Please pray for traveling mercies from us if you would think about it, and also for health.

I am sure I won´t be able to get in here until wednesday so I am leaving you with a few photos from the last couple of weeks hoping you enjoy them.

We are all excited, we are so looking forward this much needed vacation!!!

All of us in the Alhambra while the first group was here. Can you believe that I sat my purse next to the chair I was sitting in and then forgot about it and left it. It was a good 10 min before I realized I didn´t have my purse. I went back thinking there was no way that it would still be there, but praying it would. Praise the Lord there was a lady sitting in that chair. She said that as soon as she saw the purse she sat down to make sure no one would take it and got her husband to call security to find the owner of the purse.

I am not much of a hugging person but right there I hugged her!! I was so thankful praise God!!

My cute girls and me! Yes, I know today is Father´s Day in the States but here in Spain it was in March and I don´t have one of Matthew and the girls!

My sweet Noelia on friday! She is growing so much and she is sooo beautiful! Just like her other two older sisters.

This was taken on friday also right before her graduation, as you can tell :)

On friday night they had a little party. Nicole was suppossed to dress up like a cat. Her class was going to sing cat songs for the parents in the party. She even had a tail!

Nicole with some of her class all dressed up.

Kayla with her class getting ready to sing

Havew a great day everyone and remember the giveaway!!!!

Thanks my friends

2009-06-20T11:10:00.003+02:00

I don´t have much time. There are things to do and suitcases to pack but I didn´t want to put off thanking Dani Joy and Christy Rose for giving me "One lovely blog award". Thanks so much for thinking of me, and sending the award right back because you sure have a lovely blog too!!

I am suppossed to pass this award along to 15 other new found bloggers. But because I hope you understand the lack of time to blog today, and because I tried picking and is too hard because I love you all, take the award and coming from me to you because you, my friends, sure deserve it!

God is giving me so many blessings through all of you!!

Btw, have you enter my giveaway???? Don´t forget to leave a comment with a question from you to me :)!!! You have ´till next friday (included)

Friday Photo Flashback: Going to fast!!

2009-06-19T15:21:00.004+02:00

Today is friday and with this day coming I´ll encourage you to go over to Alicia´s for more FPF

Today is my baby number 2 kindergarden graduation. Where did the time go? In this photo she was about 7 months old. Now, she is 5 and going to 1st grade.......

I still remember her like my little chunck baby.... so sweet

I love you Nicole, mommy and daddy are so proud of you. What a great blessing you are!

Question 2 answered

2009-06-18T12:23:00.002+02:00

Nina´s question: Ok...I'd like you to write about what you plan to do the three weeks you'll be Stateside. (Besides eat grits!) ;)

Well, I have to say that everyone in the house has been super excited about the trip to the States in less than a week.

Thinking how close the date is getting, I can’t believe I am sitting in the computer instead of doing all the things I have to do.

All visits are gone so I need to clean the house, lots of washing clothes need to be done, grocery shopping done. Tomorrow is the girls´ last day of school and we will be pretty much gone all day with all the plays and celebrations they have prepared at the school. Monday, we will be travelling to Madrid because is it from where our plane leaves… but here I am, spending some time with you…. Should I just get up and leave…. ??

We are all thinking in the things we want to do. We definitively want to spend lots of time with family and friends. We do also want to spend sometime on our own. We are thinking about leaving the kids a couple of days with my in laws and taking a little trip just the two of us. It has been a long time since we had a date, but we have never spend the night out without the girls since my first one was born. I think that will be a much needed time for the both of us. We want to take the chance to pray over some decisions and try to make some plans.

I want to go Starbucks every day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) aaaahhhh, Frapuccinos.

I want to eat in Macarroni Grill, I want to eat lots of Mexican. Make lots of chocolate chip cookies. I want to eat Chili.

I want to go to Michael´s and get lost looking at all the Scrapbooking stuff.

I want to go to Lifeway and get lots of Christian books, movies and music for the girls.

Kayla just wants to go to children church, Patch the Pirate and Sunday School with other kids.

Kayla and Nicole want to go to Chucky Cheeses (sp?) with their cousin Ally.

Noelia wants to go to Grandpa´s big swimming pool

I want to go to my favourite clothing stores without feeling sick looking at the price tags and not going crazy looking for my size.

I am for sure buying the girls winter clothes there if I can find them.

Most of all we want to take a break, a little vacation. A time to step back so we can go forward even stronger.

We are so going to enjoy this time!

Oh yeah and... I am so not eating grits :)

Why Spain? -- Part 2

2009-06-17T13:46:00.003+02:00

Note: This is the continuation of yesterday´s post, so if you haven´t read that one you may be a little lost.

So, was a thrill when Matthew told me we were going to Spain? I mean, what is not to love? Wouldn´t be going back to you mother country the best scenario? You already know the language, you already understand the culture, even if you move to the other side of the country from your family, at least you are in the same country. You can go buy groceries from day one without translator. You don´t look different and neither do your kids. Why would I not be thrill? Still, I wasn´t.

Because as much as I knew that coming to Spain would make things a lot easier for everyone (of course when Matthew said Spain was the country was after being lead by God and not but all those “positive” things), still I knew lots about Spain. I knew about the apathy of the people towards God. The lack of interest on spiritual things. The hard hearts. The “we don´t want your church here” attitude.

And I always remember seeing the missionary presentations about places like Africa, where 100 people would get saved in one day. Still, I didn´t tell that to Matthew.

On our survey trip, two years later, God gave me a compassion for the people. It wasn’t that I didn´t have it before, it was just that I was being selfish. I look at their eyes, I saw that emptiness and I thought that once before I have had that emptiness in my eyes. Once before I have had that apathy towards spiritual things. But there I was then, and all because of the mercy of God, and because of the surrendering of a missionary. If I wasn´t willing to sacrifice for my people, how could I expect someone to.

And my heart changed, and I am not going to say it is always easy. Sometimes you feel like quitting. Sometimes you feel like there is never going to be a change. But on those times is when God reminds me where I came from.

Following God´s will is not always easy. It may come with difficulties. We may not be able to fully understand it. But who is wiser than God. And who loves us more than God.

His will is perfect.

P.S. Don´t forget to enter my giveaway!!!

First question answer-- Why Spain?

2009-06-16T11:03:00.002+02:00

As I promised, here I am. I am doing some better but I am still sick. It is funny thought NOT, that although I have a stomach virus and I can´t eat much, and what I do eat doesn´t stay long, when I weight myself I realize I do not lose weight. I know VANITY but hey! Whatever…..

Last night, I stayed home while my husband took our visit out for some more visits around the city. I asked him to pick up the cards I wanted to include for the giveaway. I can´t show them to you though because he took the camera with him to Malaga. He is taking our visit to a different city where there are no churches (they are missionaries on their survey trip) and we have never been there so the camera is a must. He will be gone all day :)

Anyhow, I thought I would start tackling some of the questions you gals have asked.

A few of you asked about how is it that we ended up being missionaries in Spain, so I figure I would start with that one.

Of course, most of you know that I am from Spain. I didn´t move to the States until I was 22 when I got married, so when I surrendered to be a missionary wife when I was 18, Spain was not what I expected. You know, I always imagine Africa to be the place. When you think of being a missionary, you never think of your own country. Of course, then, I didn´t know He had a wonderful American guy waiting for me, and that He was going to call him back to my country, which is something that now, I am so thankful for. Especially for the great blessing of the wonderful American guy :).

So, when I met Matthew I knew I was looking for someone that had been called to the mission field or that, at least, was open to that calling. It was obvious that we liked each other even from the first “Yo hablo mucho español” (that story I will leave for later :)), so when we were heading for something more than friendship, I told him that my desire was to go on the mission field and asked him how he felt about that. He was very honest and told me that there were people that went to the mission field and people that would support missionaries so they could go to the mission field and that he was the second. He was sure that was it for him (not rebellious or anything, it was just something he was certain of). Of course, I don´t need to tell you that kind of cool me off about a possible relationship with him, but God was making it so clear His will for me to be with him, that I figure I would leave that up to God. I told him though, that God had called me to the mission field and that I was sure that He wanted me to marry him so….. he was going to be call one day.

I waited for 5 years for that to happen, but it happened. About a month before he surrendered (I didn´t know then that God had been dealing with him for a couple of months already) he got a pamphlet from my brother in law, from a missionary in Spain, talking about the need in this country. He told me if God ever called him to the mission field, Spain would be the place. Again, I didn´t know God was already dealing with both of those things and that he wasn´t just “talking”.

During those 5 years I cried and cried every missions conference, feeling the great burden for the souls around the word, and knowing that it was God´s will for me to go. Then I would ask Matthew how he felt, and he would repeat the same thing he did that first time. He wasn´t being called, and he really was telling the truth. I didn´t understand how God was calling me and not calling him. Of course that didn´t make sense, so I battled with that and tried to rest in Him.

In 2004 we had our missions conference in our church. The same thing happened just like every year. But that time I didn´t ask him, I guess I had given up… I don´t know. 4 months later we had the missions conference with the Spanish congregation in our home church. The preacher preached and I told God one more time that I was surrender to Him, but that it was up to Him to call my husband. The very next day Matthew took that same preacher to the airport and God turned a 45 min drive into 2 hours because of traffic. God used that preacher there, in that car, to help Matthew to completely surrender. He came back home and told me. He told me if there was something he knew, it was that He was calling us to Spain. He has given Matthew a love and burden for my country, my family and my people.

Was I excited you think? Or was I not very thrilled about it? That one I will leave for tomorrow. I don´t want to bore you today, somehow I can´t make a story short :).

So, do I see you tomorrow?

And hey, remember to enter my giveaway!! Last day to enter, June 26. Make sure you leave a question for me so it will count.

Monday..... and sick

2009-06-15T18:18:00.003+02:00

Hello my wonderful dear friends,

I have been trying to get in here all day but haven´t been able to. I got some stomach virus or something like that and I have been suffering with it the last couple of days. I hope it gets better soon, but until that happends here I am, or at least half of me :)

Thanks for entering the giveaway. Soon I will drive downtown to get the other half of the giveaway. I wanted to mention that you have until the friday 26th to enter (including that day), because that will be my actual blogversary.

Lots of you wanted to hear more about Spain. I found a nice 3 min video of images from Spain and I thought I would put it here so you guys can watch it and see how beautiful this country is. Enjoy it, and I will make my way here and post and visit you at your blogs even if I have to drag myself here :)

If you haven ´t enter the giveaway yet go here and comment. Ask me a question about something you want to know about me or something you want me to write about.

Love ya´ll

A little part of the giveaway and a thanks to a friend

2009-06-13T12:55:00.005+02:00

Hello ladies,

I know, I usually don´t post on saturday, but I have a little break from all the visits and I thought I would take advantage.

On thrusday, a family from a supporting church came to spend with us a week. They have been called to Spain as missionaries and this is their survey trip. So we are trying our best to behave ;).. LOL... and to make this trip a blessing to them.

On friday we received a group of "young adults" that are studying missions in a college in the States and are visiting different countries and areas as a survey trip also. They are staying actually with a missionary friends of ours in Madrid, and they thought they would come for a day and pass out tracts with us. Last night we passed way over 1,000 tracts downtown Granada.

Both groups and my husband are now visiting the Alhambra. I started going with them, but it is over 104 degrees and the girls were having a hard time, so I got them back home and so... here I am :). I will meet them for lunch.

Anyhow, I did find part of my blogverary giveaway. This time I wanted a giveaway with a Spanish flavor. Something typical from here. While walking throught the city last night I found this.

And what is this you ask?

Is a fan!! What is more typical from Spain that a handpainted spanish fan??? Pretty much nothing. Maybe a bullfighter but hey, we are all girls, so .... who is going to want a bullfighter? :)

Isn´t it beautiful? This is the back of the fan.... or the front..... whatever.....

You can start entering for this giveaway (I will be getting something else this week for you gals to include in the giveaway.... I need to look some more :)) by commenting in this post.

So, here are the rules. Because it is my blogaversay I want to thank, giving this giveaway, someone that has been a regular in this blog. Because I don´t have a way to know if you have been regular but by your comments, you would have had to comment in this blog more than a couple times. If you have, then I would love for you to enter. But one more thing, in your comment I want you to let me know what would you like me to write about. Give me an specific question, nothing general. It can be about me, our ministry, Spain, my family.... whatever! Your call!

I would also like to thank Kim from Stuff could always be worse, for the "Attitude of Gratitude" reward she has given me. I feel always so humble about someone thinking about me when wanting to give a reward, but I appreciate it so much. May it be always clear the God I serve by my attitude and testimony.

I hope you gals have a great day and I will see you on Monday!

And the blessings keep coming

2009-06-11T15:07:00.004+02:00

Once again, I am praising for His Goodness towards us, seems like we are having alittle relief from everything in the world going wrong.

First, he sent an email to a friend of us that has a missionary help ministry out of our church. It is called Lighthouse Baptist Ministries. Go and check it out, I know they have many ways you could help.

Anyhow, my husband asked him if they would have a car we could use while we were there. He told us we contacted them at the perfect time because another missionary from our church is leaving to go back to the field the day before we arrive and we can use the van they were using. Also, he told us he has a phone we can use!!

Yesterday, my husband comes home from picking up the girls from school and tells me to go outside and see our car. Oh great, what else.... I thought. Someone had hit our car while park and left without leaving a note. They had done a pretty nice scratch to the side of my car.

Of course, lots of things have gone wrong these days over here so I think I would have been more surprise if the person had left a note. But, oh me of little faith, was about to see God´s hand. A guy was waiting for Matthew to go back to the car and told him that he had seen the whole thing and that he had written down the license plate of the person. He gave us his name and phone number in case we needed a witness for the insurance company.

I called them and gave them the info. They told me everything would be a lot easier if I could get her info. I happend to know who the lady was. She drives a black BMW so those everyone takes notice of. Good it wasn´t a regular car or I would have had no idea who the person was.

I was sure I was going to have problems. I mean, after all, if the lady was willing to do it the right way, wouldn´t she had left a note? Wouldn´t she had waited because she knew it had to be someone from school? (I know I am messing up with the verb conjugation here but for some reason it is the only way it sounds right.... could it be because I am spanish??? :)) Of couse I started praying.

I knew I had to go and deal with it, my husband is too godly to handle this if things got difficult :)hahhaha. There is something about the spanish attitude that works in those cases ;)

So I went today, waited for the lady and once I saw her I told her that she had hit my car the day before and that I had witness (or something like that, but I did had a great smile in my face I promise). I went on to explain the rest and she had a puzzle face..... um? Is she going to say that it wasn´t her -I thought-. "I don´t understand Spanish very well" she said......... she is from China..... well..... I don´t speak chinesse that is for sure.......

Somehow we were able to say enough for her to admit what had happen and to tell me to follow her to her car so we could take care of everything. A friend of hers was going to translate. Been there done that a few times.

Finally we got it taken care of. She assumes responsability and now I am waiting for the insurance company to take care of everything..... uffff, what a relief.

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excited!!! SO, so excited

2009-06-10T10:41:00.003+02:00

Ladies, I am excited. So, excited. So, so, so, so, so excited!!!!!!!!

Do you know how sometimes you pray for something that never comes? Do you know how sometimes you pray for something that will come but it takes a while? And do you know how exciting it is when you pray for something and within two days God answers? Those times are the best uh ? :)

Well, we just had one of those 3 days answers.

The last few months here in the ministry have been hard. I have mention to you before about how Satan has been attacking and trying to steal our joy, take our desire to work, and try to bring problems to our home. He knows we are here to do the Lord´s work, and that gets in his way. We are telling people that there is a God that loves them and died for them. Satan so do not like us doing that.

Well, lately has been specially hard and we started talking about how nice it would be to step back for a couple of weeks, go back to the States and take some time to refresh ourselves. Some time with our home church getting charged up again. Some time with our christian family and friends for the fellowship. A time to step back and reset goals. I know missionaries out there reading this can understand, especially if you are in a spiritualy hard country like we are.

Well, we found great price tickets. We got the ok from our home pastor. We got two wonderful missionary friends that are going to come and cover the Sundays we will be gone.

So we are leaving in 2 weeks minus 1 day (who is counting ???? :)) and will be there for 3 weeks and 2 days.

I am excited. I am so excited. I am so, so, so, excited.

GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!

A giveaway in the making and a little from Spain

2009-06-09T09:34:00.003+02:00

Have I ever told you ladies you are a great blessing to me? Your comments are always so encouraging. I love you gals and I have never met most of you!!

I just realized that my blogversary is coming soon. I can´t believe it has been almost a year. I checked back to my first post and it was done right after we have finished moving here to Granada, so I have a doble Anniversary :).

Time sure flies.

So, since I have more visits coming on thrusday and I am going to be going downtown to all the souveniers shops I am going to be picking up something to give as a blogversary giveaway. I am going to be looking for something very Spanish..... I have a couple of things in my mind. :) So next week I am going to be announcing a new giveaway... so, stay around.

On another note, while going all over Granada walking with the last group we had with us, I saw a couple of things that got my attention. Here, as in many other countries, they use buses or taxis to advertise. This ones though were a little different (in a possitive way) and got my attention because really, those annouce something that are pretty much against popular believe here in Spain.

"The right to kill doesn´t exist. What it exist is the right to live." This is a against abortion campaing that unfortunaly I know very little about (but it is about to change because I am so getting in the web page and see if there is anything I can do to help). Here in Spain young people are living very sinful lives. They think they can do whatever they want and then just turn around and eliminate the consequences of their actions. They don´t obey any authority but their own. It is so hard for me to talk about this and make sense because I feel so strongly against abortion.

They just passed a law in Spain that allows 16 year old minors to go to abortion clinics and get an abortion without parental permission.

They just passed a law in Spain where a pharmacy can sell the "day after" pill without needing medical permission.

How easy is it for teenagers here to be sexually active withouth having to deal with the results of their actions? Very easy.

It is not a wonder why the hearts of the Spaniards are so hard to the Gospel.

Another taxi sticker I found was "God exists and you must know Him". I think many have heard about an iniciative that started in London I believe where atheist groups where putting out signs in buses saying “God doesn´t exist so enjoy life” (or some senseless thing like that). So some evangelical groups (at least that is what I heard in tv) are “attacking” back with signs that say “God exist and you must know Him”.

When I saw the sign I thought that for sure the taxi driver must been a christian. One of the guys from the group went and talk to him, to ask him if he was a Christian. He wasn´t, he was being paid to put the sign in his taxi. We left a tract with him and left. He wasn´t interested he said.

Would you pray for Spain today if you have a chance? God is the only one that can break cold, hard hearts

Ouch!!!!

2009-06-08T08:54:00.003+02:00

Have you see those commercials where you can see a photo of the before and alter? You know, like one that shows anti wrinkles lotions. They show a face and it is kind of cut in half, one shows the part of the face before using the lotion and the other one the one after using the lotion.

Well, this weekend I could have done one of those commercials, only one for lips botox or something like that. Maybe one of those lipsticks that makes your lips appear bigger and fuller. I could have shown the left half of before using the lipstick and the right side of a lipstick that really works on making your lips look fuller. Not one of those that cost a lot but don´t really work, I am talking about one that makes your lips look like Angelina Jolie.

The only thing, I didn´t use any lipstick. I got no one, or two, but THREE cold sores in the right side of my lip, upper and down lip…… ouch….. of course I didn´t go as far as taking a photo, but let me tell you…… ouch!!! So half of my lip was normal size and the other half….. pretty big….. yeah….. I know….. sexy….. NOT!!!!!

On another no so nasty note :) I will show you a couple of photos from last week. I will be adding them here and there in the post so you can see them.

Two of my girls with my sister Paqui. They love their tia Paqui and their tia Paqui loves them!

This handsome guys is my nephew Sergio. Well, to be all honest, he is my nephew´s son :). He is such a handsome, content little boy!!!. He almost makes me try once again for the little boy.... I said almost!! :)

Nicole, Kayla and little Sergio. All three of my girls were all over him the whole time :)

The whole group, minus the ones taking the photos and Ashley that was staying in the car with little Sergio that was sleeping. We took them to a lookout where they could see mos of Granada and cities aroung it.

Kayla and Nicole with Arianna and Anna. My girls are starting to really miss everyone in the States, I think the time is starting to sink in... after all, it has been a little over 2 years! Now they ask when we are going to go for a visit. Something we are all praying about, we are all needing it.

On a little follow up note, my washer machine is finally fixed. I call someone and they promised to come the very next day first thing in the morning, between 9 and 9:30 (yeah, that is first thing in the "working" morning here in Spain- don´t you love it?). He didn´t come until 5:30 pm but.... he did come and I love him for it! :). So guess what I have been doing all weekend long?. Of course, thinking about all the clothes that need to be iron now makes me tired.

I´ll see you all over at your blogs.