Happy Pumpkins...

Making fun memories at the pumkin patch:o))...

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin... God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.... He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff... including the seeds of doubt..., hate..., greed...., etc.... Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see..... Happy Fall!

A Friends Story...

Every day we are aware that God walks with us and has a plan for our lives; whether it is a major life changing decision or simply giving us a sign that can answer days or years of wondering why something was or was not. In our busy lives and multitasking of priorities, we often do not ponder the significance of small events or the impact even the simplest of actions that might be exactly what someone else needs to help them out of a problem or bad situation. God relies on us all to be his helpers and we never know when God is going to put us in the path of someone needing even the simplest of things.

I was recently reminded of this during a trip to a city located about an hour away from home for a couple of High School Soccer games. After watching the two games and driving to a nearby restaurant for a family dinner we decided to take in a little shopping at a store close to the restaurant. As we were preparing to checkout, I decided to wait outside for some fresh air and enjoy the last moments of daylight. My daughters decided to join me and as we exited the store, I saw a young man approach riding a bicycle with a rather large box on his handlebars. He was motioning with a hand gesture for me to come over to him. His hair windblown from riding and torn jeans somewhat startled the girls and they ran back inside the store. After this long and tiring day, my first though was "now what" but something "told" me to go over to him. As I was approaching he stopped his bike and started to fumble in his pocket for his cellphone and started typing on the keyboard. After finishing, he turned the phone so I could read... His message was simple and clear "I'm deaf and I'm lost. I need to get back to RIT, Can you help?" He suddenly had my full and undivided attention, except there was one problem: I don't know my way around this city. As I thought about it, it occurred to me that my fairly new smart-phone contained all the answers to help him. I was able to pull up a map, show him where we were standing, where he needed to go, and how to get there. Fortunately because of the phone and his ability to lip read, I was able to direct this young man to where he need to get.

As he drove off and I walked to my van, my thoughts were with this young man. How many people did he ask who were too busy to help him? What would have happened to him if I didn't help? Why didn't others help him? God obviously put he and I on a path to meet at that very instant of time and the REASON was for me to assist this young man. We all receive God's calling to help many times, do we listen? Do we even realize or see that we are asked to assist someone else? Even the smallest event happens for a reason.....

Our Guatemalan Friends...

We went to visit Maritza and her family ...Maritzas brother and sister-in-law had a new baby boy...Gabi , Bella, Teya and Neyvada enjoyed their visit with them.. They are like family to us and wish them the best...

Quote from Pastor Les

Yes, I need God’s mercy every day. It is the compassion of God that keeps me going in life when things go awry......

Feliz Cupleanos Gabriela!!

Happy 7th Birthday Gabi !!

Gabi came forever home on Christmas Day... in a blink of an eye , this spunky little 14 month old that came forever home from an orphanage crib to her olive green bedroom and full of smiles is now a spunky 7 year old whose smile is endless and creates one where ever she goes...i have been given such a joy in watching each precious phase she goes through and cherish that she is still a mommy's girl who still loves to listen to a book and can now read to me, who loves to cuddle and is one to give the cuddle just because or when i am the one not feeling well, who still needs a hug when she gets a boo boo, who still loves her back rubbed to fall asleep.. Gabi is a caring big sister at the end of the day and when her sisters need her most. Gabi is in 1st grade , has many friends and doing great . Gabi is a high green belt in martial arts karate. Gabi shared her birthday with her sisters and friends at the ice rink ice skating and everyone had a great time...The only thing Gabi missed was having her grandparents (Ga and Papa ) at her party but spoke to them on the phone and shared her love and how much she misses them and sent an Xxoo back and then some! .. birthday kisses and hugs on the phone to them....long distance is hard when it comes to family celebrations....Gabi and her sisters miss their ga and papa very much .

I knew in my heart the day in January when i was sent the picture of this precious baby of 3 months old , i was looking at my daughter for the very first time and fell in love...that was the day God spoke to my heart and this family began.... Gabi you truly are a blessing and we love you....Happy 7th Birthday !!

Homeless in America....

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." Matthew 25:35

A Smile...

Always remember to be happy... because you never know who's falling in love with your smile.... ~

Author Unknown..

( Jose Andres and Marilu)