I just wanted to say Thank You. The body of Christ has been amazing. As most of you know, we are going through the fire, but know our eyes are fixed on Jesus. God has a plan and we are sticking with HIM. Your OVERWHELMING support has been a true blessing to our family. Each one of our friends has represended the hands and feet of Jesus well. We are not ashamed of standing for what we believe and WILL NOT take our hands off the plow. We will begin fasting and praying for an answer to what God has in store next.

One of Buck's mentors gave us this scripture to hang on to at this time:
Isaiah 50:6-9

6 I offered my back to those who beat me
and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face
from mockery and spitting.
7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
I will not be disgraced.
Therefore, I have set my face like a stone,
determined to do his will.
And I know that I will not be put to shame.
8 He who gives me justice is near.
Who will dare to bring charges against me now?
Where are my accusers?
Let them appear!
9 See, the Sovereign Lord is on my side!
Who will declare me guilty?
All my enemies will be destroyed
like old clothes that have been eaten by moths!
We know that the Lord is on our side! Amen

I think this young lady has it right:

I know, I know... It's been a while since my last post. Life as usual has had me away from my computer. Ya know, the Devil is good at attacking me with "busyness" to try and keep me from the thing of God. SO, here's the deal I have been working full time, my Momma has been having MAJOR health issues and I have been wallowing in my own self pity... Haha ok maybe not self pity--but I have been pretty exhausted. I have tryed to stay up with the Youth Group... which I know I have let down the last couple of weeks--BUT then they come around and do something to reset my priorities (which is serving Jesus by serving them) See, there are some changes happening at youth that has them all up in arms... and I have been so busy with my life and "priorities" that I haven't realized how tough things have been for them. They left us full of post it notes a couple of nights ago ... and a ransom note that well (dont tell them) but makes Buck and I feel pretty special... See they trust us and love us and asked us "Not to leave them"--which we never were... BUT MAN, I LOVES those kids--young adults, and I will NOT leave them... No matter what God has in store for their future--I AM IN IT RIGHT NOW and having a blast every step of the way!! Lord Please allow me the strength and supernatural energy to continue to serve them no matter what! Philippians 4:13 "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Gen. 2:18, 21-24


The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him'...and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh.
Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man.' For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. (NIV)



Today is our 10 year anniversary. As I reflect on the past 10 years its amazing to me how much more in love we are today than the day we exchanged vows. Don't get me wrong we were very much in love on our wedding day, however, life and its ups and downs has brought us even closer together.

I can honestly say that Buck is my sole mate, my God mate, the air I breath. Next to God--I love nothing more. Even on our lowest days I thank God that he created him for me. So today I profess my LOVE to you again... You are my world. Thank you for the last 10 years. I can't wait til the day we are sitting on the front porch in our 80's holding hands and watching the cars pass by on the street just talking about "the good 'ol days..." And even if you still have that sarcastic humor that gets you in trouble from time to time... Our life will be one awesome conversation!

I LOVE YOU!

Hebrews 11:1

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we can not see."

Lord you have given us so many examples of your faithful people: Abraham walked on faith when he took Isaac to your altar to be sacrificed; Sarah had faith that in her barren older years she would conceive a child; Abel walked with faith as he brought you the better offering than Cain; Moses walked in faith that he would lead the Israelites to the promise land. Buck and Esther MUST WALK ON FAITH of our God given calling. That we would know that you would deliver us to our promise land, that you would birth the dream that is conceived inside our hearts, that you would not allow us to actually sacrifice our family at your altar but rather be pleased that we would bring you our best offering we have to give you--our lives fully committed to your will. Jesus we love you. We know our calling and stand on firm ground--we will not take the easy road--but with you the road WILL be fruitful. As long as we keep our blessed hearts and motives PURE--to bring the lost and hurting to you. We will succeed; not due to us but rather YOU through us. In Jesus Name Amen

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks in the mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.

It's amazing to me that God my father, has plucked me out of my own destruction and into a life of mercy, joy and contentment. That he loved me so much, that he saved me and allowed me to serve him. I love how when we follow his law--instead of feeling like we are bound by rules that we are free. Here lately, my compassion has grown so much that my heart is breaking for this world. All of the pain, all the suffering, all of the human hurt just breaks my heart. I cry for those on the streets addicted to drugs, for those women using their bodies to live, for those behind the beautiful homes and nice cars who are broken inside, for marriages that are failing... But what if we could reach out and one by one heal the hurting, mend the marraiges, lift up the falling, and restore our Father's kingdom? What if we did follow his word--and went out and shared the good news of his salvation? What if instead of looking at whats best for "me" we truely lived to serve others? What if it didn't matter if we got the credit or not? What if we didnt look at our own interest but those of Jesus Christ? I believe the world would be different...

Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and my crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord!

Esther

Ok, so being youth leader doesn't come without its trials... This is what we woke up too yesterday morning. Good thing we have been saved for quite a while or two young ladies would be in VERY big trouble right now. Haha actually they came back and cleaned it up and even baked us brownies to ask for forgivness... and well since I bet my sin looks a hundred times worse to God and he forgave me. I forgive my girls too.

Another Awesome Week Serving the Lord...

Well, as many of you already know--Buck went to Florida for another Summer Camp he had the privilege to work with... While he was away I decided to go with our Youth to build a house in Mexico. Wow What an awesome experience, even though I wasn't able to stay the entire week (I had to get back to work) I was able to spend several days with them. It was the most physically intense ministry I have ever experienced... BUT I think the Kingdom impact it had, not only on the family we blessed but the kids themselves, was even more intense... Things got tough (we had to pour the concrete for the foundation with buckets and wheelbarrows)but when we got to sit down and tell the stories of the impact it had on their lives, as well as our own, it was truly amazing. We changed a family's life forever... and really when that family looks back they wont remember our names just Jesus. Jesus though the sweat, blood, and tears of some teenagers that sacrificed a week of their summer to serve HIM. How cool is that?

1 Peter 4:1-2 "So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin."

I was reading a blog of a friend of ours and the question on his mind was this: Are you living a life worth telling stories about? Without a doubt I would say these awesome teenagers I get to serve could answer that question without hesitation... But what about the rest of us?

As I am sitting here writing this, tears are streaming down my face… I just am so overjoyed at the absolutely awesome power of GOD… We have really been strengthening our walk—of course with some small bumps along the way… But I have been crying out to GOD for him to show me his plan for our lives. Sometimes I think I have our plan all figured out—but then God does some amazing things that just open my eyes to HIS perspective…

Buck and I have been hanging out with the youth A LOT lately and I have seen transformations that could only come with the strength of GOD. We have seen many of them sober up, quit jobs with bad influences, break up with boyfriend to spend more time to serve, etc… Amazing!! At the average age of 16 or so, that they would make such strong commitments… I count it a blessing that we are here to see these transformations. I am overwhelmed with so much love for teenagers I met less that a year ago. I look at them through GOD’s eyes and see their hurts, frustrations, and challenges… But even more awesome seeing they joys, their success, and their love of Jesus… I am excited to see each and every one of them reach their full GOD given potential

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

SUBMERGE 07 was off the hook!

God showed up BIG time in Florida. Over 1000 kids came out from churches all over the country to meet up with God and have a blast at the beach. I am still on a holy ghost high! It was amazing to see the transformations that took place in a 3 day period. So many decisions to serve Christ, 100's of kids baptised in the ocean... WOW! Much love to our home church St Marks UMC from El Paso--you guys rock. Buck and I are so humbled to serve with you. I am so excited to continue to see the work that God is going to do through you here in El Paso.

Love you all!!!

Hey all,

Sorry for the time in between posts! We have been running like crazy the last couple of weeks... Well months really... Buck recently helped support a celebrity golf tournment where he passed out bottled water and bibles to many pro-athletes. Totally cool--he said everyone took one except 2 men. We have been supporting the youth minstry quite a bit recently--in fact I have taken on a more constant role with the senior high kids. I LOVE it! I never thought I would say that but we even went as far as to help host a sleep over/kidnap with over 30 kids (seperated by gender of course!) We didnt sleep for over 24 hours--filled with pranks, fun, and most importantly bible study.
I will have to say--the girls--under my guidance out did the boys in each and every prank we did! Haha... We even bought cookies covered them in shaving cream, food coloring and sprinkles and fed them to the guys! Life has been a blast--and Jesus has been in the center of it--whoever said Christians are suppose to be boring or subdude never met the wonderful group of men and woman we have the privaledge to serve with... Let the good times and kingdom building roll!

My little Elise graduated today. It seems like just yesterday I held her in my arms for the first time--scared I wasn't holding her right. It feels like it was just last night that I was holding her at 3:00 o'clock in the morning giving her a night time bottle in awe that God had given us such a precious being care after. I can remember her first word (OK so it was our dog's name!) but we were so excited that she communicated with us. I know, its just kindergarten, but I am so proud of her. She has blossomed so much and learned not only how to read books and add and subtract, but she has learned to be patient, tolerant of others, and self control and most of all her savior Jesus Christ. I can't thank her teacher Mrs. Wise enough... Congratulations my little princess! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you

Isaiah had is first birthday a couple of weeks ago. I am so blessed with an incredible family. Although we have had some struggles lately, we have an incredibly rich family life. Esther and I have sown a lot of seed, in fertile ground, over the last four years. Our journey being sold out to God has been an amazing ride! We keep looking to the horizon for a harvest that is about to come while enjoying the many blessings we have in our life. With God you still will have pain in this fallen world, but our joy exists in the middle of it. Other than time with the family, nothing is better than laying your head on your pillow and going to sleep with a clean conscience. Not perfect, just washed clean with the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Esther and I passionately love God and are sold out to Jesus. Because we suffer and die with Jesus, we also rise with him to life eternal! An abundant life, life that has meaning, life not so focused on ourselves anymore. The more we serve others, the more God brings back to us. We stepped toward our destiny when we went into full-time ministry, we now boldly step into our time of harvest. John 4: 35-36 “ Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest?’ I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life.” May the harvest overtake the reaper.—Fully committed to serve, Buck

It is amazing to me that God has a word for us in every circumstance. Here within the last week, the enemey has really been attacking our family. Although I find no point in rehashing all the details I will just say that he has come at us at every angle possible. HOWEVER, God is good! After talking with our pastor, mentor and dear friend Rev Felicia Hopkin's she sent me to a powerful passage in scripture that really is what I am hanging on to in this time of trial.
Ephesians 6:10-16 says:
Finally my bretheren, be strong in the Lord and in the power if HIS might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of rightousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

So, I will stand! I will stand with faith and peace--that although our family is under attack the Lord gives us the weapons of truth and rightousness. I will stand firm in his word and his promises of redemption... because as for me and my house--WE WILL SERVE THE LORD!

1 Thessalonians 2:8 “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well…”



This past week was a “mountaintop” experience for me. I traveled to Panama to do a missions trip with the youth of our church. We did tons of ministry in the streets of Panama. We led people to Christ as we shared the gospel through a variety of means. One of the highlights of the trip was spending 3 days deep in the jungle with an indigenous tribe, the Embara. We slept in their huts, ate together, and did worship services and bible studies 3-5 times each day.



When we pulled up to the village by boat, which was 3 hours away from civilization, we were greeted by the villagers. Everyone was warm and welcoming. Half of the tribe was Christian and the other half went to the local witchdoctor. We shared the gospel through our testimonies, bible lessons, and gospel bracelets. We showed them how to share the gospel with others and went deeper into the jungle and shared the gospel with the next village.



Our mantra was, “We are going as missionaries and not as tourists”. We definitely got a feel for what being a missionary is like! Three of the kids felt a call to missions and one is going back to Panama this summer to serve at the YWAM base.



The most important thing is that people came to Christ and the youth at the church learned what is was like to be the hands and feet of Christ in what seemed like another world. God is moving so greatly and is gracious enough to invite us to participate with Him!


Buck

We went to Grandbubby's house for Shabbat Dinner last night. We have started a new tradition with the kids to go visit my grandmother and have dinner with her on Friday nights. Buck and I think it is so important for them to understand my Jewish roots. As many of you are well aware, both my grandparents lived though the nightmare of Hitler first hand. Both are survivors of the Holocust and Dachau(one of the concentration camps.) Although we are rasing our children as Christians--me being Jewish never goes away. I am now a completed Jew. I think it is so special that my children are getting to know grandbubby--they will look back on this time and realize just how special this time was with such a couragous woman.

Ok... I know I have slacked on the posts here lately--so I am going to try and catch up. We took the girls skiing 2 weeks ago, and although I have no actual action shots here is one with Corey. He and his family invited us to their time share and we had a great time.

Bring the Rain:





The last couple of weeks have been very dificult. We have found out that my mother has a serious heart condition. My father is being tested for a possible reoccurance of cancer--and the night before last, Buck went to the hospital with chest pains... I was feeling pretty overwhelmed. As I watched the ambulance drive away with Buck I turned to walk back into the house and I cryed out to God! "WHERE ARE YOU??" I got someone to come watch the kids--and at 3:00 A.M. I got into Buck's truck and drove to the hospital. I was praying out loud as I drove, and finally I turned up the radio--Buck had a Mercy Me CD in, and appropriatly enough the song "Bring the Rain" was playing. As the lyrics played it hit me. What I am going through is hard--but not harder than what Jesus went through on the cross... and no matter what happens we have salvation, but biggger than that we have God--He is our shelter from the storm. Here I am faced with a chance to either hang on to my faith or turn my back on God. Of Course I choose to rest in his arms--that's part of Jesus's gift---PEACE, peace through the storm. Buck is home now and it looks like we just had a little scare. He is going to be ok. Praise God. I will continue to pray for healing for my parents--but through it all--I will draw closer to him.




I am Yours regardless of
The clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
MERCY ME

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow... The weather around here has been a little off the wall. We were expected to get a major snow storm this last Friday. The city practically shut down to brace for the storm. Schools were cancelled, city offices were closed, and all social, civic, and sporting events were posponed--and guess what... All that happened was rain (a light rain all day). Isn't that always the case? I think that is how most of us tend to live our everyday lives. Someone once told me that FEAR stood for: False Evindence Appearing Real. We tend to worry so much about things we think are going to happen that we make it much worse in our minds than what the outcome usually is. Now don't get me wrong preparation is not a bad thing, I think the city made a statement that they were using "an overabundance of caution" to make sure their citizens stayed safe--caution is good, but faith is much greater. So as someone who comes from a long line of stressed out souls~I am working on it, or I should say God is working on me. After all the hype--two days later without much notice we did finally get some snow. The girls were so excited that we had to let them run outside in their pj's and jackets to at least say they made a snow ball. We decided to take a day and go skiing. It was wonderful up at the ski resort! Buck and I made a "date" of it.

Sometimes Blessings don’t look like blessings to us! Back in December I had been praying about our finances, our future and the kids. We have been pretty tight on money for a while. I had tossed the idea around about getting a job, but a flood of emotions and doubts kept creeping into my mind. So after praying one night about our financial situation—I got a call from my previous employer… asking if I knew anyone looking for a job—Now this could NOT be God’s way of answering prayer… I mean this was a “real” job back in the corporate world… So, I told them no and that I would call if I heard of anyone. Long story short, I took a long shot and called back and asked if they would work with someone looking part time. To my amazement they said yes… I interviewed, set up my guidelines and they offered me the job. The nagging doubt crept in again, and I said no. God wouldn’t want me to put Isaiah in day care would he? He wouldn’t want me not in full time ministry, would he? I dismissed the offer as me manipulating the situation. Several weeks past and the financial crunch was taking a toll. Again, I got on my knee’s one night and prayed: “God if you can hear me why aren’t you fixing our financial situation??” The VERY next day I got another call from my old employer. They asked why I didn’t take the job. They reoffered the position again (a little more salary this time) and it hit me—ARE YOU GOING TO IGNORE THE BLESSING THAT GOD IS TRYING TO GIVE YOU??? It didn’t look like the blessing I expected, it wasn’t packaged the way I thought God’s blessings would be packaged, but sometimes things that don’t look right in the natural are God’s way of asking “Do you trust me?” So needless to say I started work this week. I will only be working part time, but it will be an adjustment for the family. Pray that we stay in the GOD ZONE at all times. Also, think about a prayer that you have been waiting for God to answer… Look around he may be trying to answer it

Whew! The holidays flew by so fast! The day after Christmas we drove to San Antonio to visit Buck's family. We had a wonderful time. We visited the family homestead in Cuero, Texas. This is where Buck's parents are relocating. The land has been in the family for over 140 years! Although I am a city girl, there is something about living on land that your ancestors once lived that is kinda cool. We spent New Years with some friends on the River Walk. We had a wonderful (but small -- no wonder the French are not fat!) French dinner, and then rode through downtown San Antonio on a horse and carriage and watched fireworks...