Birthday Blessings

'Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!' (2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV)

I was upstairs at my computer this morning, deep in my thoughts when I heard something strange downstairs. Chuck sat at his computer preparing a lesson in Spanish. "What's that noise?" "I guess it's Juan," he answered.

Juan called from downstairs and we told him to come upstairs. No one came. I heard whispering and called again. Then the Rumi Rancho staff  jumped out from the stairway to surprise me––shouting Happy Birthday.

Juan, Amelia, Pablo and Nathaly and the kids, surprised me with a cake, gifts, and their presence on my birthday. I had calls and emails, I was blessed by all.

It's a wonderful thing to know you are loved. Best of all, I know God loves me and gave me the best gift of all..."but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord." (Romans 6:23 KJV)

Happy Horse

Rocky didn't know it, but he was about to lose his wonderful home in the mountains of Bolivia. We were looking for a pony for our ministry with kids. God brought us together, and God spared Rocky from whatever happens to a Bolivian horse who isn't wanted anymore.

I'm so thankful we found a horse who could have been lost forever. He's brought smiles to faces of many kids. There is something tranquilizing about the beauty of a horse––petting him, smelling his scent, and feeling his brisk mane. And oh, those snorts, so calming to the soul.

When I am so busy I think I can't do one more thing––I do one more thing. I take a walk, see Rocky, and my soul rejoices. God's beautiful creation reminds me of His love and power. His love, because He thought to create a beautiful animal to give us pleasure––He thought of us. His power because He speaks and creates life––His power to do anything.

Rocky doesn't have to worry about his next meal, if he has water, or if he has a warm coat to wear in the winter. We take care of him, he has a wonderful life free of worry and stress. By the way, he knows it.

When I'm so busy and I find a rope, I go looking for my horse––he's not lost, he's just waiting for me to come find him. He misses me when I am too busy for him.

God misses us when we are too busy to spend time with Him. He sends us a rope to remind us to look for Him. When God sends you a rope, go look for Him––He's waiting. He's never too busy for you.

When I find a rope, I go look for my lonely (not lost) horse
––and there I find God waiting!

Deuteronomy 4:29 "But from there you will seek the Lord your God, 

you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul."

Big Kids and Old Kids

 And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; 

I will make him a helper comparable to him." Genesis 2:18

Monday nights here in Rumi Rancho are nights of laughs, lessons and love with our "Big Kids". Our ministry is dedicated to kids, teaching practical skills and Bible to underprivileged kids in the rural area where we live. But at what age do we stop teaching those who need Christ and help for their daily lives? Our vision is to never stop teaching those who need the Savior––no matter what the age of the "kids". Our age limit is birth to death.

God burdened us for a group of young couples here in the area. These young marrieds grew up with us. Most of them were in our computer classes and our youth group here in the church. The girls, now young ladies, were in my baking classes. As time marched on they married, had babies, and grew away from church and us.

In recent years, we have seen divorce rates begin to go up in Bolivia. They are not at 50% as in other parts of the world, but the trend is beginning here too. We know the time is now to begin teaching and helping these couples, before they reach a point of no return in their marriage. They are still kids to us!

It is never too late to save a marriage. We know all things are possible with God. Some of these couples are already working on problems and recommitting their lives to the Lord. Others are close to accepting Christ as Savior.

They are our "Big Kids" now, and we are the "Old Kids" teaching them. But we are all God's Kids, daily needing His help to have a marriage that will glorify Him. It isn't easy, but it is possible! For those of us blessed to have a spouse, let's work at our marriage every day, so we can grow old together, and cuddle under a quilt with each other, not alone.

 "And now abideth faith, hope and love, these three;

 but the greatest of these is love." First Corinthians 13:13

Holding Up Our Hands

"But Moses hands were heavy;" Exodus 17:12a

If you've called our office, sent a check, or inquired about our well-being, you've been helped by our treasure/bookkeeper, or talked to our secretary. They are behind the scenes, but out in front for God.

So who are these dear saints? Jim is my brother––aka the brother in That's My Sister book, and Sharon is his lovely wife. Someday, I'll have to write the book––That's My Brother: who is blessed with a super wife. Often the people behind the scenes think their part in the ministry is minimal. I want to squash that myth––they are vital.

"And Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side;" Exodus 17:12c
If it weren't for those holding up our hands, there wouldn't be a ministry here. How much more vital could you get! Jim and Sharon wouldn't be needed if it weren't for all those who pray and give to keep our hands held up in Bolivia. So many acts of kindness and sacrifice help to hold us up.

"and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." Exodus 17:12d
Because of all the Aarons and Hurs on our sides, our hands are steady daily until the sun goes down––and even later most days:). We know they are with us until the sun goes down permanently in our earthly bodies; and we will be with them forever in heaven someday, where the Son will shine through eternity.

Thank you Jim and Sharon, and all of our Aarons and Hurs! God is using you to add to the Kingdom.

Penelope (Lopia) and Rylee's parents, our nephew Jay and his wife, Bonnie

What a beautiful family! We love showing off our family in the Sunshine State! We can tell from the pictures Pappap Jim and Grammy Sharon enjoyed their visit.