The Gospel Coalition

Last Saturday my hubby helped co-host The Gospel Coalition here in LA!  

A blessed time with other Angelenos.

BIGGEST treasure Book

(I wanna share some blessing but I'll wait for later this week.) 

SO, I have an old book that is all torn up but I treasure it dearly.  That old torn book, really changed my life after high school.  It's my old, beat up, off the binding, first Bible and it has just been sitting on our shelf for years, so I wondered "What can I do with my book that speaks about my BIGGEST treasure?"  I began with one idea, and then it formed into something different. Either way I was just excited to experiment and make my Bible into something that I could have for a longer time!

My end product a flower brooch! 

Book Brooch

-Gather lots of pages and Cut circles (I did 4-5 different shapes)
-poke hole to each layer bundle (might have to subtract some sheets or add)
-Gather together (with largest on bottom) and insert "paper fastener"
-Use glue gun to randomly glue together pages, this helps make it more sturdy
-Also use gun to glue "finding" to backside
-Cut out several pages to makes leaves
-Fold pages horizontally (in a tri fold)
-Draw a leaf and cut
-Once you've attained desired leaf length, glue near back pages but enough to hide leaf origin
-To add a little more character, accent leaves, I outlined the leaves with a black marker

Building Blocks

This year my hubby and I want to be mindful of our mindset behind raising and disciplining our kids. I was recently reading "Age of Opportunity" and it was so insightful, and really a kick in the butt of what our goals as parents should be. Sometimes our focus can be so much on the external behavior (wanting our children to just obey), but the reality is that they are not just going to obey, but we as parents need to help them learn how to repent and ask for forgiveness (get to the heart issues). As I see my children disobeying, I need to see it as a gospel opportunity and know this is a prime way, and time to show them and teach them how to get out of their sinful behavior. What a relief...I know this stuff but it's so easy to forget! Now, I am able to tell Rock, my son, that he will make mistakes and sin but we need to learn from them.

I'm currently helping one of my family members with a sin issue, and I'm reminded again at how important parenting in a, gospel-graceful-way is extremely important. I get scared at times with Rock, and Key, and knowing there will be rebellious times, and blatantly sinful actions, but what can I expect, they're two people that are sinners, just like me. I do a whole lot of hurt to God and others because of my sinful actions and attitudes. All I know, and pray for now, is GRACE to get us through those tough situations.

For the New Year...

what goals, aspirations, hopes do you have for the new year? My Lovely posed a couple of questions (for us both) before we rang in the new year. I pray those goals will continue throughout the year, and bear much fruit :)

A Quiet Christmas

Christmas day was definitely different this year since Key was sick. After debating whether to go to my sisters, we headed over there, and stayed a couple of hours, then headed back home. Once we were all together, we had the kids open their gifts, look in their stockings, and finally we unveiled our gifts to them.

Key managed to muster up some energy when she saw her kitchen.

Stocking stuffer...
I thought he could use another one for his repertoire:)

I love his shiny trike. I wish I could ride it:)

In the mist of opening presents and being with loved ones, it's so easy to forget why we celebrate Christmas. Whether Jesus was actually born on Dec 25th is definitely debatable and I wouldn't die on that hill, but the point of God becoming man, dwelling among us, living a perfect life, the Father (God) punishing his son for the sake of those who will trust him---amazing. The heavenly of it's doctrines is a case for the Bible being the Word of God. There's NO way anyone can come up with such an amazing, unique, and true story. There is no other like it--amazing.

Hope everyone had a great time with friends, and family. Get ready for New Year's!!!

No Place Here For Her Kind

The anointing of Jesus by a sinful woman

from Mark 14, Luke 7, and John 12

I've done a lot of bad things.

Last night I had a hard time being there...in that dark, humid room. Their breaths on me, made me nauseous. Their sweaty palms left me feeling dirty. Their heavy bodies made me feel burdened, even after they were gone. When I lay there, I try to think of other things-- things that will help relieve the pain, and the loneliness.

I've done a lot of bad things.

There have been whispers of a man. Not sure his name. They say he does something spectacular. But can it really be?! Well, I can't afford not to believe.

I've done a lot of bad things.

Tomorrow night I hear he'll be in town. But I won't even be able to get close to him--you know, since he'll be in that house. I see the way they look at me. They know who I am, and I know who they are… but somehow, I need to at least see him. The thought of seeing him makes me feel nervous. If I could speak to him, what would I say?

I've done a lot of bad things.

Would he brush me off? Would he be disgusted at me? Would he signal them to take me away? Or, would he be delighted to see me? I don't think I've ever had anyone look at me and be delighted to see me, when I have nothing, to offer them.

He'll know I've done a lot of bad things.

But if it’s true what people have been saying about him, I need to talk to him and ask...ask, for help. I don't want to be lonely anymore. I don't want to be dirty anymore. I don't want to be sad anymore. I don't want to feel far from I AM anymore.

I AM will take away the bad things.

I've never had the guts to break the alabaster. What can be more special than this? I won't even use that perfume on myself-- I am not worthy. But he is.

- F.T

We Still Have Tons to Learn

My anniversary was great and refreshing!  I was really edified by Art Azurdia regarding his talk on marriage.  His thoughts were extremely insightful.  Whether you are a believer in Christ or not, this talk can help in just seeing your marriage for what it really is.  

Specifically insightful to me was Art tearing down the idea of the "perfect marriage"

The fact that there's a plethora of Christian conferences, books, talks, etc. is NOT a sign of our triumph in marriage but a sign of our disease.  Our marriages have paralleled the secular world.

Martial pre-counseling is a joke, it's like counseling the mentally insane.  

Please listen and enjoy the possible changes to make your marriage richer!

How Important Should Saturday Be In Light of Sunday Gathering

Our minds can be easily fascinated with countless other things, and many times nothing about God, and his unfathomable work through his Son. Sunday's can be treated like any other day of the week...but should it be? It's not every day we get to physically gather with our brothers and sisters in Christ, be fed God's Word together, encourage one another, and rest in Christ together. So yes, Sunday's are special, because of all those things mentioned, and because we are reminded that we have a Savior that is living, and who rose on the 3rd day to reveal to the world, that his blood sacrifice was acceptable to his HOLY father.

As I think of encouraging words for my brothers and sisters, I am thankful for Saturday's, and the opportunity it gives me, to muster up kind-encouraging words for my family, and other awesome thoughts of God and his Son Jesus Christ!

Our City

Today was unexpectedly used by God...

We all went to the park to exercise, and before leaving a lady was shouting in Spanish if anyone wanted free bread. Out of curiosity I headed over there. She told me she gets tons of bread through her church. I told her I was also part of a local church too. She wanted my information because she'd like to give us her excess breads so we can give out to the homeless community or use it as a church. She gave me a huge bag with about 15 various breads. PJ, the kids, and I headed to a bridge where there are a handful of homeless people. We tried to get them to come out to us from their squatter homes, but it seemed like no one was there. Before heading back home, we saw a man sleeping near the bridge, I asked him if he wanted some bread and he kindly said yes! We began talking to him and he said he'd just gotten a job down the street and would love to treat us at his restaurant. Before leaving we'd asked him if he needed anything and he said he needed a room to rent for $400-$450 and if we can help him look for a place. We were excited and said we'd meet up with him tomorrow. I started looking on Craigslist for a place and a few have poped up. Lord willing we can help get him into a place. We'll hopefully be seeing him tomorrow but we decided we don't want him to treat us but we just want to continue building a relationship with him. God is working in our hearts and using CrossView to reach our city people, little, by little.

The Reality of a Covenant Community

In a covenant community (my local, confessing evangelical church), many things are apparent
A few are...
1. What brings us all together is what Christ has done for each of us, and the whole community.
2. It's Christ who keeps us together.
3. It's Christ who rebukes and helps the body stay near him, and uses the church to do this.
4. We strive to "live life" together.
5. Unfortunately we all still sin, either towards God, each other, or both.
6. Hurt feelings can muster up towards one another, but Christ's cross needs to stay in focus, grace proceed.

A covenant community is very imperfect but Christ said in our weakness he is made strong. There is a song (I forgot the name) that I like, I changed some words

In our weakness we are strong, so amazing our redeemer,
who picked us up, purified, cleansed and made us new,
because all you want, is all of us, and all we want is you...

Cross-Centered

Each of our lives is centered on something.
What's at the center of yours?
Think about it for a moment. What's really the main thing in your life? Only one thing can truly be first in priority; so what's at the top of your list, second to none?
Or let me put it this way: What are you most passionate about? What do you love to talk about? What do you think about most when your mind is free?

Or try this: What is it that defines you? Is it your career? A relationship? Maybe it's your family, or ministry. It could be some cause or movement, or some political affiliation. Or perhaps your main thing is a hobby or a talent you have, or even your house and possessions...
what really qualifies as the one thing God says should be the most important?

Maybe your life's passion is not so much a single focus as a constantly shifting gaze. After all, today's marketing culture bombards us with never-ending offers of something newer...is as common inside the church as outside...what's the one thing that's really best according to God?

Introduction to "Living the Cross Centered Life" by C.J. Mahaney

DIY

What defines you?

I've taken on the endeavor of sewing, and it's been kinda fun. I started this a little over a year ago. I was exposed to sewing from my big sister Brenda. She use to create beautiful dresses for niece Samantha when she was a toddler, and she even started to sell them. She occasionally still sews. As a teenager, I thought that was so cool, and hoped one day to do something like that. Years later, watching friends (Selle, Ruby) take on this task was exhilarating, because I was reminded of that desire a time ago, and watching these two get down on their sewing machine was fun! When I saw them I wanted to start up, but didn't really have a motivation until Key Hava came into existence in my belly. All these emotions, and ideas starting churning in my brain, and I had no outlet, I was a wreck. All I could do is keep telling my sister Jenny "I want to create this...and this...and this too!" I knew I had to at least try this darn sewing thing. With Rock, sewing was just a forethought, I felt like I didn't, and couldn't create stuff for him (that's changed a little now), because he's a boy, and making boy stuff is hard.

Fast forward months latter...when we got to DC, I knew I had to crack open my little piggy bank that I had been saving for my little machine of wonders. I was so nervous, and excited to buy it. I would just look at it online for months (I'm weird like that). Well, it came and I played with it, and bought other accessories for it, I was having fun. I just hadn't sewn anything. I started to see that I could buy these little accessories all day long, and not create anything! I knew I had to start something. I searched and figured I'd copy a hooter-hider. I looked online and found a tutorial. After finishing it, I was proud to show PJ that the money was going to good use :) I later called Ruby and asked for help on making a skirt for my soon-to-be Pan Dulce.

I was reluctant to show my friends (online) of my little creations, because of pride. I didn't want to be compared, be seen as competing (in my head there's no competition, others are just way more talented), or other silly things that plagued my mind, BUT I started dwelling on the question, what defines me?

I don't want sewing to define me. And I don't want endeavors into creativity to define me. For others the temptation could be: money, prestige, a good job, success in your little business, creativity, relevance to today's culture, marriage, love, or any particular dream. What should define me? I WANT Christ to define me, and to define you too. I want people to see Christ far more than I want people to give complements of what I strive to create. Yes, there's a place for honor, and wanting to encourage people, which is fine, but it's up to the receiver, to not let anything other than Christ define them. It MUST be Christ that defines me.

So what prompted me to share now (not that there's anything to "show off")? It's to encourage. I believe, if God has given you an opportunity to stay home with your children, then new endeavors, and challenges should be explored, and tested to see if it's up your alley. This is an encouragement to mommies to test it out and see if you like it. Let God use you in different ways, for different reasons. Maybe your new endeavor (whatever form that can be) can open opportunities with friends, family, strangers! It's already been useful for me in respect with wanting to stay home, and save money here and there.

Perhaps for some, it's not sewing, but some other thing that has caught your eye, but you feel like you can't...I say, try it!
The hooter-hider that is always in use.Key's first skirt.

"Don't Make Me Count to Three!"

As a mom of small children my life can be crazy. There are good days, and bad days. Don't get me wrong the rewards are great, but a mom can get so caught up in caring for her children that you can loose it.

Recently I was wondering if I'd ever use my biology degree. After all the endless study nights at Starbucks and Denny's (which exhausting), would I ever get rewarded for it. The countless memorization for classes such as anatomy, chemistry and recombinant DNA! I thought for sure I'd fail that last one, but by God's grace I did much better than I expected. Anyways, I had these thoughts not because I didn't want to care for my children, but I thought of the benefits that could come with working. There's one that constantly comes to mind-- building relationships for the sake of the gospel. When I was working in college, and before my son was born, I had a strong relationship platform to cultivate, invite to my local church, and share the gospel. There were tons of good friends that I genuinely loved, and prayed they'd see Christ as their Savior.

Forward 3 years latter... What does my platform look like? Two kids, one with a poopie diaper, and the other asking me to look at his imagative tractor. Oh what a change. As I put them both down for a nap I wanted to read something that would encourage me, and boy was God kind. I pulled out my never-been-used-adorable front cover- "Don't Make Me Count to Three!" by Ginger Plowman.

It read...

Moms, we need to be reminded of the awesome responsibility that God has given us. When we respond to the high calling of motherhood with passion, the rewards are far greater than any we could ever gain outside of that calling. The joys of motherhood are rare and beautiful treasures that can be easily missed if we don't seize the opportunity to grab them.

Being a mom is more than being cook, chaufferur, maid, counselor, doctor, referee, disciplinarian, etc. (just to name a few). It's about molding character, building confidence, nurturing, training, and guiding. There is nothing like the influence that a mother has on her child. A mother's influence has encourmous potential to shape the person a child becomes, for good or ill.

She then gives various examples of strong, life changing men, who has accredited their moms for their character.

Boy, was I hit by God's grace and the great responsibility he has given me, as a stay-at-home mom! If you're like me perhaps encouaragement of what our role is as a mom, needs to come in our hearts steadily and consistent. I'm a lover of self (unfortunately), and I need to constantly learn, and be reminded, how to be satisfied in Christ, and the work he has given me (by his grace).

So I am not at a nine-to-five job, I am not evanglizing to everyone and their mom, but I am molding, and shaping my children's character... and that my friend, is a HUGE, beautiful, rewarding responsibility.

Who's Masterpiece?

John Wooden, was one of the most finest coaches to tread on a basketball court. His philosophy was the backbone of his UCLA team, which earned him 10 NCAA championships. I was reminded of his character by my beloved husband as we sat and conversed over breakfast. My husband shared one point from Wooden's father's "creed list"--

Make each day your masterpiece.

My husband shared his lovely thoughts and mine lingered, but I didn't say much. Throughout the rest of the day that quote stuck with me. As I write here today, I could only think of God's ultimate masterpiece--his Son. Christ the God-man. There is much to look at in order to see God's wonderful masterpiece. Humans, for instant, are amazing creatures. John Piper reminded me of how awesome humans are. I remember being in my biology classes, as an undergrad, learning about the human body, and all of the different processes it undergoes, and I would be astonished at the creation of God. I haven't thought much about such things, and I was reminded by God through Wooden's father.

As I strive to make each day a masterpiece, I was struck by the fact, that I have to see more of Christ to do that. I will strive to make Christ my masterpiece, although I will fail, but he is the goal of all my days, by his grace. So as you, and I carry on throughout the day, striving to make it purposeful, lets strive to see more of who Christ is and what we are not, in order to make it infinitely purposeful.