A Trifecta of Birthdays~

Greetings in the name of the Lord,

Twenty seven years ago today Rachel Janelle was born.  Two years ago yesterday Hershey Pie was born, and 30 years ago the day before yesterday Jorgie was born.  This week I am celebrating a trifecta of birthdays!  

These three characters have brought me a lot of blessings, and naturally I find myself looking back over the years.  It's  amazing how far they have come, especially Jorgie and Rachel.  God has been with them since their conception and never left their side.  Through every happiness, sorrow, difficulty, joy,  smart decision, dumb decision, up and down, God has been there.  And  the Bible verse I am praying for them is found in Psalm 138:8, "The Lord will work out His plan for your life for His faithful love endures forever."

God's plan includes "taking care of us," "teaching us," "directing our steps," "watching over us," "granting us wisdom," "blessing us with the desires of our heart," "giving us a full life with firm muscles and strong bones," and SO MUCH MORE....  

By they way, I asked Hershey Pie, and he says we can all pray this verse over our lives even if it's not our birthday!

PRAYER:  Dear Lord,  Thank You that You are working out Your beautiful plan for each of us.  Because of Your faithful, enduring love, You desire to see us safe, secure, blessed, wise, at peace, and healthy.  Seeking You each day is the wisest thing we can do because it helps our hearts and minds be in the right place to receive these blessings.  In Jesus' name, AMEN~

A Tattoo Artist Who Loves Me~

Greetings,

I have a confession: I enjoy watching TV shows where people get tattooed, and the big reveal at the end is my favorite part.  Sometimes it's amazing, like when someone gets their child's portrait on their arm and it looks REAL.  Other times, it's comical.  One time a gentleman requested a tiger and the finished image literally looked like a toothy fish.

There's always a bit of a pow-wow between the artist and human canvas to make sure everyone is clear about what will be done, and more than once I have heard advice along these lines, "Are you absolutely sure you want your significant other's name across your ribs, wrist, forehead? "

Apparently, name removal is the top request in the tattoo removal request world.  I can certainly see why.  Commitment isn't what it used to be, and  no one wants to walk around with a permanent homage to a person they are no longer with.

There is, however, a Tattoo Artist Who loves me so  much that He engraved my name on His palm, and He will never regret it!

Isaiah 49:16 "I have written [engraved, inscribed, tattooed] your name on the palms of My hands."

My name and yours are forever and permanently etched on God's own hands, and this means He is constantly reminded about us.  How many times in a day do you see your own hands? It's the one part of the body that is front and center all day every day.  I will sometimes go a couple of days unaware of my ears or kneecaps. But my hands are always up to something, and so are God's.  Whenever He opens His hands to bless, help, heal, protect, guide, love, pour our peace and joy, you, precious you, are written right there.

How might your day change knowing God is crazy about you? Permanently committed to You? 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, You are always thinking about us, and we are grateful. You are committed to seeing us safely through this life into eternal life, and we are grateful. You love us so much that You tattooed our names on Your mighty hands, and we are grateful.   Who are we that You, the Creator of Heaven and earth, cares so perfectly about every single detail of our lives?  Amazing that You love us so very much.  Help us to remember that whenever we struggle.  In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Send A Refresh Signal!

Acts 3:19 “Now it’s time to change your ways!  Turn to face God so He can wipe away your sins, and pour out showers of blessing to refresh you…”

Greetings,

Last week my internet went kaput, and I was temporarily denied access to the World Wide Web.  Given my almost unhealthy codependency with the www, I immediately went to the app on my phone, hit the "send a refresh signal" button so the main switch could re-establish communication with my equipment, and then waited an arduous five minutes for my modem to reboot.

Sometimes in our hectic, running around all day, not getting enough sleep, too much on our plates, the kids are misbehaving , and the dog has poop on his paws - don’t let him in the house existences, we too might find ourselves going kaput.

We know how to pray, we know what we need to do, we know where the “Main Switch” is, but He is not receiving any alerts, bells, SOS's, buzzers, whistles, or sirens from us.  Barely even a nod or a wink.

The time to turn to God and send a refresh signal is right now!

When we turn to Him He pours out showers of blessings and refreshes us.  A shower is an abundance of something.  God does not send a trickle, mist, squirt, dribble, or spray.  He sends a deluge of whatever we need to get back up and running with joy, peace, strength, hope, faith, health, and love.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We come to You now and face You because sometimes we get bogged down with our lives and there’s a failure to connect.  We know You are there waiting for us to turn to You so You can flood our lives with Your goodness.  Flood us now, dear Lord.  We need it.  And thank You that You are always ready to refresh us.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Life-affirming, Life-changing, Life-blessing words

I am still regularly praying through the Psalms in the Bible, and one of the reasons why is because it blesses me to offer back to the Lord His very own life-affirming, life-changing, life-blessing words.  Psalm 63 and Psalm 143, are two of my favorites. Let us pray them today  -   especially over those we love. And as you pray, think of an area where you want to see God's power displayed. Maybe there's a health issue, or a child needs help adjusting to the new school year. Perhaps You want God to lead you into a good relationship. Whatever the need, be specific as you absorb the Words below into your soul.

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Hear my prayer, Lord! Answer me because of Your goodness. You are my God. I can't get enough of You!  My soul thirsts for You, so I worship You, drinking in Your strength and glory.  I have seen You in Your sanctuary and gazed upon Your power and glory. Send Your power and glory into my life today and into the lives of those I love. I will not lose hope. Rather, I will ponder all Your great works and think about the AMAZING things You have done. Thank you that You are willing to display your power in my life!

Your unfailing love is better than life itself. How I praise You! I will praise You as long as I live, lifting up my hands to You in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise You with songs of joy.  I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night.  You are my Helper, and I cling to You; I hold on to You for dear life, and You hold me steady as a post. Your strong right hand holds me securely. Hold my family securely too. Do not allow any of us to fall. Keep us healthy in our souls, bodies, minds, and spirits. Let me and those I love hear of Your unfailing love today.  Show us where to walk.  May Your gracious Spirit lead us forward on firm footing. We give ourselves to You. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

God Meant For Us To Read Them!

Greetings,

Back in the '90s my husband was a computer whiz who could build a PC from scratch and diagnose and repair every malady.  He built up a steady clientele of folks who appreciated house calls at all hours of the day and night, and one time I accompanied him to a swanky, waterfront  mansion whose owner's computer crashed.   I didn't go to learn about hard drives or internal memory, but rather to see the inside of this spectacular house.  It did not disappoint!

As I had hoped, the grand dame of the house  offered to take me on a tour.  I saw every nook  and cranny, and deeply appreciated her willingness to show me even the inside of her closet. Then we came to the living room.  We stopped just outside the tall French doors leading into it, and she invited me to look, but only look inside.  "This area is kind of off limits.  It's very formal, so not even the kids are allowed in here."

I could certainly see why.  The fabrics, leathers,  rugs,  chandeliers, ornaments, curtains  -  every aspect of this beautiful, breathtaking room looked, and was most likely, super expensive.

I have always wondered, "What is the point of a living room if you can't actually live there?" 

Did the sofa maker realize as he was crafting this exquisite white leather piece that no one would ever actually sit on it?" 

"How sad for such a glorious chandelier to never have the chance to show off its brilliance."

In this same way, when God provided His Holy Scriptures, He meant for us to read them. To graft them into our souls, to memorize them, to let them do the fine work of building our faith, and to believe all the precious and plentiful promises.  God's Word was never intended to be a leather-bound book we proudly display on a coffee table - never to be used, only admired for how nice it looks in our decor.

The Bible is our source of daily bread.  Sometimes it is even our minute-by-minute source of comfort.  But only if we will use it.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Your Word is a lamp that shines a bright light on how we are supposed to live. Your Word is a faith-builder and comfort-giver. Your Word provides wisdom, and Your promises are for those Who know what they are. Give us the desire to get to know You better through Your Holy Scriptures.  "Your words are life to those who find them and health to the whole body'' (Proverbs 4:22).  Thank You, in Jesus' name, AMEN. 

A Faith-building Chapter: Matthew Nine

Greetings, 

I love the entire ninth chapter in the book of Matthew in the Holy Bible, and I encourage you to read it today.  Christ heals a paralyzed man, forgives sin, calls a man to be one of His beloved disciples, heeds a desperate father's request to resuscitate a child who has died,  restores the sight of two blind men, casts the demon out of a possessed man, and literally "traveled through all the towns and villages...announcing the Good News about the Kingdom, healing every kind of disease and illness...having compassion on the crowds..."

Jesus brings health and wholeness to the soul, the body, and the mind. He defines a life's purpose for Matthew when He called him to be a disciple, and He rewards faith. And Christ did all these blessed things with compassion and unparalleled power and authority.

There is not one area of your life, nor one aspect of your being that is beyond the reach or the might of Jesus to bring health and wholeness. 

Remember the paralyzed man Christ healed? "Some men brought him to Jesus."

Remember the girl who Jesus raised from the dead? He did so in response to a father who pleaded, "Come and put Your hand on her, and she will live."

Remember the two bind men whose sight was restored? First they, "followed Him, calling out, 'Have mercy on us,  Messiah!'"

Remember the demon-possessed man? He was "brought to Jesus."

Let us bring others to the Lord in prayer, and let us plead for ourselves while we are at it. Let us follow after the One Who has infinite compassion, power, and authority.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for Matthew chapter nine. This is a faith-building chapter because Your unlimited power is on display. We praise You for Your willingness to use it in response to prayer! You know what is best, and we need You in every area of our lives  -  soul, body, and mind.  Have mercy on us, Messiah! In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Flooded With God

Greetings,

If you were to sit down and start a list of everyone you know, could you write their complete name, address and phone number? Honestly, I can't even do that with my own children.  I know one lives in the NW and the other in the SW, but I would have to reference my contacts for their exact location.  And even after several years of having my in-law kids in the family, I HAVE NO CLUE as to their phone numbers.  Speed dial has robbed me of this information.  I am so accustomed to clicking on a name that I am not even sure what area code I would have to dial first.  My father-in-law recently showed me a little paper where he wrote down all our phone numbers and placed it in his wallet because he said that if he ever lost his phone he would not be able to let anyone know. So true!

In stark and magnificent contrast is our Father God and His infinite knowledge of us, His very finite and limited children. He knows all our names, where we live, and how to get in contact with us.  He also knows what we need and what makes us tick.  He is acutely aware of every single itty bitty detail, like the freckle on your pinky toe as well as your heart's desire to get married and have children.  He knows what we are afraid of,  and He knows what makes us happy.  He knows our dreams, and He knows our sorrows.  HE KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYONE, and His grandeur is hard to fathom and impossible to calculate with our feeble human minds.

But just because we cannot comprehend the "extravagant dimensions, breadth, length, depth, or height" (Ephesians 3:18) of God's goodness, wisdom, love, and power, doesn't mean we shouldn't take a step of faith every day in prayer asking the One Who knows us best to help us live full lives.  Living a full life means we personally experience God's presence in our lives - "we are flooded with God Himself" (Ephesians 3:19).

I need to be flooded with God.  I need torrential downpours of peace, joy, and protection.  I crave a deluge of wisdom, provision, and health.  I desperately long to be inundated with the light of the One Who knows my name, phone number, address, and more!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Flood us with Your presence today.  We want to experience for ourselves all Your blessings in real, palpable ways.  Send rains of happiness and contentment. Send rivers of well-being and stability. Shower us with righteousness so we live wisely. We receive forgiveness from Your never-ending fountain; let us in turn let bygones be bygones.  Thank You for knowing how earnestly we need You and all You provide. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Isa's Eulogy - One Final Thought

Isa's Eulogy - One Final Thought

Tomorrow it will be three weeks that my mother-in-law passed away after a brief battle with lymphoma.  I had the high honor of speaking at her memorial service because her beloved sons and husband simply could not.  So as I thought about what possible words I could use to express the deep love and respect we had for her and that she had for us I said...

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"The greatest testament of our love is our unity as a family, while we enjoyed her on this earth and as she departed."  

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I am proud of the FACT that we, initially Isa, her husband, her son, Alex, her son, Jorge, who is my husband, and me, when I joined this beautiful family in 1986, all got along! And not in some sort of I-will-tolerate-you-because-you are my-family-through-marriage forced way, but in a WOW! This-is-a-great-family-to be-a-part-of! Let's enjoy ourselves!

And then as our clan expanded to eventually include another daughter-in-law, six grandchildren, and two grandchildren-in-law, each was welcomed like the gift from God they are, and our parties got bigger and better. Our dinners got louder and more informal, and I repeat, not once in 30 years was there ever a rift or even a slight commotion.

Even the church Pastor who also spoke at the Memorial Service said, "Every time my wife and I would leave this house we prayed that God would give our kids a desire to stick close by and come back and hang out with us often.  We felt as though sharing with the Fernandez Family was a brief glimpse into what heaven might look like.  United families having fun and fellowshipping..."

Now, I realize that not all families are sunshine and roses.  In my own family, my father left my dear mother and fractured my four siblings and me sending us into a tailspin of despair and dysfunction.  It was such a mess and disappointing heartbreak that I craved the normalcy and lighthearted approach to life that my in-laws offered me. My mother-in-law, especially, the quintessential heart of the family, worked hard to keep us all  huddled close.  She orchestrated yearly trips to the beach in the summer and the mountains in the winter. Everyone was always welcomed with open arms, and it was impossible to ever leave her house hungry.  If any of us had a need, my in-laws were there to help.  They ran to us with open arms and open wallets and a willingness to get out of bed in the middle of the night if there was an emergency. I was so profoundly blessed to see that this is how a family should be and could be because, sadly, unfortunately, my family was not like this at all - not even a little bit.

Some of you might identify more closely with my experience then with the way things were and will continue to be with my husband's family.  Maybe there are disagreements or disappointments or unfair behavior that is threatening to pull your family apart.  What is the solution?

1 Peter 3:9 "Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing [pray for one another's well-being, contentment, and protection].  That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it."

In other words, don't take the bait. Don't stoop to bad reactions and bad behavior when confronted with ugliness. Don't heap abuse on top of abuse. God says it's possible to bless instead; this is His perfect advice.  God brings you well-being and happiness when you do!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for families.  As imperfect as they can sometimes be, we are also grateful for the love and comfort they provide.  We each have a personal responsibility to do our part and keep our cool no matter what so that our families stay united.  We are called to pray even for those who offend us the most.  Help us, Lord, because when we do things Your way, WE WILL BE HAPPY! In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Isa's Eulogy - Part Four

Isa's Eulogy - Part Four

Today we continue with Isa's eulogy.  She was my beloved mother-in-law for over 30 years, and on July 19, 2017 she went home to Jesus after a 17-day battle with cancer. I was blessed with the task of trying to condense her well-lived life of almost 71 years into a brief speech.  Of course, the most important focus was on what mattered to her the most, which is family.  Below is a continuation of her eulogy.

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Now where is Chini, my precious Chini Chong, Isa's wonderful husband and a PERFECT    EXAMPLE    of devotion.  I, whom am known for my big mouth,  am at a loss for words.  Thank You for being the finest, unparalleled example of what a soul mate is. You would not could not leave her side.  Isa went into the hospital on the day of your 51st wedding anniversary, and the love between you really was epic. I love you so very very much.

And of course, I can barely mention my husband, also known as Yoyi, my brother-in-law, also known as Papo, or the fabulous Llamarama, Andrea, my sister-in-law, because I just might lose it completely.  You all know what you meant to her.  The greatest testament is our unity as a family, while we enjoyed her on this earth and as she departed.  

A special word to Andrea.  You did for her in private and intimate moments things I couldn't do.  So did her nieces...You guys are my heroes.

A word to the grandchildren...Isa had recently found passion in praying for each of you with even more intensity.  She was using a devotional prayer book written specifically for grandkids and realized that when she went to the hospital she forgot it.  She made Chini bring it to her. Think of the enormity of what I just said.  She was in the fight of her life, but thinking of each of you. She was asking God to bless you and protect you, to fill you with His peace and goodness.  She made sure to let God know how important it is for you to have wisdom and make good choices. She desired that you all would keep your ways pure and your eyes on Christ. Her peace  came in knowing that God was hearing her prayers. May we all grasp the blessed significance of knowing these prayers will last for all eternity.   

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Of all the things I will remember about Isa during her final days, the one glaring detail that will stay with me forever is her prayer book for her eight grandchildren.   This blesses me immensely, and it's the one thing I think of daily.

Sometimes I think we all flounder a bit.  We wonder what our purpose is. We ask ourselves if we have somehow missed the mark, missed our calling.  We question if we are making a positive difference in this world, especially in the lives of those we love. 

No matter what, it is always God's purpose for our lives to pray for others, especially those we love the most. Prayers make a difference, and I can think of no greater legacy to leave behind than prayers that God holds dear forever.  Not only does He hold them dear, but He answers them too!    

James 5:16 "The earnest prayer of a believer has great power and produces wonderful results."

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We need wonderful results in our lives.  Thank You that the great power in prayer is YOU. Draw us close to You. Draw our families close too.  We all need You, and we are amazed that the words we offer up to You are treasured by You forever. Send Your blessings. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Isa's Eulogy - Part Three

For those of you just joining us, the past few and the next few DEVOs are dedicated to my beloved mother-in-law who passed away July 19th after a 17-day battle with cancer.  It was so sudden, and the family is still processing this unexpected loss.  Nevertheless, as Christians we are encouraged to always look for ways to be thankful in every situation.  I have been doing just that, and I realize that the reason God tells us to be grateful is because it has tremendous benefits for our souls.  Below is the continuation of her eulogy...

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During Isa's final hours we  -  her husband, daughters-in-law, kids, and grandkids  -  11 of us in total  -  crowded around her hospital bed in the ICU and prayed, shared stories, and sang; we all realized that being right next to her, holding her hands, kissing her forehead, rubbing her arms was a extraordinary  privilege and a gift that not everyone receives. Such a monumental reason to be grateful.

We also found ourselves being thankful for everything from rubber gloves, Purell,  and trashcans, to clean bed sheets, non-skid socks, and air conditioning.  Mostly, though, we were deeply moved by the caring, spitfire nurse, Virgie, who worked non-stop to make our mom comfortable.  We told her too, and she said, "They don't call me the energizer bunny for nothing!"  Peace descended on that room in palpable ways.

And then my daughter, Rachel,  confided in all of us that the day she has a little girl, she will name her "Elisabel" in honor of our Isa, her grandmother.  Did I mention that Rachel is pregnant right now? We don't know the gender yet, but regardless, the day a little girl comes along, she will carry that most beautiful name! Amen~

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this."

I can testify that the verse above is possible. Even in the midst of very difficult circumstances, when we pray through the pain, when we share funny stories in spite of our sorrow, when we give thanks not for the cancer but because God is still on His throne, cancer or not, when we do what God desires,  unexpected blessings of joy and peace come our way.

Whenever I start to think of that night we said good bye to Isa, my first thoughts are always to the gratitude we all shared, from the smallest detail (Amen! for nurse call buttons) to the greatest one (We will reunite with Isa someday).  Somehow, practicing our faith, praying, looking for ways to be thankful, creates a powerful buffer for our souls that  keeps the joy in and the depression out!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We all have reasons to be thankful.  Open our eyes to the many blessings in our lives and keep our focus on You - our Redeemer and Comforter. In Jesus' name, AMEN.