A question for you ladies

What are the things that you do in your home to keep Christ the center of this Holyday Season? For those of you that are not married or have not children yet, I will also like to hear things you would like to implement in your home once those children come.
Would really appreciate your comments. Thanks

Lesson 6: Living with hands of surrender

¨Life with hands of surrender¨ happens when we let go our hands from people and things saying ¨God, everything belongs to you. Give me whatever you want and take whatever you want¨.
When God asks us to give us something we are not willing to give Him, the position of our hands are close and towards ourselves
Surrendering happens when we are willing to give God whatever He wants from us accept Him what that decision may bring us. Of course, it is something hard to do because we don´t know what it is coming. One more time we need to trust in God´s love for us.

Joh 12:24-26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.

When it talks about dying of ourselves, we are talking about putting aside our desires, our goals. The God can fully use us.

Joh 15:4.5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
We need to follow God´s will in our lives.

Luk 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me

God wants us to give ourselves to Him.
To be saved doesn’t cost us anything. It is a free gift. But there is a price involved to become His disciple. It is too easy for a Christian to center their eyes in their own dreams, their own goals, and lose track of God’s plans for us. Live a life with hands of surrender means to give up everything and trust completely in God. Are we going to do it willingly or is God going to have to open them for us?.
Betty Stam´s prayer was ¨Lord, I give you all my plans and purposes, all my desires and hopes, and I accept your will for my life. I give you my life, my all, to be yours forever. Fill me and seal me with your Holy Spirit. Use me however you want, send me wherever you want, be thou will in my life, whatever it takes, now and forever.¨

Psa 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore

Our Thanksgiving Dinner

How was your thanksgiving?
Ours was really good. It was going to be my first time cooking turkey since we have always been at someone’s else home for thanksgiving dinner. But thanks to my friend’s Deanna recipe for “Best ever turkey” and the help of my great mom in law, the dinner was great. If you want to try her recipe next year, look under “my blogging friends”’s section and go to “Deanna A”.
Turkeys are always a tricky thing. Often they are dry and hard to eat so you fill up on all the extras, but this year wasn’t the case. Great juicy turkey, great tasting gravy (also Deanna’s recipe), mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, broccoli casserole, corn…. I think that was it. We had peach cobbler for dessert with vanilla ice cream….. soooo good.
Also the company was a blessing. We have spent 2 thanksgiving here in Spain, but we haven’t felt alone, God is so good to bless us. Last year we spent it with the Andrews, the Contreras, and with Miguel and Kristi. This year we had my in-laws and Olga, a lady that comes to our church.
After dinner we had a small devotional about thanksgiving, not only when things come our way, but also thanksgiving in times of difficulty. We are to be thankful to God for every season in life. We looked at the testimony of Paul, Job and Joseph. We sang and prayed, and share some of the things we are thankful to God for.
Later, we played games (Yathzee, Pit, Uno…) and had so much fun.
Today CHRISTmas starts officially at the Stark’s household (that will be us), so we are putting up our tree and decorating it. Slowly but surely, we will start seeing presents under the tree, always careful to remember that the birth of our Lord, and Savior, is the real reason for this celebration.
I pray you had a great Thanksgiving Day, remembering God’s wonderful blessings; and that now that CHRISTmas is around the corner, you would set aside time to remember Christ’t birth.
So, would you mind sharing how you spent Thanksgiving and maybe something you are Thankful for? Come on, I am sure everyone can at least share one thing…. Can’t you?

Deenie and I with Mr. Big Bird
Yummo!!!

Our Thanksgiving Table

Gary, Matthew and Deenie
Nicole and Olga (the other two little girls were playing under the table ;))

Happy Thanksgiving

* I am thankful for a wonderful husband that has given me another wonderful year. Each year keeps getting better and better. This year has been hard but our love has won over all trials.
* I am thankful for answer prayers. He gave the girls a great school in Gijon with great friends and now in Granada He is doing it all over again. They have learned the Spanish just as if it was their first language. They have adjusted to Spain so well.
* I am thankful for Nicole getting saved and the privilege to be the one to lead her to Him.
* I am thankful for the time God gave us in Gijon and the people we got to meet there. Many of them have become more than just friends, but family.
* I am thankful because I can see God molding me every day. He is patient with me and merciful. He is turning me into a different person, one that with His help, seeks to follow Him closer and closer.
* I am thankful for great friends that understand me and love me anyway.
* I am thankful for the new ministry God has given us here in Granada, and praying that His name would be honor through it.
* I am thankful for this blog and the people I have “met” because of it. I didn’t know it was going to be such a blessing to me, but now there is no way I can do without. Thanks ladies!!

For all those things and so many more (but I have to go before my turkey gets burned :-)) I thank and praise God for this year.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!

Lesson 5: Giving thanks to God for our trials

Hey there. I just finish the book, "Trials, don't resent them as intruders" by Juanita Purcell. It was a great 12 lesson devotional book, and in the last weeks I have been sharing with you my notes from those devotionals. I will be posting the rest of the lessons, since I started it.

Now, I am starting, a different devotional book by Juanita Purcell also tithle "How to deal with those difficult ones". Will let you know how it goes. :) Now I will share lesson 5 from "Trials..."

Lesson 5: Giving thanks to God for our trials

1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Auch!! Now that is a hard one. So, not only we have to be learning from our trials knowing that God knows best for us, and be joyful through them, but we also have to thank God for those trials..

It is difficult, but God not only says that we need to do it, but that it is His will. Is God asking us for something that is impossible? God can and will give us the grace we need to do what He is asking us to do.
In 1 Th 5:18 and Eph 5:20 God tells us why to be thankful (it is His will) and how to do it (in the name of Jesus).
How can we be strong enough to do so? Phil 4:13 -I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Usually it is easier for us to be thankful once the trials have passed. But it is not so easy when we are in the middle of them. Our feelings of pain, suffering, hurt, get in the way. Sometimes we may not feel thankful but we still have to do it. Just like when we are having problems with someone or you are even angry with someone, we have to pray for them, because it helps us to heal our hearts. If when we are suffering we praise God, God can use that to heal us, and slowly it will help us to go through that trial with a different attitude.

Psa 107:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing

It is an act of faith to thank God for those trials. We praise Him for what we know of Him (that He loves us) instead of what we can see (the trial).
God loves us and He tells us in His Word that He has taken the task of taking care of us completely. Is 43:2, Mt 10:29-31, Job 23:14, Rom.8:31,37-39. Everything that touches my life is planned or permitted by God.
“For the children of God, everything comes directly from the hand of the Father… It could be that the difficulty we are going through is the reaping of a sin; for that matter, this situation in itself cannot be call the will of God; but when it reaches us it turns into the will of God and has to be received and if it came from Him…. If God is with us, it doesn’t matter who is against us: nothing can hurt us unless He allows it because it would be the best for us”—(Translated from the book)
When we are going through a trial, we must pray that the will of God may be done in our lives.

1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Why is it so hard for us to see trials as blessings?

Isa 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

When we are going through life, whatever it is bringing us at that time, we need to remember that we are not object without value for God. We are very especial to Him. When we are going through it, we need to remember that He is still with us, working on us, making us pure as gold.

One fine dog

In many different cities in Spain you can find this mimes trying to get some money. Some are good, some are bad, some get your attention in a way that makes you want to give them some money for the "entertainment"; and others you wonder what are they supposed to be and why are they doing it. But this one tops them all (all of the good ones that make you want to give them money). It wasn’t the girl but the dog. He was completely froze, just like good mimes are supposed to.
So everyone was around them to see if the dog would move, but he wouldn’t until you put some money in their little basket and then, he would let you pet him. It was amazing, I have never seen so many people giving money so fast to a mime….
She better baby this dog, or her show will be over. :)

Update from the doctor

Just wanted to put everyone up to date about my doctor visit today. Thanks to those that have been praying for it. It was completely different from the last one and the doctor lady was super nice.

I am having an ultrasound the 5th of December in my breast and area around it. She found another lump other than the one that I have found, but she told me she thought it was a liquid lump, still wanted to check it to make sure. The one I have found before she thought was too far from the breast to be dangerous, but still wanted to have it checked . So, so far the reports seem to be pretty good.

I have to come back to the doctor the 15th of december with all of the test results. Will let you know then.

Thanks so much for your prayers.

My in laws are here

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that I won't be able to get in here as often because my in laws are in town and we will be pretty busy this days.

The girls are especially excited to have grandma and grandpa here with them, and Noelia has found in grandpa a best friend.

I will try to get here at least to share photos. God is so good!

Christmas movies

Got a question for ya'll (yeah I learned english in the south) and this time everyone has to comment ok? even if you don't know me :)

I am looking for the best christmas movies to watch this season. So I would like to hear at least 2 of your favorites. Do it soon because I have to start looking for them. One hint about me so this can actually be helpful: I don't watch black and white movies and also the newer (but clean) the better. Yeah, I know, the best are the classics but I don't think I have ever watch "It is a wonderful life" and those other ones that everyone considers a must every christmas........ don't kill me.... I don't know what happens to me when I see black and white or old... my mind colapases ;)

Thanks ladies, looking forward hearing what you have for me.

10 Random facts about Matthew and I dating time

So, my friend Deanna tag me and I was suppossed to write 7 random facts about me.... so... I can't think on any right now, so it will take me a bit more to do that.... when I tried though I found myself writting this facts of my husband's and I dating time. I thought I would post them anyway. Enjoy :)


-I went to visit my sister to the States for 1 ½ months not looking for a boyfriend at all but actually running away from one ;) . Then I stayed for 3 months after finding the man of my dreams, my wonderful husband.

-When Matthew and I first met he thought my look said “I hate American boys” but what I was thinking was “WOW, he is sooooo cute”. It was really love at first sight for me. I beat myself up for the next few days because my sister also caught the same look that Matthew and told me about it. Could not believe it.

- When he picked me up for our “first date” I was all nervous and he actually came a little late. He came to the door and said “Hi, my sister is coming with us”. Hahahahha. He said that he couldn’t get her not to come (sorry Kristi), he wasn’t too happy.

-We said “I love you” to each other a week before he asked me to be his girlfriend. We had known each other for about 1 month.

- When we first met I couldn’t speak much English and he couldn’t speak Spanish. Still his dad was the one that introduced us and the first words out of his month, after his dad said “Pilar, this is my son Matthew, but he doesn’t speak much Spanish” was “Yo hablo mucho español” (which means “I speak lots of Spanish”)—how did we do it??? Love, God… I still don’t know.

-The day he asked me to be his girlfriend he gave me a beautiful gold band. He wanted me to know that his feeling were for real.

-The day we had to say goodbye at the airplane when it was time for me to go back to Spain was one of the saddest moments of my life, my heart ached so much. We had met about 2 ½ months earlier.

- He came to Spain and asked my dad if he could marry me only 2 ½ months later. My dad didn’t understand that he meant 6 months later, so he said yes. The story that follows is an interesting one all by itself.

-He gave me the most beautiful ring I had ever seen and he picked it out all by himself which is the part that I love the most.

-We married 1 year minus a week after he had seen me the first time. 1 year minus 1 week after we met. I don’t think it was fast, it was God’s will. My husband is the best gift after salvation God has given me.

Lesson 4: Look beyond your circumstances

I am almost done with the book about Trials, but I am pretty behind in posting my notes. Today I will post lesson 4: Look beyond your circumstances.

One thing I would like to comment before I do, is that I don't want anyone to think that I am posting this because I am trying to preach to you, or that I think I am miss godly and I know what I am saying. I am just sharing because this is something God is dealing with me right now, and although I haven't "mastered" it, thought could be a blessing to some of you as it is to me..

Lesson 4: Look beyond your circumstances

James 1:2 tells us that we have to have joy when we are in the midst of trials. Why would God ask us for such a thing?
First we have to remember that God promises us that He will be with us.

Isa 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

So we need to make sure to remember that if we feel lonely it is not because God has left us. He is with us, holding our hands… if we let Him.
Trials are coming. It is not like we can go through life trying to evade them. What we do have an option with is how we are going to go through them.
It is not easy to be full of joy when the person we love is sick, or when our world seems to be falling under us. But we have to understand that as these things happen, God wants us to evaluate them and find the benefit that they can bring to our lives. And believe me, there is always something to learn.
If we read the book of James, we will see much about trials that will help us greatly. In 1:3,4 we see how trials increase our faith, it gives us patience and it also perfects us. Little by little it helps us to be more like Jesus. As fire does with gold, trials help bring out impurities and take them away and makes us pure.

1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

So, what does it have to change in our lives that we may see trials as a way to perfect us, as precious gifts that will richen our lives? Our faith and trust in God has to increase.
In reality, the things that have been more difficult to handle for us in our lives, are the ones that have been the best in us. Pain never leaves us and it finds us; either it gets us closer to God, or it separates us from Him.
Right after God tells us to be joyful in trials, he tells us that we need to ask for His wisdom. Why? Because that wisdom will help us to understand trials and what he is trying to do with our lives through them. But many times we forget about him because we are too worried looking at our own circumstances and trying to find a solution in our own strength. This is why we fall in sin or discouragement.
So, we know trials will come but we don’t know when. How can we prepare for them?
1.- Psa 62:5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him
2.- Psa 91:1-2 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust

He holds our hand

My husband has used this story in a sermon before. It wa a blessing to me and thought may be to you too. I think he got it in an email. Think about it...

The story tells about a mountain climber, who wanted to climb the highest mountain. He began his adventure after many years of preparation, but since he wanted the fame and glory for himself, he decided to climb the mountain alone. The night felf heavy in the heights of the mountain, and the man could not see anything. All was black and dark with zero visibility, and the moon and the stars were covered by the dark clouds.As he was climbing, only a few feet away from the top of the mountain, he slipped and fell into the air, falling at a great speed. The climber could only see black spots as he went down in the air, and the terrible sensation of being sucked by gravity. He kept falling... and in those moments of great fear, it came to his mind all the good and bad episodes of his life.He was thinking now about how close death was getting, when all of a sudden he felt the rope tied to his waist pull him very hard. His body was hanging in the air...only the rope was holding him, and in that moment of stillness he had no other choice but to scream,

"Help me God!!"

All of a sudden, a deep voice coming from the sky answered,"What do you want me to do?"

He cried, "Save me God!!

"Then the voice said, "Do you really think I can save you?"

He cried back, "Of course I believe you can."

The voice said, "Then, cut the rope tied to your waist."

There was a moment of silence.Then the man decided to hold on to the rope with all his strength.The rescue team tells, that the next day a climber was found dead and frozen... his bodyhanging from a rope, with his hands holding tight to it...

ONLY 10 FEET AWAY FROM THE GROUND.

And you? How attached are you to your rope? Will you let go?

Isa 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

A Full House of Growing Pains

Well, done with another book. This one was "A Full House of Growing Pains" by Barbara Cameron. She is the mother of Kirk Cameron (Mike Seaver on t.v. show Growing Pains) and Candance Cameron (DJ on Full House). It is an interesting biography about her, her kids (how the got in the bussiness and how she manage it/them), her relationship with her husband and children, how they met the Lord, and then she shares a little bit about The Way of the Master, Make a Wish Fundation, Camp Callaway, Children Hunger Funds. All ministries they were/are a part of or started. They used/use a lot of what they had to help others, and after their salvation to spread the gospel.

I am a big "fan" of the testimony of Kirk Cameron and has been a blessing to see his stand on Christ, regardless of what others say about him. Being famous and then getting saved and not only being a christian, but taking a strong stand, has left many calling him crazy.

Recently he did "Fireproof", a new movie from the creators of "Facing the Giants" and "Flywheel" (I have both movies, so worth watching). I am so looking forward being able to see Fireproof.... Anyway, my friend Deanna posted a video of him talking in one of the morning shows on National tv. I have no idea how to do that, so I cannot put it here. The hostes asked him if it was true what they heard "they flew his wife to the set so she could doble for the lady that was doing the part of his wife in the movie, to shoot the kiss scene. So it wasn't the actress but his wife the he was kissing in the movie". I thought that was a great testimony!!

Anyway, I always post about the books I read so, thought I would do it with this one too. I would recommend it, it was good.

What is going on??

Hey there,

Haven't been posting much, I know, it has been some kind of week. Many changes and many trials but looking up to Jesus. I knew when I started my devotional about trials God was going to have to see if I understood what I was learning :). Well, be all for the glory of God.

First, last Sunday, while taking a shower I found a lump under my arm. Now, I am not the kind that freaks out and goes bannanas but... still affects me and little fears start popping on your head. Those are things that you just can't help, well, at least I think so. I have an appointment for the 24th of this month to get it check. I tried to go to the doctor last wednesday but, not a reflexion of spanish doctors, the guy was a jerk (notice I did not call him a doctor). There is nothing more embarassing for me that going to the gynecologist; embarrassing and uncomfortable, as I am sure most women would agree, but this one was even worst. I always had men doctors so didn't think much of it, but.... Anyway he was a jerk and very, very rude.

So I have an appt the 24th with a women doctor :) and will let you know what is up.

I have been also having some weird "sickness" going on. I feel very dizzy (not just light headed), so I am taking some vitamins to see if it helps. I am also back to my really bad headaches (have them for the last 6 years for those that don't know me and are still reading this weird post), which brings nausea and weakness... blah, blah, blah... enough about me, but please pray if you would remember.

Today it was moving day for my nephew and his wife Ashley. We are sad to see them go and will miss them much, but we know that they wouldn't do it unless they knew it was God's will. We were going to be working together here in Granada, but Alberto has been having problems finding a job here (he has been looking since Aug) and has been praying about it. Not too long ago he got a call from a pastor in Madrid that needs someone to take his church while he is on furlough (Madrid is the capital and for that matter has lots more job openings- as well as my family living there that could help them out with that too). After praying about it they decided to go. As I said, we will miss them but... Madrid is only 5 hours away :). And, as I thank you, they gave us this great coffee maker that makes all kind of yummy coffees so... I will be hyper this days hehehe :)

My in laws will be here on wednesday. They are traveling from the States and we are sooo excited to see them. The girls especially are going nuts. They will be here for a couple of weeks, so we will have thanksgiving together... good, because I never made a thanksgiving dinner by myself and this will be a good chance to do it with the great help of my mother in law.

SO........ nothing really has happend but lots has..

Trials- Lesson 3

Since I started sharing my notes about the devotional booklet from Juanita Purcell, I will keep posting them. I hope you don't think I am trying to "preach" to you. It is just that writting them helps me soak them better, and maybe they would be a blessing to someone else.

Lesson 3: God allows trials for our correction

Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

I think to discipline my sweet little girls was the hardest thing I had to learn as a mother. My girls are so cute, and so good, and they smile so pretty, that to think on disciplining them, knowing that they would cry…. It just broke my heart. I knew it would hurt them and make them cry. But I love them and I want them to learn to be obedient. I want them to know that there are limits, and that those limits are to be respected. Why? Am I just a mean mom that wants to make sure that my girls don’t have any fun? Do I do it because I like the feeling of knowing that I can exercise power over someone? No!!! Why do I discipline my kids? I do it because I love them, and I want the best for them. I want them to grow up to be godly girls. I want them to grow up!! You don’t let your kid play with an electric outlet, do you?
Well, I am not as sweet, and wonderful as my girls are. And I sure don’t smile as pretty as they do. But still my Heavenly Father loves me and He wants the best for me.

Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

God’s correction sometimes is hard. Jonah run from God and he was swallow by a big fish. Knowing that God will correct us if we sin should be enough to keep us from sinning. Still, we do it because we have an old nature that wants what feels good, the earthly things. I think about Paul when he said that the things that he doesn’t want to do, are the things that he does; and those things that he wants to do he doesn’t. What a fight!

Good news? God is waiting for us to ask for His forgiveness.

Mic 7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy.

The important thing is that when trials come because of correction, because we have sinned, we won’t harden our hearts, but that we may be soft to God’s voice.

My girls, my blessings

I am usually not much into pictures of myself so this is why I don't share many where I am, but this one of me and the girls I thought was worth posting, not because I look good (which I don't), but as a way to thank God for the three wonderful blessing He has given me. My three girls, my three blessings.

Psa 127:3 Lo,children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

This weekend

We had a quiet weekend. We had canvassing on Friday night. Saturday morning we went to find some black shoes for the girls. I finally was able to find some nice, dressy and good priced shoes in Zara. Exactly was I was looking for, which it was the problem to begin with.
On Saturday night we had Olga over. She got in contact with us and has visited us at the church once. She does go to a different church here in Granada, a Brethren church. She comes from Brethren church, so it makes sense that she would go there. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy getting to know her. We had lots of fun, eating and later playing Pit and Uno. I love Pit!! It is so much fun. We don't have it here in Spain, but we order it and my mother in law sent it to us. I am very competitive so it was great to win both games :) hehe.
On Sunday we had Lucio again with us, what a blessing! Matthew preached on setting limits to God. Talking about the no believers, christians and the church. How at times God is going to give us something we don't want and tell Him "that is it, I don't want to go on". About quitting on God when things get difficult. Anymore it is so hard for me to put my thoughts in order... hope you understand what I am trying to say.
God has been working in me about something. Last week a read a post for Heidi on "Mom,ministry and more". She was talking about how God was dealing with her heart and asking her to surrender a little more. I didn't know God was about to do the same in my heart. As scary as it is for me to surrender completely, I did last night. I know God wants the best for me, and after the post I wrote the other day about trials, I think it is time to walk the talk. :).
It may be that God just wanted me to surrender more to Him, or it may be that a trial may be about to come to my life that will require this surrendering. Let's see what happends.

Aaron and the girls

I forgot my camera at the church last week and forgot where it was (I am getting old :)), so I couldn't post a couple of photos that I thought were pretty cute from the kids from when the Andrews were here. So there they go :)

About trials

Wanted to share with you some thought from the second lesson from the devotional book I am using "Trials, don't take them as intruders". I will share some more when I have time to write it down. Hope it is a blessing for some of you. If anyone would like to share a time when you have gone through trials and how God used it for His glory, I would love to hear it and I am sure it would be a blessing and encouragement to others too.

Lesson 2: God allows trial for His glory.

2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Wow, isn’t it amazing that when we are week, when there is nothing we can do, when we aren’t worth much for the world; then is when He can work the best through us? Being week is not really such a bad thing uh?

When we are going through a difficult situation is difficult to remember that God loves us and that He is in control of every situation. Why? Well, in my case it is because I am so concern with whatever the problems is, and my eyes are on it, instead of looking up to God right away. Putting my eyes on my problems is taking my eyes away from God.

In John 9 we see a blind man. The people were asking Jesus why was it that he got that punishment. But Jesus answer to them: “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”. God allows the trials on our lives so that His works would be manifested in us. Even in the valleys we are to praise His name because He is worthy of all our praise.
A few months back, my brother in law called us. He is the assistant pastor in a church in Jackson, TN. He asked us to pray for a lady in his church. She wasn’t much older than me and had small children. Her husband has left her recently for another woman. She was alone and she has just found out that she had cancer. I believe that it had already extended to other organs. I don’t remember now exactly all of the details. He told us that all the church was fasting and praying for her and asked us to unite with them in prayer and fasting if possible. A couple of weeks ago he told me that she was clean of cancer. The doctors couldn’t explain it. She didn’t have many chances the doctors thought. I think she is a perfect example of that verse. She is a testimony of God’s works.
Look at the testimony of Fanny Crosby. She was blind at 6 weeks of age because of a medical mistake. Yet, God used her in such a way and now we have so many beautiful hymns because of God’s work manifested in her.

To finish I want to share a verse that I believe is important:

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.

Photos from the weekend

Just wanted to post some photos from the weekend. I have to say though that they are not mine, Deanna took them. I have some in my camera of the kids and as soon as I download them I will find some to post.

This is Kayla and Aaron. It was cold and rainy :). Maybe one day I will tell you the story of Aaron propossing to Kayla. :)

Noelia really liked Aaron and Deanna was able to catch Noelia hugging him.

The Starks and the Andrews.
Pro 18:24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Christmas is coming!

Christmas is almost here!. Really. Can't you believe it? I can't. I don't know where this year went, but it did, and it is almost time for the best month of the year. :). And it is not because it is also the month of my birthday. Yes ladies, December 4th, I will be turning 31.... I mean 26 hehehh ;).

That is another one that don't know how happend. How is it that I am 31???? I don't remember my birthdays after 26.... But I won't talk about that right now, I could get going let me tell you.

December is also the month of Nicole's brithday. She will be 5... my little girl is 5... I will leave that one alone too.

I guess it seems like I still have a while. I remember, by the middle of November, I will get really excited about Christmas while we live in the States. You know, Thanksgiving is not over yet and they have Christmas decorations all over. Spain is a little different, at least it is how it was a few years back. Decorations will be up in the middle of December but they won't put them down until the 7th of January. Why? Well because in Spain we don't have Santa, we have "The Three Wiseman". They would "come" the night of the 5th of Jan.

I am looking forward putting up the tree, decorating the house, wraping up the presents.... I can't wait to start going shopping for the girls and Matthew. I can't wait to start remembering with the girls about the story of Christmas ( we will start in December), I can't wait, I can't wait...

So what made me write about this...? This morning I realized that it is November and that I need to start making christmas list and start shopping. I also want to start looking for activities for the girls to start doing in December that would make the season more exciting. I want to start looking for Christmas stories where the importance it is put in the birth of Jesus.

I know you guys are not much into commenting, but wether you know me or not, if you have any ideas of stories, crafts... let me know.

Great Weekend!

We had a great weekend and it wan't because the weather was great. Actually it rain all weekend long, I haven't seen so much rain together since we move here. But we had a great time with friends.

On thrusday evening Jeff, Deanna and Aaron Andrews came over to help us pass out invitations for out first Sunday. It was raining, but still had a great time. Deanna and I stayed in the church to take care of the kids, because someone has to stay and that left us with a no even number and one lady really should go out door to door especially at night... you get that :).

On Friday morning Ashley stayed so Deanna and I could go, and although I had one of those funny stories where you wish you had use your brain before saying what you said...it was soo funny... I haven been advise not to share that story. :)

Friday night Deanna and I stayed again and we were able to start a blog that we hope will be a blessing for the missionary ladies here in Spain. A blog where we can get to know each other better and share blessings, prayer request, ressourses... you get the picture. When the rest of the group got back we were able to hear about a great visit that Ashley and Alberto had where a lady asked them in and asked questions for 2 hours!! And Jeff and Matthew getting to meet pretty much every pastor of every church of every denomination that there is in Granada (I guess they all lived around the church and found them while door to door) and Jeff even getting offer money a few times because they thought he was a J.W. hehehe, and I guess that is what they do. We have plenty of funny, interesting, weird and really great stories to share after this couple of days. We were able to pass out 800 of the 5,000 that we have to pass over the next 5 weeks, so we had lots accomplished. Thanks for coming Jeff, Deanna and Aaron!! Of course having great friends over the weekend makes it even more fun, although we couldn't show them around because of the rain. Now they have to come back! :)

On Sunday we had a great second sunday in the church. Lucio came of course, and also Olga came. She is from germany and was saved there. She is here because of the college. Lord willing she will continue to come. She was a very nice girl and very doctrinaly sound for what I could tell, so, would be refreshing to have someone in the church like that, and also a great blessing.

We have been passing out for the 7th of December (and really just started this weekend), so it is only of God that we had 2 people coming.

On another note, I finish the book I was telling you about last week "Cruel Love" and wow is all I have to say. I am starting "A full House of Growing pains" from Mrs. Cameron and I am looking around in my library to see what else I start. Or maybe I will start/keep reading "The power of a praying wife" because for some reason I am having a hard time getting into it.

This next weekend is going to be full of canvassing morning and evenings, but I will be staying with the girls most of the times (since after all someone has to stay with the kids and they are my first responsability) although Ashley will keep the girls a couple times so I can enjoy that blessing to. Thanks Ash!

We will talk soon.