And So It Goes

We are now on the side of unemployment - or will be soon. American Airlines is pulling out some of the American Eagle hubs and San Luis Obispo is one of those hubs where my husband, Dan, works. We could be mad, we could be scared of what's going to happen now, we could be discouraged. But God has always been there for us, supplying all our needs, putting us in the place He would have us be for "such a time as this."

When Dan graduated from Mt. San Antonio College, all I could think about was, "we're going home to SLO." I didn't want to hear about a possible position in Montana where his friend lived and had a job opening if he wanted it. I just wanted to hear that he would take the job at the airport in SLO if he was offered THAT one. I fought this for awhile until I realized I was fighting against what God wanted for us. I finally gave it up to Him and when we got that phone call, and Dan said we were going to move to Montana, I said that was fine. Dan couldn't believe it, but was happy that I was willing to move. Montana was a three year stint and it was the best time. We made friends that we will have forever, even though we don't keep in touch too much. We saw a few of them last year at an anniversary celebration at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch where I worked for 2 years. Several of us only worked there for a couple of years, but it was such a huge part of our lives because we worked with youths who were at-risk, disciplinary problems, and just having rough times in their lives. I saw a couple of the kids, who are now adults in their 30s and couldn't believe it. I didn't think I would see ex-students that I would know, but John came with his wife and two kids and he remembered drawing a picture for me when I worked in the Assessment Center where he and the other kids came to see their therapists. I showed him that picture - he couldn't believe that I still had it. It was a great time of catching up with old friends and students.

So...with that all said, at this time in our lives, I KNOW, without a doubt, that God has something for us, whether it be here or somewhere else. I can hear my pastor's voice in my head now - "I hate to say good-bye". So do I. I hope we can find something that will keep us here in SLO where I grew up. But, if God would have us move out of the area, I pray that we would be willing, ready and able and that we would make the most of that time for His glory.

My All In All

Another one of my poems from the past.















He told me He loves me
And He showed me by dying on the cross
He told me He loves me
And He said that I will never suffer loss.

He told me that I was a sinner
He said that I would surely die
But then He said, "Child, I love you
And I want you to live with me on High."

He showed me the way to a new life
A life full of joy and of peace
He promised me things would not be perfect
But He would always be there - my pain He would ease.

He has always kept His promise
To be with me when things would go wrong
And when my life was going wonderfully
His love was there just as strong.

He never backs away from His children
His arms are open wide for them all
All we need to do is come to Him
"Come be with Me" is His call.

If you don't know who you can turn to
Jesus is waiting for you
He doesn't look at race, creed or color
He loves you because you are you.

God is so Good

This past Sunday, Mother's Day, we had child dedication at our church. What an appropriate day to dedicate children to the Lord. And we will do the same thing on Father's Day. I was there for the 9:30 service and was so blessed by the families who were having their children dedicated. I couldn't stay for the 11:00 service, though I try to go to all services just to share in the joy of this time. But I knew that the third service was going to be extra special - all three of the children being dedicated were all adopted - the adoptions became official, one just two weeks ago. Being adopted myself some 53 years ago, I really wanted to share in that time, but had to leave. Well, since I have access to videos, I decided to take it home and watch that part of the service. What a special time it was and what a blessing to have the parents these three children have...parents who love kids and were willing to take that step to add more kids to their lives.

I love how God orchestrates our lives even before we are even a thought in our parents' minds. I was born in Guatemala, placed in an orphanage and adopted by two people who "just happened" to live in El Salvador. My adoptive father was in the Army and he had been transfered to El Salvador. They wanted to adopt a child, but at that time, El Salvador had a law that wouldn't allow the taking of an adopted child from his native land. So they went to Guatemala to find me. A friend told them about a child who was available. She didn't say anything to them as to who it was when they came to the orphanage, but when I grabbed hold of my future mom's finger, she knew I was the one. God knew I was the one before they even moved to El Salvador. He knew I was the one, before "Aunt" Rita told them. I became a member of their family in four months. We moved back to the US and I became a citizen a couple of weeks before I turned 4. And when I was 16, I became a citizen of Heaven and a child of God. You could say I was THRICE adopted.

Being adopted, I can understand being adopted by God, by a Father who loves me unconditionally as if I was born into his family. I was never treated like I was just visiting this family until I moved on...like I was just renting a room till I graduated from school. I was their child with all the privileges and rights of being their child. They taught me, disciplined me, encouraged me and loved me for who I was and am.

At the service they mentioned the need for foster parents; there are currently about 360 young people in foster care, some needing permanent homes, just here in the San Luis Obispo area. If anyone is interested in become a foster parent, you can contact Gina Singrich, a Foster Care Coordinator, at 805.781.1705 or 805.781.1776. What better gift to give to a child than to take them into your home as your own.

Encourage One Another

Encourage one another
Never cease to care
Call upon each other
Our burdens we can share
Understanding
Reaching out
Available to pray
Giving of your time to others
Evens the path along the way
Meeting needs of others
Encourages the heart
Not just in bad times, but all the good
Take time to do your part.

I hope that I am there for people when good things happen and bad things happen. I want to be your cheerleader and I want to be your comforter as needed.

As I write this, I am thinking about a friend of mine who's husband just passed away yesterday. Yes, he is with the Lord now and that is fantastic. HE IS HOME!

It is also shocking and sad and I wish I could be with my friend right now, even if it's just to sit and hold her. I want to be there to help her. I want to be there to pray with her. I hope there is someone with her on the flight she is on who is able to comfort her in this moment. But since I can't be with her physically, I know my Lord and God is with her and He is holding her and I hope she can feel His loving arms around her - letting her know that He knows how she feels. She must have a lot on her mind - missing him, realizing there's a business to keep running, her health isn't the best, and a wedding to keep preparing for.

I want to be with her daughters who have been a big part of my life and my own daughters' lives. I wish I could hold their hands and let them know they will all be okay. God is with them, too. There is a plan in all this and we just can't see it right now. But I know God loves them and He will use this time in their lives to further His kingdom and grow them.

"God, please be with Debby, Brie and Erin and the rest of their family and friends. I pray that there will be someone waiting for Deb at the airport. I pray her girls are being comforted even now by friends and family. I ask that if there is anything I can do, You will show me and guide me. Please love my friend and give her peace and comfort at this time. Hold her so close that she can feel it and feel Your love cover her at this time - and the same with Brie and Erin. Thank you for them and for their dad, Peter. Thank you that He is home with You and we will see him again."

God Doesn't Have Babysitters

I was wearing the Phil Joel shirt that says "God is watching over you...and if you think He'll ever leave you, you better think again." In a devotion I was reading at the time, it said, "The Lord Himself watches over you." Psalm 121:5

HIMSELF...not His appointee...not a babysitter. He Himself watches over each one of us. No matter where we are or what we are doing. It's comforting to know He walks with us everywhere we go.

HE HIMSELF:
Holds your hand
Comforts you
Lifts you up
Walks with you
Disciplines you
Does everything with you and for you.