The Altar

Say, "YES!"...

2011-12-26T03:09:00.000-08:00

Hello, All... I have been meaning to come back to write a holiday post for many days now. While mine isn't quite ready for publishing or sharing, I did recieve a post from the blog of a friend of mine that has been sitting in my heart and stewing with joy and hope for the season. My mind and heart have been chewing her words of wisdom and digesting the truth of it, and even my husband said it was a very "nice" post. Simple words, but meaningful from a man who is not into blogs or blog posts.

Here is the post that Laura wrote for her sister's blog, Gitzengirl: Choose Joy. As I have mentioned before, Sara (AKA Gitzengirl) went to be with Jesus this year, but, in spite of that, it seems that her words and message are still carrying on and over into our hearts.

I miss you, Sara, but am so grateful that there is record of what God worked into your heart while you were still with us.

Blessings to the family of Sara during this Christmas season, and happy and healthy New Year to you all. May God "bless you... keep you... make His face shine upon you... be gracious to you... and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)

In Laura's and Sara's Words, read below. Please click the link and BE BLESSED!!!

Thanks for saying "yes," Sara!

Where I Have Been Dispersing My Time...

2011-12-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

If you would like to know some of what I have been up to, please go to my other blogs.

http://daysease.blogspot.com/ shows my creative ventures...

http://tonguetriedbilinguist.blogspot.com/ shows some news on what festivals are like around holidays...

Enjoy! And if you like the blogs, consider "following me" to keep up with my posts(here or the other blogs, or subscribe through email. See individual blog for applicable buttons.) ... or leave a comment! Would love to see you around more! Blessings and happy holidays!! Thanks for stopping by!

Celita

The Wonder Of Time And Simplicity...

2011-12-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here in wonder. First, I have a few moments to write on the blog! Wow! But an even bigger "wow" is how fast this year has passed me by. I honestly feel that it has just begun, and, yet, here we are at the end. I have been dreading looking at the calendar as I prepare to do our family newsletter. I am not sure if I am ready to remember some of what has occurred, but I do know that God has been faithful through it all.

So, for this post, I thought I would remind you that along with the newsletter that I do a the end of this year (or should I say the beginning of next year?), I have also been adding a portion related to my "word of the year". Last year was my first year doing this, and I have found it to be a truly interesting way that God has allowed to build awarenes in my heart to what He has to teach me, and it has given me a different perspective on my trials. Before deciding on that perfect word, I waited for confirmation, and, so... the word for this year was, and still is for some days more, "SIMPLICITY".

I assure you that the word has not been my year. It has had a lot to do with the lessons I have learned, the value put to certain actions, the appreciation for certain people and their efforts to be a part of my life. I will go into further explanation as I think on it some more and stew on what God has been working in, through, and for me. I hope you will "stay tuned".

Blessings as you prepare for Jesus' birthday celebration. May even this time of prepping be a blessing and encouragement to your heart.

Sincerely,
Celita

"There can be no healing without Thanksgiving!"....

2011-11-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

"THERE CAN BE NO HEALING WITHOUT THANKSGIVING!!" .............................. One year ago... This happened... http://perilloparodies.blogspot.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-day-2010-and-our-medical.html ......................................AND this...................................... http://perilloparodies.blogspot.com/2010/12/december-1-2010-medical-soap-opera.html .......................................AND this...................................... http://perilloparodies.blogspot.com/2010/12/december-24-2010-medical-soap-opera.html .............................................................................................
And, I can report this: God helped me then, He is healing me daily even now (the scarring from the burns is miraculously shrinking down!), and while He answered a major request on Thanksgiving of last year, He has done the same this year. (!!!!)While it was not ideal, we had plumbers here today to finally install our heat in the house!! (Reminder, Italy does not celebrate Thanksgiving, so everyone works) We have been freezing over the last 2 weeks, and God chose today to answer our heart's cry!!! PRAISE THE LORD!! Just thought to share our, MY, joy!!! Praise Jesus With Me, won't you??? Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!!

A Grateful Heart... And all that comes with it... (long, but please DO read till the end)

2011-11-23T01:34:00.000-08:00

First, excuse the lack of images. Had to transfer all of my stuff to an external hard drive, and now... no images that are easily accessible. Have to hurry off, so I cannot add right now... Bear with me, PLEASE... :-)

"So often we dwell on the things that seem impossible rather than on the things that are possible. So often we are depressed by what remains to be done and forget to be thankful for all that has been done." ~Marian Wright Edelman

This week has not been easy. Challenges have mounted a bit stronger than normal (again), and I have not felt strong to battle against them. I have been dealing with feelings of abandonment, restlessness, melancholy, and bitterness regarding various situations, and an enormous sense of being overwhelmed. They are not pretty words to attach to one's life. They add weight and stress and cloud our perspective, MY perspective.

But in these last two days, I have had some lovely little refreshing moments to reflect, and I feel as if, at least in this moment, I am able to climb and trudge better than I have been. What relief!

This morning a friend dropped a cake by my door. Unexpected, very appreciated, God's reminder to my heart that I am not forgotten. Remember, "God works in myserious ways". I do believe He impressed on this dear friend's heart to do so, and He knew the exact and perfect timing to have her deliver it to me. While I have been battling for a postive attitude and to be grateful in all circumstances (not FOR), He had her preparing a cake. Huh. Wow, Lord. You are a wonder.

When I have felt that I was on my last straw, hanging by a thread, ready to just be lost in foggy-mindedness, He knew I hit my limit, and "provided a way out". He promised He would, you know. I am always surprised, but then, I wonder why I am always SO surprised that He keeps His promises. I should know better.

"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. But God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but with the temptation, will provide a way of escape." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (I heard a sermon once that stated that in this verse "temptations" could also be "trials")

Life is not perfect- it never is. I do my best to be as positive as I can be, to live "in the light", but there are moments, like now, when I have to be honest in my struggling and tell you... I need prayer. Darkeness threatens, and I then deal with doubt, fear, and the desire to just give up and give in. Life on both sides of the ocean, in both my family and my husband's, is not easy, includes lots of moments to hurt, grieve, weep, and begrudge. But... God is calling me, and us, to surrender it all to Him. ALL OF IT!! Not 10%, 50%, or 99.9%!! ALL of it.

In these days there HAVE been some good things,too!

A beautiful, little niece was born, and I pondered over the new, fresh life that God has brought to my brother and his family. I pondered the blank slate laying before her little life. There will be mistakes, hard times, so many things to learn, and lots of moments to be angry, cry, or laugh up a storm. But, there will also be this available to her: complete forgiveness possible because of Jesus' sacrifice of dying on the cross, the possiblity for a heart "white as snow" when she repents, and help because Jesus went to heaven but sent the Holy Spirit to help and teach us. That is so much!

And it all comes from our loving, heavenly Abba (Father) Papa!!! In the Gospel of James it says, "Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above."

This morning I learned about the death of friend of the family. While we are sad about his passing; we are relieved and overjoyed to know that all of the struggles of his life, his perseverance in loving God with all he had and all he could, have brought the sought-for result... to leave this world walking into the arms of Jesus.

And, then, I found these quotes which reminded me of some important things as well.

"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." ~Alphonse Karr

Then...

These statuses (is that correct?) on Facebook were just what I needed to be reminded of, and I hope they encourage you as well...

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"Stop recycling your thoughts - the ones that have tormented your mind longer than you can remember; ones that you have no idea of its origin. In so doing you might find clarity of direction. You are the only one who can stop the cycle."~ Portals of Wisdom 2010 - jmgoodson

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so thankful for the Word that it's alive and active!

"While we read the Word, it's message saturates our hearts, whether we are conscious of what is happening or not. The Word with all its mysterious power touches our lives and gives us it's power. Author unknown

But God has shown us these things through the Spirit.
The Spirit searches out all things, even the deep secrets of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10 NCV)
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Jesus put a library of wisdom into four words ‘Fear not, only believe’ (Mark 5,36). Worry is fear. ‘Fear has torment’ the Bible says. God doesn’t want you tormented. Nothing can happen that you and God can’t handle together. The proper way with worries is to bring them to God in prayer. ‘Casting all your care upon Him... for He cares for you’. Peter the apostle said that and he had cares enough, exiled because of enemies, persecuted and destined to die a martyr. Yet he said ‘we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory’. That’s the secret. REINHARD BONNKE
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from Everybody needs Jesus

Moses gave three commands as he faced the sea impasse; all seemed lost as the enemy breathed down their necks carrying the threat of death! “Fear not” for God is on your side; “stand still,” for you cannot win this battle in your own strength; “see the salvation of the Lord,” for you are His child. It is important that we "stand" still before we “go" forward. Unless we are standing by faith, we can never walk by faith. Moses obeyed God and God opened the sea! He will make a way where there seems to be no way! Go forward!! - Marc
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"Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny."
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There are moments of loneliness, moments of fear, moments of restlessness, moments of tears... And YOU, God, see it all. You love me through it all. How? I don't know. But, even on the cross You KNEW!!! These days are no suprise to You, and You are always there to lift me up, hold my hand, remind me of beauty or better days. You are my Best Friend, Jesus! Thank You!!

I ache for that heavenly realm, but it is not time. I have a mission, a purpose yet to fulfill. I am to live intentionally, making the most of each moment, loving strong, forgiving stronger. Helping, caring, hoping, smiling... even in impatience, restlessness, and wearyness, Lord, may You be blessed. Give me strength for every moment of my days, and fill my heart with grace to keep going in hope, faith, and love.

The Lord has been faithful in reminding me... it isn't all about me. His ways are bigger than my ways. His ways are perfect and are most always to get me growing and better. I am so grateful for the Lord's constancy. Without Him, I would be lost. Hallellujah!!

I just HAVE to say how grateful I am that I can call on the name of Jesus anytime, anyplace, as often as I need to... He is my Best Friend, faithful Counselor, and Abba Papa... Thank You, Jesus!

So, while we prepare to for our Thanksgiving celebration, I would like to publicly thank God for my husband, Anthony, my kids- A, G, L, M, and D; for this home He has completely and miraculously help us work through to have; for faithful friends and Jesus-family; for talents that somehow seem to draw us closer to the original Creator, for pets that remind us what it truly means to be loved unconditionally, for creation and all of the wonders that speak of God character and beauty; for phone calls, emails, and letters that reach across miles and oceans with the message of a hug; for the ability to see, hear, read, write, smell, touch, taste, speak, learn, and wonder!!! There is SO much for which to be thankful! The list is literally endless, and we could spend a lifetime and still not think of all of the complete-for-our-whole-life list of thank you's.

I am grateful for this: that God's mercy endures forever and His goodness into all eternity!

With that, here is a quote that my PA pastor's wife shared on Facebook. It is just right for how I feel.

"Thank You, dear God, For all You have given me, For all you have taken away from me, For all You have left me." -Author Unknown

Rejoice in the Lord, in the power of His might, that He is alive and working!!!! And, that He truly DOES love us so much!! For His countless blessings to us! And all that He does to put a smile on our faces!!! Think about it... Delve deep... Think HARD!!! Remember, and praise the Giver of all good things!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Changes, Trust, and Surrender...

2011-11-11T00:25:00.000-08:00

Mary Engelbreit has some cute make-and-takes and desktop wallpaper. See HERE...

I received this post from my friend, Julie (AKA Octamom), this morning, and I was struck by how well I recognized the feelings in what she shared. I was transported through various challenging times of change, and I was reminded; Reminded of HOW hard those times were...

Please, read THIS POST, and then scroll down to my own thoughts on what was shared...

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“Still changing, changing still”. Ouch… I feel the same way. I think often of the Sara Groves song “Painting Pictures of Egypt” when I start longing to go back to those old places and grieving over the changes. I dealt with these feelings so much over the first few years after we moved here to Italy. I ached for old things, forgetting the hurt and grief that did exist even in them. Funny how well we forget. Anyhow, I know that I still ache and grieve for “how things were” in relationships, location, etc… but I KNOW that the Lord is challenging me to really put more focus into where my citizenship REALLY is. Ouch. It is not easy having to refocus my desires and longings into something that is not currently tangible or seen. You know? But… the desire is growing more and more.

I have always loved the moon. There was something comforting as it would shine in my window when I was a kid. Kids would talk to imaginary friends, I would talk to the moon. Kind of like a friend that is ALWAYS there when it is supposed to be. Every night, even under clouds, still there. It is comforting to know that the SAME GOD who created the SAME MOON over the entire earth, is THERE to fill in our empty places and longings, to comfort, heal, encourage, lift up, and that we are the apple of His eye. That brings me so much comfort, as He has directed us so far from dreams I had, longings unfulfilled that sit suspended over our oceans of travel. Life will NEVER be the same, the way I thought it would be, how I hoped, but this I KNOW for sure… As long as I am in God’s plan for me and my family, we will be just fine. Not MY fine, His fine.

The changes were hard for me, have always been; but now my kids are acknowledging them… the what-could-have-been's, the never-were's, the why's, where's, and how's… I am glad that I can stand firm in knowing that God’s best is not always my best, His timing is not always my timing, His ways are not always my ways, but they are perfect. That is what I share with my kids, hard as it is sometimes.

Remember... Nothing on this earth lasts forever, no matter how we try to restore, reenact, revarnish, re-whatever... NOTHING! We must try to be less earthly minded and wrapped up in it all, lost in it all, and focus on what we are REALLY here for: Worshipping God, Going into all the world to share HIS truth, and occupying with things that will continue to glorify His name.

I fail often. I get sidetracked, distracted, self-centered, self-involved, etc... But... That means that I have to get back up again and work at it again and again and again. Building endurance to stay focused. Stand firm, dear one. God hears the heart of the humble. Ask Him, and He will give you strength, hope, peace. He will surprise you with things to encourage you along the way, like little scented petals scattered along your path, so as to woo you to Him. Let Him draw you to Him. That is where there is relief, healing, hope, and unconditional and whole love. Go, and be blessed in Jesus' name.

Chestnut Season and a link...

2011-10-09T09:37:00.001-07:00

Hi, just thought I would direct you one of my other blogs if you care to read about Chestnut Season... click HERE. Feel free to browse around other posts by scrolling to the end of the page and clicking "home". And if you would like to have posts more accessible, you can subscribe and have posts sent to your email, or you can just "follow me". Either option can be found in the right hand column.

Hope you are well. Happy Autumn!! Have a great day!!

Choose Joy (ESPECIALLY in the hard times)...

2011-09-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

Keith Goodson...www.goldenbrushintl.com

The days have been heavy. I miss her. Sara, Gitzengirl, went to be with Jesus on September 24th. (Check her blog for more information on that and details about what they have planned.)I keep expecting her blog posts to automatically show up in my inbox, but... the only ones that are coming in are the ones posted by her friend, Shannon, explaining funeral plans and the lovely things occuring surrounding Sara's homegoing.

My heart hurts. Funny that I should feel so weepy for someone that I have not met in person, but... that is how much of an influence she had. Her words have become a part of my heart. Her message of joy infectious even in her passing. I do not say it has been easy. I am saying that I really want to daily Choose Joy, and I work at it.

Please continue to keep Sara's family and loved ones in your prayers. If you have lost anyone, you know that this is the beginning of the healing journey. May God's grace sustain them, fill them with peace, and comfort their hearts. He is good, faithful, and never fails. :-)

In the midst of all of these feelings regarding Gitz's death, other challenges, new and heavy, have come about. I am just waiting and praying. I can do nothing but that, but... One thing I know: when I can do nothing, I can rest assured that God hears and answers prayer, and He CAN do something. That is oftentimes the most powerful place to be- On my knees.

So... I hope you are well. May God fill you with His hope and peace, and overflow your soul with faith to believe.

C

"Choose Joy" (even when it hurts)...

2011-09-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

I remember finding Sara's blog and being completely enchanted by her art words and phrases, not to mention her way with writing, so eloquent and straight-to-the-heart. I always hoped I would win one of her pieces of art, but, though I never did, I can say that I have been blessed over these last few, say 3 or 4, years to read her words and constantly be thought-provoked or encouraged or inspired or even pricked-and-prodded by something she shared, in word or image.

Sara, A.K.A Gitzengirl, did not coin the phrase "choose joy", but it became her motto and she has shared it with her readers whenever, wherever, however. Her insistance to its importance spurred us to at least hold the phrase close to our hearts, until, without realizing it, it became PART of our hearts.

You may be wondering why I am touting this dear sister and bloggy friend... Well, Sara has suffered with a debilitating chronic illness called Ankylosing Spondylitis since she was in her late 20's. You can read what that involves at this post of hers.

Why is it important to mention? Sara, who has chosen the word "praise" for her word of the year, has reached the end. She is currently peacefully waiting. She is in shut-down mode, and waiting to see and praise Jesus in person. For certain this is greatly affecting her family and friends. Even her readers and those just discovering her blog are deeply feeling this. She has become a part of our lives. No matter what anyone says, she is our friend and our sister. While we are so happy for her to be wholly at peace, to be wholly refreshed... we are sad for us. Noone can take Sara's place, for she made herself vulnerable so she could seep Jesus into our hearts every chance she could get. She shared about faith, faithfulness, dedication, persistence, and love through each of her challenges, each beautiful moment, even each sorrow. She shared with such light and hope that it seemed she would always be here, and perhaps we took that for granted. Only, Jesus has seen that she has fulfilled a tremendous purpose and is now calling her Home.

(Home. That is where Jesus is. Wow. I want to go… And, I want to stay. I know He has purpose for me still here. But… I am Homesick. I want to be with Jesus, my baby who went to be with him 6 years ago, and my grandmother who never got to meet my babies.)

Please, join with me to pray for dear Sara and her loved ones. This is a time of great joy and great sadness, and I am sure that they would welcome an extra measure of love and care. Intercession is an awesome and powerful way to do that. Ask the Lord to make a prayer clear to your heart, a perfect and effective expression that would be most beneficial and comforting. I will not fill in words for you, but... I do thank you. Thank you for caring enough to read this, and I hope that you will go to Sara's blog, Gitzengirl: Choose Joy often to browse around, read her words, and share her testimony of God's faithfulness to her life. That is what it is!

Here is my letter to Sara and her family posted here...

You know "choosing joy"... It is not always easy; but either is letting go of someone that has meant something special to my life. So, because when "I am weak, He is strong", because we "walk by faith and not by sight", because God has promised peace that passes all understanding, joy in sorrow, new mercies for every morning, and hope for each moment... well, I will Choose Joy. One of the things that blessed my heart about you, Sara, is how you would remind me constantly through your words that failing happens, but the point that really matters is getting back up and committing over and over and over and over and over again to "Choose Joy" even if we fail along the way, as many times as it takes to keep clinging to WHO really matters- Jesus. I am so grateful to call you my bloggy friend and sister in faith.

Thank you, you and your family, for being a part of my life. Sara, "Choose Joy" will always remind me of you, no matter what stores use it, too. :-) Your example and constant teaching through your life experience imprinted this phrase into our minds and our hearts. You don't even know how very much you have impacted me. Your love, devotion, and care for each other... and us... well, it has touched my heart for years, but... expecially now. How I hope we can be a blessing and encouragement to you as you have been to me, us. May God comfort you and make His Presence known to each of you as you wait, share time together, and say "soon" to Sara. Thinking and praying for you all...

C in Italy

Sara lived "INTENTIONALLY". I hope to do the same. May God help me to do so and to always Choose Joy, even when it hurts, even when it is hard to do sometimes...

P.S. Sara has posted special buttons of inspiration and some very lovely freebies on her blog. I am sure she would love to share them in hopes of encouraging you. Please do look Here... The buttons are posted on her righthand column, and the "freebies" are in her header. Blessings and peace to you...

Good Reason...

2011-08-01T07:41:00.001-07:00

I do have a good reason for not posting... We have been on vacation to the US. We are nearing the end of our trip, and I figured I had some down time, so it might be worth mentioning. Finally. HAH! Hope you are well... Will try to post more soon. Blessings.

Permanency. Worth Pondering...

2011-06-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

This image found at whatwouldmomsay.com. I think it is a lovely piece of practical, recycled art. (Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love to take something old and find a new use for it. Makes for added character.) :-)

Funny thing... I wrote this post in text language to myself and saved it on my cell phone. Never expected to do that, especially to myself; but at the time, I was deep in thought and did not want to forget this thought as I have so many other private conversations with myself. I was busy... Okay, I was cleaning the bathroom.

Do YOU find that your mind wanders as you are doing your chores? I mean, is it really that much fun to think about every bitty part of the process of cleaning something you have cleaned over and over for years? hahaha... So, I allow my mind to wander. I have some of my best pondering moments in those free-thought moments. I just often forget them before I remember to write them down. I hope this one makes sense to you as it did to me as I was... Um, cleaning the royal throne. (Giggling inserted here)

"we hav a fals sens of permanenc. As I ws clening da bathrm ths morn, I thaut..."

Oh, excuse me, that is what my first line said. ;-)

Now I will go ahead and translate the rest. Hah!

"We have a false sense of permanency. As I was cleaning the bathroom this morning, I thought about how tubs and toilets stay with a house when one transfers from one house to live in another. They are considered a permanent fixture. Right? Yet, how often have I seen one of these objects on the curb to send to the dump, or old tubs used for potting plants, watering animals, or on standby against a shed until an oversized comforter needs to be washed by hand (since it does not fit in the washing machine)?

I think that this lack of understanding of permanence affects our perspective of eternity. When Jesus makes the statement, "until the end of the age", does it fill me with a surge of excitement or am I so filled with doubt or complacency that I say in the deepest, private parts of myself, "We will see"? When the Bible speaks of "eternal life", do I ache with longing or does it get lost in the mix of things in my brain?

"per·ma·nent [pur-muh-nuhnt]
adjective
1. existing perpetually; everlasting, especially without significant change.
2. intended to exist or function for a long, indefinite period without regard to unforeseeable conditions: a permanent employee; the permanent headquarters of the United Nations.
3. long-lasting or nonfading: permanent pleating; permanent ink."

(I got this definition from Dictionary.com)

I hope you will notice with me the examples they give for things that are "permanent", and yet, we know that ultimately these things are still only temporary. They may last in a certain location or position for a long time, but that is not the same thing as PERMANENT.

The Bible is clear that all things rust, get destroyed, fail to function at some point or another. That is why we have RUINS. Moths will destroy cloth, water will cause mold or rust, fire will burn, etc... Nothing lasts forever. Or is that completely true?

We can hold on to this!! There is something that is constant, sure, and true. There is something that will never let us down. Or rather SomeONE. His name is Jesus.

While every other person can and, most likely, will let me down at one point or another in my life, He has promised that His love will never fail. While I may feel lonely and abandoned by others, He has promised to never leave or forsake me. While I may make so many mistakes and have the hardest time getting back on my feet, Jesus is there ready to help me up, to encourage me, to just say "I love you" in ways that He knows touch me to the deepest parts of MY soul. Jesus has said in His word that He is "the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)He never changes. He is... and that is it.

That overwhelms me with awe and joy. Our Abba Papa loves us THAT much. He is ALWAYS there. ALWAYS. Everlasting. Forever. For all eternity.

Now that is what I call Faithful. That is what I will trust in. That is a permanent Love. Permanency expressed in the fullest sense.

Trust Him. Hope in Him. Talk to Him. Never let go of Him. Seek Him. Desire Him more than anyone or anything else. Watch Him make something beautiful out of your days, out of your life. He will, because... He is what He said He is.

My other two blogs...
Tongue-Tried Bilinguist
Daysease

Hard Decisions, Battling, And Seeing Fruit For The Faith-Waiting...

2011-06-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes doing what is right... stings. It is not always easy. Sometimes, it is a matter of choosing the best of two evils, and leaving the result in God's capable hands. Sometimes it is to protect, to preserve, to assist, to prevent. Sometimes it is just something that has to be dealt with because it has crossed our path.

Whatever it is, perhaps this will give you hope, as it has to me...

Philippians 1:6 says,
"being confident of this very thing that He who began a good work in me will bring it to completion."

I have no control... We have no control... over much of anything, really. Think about it, when you think you DO have control is when the dishwasher breaks down, your car dies, your kid starts to act up in school, you realize you forgot to pay that bill, the flu hits, your job lays you off, there is a storm when the weather man said it would be sunny so you have to cancel that outing, etc...etc...etc... There are so many things.

I have come to see, though, that as I trust in God for each moment of the day, He is teaching me to be more flexible, which does not come easily for me. I am seeing how He is slowly, oh so slowly, teaching me to pass on through trials with some grace, and a good measure of hope to keep going. I am seeing, above all, that HE is faithful, good, always faithful, and NEVER fails.

Today He answered a very important prayer request for me. I am so blessed that He has heard my heart's cry after so many months. What I said in the first paragraph is what happened for me. I took a step out in faith, in a direction that I believed was the correct path, but still seemed uncertain and painful and hard, and He met me. Today.

While the future is still full of unknowns; While fear and doubt still play havoc on my peace; While I wait for direction and wisdom, I can rest assured that as He has been faithful in the past, He will continue to be today and in every tomorrow. He is, after all, the same Yesterday, Today, and Always.

May You come to see how very much He loves you and wants to be a part of your life, to give you hope, fill you with peace and a new song in your heart. Blessings on your own spiritual journey. May you find the One-and-Only Way- Jesus. He is sufficient for ALL of your needs. The real ones, not the ones that are dust covers over them.

Sincerely,
Celita

P.S. Oh, and if you are interested...

I have new posts on my two other blogs as well.

Check out Tongue-Tried BiLinguist and Daysease Wordlets And Craftivities... Thank you.

Mommy Maestra: Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People {GIVEAWAY}

2011-06-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

Mommy Maestra: Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People {GIVEAWAY}

I cannot resist this giveaway. I have recently become aware of and become a fan of this poet, and knowing that I have enjoyed his work as I have, I could not pass up sharing this giveaway with you as well... You very likely will enjoy this blog in general. I do. It is such a fun and pleasant place to visit. Go see...

Go See...

2011-06-03T18:41:00.001-07:00

Hi, just wanted to let you know that I have some new posts on my other two blogs that you might be interested in...

http://daysease.blogspot.com/

http://tonguetriedbilinguist.blogspot.com/

Vecchia??? Old???...

2011-06-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

Anyone else think this is a little funny. I will now say. I AM NOT OLD! Okay, now to backstep for just a moment. This restaurant not too far from us is called Vecchia Taverna, which means Old Tavern. You with me, right? Now, do you not think it awfully odd that old now means 1978??? hahahahahahahahah.... I felt it was... hm... odd, to say the least.

(Now, the food is good, but... if you prefer a relaxed environment, that is not the place to be.)

The Nutella Incident Of Early May...

2011-06-03T15:30:00.001-07:00

I never knew that Nutella had so much grease in it, but this confirms it. This is the work of my youngest son who is three years old. This is what happens when mommy is not paying attention as she should. Sigh... Who knew that Nutella and dry wall do not make a good mix? How do I know? Those handprints are still there, minus the chocolate, of course! :-) Reminder to me: silence means possible trouble. ;-)

Warrior Mamma: Armed And Dangerous...

2011-05-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I wasn't going to say anything. I figured that it is big news for me and my family. Well, you might just get a kick out of our newest adventure. I suppose that I have been lax in including much of our recent lives on this blog. I am a bit behind, but let me assure you that this is one of MANY different adventures and incidences that we have been going through over the last while. The Lord has been faithful throughout each challenge, and I have no doubt He will help us through this one as well.

So...

You should have seen me the day, Saturday May 28th, my kids were playing outside, and came charging up to me terrified as they yelled that there were TWO snakes rolling around on the yard ("They were trying to make babies", I told them. Well, they were. Hahahah). They were so scared. After my initial, "That is so cool" thought, I charged after those two black snakes with my slippers on and a shovel and hit one- hard. (Sorry no pictures available...) They slipped through the fence to some high grass. Then I WENT CRAZY trying to find them after I returned to get Anthony’s work boots on as I thought it would be silly for me to be bitten because I charged in unprepared. Duh. My father-in-law saw me and joined in. We discovered where they were planning on making a nice little home for eggs, grrrrr… but they got away again. Since then my father-in-law killed a smaller one, and we saw another on Sunday that we cannot seem to get. Four in one weekend!!!

Thank the Lord they are not vipers (brown with diamonds), which are more venomous and dangerous, but they are still not a wanted creature where children are playing. I am a nature-conscious person. Always have been, but... when nature feels that it must intrude upon my home and solitude and tranquility, that is dangerous for them. I will do what I need to to keep my family safe from harm and to allay fears. I feel more confident now that I don't have to worry what I would do if I came across a snake. I know now. hahahah... I just need to always have a shovel at hand, and I will have no worries. Though, I am not sure how that would go over with being all dressed up and ready to go to church. I do not believe that shovels would be so appreciated in the umbrella stand... ;-) And they are too big to fit in a purse. Hm... May have to brainstorm a sollution to that.

Anyway...

I thought afterwords how I am grateful that my husband is the natural protector of our home. I was thoroughly exhausted after my adventure in the brush. And, as I went to exchange my husband's work boots for my slippers again, I had to pause and take a picture. I thought, "they are sure large shoes to fill." I am grateful for the courage and strength God gives my husband to take care of his responsiblity. Whether that means protecting us, or providing the practical, physical needs of our family.

I do keep thinking about how God is our Protector, and that these snakes are His creation. He can send them away from us. He can keep us safe. But, in an effort to be wise, and get a handle on my current snake paranoia, I am in Warrior Mommy mode… Call me Mommy: Snake Warrior!! Hahahhaha… Thought that might make you laugh, especially as you imagine me daily, before I let the kids out, making my way around our house with a shovel in hand, all firm and businesslike. But, also, please help me pray for safety for us and the kids!! Thanks…

P.S. I do have plans on purchasing my own shovel soon and decorating it in a most girly fashion. Will have to let you know how that goes. Well, frankly, I find a shovel to be a most useful tool,and now I also see the benefits of using it as a weapon. So, purple-flowered, or rainbowed... Not sure yet... Don't be surprised if you come for a visit and see a pretty shovel resting just outside my door. I want to be ready. :-)

What to do? What to say? How to feel?...

2011-05-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Life... has... been... full... I have wept many tears of frustration at the confusion around me. Moving is one thing because you know you have a whole new space to move to that should have been already cleaned and prepared to welcome your belongings. But... when you are just making your space bigger and shifting stuff around, and that space that you live in just seems to get smaller and smaller to make room for a bigger space that you look at longingly but cannot dwell in yet, well, it is hard. I have felt stifled, frustrated, restless, out of control, and just plain overwhelmed in this weeks' part of our journey. I have not shared many pictures over the last few months. We have come a LONG way. I am grateful for that, but I have not shared because I have no energy to make more room in my day to sit here and share. I am so tired. So is my husband. We get through our days, trying to keep things normal while still having to make changes that are anything BUT normal.

You think I am being vague? I am not, but I can understand if you might think I am. Let me put it very plainly. Our stress has progressed so that now I am living in a space like the two bedroom apartment we had when we first got married, only now we are seven people crammed together. Cosy,yes, but also many toes being stepped on often. The older kids CLEARLY need their space. But then, so do the little ones, and us. The house is close, so close, to being mostly done. At least liveable, with projects that can be accomplished little by little. This week we added stress to our overflowing cup. No convenient cooking or washing space makes me feel like I am camping. Our old sink sits outside our front door, near our well-water faucet, and I wash dishes there for now. And, cooking is basic, as it is accomplished on my mother-in-law's old small stove. Thank God I have somewhere to cook though, and to wash dishes. I am daily reminded that not forty years ago, this area was still without much running water or updated bathrooms. A Zia (aunt) came over yesterday recounting her life forty years ago, and I am SO grateful to know that in the following days I WILL have my kitchen back, my stove and oven back, my running water in faucets that can fill my new deep sinks. This experience is inconvenient, but it sure does give me a different perspective of how blessed we truly are. Just thinking about the past and how women's days were spent then, and how they are now... I appreciate that I can figure out how to wash dishes outside, but I am relieved to know that my dishwasher will eventually be able to be used again. Life is so full that sometimes I ache just to create, read a book, or giggle with my kids like on more laid back days. These days we have been too stressed and misunderstandings have erupted like weeds.

In the midst of all of this, my oldest nephew, A, and oldest niece, N, decided to make a public confession of faith in Jesus by being baptized (immersed in water)! That occurred on Saturday, and I assure you it was beautiful. Praise the Lord!! That is a huge and many-years-worth answer to prayer. Get this, as it is another large answer to prayer it must also be mentioned, my five kids sat so well behaved in the third row, for the ENTIRE service. That WAS a God-thing to be sure, and, looking back, all of the kids in the room were uncharacteristically behaved throughout the church service. It was as if the Lord's Spirit truly permeated and worked as we had been praying for Him to do. We had a guest speaker who spoke so interestingly, perfectly, and effectively, that he kept the attention of each person, child, and unsaved guest. Emotion was high in the midst of the celebration, and it was a really special time together.

What else? My husband is busy dealing with kitchen cabinets. We had mold issues in parts of the house that have had to be addressed as well. It is all well and good that we can laugh about it all now that we have a handle on it, but it was sure worth crying over at first.

Oh, I just realized it is gettin late... I cannot think of much else to add anyway, but I must go now... Hope to be back again soon... Hopefully with pictures? In the meantime, thank you for checking in. You are a blessing to me.

May the Lord give you peace through your challenges, and courage to confront each moment of each day with His grace and hope. Blessings to you...

Lucky? Or Blessed?

2011-05-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

I just had a random thought that I decided was worth venting out. Odd that I am on and able to do this, but I will take it when I can get it. So...

Have I mentioned how uncomfortable the word "lucky" is for me? Okay, I very nearly hate the word "lucky"? Yeah, I don't think I have mentioned that before, to anyone. I have just had the realization, so bear with me as I state only a few things. Okay?

"Lucky" feels like "hit or miss", "50/50, like that magic black ball that tells you "don't bet on it", "yeah, right", "I don't think so", etc... "Lucky" makes me anxious and nervous that I will not have what it takes, I am not good enough, like I may not be lucky enough to BE lucky. There is a sense of doubt as to my worth, my ability, my talent, who I am. Kind of like, the possibility of walking across a road blindfolded and expecting not to get hit by a car. Hm... I don't like it.

In other words, I have trouble saying "Good Luck." Not because I don't wish someone well, but because I don't want you to have a chance, I want you to excel. Luck seems so half-cast, like it is okay to just do a little just to get by, or to try and try and feel like a failure when you don't meet up.

So, what can I say instead of "good luck"? I have met with that issue, and sometimes I have said it as I could not think of a substitute at the time. But, what did people say before the phrase "good luck" came about? Now THAT is a thought, isn't it? How about "I wish you well"? "Be blessed"? "Rooting for you"? "I know you can do it"? or any other number of phrases?

Why do I sometimes feel so rushed to say "good luck", when I would much rather say something more meaningful and less cliché? Why would I allow myself to get so caught up and stressed that I cannot even wish someone TRULY, from-the-heart well?

Why am I even harping on this? Well, I have been examining myself. I dislike the phrase so much, and yet I still use it sometimes. It makes me feel a little hypocritical, even though sometimes it is also for convenience: for lack of a better word, or because it is easy enough for anyone to understand in our society.

Have you thought instead about how "blessing" feels? To me it feels like an outpouring of love. It feels like hope being mounted on my shoulders like a lovely, billowy shroud. It is refreshing and light and pleasant.

On that note, I say only this... I do not wish you "luck", but I DO wish you blessing, an outpouring of God's love to overwhelm you with hope, to calm your frazzled nerves, to give you peace in your storms, to give you joy in the midst of hard times. I desire healing for your wounds, strength in your weakness, and Love to wrap His arms around you. I desire you to see and know that God's love is full of such blessing, it is available to you if you just ask Him for it. It is always available to you, always pure, and always fulfilling.

:-)

P.S. So you know, I have just added another blog... It is called Tongue-Tried BiLinguist. Check it out HERE...

Cloudy with Intermitent Sunshine... (A.K.A The Fogged Flower) :-)

2011-04-30T05:12:00.000-07:00

I would like to open with these verses that I read yesterday. They were an encouragement to me, and I hope they will be to you as well.

Psalm 40:9-11; 16-17
"I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness in the great assembly; Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O Lord, You Yourself know.
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great assembly.
Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord; Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.
Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, 'The Lord be magnified!'
But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God."

I have been missing in action, I know... Oh, where do I start? Life has been a constant challenge, one after another built up on one giant one or two or three. I have been battling non-stop with trying to "encourage myself daily", trying to keep my home a sanctuary in the midst of trials, home addition construction, relationship catastrophies and stresses and misunderstandings, and sickness. Lots of things.

A friend asked me yesterday how I am, and I had to really think about that. I know there are moments when I struggle not to respond negatively, but I know that I also want to encourage myself and others. I know I want to remember that even in the midst of hard times, I am blessed. I know I NEED to remember the Christian clichè that is SO true, "God IS good; All the time. All the time; God is good." And I want to bless His name for that. So, I told her this, "I do not know how to explain how I am. Not bad, and not good. I am more... seeking, waiting, hoping. God knows what my needs are, and He knows the moment to intervene. I wait, trying to trust every day, trying to surrender to Him and His will every day. And I remember that He knows where I am."

I am not bad off. I am blessed. I am seeing answers to prayer. I am seeing my family a little healthier. I know that sunny days and warm weather are right around the corner. It is just the deepest parts of me that feel a little... stuck in a cloud. Not depressed. Not this time. More, just... waiting for that Light to clear away the cobwebs and fill me to overflowing with new rain again. I see the blessings. I know that I am in a waiting place. Some might say it is dangerous to be there. I agree, if it is a place I stay in for an extended amount of time; but I must also remember, I have recently gotten to the place where if one more trial had come I felt I might just crack. So, I do feel that this is a waiting place to be restored, to be patched up, the spiritual infirmary, if you will. :-)

All that to say, thank you for reading. I apologize for not being in touch more often, and I really DO want to. But life has just been too full, and I have had to priortize my time with other things that weigh more heavily and require my constant attention.

I am grateful for you. I hope you are doing well. If you are, praise God. If you are also in the midst of a harder time, remember this... "The Lord inhabits the praise of His people." I know it is not always easy, but I promise that as you incorporate the habit of praising Him even on the hardest days, Light will seep in. After all He says, "Seek me, and you will find Me."... "Draw close to Me, and I will draw close to you." He is deserving of our praise even on our worst days. He never changes, we do.

He is bigger than any challenge, trial, catastrophy, or hard time. He has this world, our times and seasons, our families, relationships, and selves in His hands. We must trust in, cling to, rely on, and believe in Him. He is our Source of Refreshing, Help, Comfort. He is our Defender, our Advocate, our Shelter in the midst of the storms. He is sufficient for all of our needs.

I send you a hug. You can do it, in Him you can do it... Love you, dear one.

Celita

p.s. I am also going over in a bit to add some new papercuts to the other blog. Please feel free to go and see... Click Here.

Festa Mondo... E La Pesca Dei Libri...

2011-03-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

Un bel iniziativa!! Dai, vai a vedere...

"In occasione di Festamondo – Festival di storie e canzoni popolari per bambini e ragazzi, la tradizionale pesca dei libri del blog di Centostorie si sposta su Facebook. Sono in palio 4 libri per un mese, uno ogni settimana. I libri in palio sono:
dal 7 al 13 marzo – Grillo Bel Grillo, Sinnos
dal 14 al 20 marzo – Il principe granchio e altre fiabe italiane, Mondadori
dal 21 al 27 marzo – Il pentolino magico, Laterza
dal 28 marzo al 2 aprile – Eyabè Ne Ne, Sinnos

Aggiudicarseli è semplicissimo:
1) andare alla pagina di Facebook dedicata all’evento
2) cliccare sul tasto “mi piace”
3) condividere l’evento Festamondo
4) lasciare un commento alla pagina.

Ogni settimana alla mezzanotte della domenica si chiude “la pesca” e viene estratto il vincitore che riceverà gratuitamente a casa sua il libro della settimana. Allora, che aspettate? In bocca al lupo a tutti!" (http://www.centostorie.it/public/wordpress/?p=2434)

Se hai Facebook, vai a questo indirizzo per cercare più informazione.

Missings...

2011-03-12T06:02:00.000-08:00

I am having a "missing" day... I miss many things which you may only roll your eyes at, and say, "Goodness, is she still on that track?" Yes, I am, and because there are those who will not understand, I will not say what I am missing. Let us just say that I am grateful for what I have. God has blessed us. But... I just think about about milestones I and my family can never have again. I remember things that began as challenges and ended in tremendous blessing. I miss loved ones who have passed on. I miss... I miss... I miss...

Today is just one of those days, but tomorrow should be better. At least, I think so. If not, rest assured, I will not write another "missing" note quite so soon.

I am looking forward to Spring, for its new beginnings, the return of more sun, BUTTERFLIES, and blooming flowers. I love spring here in Italy. I think that I need to have a "thankful" moment...

Lord, thank you for...
1) Spring things...
2) smiles and missing teeth
3) knot-"tied" shoes
4) snail mail
5) creative inspiration from the least expected places
6) blog friends and their blogs
7) wildflowers handed to me from 6 year olds
8) the captured memories of photographs
9) hope
10)birds songs and twitterings

That is it for now, as I could go on, but I will leave some for another day... "Count your blessings..." Does wonders for the soul. Now, I am off to stand in the sun and bathe my face in its warm reaching fingers.

A Portion of Voices of the Faithful, Book 2...

2011-03-08T02:21:00.000-08:00

I had to share this. HAD TO... These are a couple of portions from the book that have completely spoken to me.

From the portion from May 8... "God provides when He says, GO." The applicable prayer at the bottom of the page... "Thank You, Jehovah Jireh, for providing my every need and for using those moments of urgent need to teach me both physical and spiritual dependency. Help me abandon my plans of security and seek Your wisdom alone."

From the portion from May 10... (THIS HIT ME HARD... I may not be a career missionary, but I KNOW so much of THIS!! Not all, but some...)
Scripture reference from Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

The devotional goes on to say,
"People in the States often ask,'Do you like where you live?' Not always. Many times we can appreciate the beauty of the places where we serve and the people we live among. Sometimes we can't. On those days when my vision seems to fail, I call to mind Paul's confident claim in Philippians 4:13. GOD CHALLENGES ME TO MAKE IT PERSONAL. I can live in this place through Christ who strengthens me. I give up my personal freedom to dress as I choose and to go where I choose through Christ who gives me strength. I can deal righteously with people who constantly beg me for money through Christ who gives me strength. I can be flexible when plans suddenly change and my expectations are not met through Christ who strengthens me. I can live in a world of uncertainty and violence through Christ who strengthens me. I can daily witness through Christ who strengthens me.

No, life on the mission field is not always easy. The struggles and annoyances we face are real. But joy comes from surrendering our frustrations to God. We give Him our weaknesses, and He replaces them with His strength. Then our vision is restored, and we can continue doing His work and sharing His love with those around us."

AMEN!!! Please, pray for the missionaries across the globe. They need our prayers and intercessory care. And, remember those of us, also, who are not career missonaries, but still living in a foreign land with foreign customs, and challenges you may not be able to imagine. Thank you.

March 8, 2011 Happy International Women's Day, Dear Ones!!!... (Gentlemen, pass that on to your wives.) :-)

2011-03-08T00:55:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I miss checking in more often... I kid you not, challenges and trials, floods of wrangled emotions and lots of lessons learned; that has been how things have progressed from September of 2010 to now. Sickness hit hard this year, shortly after November's lice and burn dramatic events. I mean the sticky sort of germs that cling and don't want to leave. I mean the kinds that come, make a full round amongst every member of the family, and then, upon seeing an opening in a weaker immune system, choose to begin another round. I mean from injuries, to operations, to challenges at school, to challenges in relationships, to challenges in trying instruct my kids to have faith in their own trials, to remembering God's healing power so I do not have to wallow in pity, grief, or sorrow...

Loneliness has been an interesting fair weather-companion, challenging me to remember that Jesus "never leaves or forsakes me". Thankfully, Loneliness has not dominated my life, as the Lord has seen my needs and granted some beautiful, needed moments with friends. Exhaustion is ever near, reminding me that my "strength truly does come from above." Then there are spurts of energy that remind me of days long ago, in my youth. When did I ever had such strength, such energy? Where has it now gone? Well, it all reminds me that our "times are in His hands". All of our times. Desert, Mountain, Valley, Joyful, Sorrowing, Grieving, Hurt, Healing, Loving, Disdaining, Strong, Weak... ALL of our times are in His hands. (Psalms)

"My hope is in You, Jesus. My hope is in You.
I have nothing to give but a heart weary and weak.
Take what I have, Lord, meager at it is.
Make from it flourishing seeds of faith and peace.
My hope is in You, Jesus. My hope is in You.
Help me to cling, to rely, and believe.
You are my Strength, my Praise, my Joy...
You are sufficient in all ways and all things."
(by Celita, March 8, 2011)

In general, I am well, just a little tired. I came across a verse that has started making a path through my heart. I am not sure exactly the effects of it, but, it has been an interesting sort of affect.

Exodus 14:14 "You only need to remain calm; the Lord will fight for you."

It has meant so much to me during this season of trudging, growing, stretching, waiting... When I have felt most desperate, I have yet felt the Lord reaching out to me. When I have felt the most alone, I have felt Him caress my soul with His creation's beauty. When I have fallen before His feet, anxious, worn, distressed, He has helped me to stand once again.

I had a moment on Sunday... Let me tell you, it was a hard moment. I was down, really down. I felt the Lord tell me to go to the roof. I asked Him for a bit of beauty to my soul, and when I arrived to the roof, I waited only to see fathoms of clouds tumbling slowly over each other, to be knudged by winds not healthy to my bronchitis recovering lungs. I waited, for a rainbow, the sun to all-of-a-sudden shine, something... I waited, and wept before Him. PLEASE, Help me! I need You. After pouring out, I went back to my kids. I sat at the table STARVING for something, and just read from the Bible before me. Part of what I read seemed like illumination through a tunnel of misunderstanding and immaturity, another part remained just words on the page, and yet another part seemed to fill me with such tremendous, emotion-packed joy. I read, I cooked, I put it all aside, and after the kids were down for naps, I resumed with a flurry of aching desperation. I wanted, I needed, and... after a few hours of pouring over words, meanings, anything before my eyes... He met me.

I tell you, even now my heart is overwhelmed as I recount this to you.

This is what I wrote in my "Book of Remembrance: Sacrifice of Praise and Joy Journal" (I named it.)

"I was so discouraged this morning. Feeling the weight of challenges, the hopelessness of challenges regarding my family, weaknesses, needs. Feeling down, overwhelmed, and trodden down. I felt Him say to go to the roof...So I did. I asked Him to show me something beautiful, something to encourage my beauty-starved soul, beaten down by negativity, nagging, criticism, unappreciation... I wept.. I saw the land, His mountains, and innumerable, layered clouds. No rainbows, no other lovely or miraculaous thing... Here I have been poring over scriptures just NEEDING... after these hours, He showed me the "why" in these verses... Praise Your name, my Jesus! Thank You for calming me. Thank You for this unexpected and necessary word to my heart. You are so Great!

(When you see clouds or are surrounded by fog remember this)...

1 Kings 8:10-12
"And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the Cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord. Then Solomon spoke: 'The Lord said He would dwell in the dark cloud...' "

He is the Creator of all things. The Psalms clearly state, "The heavens declare the glory of the Lord." Do you see? I will think twice before I complain about dark clouds and rain again... for, you see, He created even these. It is after the storm and rough weather that a rainbow can be shown in all its splendor. So, I will relish the storm and the clouds, and believe that He is near. I will call on His name to save me, and know that He is near. I will trust Him as I am wind-tossed, and know that He is near. I will believe His promises, to "never leave or forsake me", to "catch me when I fall", to "fill me when I am empty", to "give strength when I am weak"... I will trust Him, and know that He is near.

I hope that you will also be blessed to draw near to God. He will draw near to you, too. Blessings, dear one.

And, to my sisters in this world... May God bless you and remind you of how special you are to Him. Happy Woman's Day!!! You are loved, desired, and known... Thank Jesus!

Lilac Lane Cottage Giveaway... Happy One Year Anniversary!...

2011-02-14T08:07:00.001-08:00

I am just a little bit beauty-hungry right now, and the only way I could see to do that in my current restlessness was to blog hop.

I came across this giveaway that I think is spectacular. First, I love the blog name... Lilac Lane Cottage. Sigh... I love lilacs. Can't wait to smell them once again. Soon.

Anyhow, here is the link to several giveaways in one... NEAT!

http://lillyanna-lilaclanecottage.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-one-year-give-away.html

Update February 14, 2011...

2011-02-14T02:31:00.000-08:00

After three weeks of trudging through sicknesses of various kinds, we are officially seeing the end. I hope. Only, another challenge has come our way. LICE- Again. (remember we had it at the beginning of November 2010). sigh...

It seems never-ending, you know. The challenges just keep coming, and I keep wondering when they will pause and let me strengthen up a bit. It does not seem that will happen for a little while yet. But, I am grateful. You see, this morning, as I was driving to the pharmacy for the lice shampoo and medicine, I was reminded of how I need to praise God and worship Him in the bad times, good times, so-so times, and in all times.

As I focused on that, on Him, I felt a rush of peace. When I allowed the problems to surface again, I felt panic. As I refocused again, His peace was clear and a healing salve to my aching heart. The whole point is... we must stay focused on Jesus. No matter what. He has promised to "never leave or forsake us". He said He will be our Help, our Rock, our Source of joy, hope, peace. Nothing is bigger than Him, not even a lice epidemic. Nothing is bigger or stronger than Him. The amazing thing is... He loves you and me, and He is there to comfort us when we are weak, tired, discouraged, or just plain blah. He is there in the good and bad; He is faithful to give us what we need for every moment of every day, of every trial. And He only asks for us to trust and surrender. I know, I know, that is a lot ot ask, you are thinking, right?

Yet... I would challenge you to do it. Why? because as I keep exercising myself, building endurance, and practicing trusting and surrendering, I am seeing that He is allowing me to truly REST in Him, feel His peace even more, even in the hardest times.

I am glad that this time I know what to expect with the lice thing. While it is uncomfortable and terribly inconvenient, I can get through it. Just like I did last time, if not better.

My kids are prepared as well, and not freaking out.

The timing hit at an odd time, but... at least it did not hit a week later, or my son, who has to have some medical stuff done, would have had to do his lice curing at the same time as spending time in the hospital. I mean, the timing hit at just the PERFECT wrong time. hahahahahhahahaha... Wrong time since, when is it really a good time to get lice, anyhow? hahahahhahahah... but, really, it is the perfect timing, if we were going to get it anyhow. It could be worse, and I just want to say...

Thank You, Jesus, for having our times in Your hands, for working out Your perfect will and way in our lives as we trust You, and for loving us so very much. May we bless Your heart today and during these days of recovery and "de-contamination".

Blessings to each of you, dear ones. May God bless this day, and may He encourage your hearts is an wonderful and surprising way today.

To see the Valentine papercut that I created for my husband, please click HERE.

Book Review: Voices of the Faithful - Book 2 ...

2011-01-03T02:36:00.000-08:00

(to see more book reviews I have done, please go HERE...)

This book, Voices of the Faithful- Book 2 (by By Beth Moore, Kim P. Davis, International Mission Board), is a year’s worth of devotional chats by evangelical believers around the world doing their best to serve the nations God has put on their heart to reach in the name of Jesus. Each is a glimpse into the lives and experiences of some of the missionaries or those called to minister to other nations.
While I knew that I would be blessed by these readings, I did not realize to what extent. I have had a heart for missions since I was a child growing up in a small church. There were always special speakers and presentations showing us what others are doing to reach hearts for Christ. While I have never truly felt the call to GO into the mission field, I have been led to live in a foreign country. I have seen some of the challenges of living in a nation that is wrapped up in bondage. I have come to acknowledge that, while I have not been called here as a “missionary”, this is still my mission field. I have come to take to heart these verses from Colossians 3:17 and 23, “And whatever you do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him… And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” I am aiming to use my normal, ordinary, sometimes monotonous and challenging life, to encourage and bless others with the talents that I have. It may seem simple, but God uses the simple things to confound the wise, and He can grow great fruit from even the smallest of seeds. That is what I am seeing in the pages of this book. These fellow workers are doing the same, although to a grander scale and with a deeper purpose.
These daily readings are a challenge to read one at a time as they are short, but stock full of moments I crave… they are like having a chat over some coffee with a friend: sharing testimonies of God’s hand working in challenging situations; lessons on faith and trust; explaining some neat ideas used to try to reach more souls, and just encouraging another to listen to God’s voice, follow where He leads, dream big dreams, and KNOW a living and loving Lord. So many of the verses chosen are ones I have already underlined in my Bible, but some I have just NEEDED to hear again for this time or have not fully become aware of yet. They have been nuggets of blessing to my heart.
As we have entered this new year, 2011, I have been asking the Lord for a clear vision of what He has for me, and surprisingly, He is using this book to stir some things that are not clear, but are sure and being made ready. I am blessed beyond words for the unity I feel with these brothers and sisters in this big, and yet small, world. I am blessed to know that the Lord binds us together in unity THROUGH PRAYER, even while we are separated by oceans, miles and miles of land and mountains, by different languages and cultures and traditions… None of that can separate us from each other, in a way, because none of that can separate us from Jesus, who is the common bond. Nothing can separate us from Him, and while we are drawn to the tangible and visual, His Spirit links us in a heavenly bond that reaches across all spaces and challenges and differences.
I had an incident occur while reading one of the daily devotions. I was deeply touched by the words spoken by one of the missionaries, R.C.H (American Peoples), and became overwhelmed to tears. I put down the book for a time, and had to go off and find something I needed for a birthday party for one of my kids. As I browsed through some boxes I came across one of my old journals and thought I would read through it and remember… Wouldn’t you know, the very words that the missionary used and that spurred him to action, were so similar to a “calling” that I received many years ago but had forgotten. It is time to remember and act, and this book has been used in various ways to encourage me to do so.
“And He has made from ONE BLOOD every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ ” Acts 17:26-28
Those of us whom have chosen to follow Christ as our living Saviour and Lord, we are a family, a body. We each have a part to play, and sometimes, many times, another part of our body needs us. Prayer is the work! As Pat said in the book, “There is victory in prayer!” While this book is encouraging and spurring, more than anything, I join with these loved ones asking for corporate prayer from each part of this spiritual body. For… Amazing things are accomplished through prayer. Many times, God asks us to CRY OUT to Him, and HE does the work. Are you and I doing our part in interceding on behalf of our own body? I am doing some, but… I need to do more.
Beth Moore wrote an introduction that alone is inspiring, and I would like to quote some of her words to you. I believe she has nailed a predicament precisely when she says, “I see an epidemic of boredom in the body of Christ. I am convinced that one issue is primarily to blame: we are protecting ourselves right out of our callings. Right out of our God-ordained destinies. We are comfort addicts… and we keep wondering why we never feel satisfied… to miss our callings out of fear is never to have lived at all.”
“When hard times come, the key word isn’t survival. It’s revival.”
While we may not all be called to “GO” to another country to share the Lord with others, where we are is our individual mission field. What are YOU doing to reach where YOU are? And, remember, even though you may not be called to go, Beth stated this, and I believe it is so true… “your prayers matter immensely. The fact is, they matter immeasurably.” Prayer is the WORK!!!
To conclude, I have a request, please pray for Italy. This is what you may not know about this country. It is known as the "missionary graveyard" because most missionaries who come here do not last more than two years. In general, only 10% of missionaries return to Italy after their first term. Many years ago a reformation swept over Europe but never touched Italy, and we are in desperate need of the Lord’s work here in this nation. Less than 1% of the population is involved with an Evangelical Christian Church. And, even if all of the Charismatic Christian groups were added to that number, it would still only be 5% of the population. Almost all Italians call themselves Catholic "Christians", but less than 10% practice their faith. While this is frustrating, what is even more frustrating is that for as small as the Evangelical Church is here in Italy, there has been great division from church to church throughout its history. Please pray with us that God would deliver the oppressed; encourage those of us living here; purify and strengthen His church with passion for the lost and for the Living Word; and bless this nation with refreshing and changing revival. Thank you.
James 5:16b says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
Amen…
There is nothing negative that I have to say about the book except this, a lot of different fonts are used in the print. It gets a little distracting. I enjoyed the prayers at the end of each devotional, and I thought it was a great idea to have an Index listing “Devotion Titles By Month” and then another listing “Scriptural References”. I also liked how there is a section at the end that specifically lets the reader know HOW he can receive Christ as his Saviour, and another section letting him know how he can pray for “International Missionaries and People Groups” across the world.
That is what I have to share about this book and its affect on me and my life. While my review is long, I hope you will read it and be blessed. May you also be encouraged to read the book and be inspired, ministered to, and encouraged to minister to others. Blessings…
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to write a positive review. These opinions are my own.

Remembering The Days of 2010...

2010-12-24T11:27:00.000-08:00

New Christmas Cut... Titled: "The Free Gift" (created December 12, 2010)

Antonio (Anthony) [celebrated 39 years]- hardworking husband and father. God has been faithful to provide for all of our needs, including work and opportunities to keep busy. Anthony is occupied with job, the home addition, and acts as jungle gym for our little troop of monkeys and chickadees. He enjoys laughing and hanging out with friends and family. One of his most common quotes is, “The more the merrier.” His hobbies include cooking, playing UNO, picking chestnuts, and thinking, thinking, thinking about creating all kinds of projects and how to make some existing project better.

Celita (me, the writer of this newsletter) [hint-hint: the same doubled number Jesus was when he completed his physical ministry here on earth] busy trying to be the best wife, mommy, and homemaker I can be. I am the story narrator, mischievous jokester, decorator, creative director, homework helper, organizer, nurse, investigator, and researcher of our home. I enjoy laughing, rejoicing, watching sunsets, bird watching, and rainbow hunting. One of my most common quotes is, “Better. Not perfect, but better.” My hobbies include putting together unique birthday party ideas for my kids, recycling “junk” beautifully, making up memory verse songs, and papercutting. See http://daysease.blogspot.com/

Antonio [celebrated 9 years] is in the fifth grade. He loves to learn about the wonders of how the human body functions and about real life people who made a difference in this world. He enjoys music, makes up his own guitar songs, still loves to hoard paper and trinkets, loves to learn more about English and Spanish words, and watching funny movies. He attempted his first papercut this year, and did a lovely job on his flower and heart. He expects to continue making them. He enjoys playing “fort” outside, and sports.

Giosaia [celebrated 8 years] is in the third grade. He is a lover of laughter and silliness. He enjoys playing guitar as the notes precisely appear. He is picking up a lot in the area of reading in English. He thoroughly enjoys school in every sense and is a wonderful student. He asks for homework when he has none, especially math, and he is okay with making up a song on his guitar when he I bored.  He loves to repeat movie lines that make him laugh, and he is a great helper around the house. He is a sensitive soul who feels things deeply. He does well with lots of hugs. He also made his first papercut, a sweet landscape scene with a dog and butterfly. Loves dancing, running, and moving and talking. Hahahahah…

Luca [celebrated 6 years] is in the first grade. Doing really well, and developing his reading skills. He is such a creative kid, creating houses from juice boxes, robots from shoe boxes, and adds amazing details (very observant) in his drawings. (Antonio and Giosaia were like that, too, but in a slightly different way.) His perspective in some of his drawings is stunning. Really. He has a strong character, but is such a sweet boy. He asks for a job to do when he is bored. He would like to learn to play the drums someday. He also made his first papercut. I was just tickled when he made it of the hedgehog we found (and let go) and named “Spike.” He did SUCH a great job. Since then, he has taken initiative to create another papercut without help from mommy. A squirrel for a family member’s birthday. Sweet. Loves hugs, playing with Miranda (even house), and playing outside.

Miranda [celebrates 5 years after Christmas] is in kindergarten and is learning to spell her name. Her speaking skills are improving wonderfully, and she comes out with some of the funniest phrases in her efforts to be understood. She loves to roll her r’s in nearly any word possible. BRRRRRUTIFUL!! It is lovely to her. She LOVES to laugh, change clothes often, play house with Luca, and just be involved in the boys’ play times. She loves to dance, jump, twirl, and DRAW. She has developed so much in her drawing skills. Most of her pictures are of… me, but she also does the rest of the family, flowers, beautiful rainbows, butterflies, and is little by little adding some of the neatest details. She is also a strong character, but is a giggly little lady whom I have dubbed “Princess Fuchsia Flutter Butter” for her love of dresses and all things princess. She sure is a funny mixture of tom boy and girly-girl.  I am getting excited for when she can have her own girly space, her own bedroom for me to doll up just for her. Yay!

Dario [celebrated 3 years] my baby is no longer a baby. He had to get his hair cut when we went through a lice challenge, and he forever changed from one instant to the next. He’s a little man who loves to run, jump, play, climb (EVERYWHERE), hide, play tag, and LAUGH. He is such a funny kid, with expressions that melt the heart, even when the heart should be firm. He is developing his character and beginning to see how far the boundaries can be stretched. He is quick at escapes and is silent when he does not want to be found. (Miranda is good at that last part, too) Makes for some interesting moments, but… He makes my heart warm with pleasure. He gives wonderful squishy hugs, just because, but cuddling is reserved for rare moments. He has fully become a daddy’s boy, too. All of my kids love to be with their father. No surprise, but at least he was a “mama’s boy” for a few more months than the others were. He loves trains. He plays with Thomas and friends nearly daily. His main love, though, which we are currently trying to monitor, is Toy Story. All things Toy Story. My sister-in-law got him the newest and third movie, and that is ALL he wants to watch all day, every day. Crazy! His favourite toys are the miniature figurines of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Bullseye my mom and dad got for him, but, he also has a thing for action figures he can easily hold in his hands. Plastic parachuting men, cheap market soldiers, an Iron Man from Burger King, etc… he is a patient block stacker and enjoys puzzle working. Oh, and I nearly forgot, Toby our dog, has a fascination for this youngest son of mine, and Dario returns that love. It is an odd and amazing sort of love. Dario also has a love for our cats. Poor things… he squishes them with all his might. He loves them so much he does not want to let go or be forced to let go. Hahahahah…

Anyhow… that is our family, in a nutshell. We are blessed that life is FULL of God’s blessings. Now, if you would not mind, I would like to share something that is on my heart… See below…

************************************************************************************
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10b

Life is so full to the point that every December of every year, we are surprised that the end of another year has arrived so quickly.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

At the beginning of this year, I felt a word stand out to me, a word that would somehow sum up this year and things that God would be working or tuning in me. My word for this year was: STEWARDSHIP. I felt it was necessary to focus on this word in my marriage, my family, my home, my relationships, my responsibilities, and my waitings. Here are some of the things I learned or relearned:

*Make the most of every opportunity.

Speak words of blessing. Don’t underestimate the very simplest acts- a smile, a phone call to say you care, a note of gratitude… Even the smallest acts can grow big fruit in the hands of God. You never know how you can cause change to occur just by making the most of an everyday situation, being a cheerful giver, being patient, etc… While waiting for our house to make steps towards completion, I have stewed and stormed in impatience. I go through waves of peace to storms of restlessness. There was a certain point when I was impressed that the kids needed to have good memories of even this, so I had a small dedication moment with each of them. Each was given a pillar to paint. Their initial was creatively decorated, and I explained the reasons behind it. Such a simple, fun, and creative time was all to remind them to “Stay in the light of the Son.” He takes our monotonous, day-to-day moments, and brings light and inspiration to them. He takes our less than satisfactory efforts and blossoms them. The kids often recall that activity and remember the message behind it. A seed-planting moment that I pray God will flourish and grow into thoughts and feelings of love for His Word.

*Be a “finisher”.

Keep your promises as soon as possible. I have done it many times. One of my kids will come up to me asking me something, and I push them away with a “yeah, sure, later.” That “later” has stretched out for days, and sometimes never has come to pass. That leaves a lasting impression on my kids, and I do not want them to EVER think that God is that way because of my example. I must keep my promises and put them as a main priority. Even their little desires and needs are to be met with care, love, and consideration. (still working on this) And persevere until the end. Our lives are journeys, not just steps from one goal to the next. Sometimes, there are long waiting times, stumbling blocks, and steep mountains to climb, but I must keep going. Even if I have to trudge, crawl, hop, jump, climb, or tiptoe along the way.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

*Simplify.

I began to see how being overly busy was damaging communion in our home. The kids were crying out for attention, and so I made a point to eliminate some things that were “good” but not “best” for our family. I even made a point to keep the kids home from summer camp and just let them experience lazy days of playing, learning, and boredom. They learned so much because they were not overly stimulated. They had amazing creative play. And they will remember learning about the bees, butterflies, praying mantises, and other creatures that we examined and researched. We read together and laughed together. We had fun, and we made some amazing memories. There is a reason why God’s word says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Relax and enjoy the simple blessings; and by simplifying life, give yourself more time to truly spend with Jesus and spiritual seed planting and growing in family and relationships.

*Take responsibility for my own words and actions.

“Don’t blame the man.” It was a quote in the movie Second Chance, with Michael W. Smith in it. It was a quote that made a mark in my mind. How much time do I spend blaming someone else, complaining that it was someone else’s fault, etc? I have seen that I and my kids have been making a bad habit of blaming someone else for our failings, our mistakes, our lack of responsibility, and laziness. Excuses only leave room for negativity, back talk, and disobedience.

*Let go of my dreams so God can replace them with bigger and better ones.

I guess every girl spends a good part of her childhood dreaming: about marriage, having children, her possible career, and on and on… God asked me to surrender my dreams to Him. And, I responded like a raccoon, hoarding his treasure in his hand while the precious possession is stuck in a jar. Yup, I was like my stubborn, then, two year old who insisted it was “MINE”. Jesus had to coax my insecure and scared hands open and reveal that there is REST in trusting Him with my dreams, my failures, my heart, my future… I was reminded of Joseph. He had dreams, which were all dashed when his brothers sold him into slavery, when he was taken from all he had every known. He was taken to Egypt and could have easily just given into despair. God took his old dreams and replaced them with joy, peace, talent, favour, blessing, and new and marvellous dreams. He was abundantly blessed and used in a grand way because God had a plan for his life. Since He is the “same yesterday, today, and forever” we can rest assured that He also has a plan for our lives. When we surrender and trust, He can work His perfect will. It hurt to let go of my old dreams, some I had since childhood, but… I am so blessed by the relief I have found in being able to let go and trust Him.

*The true significance of forgiveness DOES also include Forgetting.

Forget the pain, bitterness, and resentment of the offensive act, as they will only eat away at my soul and add weight and burden to my heart. Fight to forget. But… remember to learn from the experience, and, so, grow better. Just be cautious, those old feelings WILL try to grow back again. Keep fighting them off, and be at peace knowing that God is my DEFENDER, my Shield, my Advocate.

*Stand in the gap.

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

This was a particularly special lesson to me. I was blessed to experience this revelation while praying for some immediate family members, a brother in Liberia, and some other spiritual siblings in China. I believe this verse can also be 2 or 3 gathered for a common CAUSE not just for those in the same location. I am not able to be near my family in body, but, when we join together in prayer for a common need, Jesus is the common bond between us and He truly does BIND US together by His Spirit, even if there is half a world between us. I have seen it, and I have experienced the wonder of this. I have seen prayers answered this way.

*Praise hard, Pray harder.

Prayer IS the work! I have experienced Joy and peace that make no sense in hard times, and it is only because of Jesus. I have laughed in moments where I should cry for pain. I have cried with joy over moments where grief should be strong and silencing. I have also been learning that praying for my enemies, or those who have hurt me, really does make a difference. There is victory through prayer. Don’t stress! Take it to Jesus in prayer, and know that He cares.

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16b

This can be further explained in a quote which has recently become my favourite. “There can be no healing without thanksgiving.” (Martin Rinkart) I know this FIRST HAND- especially in my burn/healing challenge. There is healing in the presence of Jesus. The Lord “lives in the praise of His people.” (Psalm 22:3) Where the Lord dwells is healing, restoration, refreshing, renewal, and all we need.

I took some time to really focus on the events of this year, the joys and challenges. Here are some of the challenges that took place since January: mid January to mid February was the chicken pox epidemic that arrived full force; April began my journey into driving in Italy (what stress!); May was the scarlet fever outbreak; July was Dario’s lime-in-the-eye accident; September was the diagnosis that I suffer from stress induced headaches (ugh!); and November was the 1 year anniversary of Nonna Nunziata’s death, the 10th anniversary of my Abuela Lydia’s death, and others too. Not to mention, early November’s battle with lice and the end of November’s burn accident (me).

Those are some of the major things that have weighed in our hearts. That does not include waiting for our home addition to be complete, challenges of the heart with certain family members, and innumerable other things.

But, now, let me publicly count my blessings: getting back into touch with old friends and family and getting to know newer ones on Facebook; getting a papercut published; getting my driver’s permit in May; the boys’ June guitar recitals in which they did beautifully (so proud of them); the great summer of learning and growing together; visits from Zios, Zias, surprise cousins, and Grandma and Grandpa; Passing my driver’s written test and getting our shutters installed in September; Passing my driver’s practical test and getting my license in October; our windows and doors being installed in November; and celebrating these days that God has made. He has filled them with rainbows, beautiful sunsets, laughter, all kinds of fascinating details, and so much love.

If nothing else you read in this newsletter touches your heart, I hope this will. Jesus is sufficient for ALL of your, and my, needs!!! His birth, His life, His death- all speak of His extreme, extravagant, and marvellous love for us. He is “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

He is waiting with open arms for YOU. “Draw near to God and
He will draw near to you.” James 4:8
We must not wait, for time is short. We must live each day as if it is our last,
before it really IS our last. Let’s live with purpose.

May God “bless you, keep you, make His face shine upon you, be gracious to you, and give you His peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Happy Holy-days!! And, Happy New Year to you all!

Sincerely and with much love-
The Perillo Family
(Anthony, Celita, Antonio, Giosaia, Luca, Miranda, And Dario :-) )

December 24, 2010... Medical Soap Opera Update #2...

2010-12-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to update you with pictures and such for weeks now, but life goes on, even after a challenge arises, so... I will do it now. Thank you to ALL of you who have been thinking of and praying for me and my family during this burn/healing challenge. God has been with me every step of the way. I have felt His help in every moment.

I had an interesting first three weeks, but on the third week, took a different direction in the healing process. You will notice below that scabs fell off, for the most part, by the third week. Aside from the initially burning, the scab process was the most painful part. After three weeks of walking distortedly, because of the scab not allowing me to stand straight on account of pulling, and the pain of leaning especially to my right, I am currently trying to retrain my legs to work as they should. The muscles weakened quite a bit, and my range of motion is not what it was. Getting better, though. Thank the Lord.

Midway through the scab healing part, I had two interesting incidences that made me laugh... I got stuck standing on a chair, when my legs decided that getting down was too hard for them to accomplish. Had to call my husband to help me. Kind of embarrassing as he scolded me for getting in the chair to begin with, but also humorous all the same. And, then, in an effort to help my daughter put away some toys, I sat on the floor, but... could not get back up again without help. Sigh... my legs are still recovering but... doing much better.
:-) Please continue to pray for me as my back and knees suffered quite a bit, and need time to be strengthened as well.

Taken December 7th... Both of my legs. Using the "humid" treatments, with creams and medicated gauze, wrapping with gauze and sausaging up my legs in wrapping, which you can see by my ankles. :-)

Taken December 7th... My right leg. you can see the skin beginning to pull and crinkle. It is healing for sure. Still doing the treatment that is "humid". Getting around well. Able to accomplish some things.

Taken December 12th... Both of my legs after applying the "drying" medicine. This was the worst. Once this medicine began drying up the scabbing, after seeing that the skin was pink underneath, the pain became more intense as movement shifted the scabs and caused them to pull and rub. Anyhow... you get the idea. I did not accomplish very much during this process. Hard to get around.

Taken December 12th... My right leg after putting on "drying" medicine... I called them my "desert legs" on account of how they looked. hahahahahah!!

Taken December 12th... My husband and me... :-)

Taken December 14th... Both of my scabby legs... Sorry, not pretty.

Taken December 14th... Scabs on my right leg. They kept pulling on my skin, any leg hairs, the gauze, and any clothes or materials they touched. It was not fun, but I managed.

Taken December 16th... What I looked like for weeks. I could not even let the edges of the shorts touch the burn area, it was so tender. At first I pinned them up, but holes were forming in the material. So... I took string and tied them up. Hey, applause for a bit of ingenuity, please! I looked silly, but it was the only way to go through the days. I still am wearing shorts, just not tied up. See, a bit of improvement. hahahahahah!

Taken December 18th. This is what my legs currently look like. The pink areas are still tender when putting on pants, but I am daily noticing a little less sensitivity. I live in shorts, knee socks, and thick sweaters. hahahahaha.... What a picture!

December 1, 2010... Medical Soap Opera Update 1...

2010-12-01T11:25:00.000-08:00

My bandaged up legs... I do this (cleaning and wrapping)3 times a day...

Right Leg Burn as of Monday... (yellowishness due to cleaning medicine, not to healing bruising.. hahaha)

Left Leg Burn as of Monday... (yellowishness due to cleaning medicine, not to healing bruising.. hahaha)

So... as of tomorrow evening it will be a week since I got burned. I was amazed that I felt full peace and joy for the first two full days. I was elated that it was not worse and the kids were safe, and I truly felt an inexplicable sense of peace and joy just because God is faithful and always good. I knew He was and is helping me to heal and to deal with the challenges of this daily life. I am also experiencing itching which I am attributing to signs of healing. Sometimes, it nearly drives me crazy. I have to concentrate hard on why it is important to deal with it and not scratch. hahaah... OUCH!!! And, since this last note below, I have found that I am getting around just a touch more, making it easier to do some more than I have been able to. Not all, but more. Slowly, but still improvement. :-) I will rejoice even for the little improvements. :-)

Anyhow... Here is my email to family and friends from Sunday and Monday:

On Monday I asked Anthony to help me take the three youngest kids to the pediatrician. I have come to really like this doctor, and she has come to also enjoy seeing us. When she saw me, of course her main concern was my kids. Dario has an ear infection. Miranda and Luca have croup, but nothing major. Thank the Lord. She noticed me quiet and acting sort of oddly, not intentionally, but frankly I could not figure out why I was in so much pain. That is because I was so stupid as to forget to take my pain meds before leaving the door, thank you very much. Sigh…

So… Anthony was with me and recounted all that happened. She was horrified for us, of course. I told her what our family doctor had said, and she asked to see the burns. When she lifted up just a small portion she exclaimed… Oh, Signora, these are not 1st and 2nd degree burns. These are for sure 2nd and 3rd degree burns. !!!!!!!!!!!! I felt sort of betrayed, and upon entering the car had my only cry since it all happened. Don’t even ask me how I have not cried in these days. I have laughed plenty. :-) So… I am disappointed that I will have a longer healing time, most likely. I am having a hard time walking and getting around and accomplishing stuff, which had me frustrated several times, but I still feel that the Lord is with me every step of the way. “there can be no healing without thanksgiving”, right??? So… Bless the Lord, o my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name!!!

Hope this note finds you well. With so much affection…

Celita :-)

P.S Here are pictures of Tuesday, November 30.

Thanksgiving Day 2010... And Our Medical Soap Opera...

2010-11-27T08:03:00.000-08:00

PICTURES FIRST, BUT PLEASE MAKE SURE TO READ THE WORDS...

Listening to beautiful music...

My dear friend, Gio... Honoring the kid's request to play the flute for them... They loved their private recital. :-)

Left leg burn... not so bad as right leg.

Right leg burn within first day... Looks a little different today. sigh...

The flower in my front side window... Sweet.

Window guys/dry wall guys... Group picture. :-)

Our newly arrived front door... installed ON Thanksgiving. A very big answer to prayer. Finished installation of windows and all the day after Thanksgiving.

Our house addition to this day... Coming along, isn't it? Sorry I have been so long in showing you.

The kids with their haircuts to deal with a recent lice case in our home. All gone now, praise God! hahahah...

Not too many weeks ago, we had a lice infestation which had me cut ALL of my super long hair off. I can't do much with it now, except look like when my baby girl was three with little hair sticking straight up in little fountains. hahahah... or wear a hat. At least it will grow back. Oh, and that is a BIG torrone my hubby brought back to me from a work trip. Yummy, and such a sweet thought. Thank you, Anthony.

I sent out this email to family and friends on November 18th, days before the event I have to share next.

"I came across a quote that just knocked me off my feet yesterday. “… there can be no healing without thanksgiving…” by Martin Rinkart… Then… 1 Thessalonions says, “in all things give thanks...” I know that life is full of challenge and trial. But…. I think God is challenging me to really focus on HIM through it all, to praise, pray, and wait with thanksgiving. Not easy, but wow for the relief and joy that comes out of it.

Please DO pray for us when you think of us...

With that in mind… Happy and blessed Thanksgiving!!

Celita and family"
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Keeping that in mind, please continue to the rest of my shared words. I assure you, there is much to be thankful for. :-)

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This is my note to family and friends today... discussing our Thanksgiving Day:

"(per voi chi leggono solo in Italiano…scusami… non ho fatto traduzione, pero ti può fare sul internet o qui sul blog. Spero ti fa piacere capire che ha successo. Ti vogliamo tanto bene… :-) )

We had a great Thanksgiving Day… In general. Well, it started off with some difficulties, but I was just so excited that I took it as it came. Basically, we originally had plans to spend the day together, but we found out that the window guys decided that day to bring the windows and beginning installing. After a moment’s hesitation, I became very excited as I realized that God had brought an answer to a significant prayer request on this Thanksgiving Day. I was very grateful. Originally we intended on doing family time today, Saturday, instead. More on that later.

Anyhow… in the morning, Anthony hurt himself. Pulled a muscle or slightly ripped it, I am not sure, as he would not listen to me when I said to go get it checked out. But, he did keep going full steam ahead, until… he fell into a hole and hurt himself further. Up until this point I had cleaned and cooked and almost fully accomplished everything we needed to for a couple of friends coming over in the evening. Seeing Anthony in pain, I told him he should sit in the tub and soak a bit. Well, I had to help him, he was feeling that bad. He could not stand straight up and so, I got him settled, then said I would be back after I checked on the food. I had left a good sized turkey leg (much bigger than in the States) in the oven, and some things warming on the stove.

So… the kids were watching tv not far from the kitchen, and I saw that they were content. I went to check on the meat inside the oven. I turned the pan, slightly with my left hand to the left part of the pan, so I could get a better look at the turkey and to see if there was enough liquid inside. Wouldn’t you know it, the pan started to slide and in my fear of burning my hand near the inside of the stove, I let go just a moment to adjust my grip, only to have it slide faster and me not be able to catch it!! I caught the pan mid-air only to have ALL the liquid inside jump out and land…… IN MY LAP. I let out a blood-curdling scream that just shocked the life out of my poor kids, and then all went into action.

Here is where you MUST know… God is faithful!!! Praise His name!!!

I immediately recalled stuff I had read about several times. I felt like the Lord was whispering His directions to me, in my shock and pain. I did all I was supposed to, and realized that the kids were just so upset, so I am grateful that the Lord helped me be “with it” enough to give them jobs to do… one, go get the medical book and find the section on “burns”, another get me the ibuprofen (ASAP), another clean up that mess on the floor please, another get me the blanket off the sofa so I can cover myself after removing my burning pants, another even without asking ran upstairs to get his father.

I was standing leaning against the kitchen counter by the sink when I glanced up to find… Anthony bent over like an old man, barely able to walk, standing there, with a towel around his middle and dripping water and soap. “What happened!! What can I do?” Honestly, I laughed in that moment. DO??? Get upstairs and get back in the tub!!! Hahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahaha!!!

I thought… LOOK AT US! We are a mess! We have guest-friends coming, and though everything else is ready, we are just a big ole mess.

That happened about… 10 minutes to 6., and our friends were supposed to arrive about 8:30. By the time they arrived we had managed to get everything set, feed the kids, and all.

I thank God for my girlfriend’s reminder that shorts might be better than keeping the pants rolled up to the top part of my thighs. Hahahahah
I thank God for this same girlfriend bringing her flute at the request of my kids, and playing marvellous joy into our heart… and SO pleasing my kids…
I thank God for helping us in our time of need.
I thank God for my kids who were SO helpful, listened to instruction, and just did a spectacular job.
I thank God for time with special friends who just were great to be with. We laughed and shared and ended off watching 2 episodes of The Cosby Show (aka The Robinsons here in Italy—who knew? Apparently, the Huxtables are too difficult to say for an Italian. Hahahahahahah) what better way to end off than laughing even more together.

We had a great, though very adventurous, Thanksgiving. Praise the Lord- for He is good, and His mercy endures forever. I know the situation could have been many, many times worse than it was. I have mostly 1st degrees, with small streaks of 2nd degree burns. It could have landed on my face, my chest, or my belly, and while the legs are also not ideal, I assure you, it would have been far worse anywhere else.

I was reminded of a couple of things while everything was happening. One, Anthony cannot say I read too much, as stuff like this certainly is handy and worthwhile knowing. Hahahahahahah. Two, I found it so amazing to have joy, peace, and laughter even in the time of such odd stress. I know the Lord is helping me to deal with pain and in managing with life, which has kept going full force even though I have slowed down. I thank God for a nephew who could initially get me burn cream from the pharmacy while Anthony was laid up himself. There is just so much to be grateful for…

I thank God for my kids who have had to give up Saturday family time because what we planned to do is not possible as I cannot walk too much or too far. I thank God for His courage, His help, His care., His love… THANK YOU; JESUS!!!

While it was happening, I was reminded of a story in “Foxe’s Book Of Martyrs”. A powerful and intense book, if you have not read it. It discusses many generations of Christians who suffered for their faith and sited examples and individual’s stories.

(paraphrase from memory) I remember one story about a man living here in Europe, I believe. He was a man who wanted the normal poor people to understand God’s word, and at the time, was forbidden to do so. At the time, only a trained pastor, minister, priest was able to, or “intended to”, understand and utilize the Holy Scriptures, and to relay them to the peasants. This man refused to denounce how he felt about his faith and refused to back down and submit to a way of doing things that he knew were not pleasing or acceptable before God. He was pronounced a heretic and told he would suffer the fate of burning at the stake. While they were preparing him: tying him to the pole, getting the dry brush by his feet, he announced that before God he would not allow these people, hungry for his blood, the satisfaction of crying out in pain or fear. He believed God would give him the strength to do just as he had said. And… as the flames grew and grew, the crowd was amazed and quieted as, sure enough, he died quietly, praying to and praising His Father and Lord.

As I was burning, myself, this man- his courage and faith- came to mind. Even while standing up for what he believed in… I don’t know or understand how he was able not to scream, but I do know that my Jesus is faithful, caring, and so good. He IS SUFFICIENT for all of our needs. While we may suffer, He is able to bring relief, to bring joy and hope and peace to our hearts. When we trust Him with all of our hearts, and listen to His voice, while we remember that He said He would never leave or forsake us, He is ALWAYS there… Keeping this in mind, we can be okay in any circumstance, not matter how awful.

Please, know that I am rejoicing and so blessed. I pray that you will also come to know Him and His goodness in a very personal way. He loves you so much. Remember that.

This experience has become number one on my “God please don’t ever let me go through this again” list, with mastitis and Dario’s traumatic birth under, and lice somewhere after. Hahahahahahahha… Yes, I hate lice that much. But, I know that God has a purpose for all things. I may not understand now, there is healing that needs to take place, to be sure, but I also know that I now have an understanding about something like this that I did not have before. I think about women in Iran or Pakistan who are burned by chemicals in their face, who have been caught in house fires and damaged intensely. I think of so many things, and have a clearer, though not perfect, understanding of how to pray for them.

It was intense, but I was NEVER alone. Praise Jesus!

With that all in mind… Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! GOD BLESS YOU and MINISTER TO YOU!!! :-)

With a grateful heart, lotsa love, and a great big hug,
Celita and family… :-)

[Please don’t feel bad. I am sharing because I want you to REJOICE with me!!!] ;-)

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For some perspective, my father-in-law just came up to me and said, "How's are your legs?" I showed him the signs of my experience, and he said, "Wow, you're cooked." I know it is odd, but it made me giggle. Yup, but I am looking forward to seeing the Lord doing a mighty work in my healing and in opportunities for me to encourage and understand others. Hey, isn't it better to find the positive and not dwell on being depressed and overwhelmed through the trials? It is only by His strength, joy, hope, and peace. Thank you, Jesus!

I certainly request prayer, and I will do my best to let you know if anything changes or the progress. Soon...

Romans 15:13...

2010-11-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

Titled: Romans 15:13 (Which says... "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." ... FROM MAY 2008

Seeing as how I am coming to realize that challenges have been hurting many people I know, I thought I would pass along another papercut I did back in 2008. This image is how I felt then, and how I have felt many times since then… but I KNOW that I KNOW that I KNOW that Jesus has been there all along. He is our strength, our joy, our praise, our hope, our faithful GOD and FATHER. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him; and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

My papercut images can be found at http://daysease.blogspot.com/ I would love to hear if (and, if you like, how) they have ministered to you or others, as that brings encouragement to my heart as well. What a lovely cycle of praise and testimonies!!! Blessings…

Clinging and fully convinced of the goodness of the Lord no matter what,

Celita

Wounds Of My Heart...

2010-11-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

Titled: God Is Bigger Than...

Hello, dear ones… I made this for a cousin of mine at the beginning of this year (January 2010). It so spoke to my heart even as I gazed on its completion, and, even now it makes me glad and seems fitting for the end of this year. May it be a pleasant reminder to you today… I know it is for me. Sigh… faithful Lord be part of this day.

Celita

You can find more of my papercuts at http://daysease.blogspot.com/...

Rescue Me...

2010-11-24T09:47:00.000-08:00

Titled “Rescue Me based on Psalm 144:7” which says, “Stretch out Your hand from above; Rescue me and deliver me out of great waters…”

Not too long ago, after a few days of intense trial and challenge, I was feeling just DONE. I lay on the sofa and willed myself into a dark and not supremely restful nap. But before I dozed off, I had a vision in my head of THIS. My trials were swirling me and threatening to overwhelm and overpower me, and my soul was crying out for His hand to rescue me. When I made this I had not found the verse yet. When I did, it fit JUST PERFECTLY. I hope it blesses you as it has me. He is there, always there, never leaving or forsaking. Trust Him to hear you, see you, know you. And, may you sense His presence even in the darkest moments. When you feel the most DONE may you see His hand work and move in the most remarkable ways. He is able, nothing is impossible with Him. He cares, lean on Him.

Broken and blessed,

Celita :-)

To see other papercuts that I have done, please click HERE...

An Update To Let You Know I Am Still Here...

2010-10-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

There is no excuse. Really, I know that. I have fully intended to get back to blogging, Facebook, and the online life.

Life in September and in this beginning part of October has been a daily exercise in surrendering to Jesus. I cannot at all go into details, as it involves the lives of others, but... To say that these are dangerous times for the soul is an understatement. When depression, suicide, and other major things are mixed together in the lives of people in a community, well, let us just say that we are ALL in desperate need of God's grace, mercy, wisdom, and discernment. To watch valued relationships crumble in mistrust, bitterness, and resentment sends my soul in tears.

There are several situations going on in my relationships that are challenging me to PRAISE hard and Pray even harder. I am daily being challenged to pray with power and thanksgiving, even in the midst of heartache.

That is only bits and pieces of some of what is going on in my life, at least in close relationships around me. Not just one, but many. And God has put me in a place to try to encourage, try to build up, try to minister. I am trying to be a good steward with these moments, as I don't want to miss an opportunity that He gives me, and I certainly WANT to see these lives bettered, healed, and restored.

On top of that, I am in the midst of trying to get my license here in Italy. Between waiting for our needed addition to be completed and trying to get my license, I am being tremendously stretched in faith and patience. But, as always, God is faithful to give me what I need for every day.

The kids have begun school, and, although that has its own share of challenges, I am so grateful that the Lord is waking us up with the intention to have a positive attitude and make the most of our mornings. I have been doing mini devotions with the kids even before they begin to get ready since the second day of school. It came on after we had a rough 1st day of school when I woke everyone and got ready TOO LATE. Horrible way to begin the school year. But... sure motivated me to do better

Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness. You give me "strength for today and hope for tomorrow"; You remind me that "all things come, to pass"; You provide for our needs (psychologically, emotionally, spiritually, and physically, and You even care enough to provide for some of our wants. I call them "love letters to my heart". You know, when somethings unexpected comes, a secret longing fulfilled, or just something that lifts the spirit, brings gladness to the heart, makes you smile, or really just overwhelms you with a feeling that you ARE special. That is what I mean. He does that for me, all the time.

As I put Him first, include Him in the moments of my days- good or bad, as I speak to Him, read His Word, and meditate on Him, in word or song... Well, I am learning more about Him. As I draw near to Him, He is DRAWING near to me. As He promised in the Bible. As I try to maintain my focus on Him, give Him the first fruits of my days, and share His love with others, that blessings goes to those shared with but also returns to me. It is a blessing to bless.

All of these things He has done for me in these days, weeks, months, years. He loves me. I know it. He thinks I am special, in spite of my MANY mistakes, faults, and quirkiness. He has a plan for me. Yes! He said in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Wow!! What I think is so great is that I am firmly learning that God is not just a Promise Maker, He truly is a Promise Keeper. So I can trust Him to keep His word to bless, keep, and help me and my family as we stay close to Him.

And you know what is great? He loves YOU so much, He wants to be there for YOU in the same way. Well, specialized just for you and how He knows you, but still... intensely loving you.

I hope that blesses your heart as much as it blesses mine.

Well, that is all for now. Hope this sporadic posting is not discouraging you from coming over to see what is new. Please DO check in again. Who knows? Maybe by then, I will have a bunch more for you to see and read. I hope so. We will see how these days go. Thank you for checking in this time.

Blessings...
Celita

Just A Very Belated Mini Update...

2010-09-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

I have so much to catch up on... I apologize for not being on often. A lot going on. I really tried to focus on keeping the kids busy over the summer. With school now around the corner, we are trying to get back into the hang of things after our recent family vacation, while also preparing for that. We currently have my parents visiting, which is a pleasure. I hope to have more pictures soon. Please pray for us as we enter this new school year. I am personally not prepared for it.

Oh, and, on a side note, I have just begun doing some book reviews on my crafty and creative blog. Please go and see what I have been up to when you have a chance. I have several papercuts yet to post. Hope you will bear with me.

Hoping you are well... Celita

"... cast all your cares on the Lord, for He cares for you." Just been on my heart today. May it bless your heart.

August 6, 2010...Guarding The Heart...

2010-08-06T01:02:00.000-07:00

Nei Raggi Di Sole... In The Sun's Rays... (A card...)

May God Guard Your Growing Love... (this gift measures 8 1/2 high by 11 inches wide)

We have a wedding to go to this weekend for one of my husband's cousins. I have been brainstorming a wedding cut for a little while now, and this is what I came up with. I have never done one quite like this before: my own design of a profiled elegant couple. I am pleased with it, though still getting used to its finished look. I also did the card above it for my mother-in-law to give from herself.

It is a worthy thing to pray that God guards and protects a growing love as there are many things that we know can destroy this sacred union. I am reminded of a verse in Proverbs, chapter 4, verse 23 which says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Whatever challenges one may come across our ways in life, may they only draw us closer together and strengthen our resolve to fight for our mates and the love God intended between a husband and wife!

Roberto e Nicoletta, possa Dio vi benedica questo giorno speciale!!

Roberto and Nicoletta, may God bless your special day!!

July 24, 2010... Two Friends Share A "Tiara's And Tophats" Birthday Party...

2010-07-26T00:00:00.001-07:00

The theme was the combination of two children's books: Fancy Nancy and Gigi: God's Little Princess. All I can say is that this party was great fun! The joy was in the details. Like what? Sprinkles over bananas and apples to make them look fancy and bright. Butterfly wings created from sparkly material rubber banded or pinned on clothing with pipe cleaner handles created to attach them to little hands (So forming the wings). Tiara and shield crafts. Tissue paper corsages, and netted flowers to wrap in the hair. There were even heart shaped balloons and rainbow colored yarn to string to them. And, of course there was lots of play time in the park where the party was held.

These things are still being used even these days after the party. They are enjoying them so. Simple, but effective for stimulating the imagination and making pretty little girls feel like they are going to a ball. Yay!

Thank you for inviting us! What a sweet memory!! My kids had a blast!

Creative Crafty Time: Collaging with cloth and anything else and other stuff, too.

This is the design down the front of the skirt dress. I took green pipe cleaners and formed a vine. I filled in with leaves from an old bouquet of blue roses that someone gave me when Luca was born. I took some old paper roses and water colored them in pink and purple. I then took a butterfly from an old shirt and watercolored it yellow. I then glued on the wings of a discarded and broken butterfly that normally is in flower arrangements. I love it!

I hung ribbons off the shoulder, and to decorate the front I took an already formed ribbon bow for presents and glued on a large button I have saved for a while.

Apron made from discarded purple umbrella, an old sash I have held onto for years, and lots of ribbon. The wide pink ribbons were from when Miranda was born. Seemed fitting to use them for this special purpose. I love to wear this apron myself. I used it to brighten up the dark of the dress itself. The dark dress was an old skirt someone had passed onto me. It had a bleach mark and was put into my craft box. I knew it would come to good use! The apron covered the bleach spot so nicely, too. :-)

Center purple flower and the two green leaves are made from rolled pipe cleaners. The gold edges are cardboard covered with gold present ribbon. All were hot glued in place.

Copper tiara, worked and wound around itself into the form of a tiara.

Tophat created by using cardboard circle with center cut out, glued to black posterboard on both sides. Center cut out again. Rolled long length of black posterboard to create tall part and stapled. Bottom edge was wripped about every inch and a half and stapled and glued down to hold to rim. Feathers added for detail. The top is open.

Sword made from a piece of wood from an old shutter. Wrapped in aluminum foil, then taped down with clear tape. Handle was also taped to prevent any possibility of splinters. Name of child was written on paper then placed on handle before taping.

Luca in his tophat...

The Party

Miranda having a girls' day!!! Yay!!...

The Fancy Nancy cake!! Yummy!!

Sophie and Kathy...

Miranda in her homemade princess dress... Good thing she is the only girl. I could not see doing that for four girls. hahahah.... Took me a day and a half to complete all of the crafty things for the party. I loved it, but it was a long process. Thank you to my family for their support of my crazy creative splurges. :-)

Best Friends... Eva and Isabella...

Nicoletta and Abigail...

Dario just woke up from a short nap...

Miranda and Giosaia on the teetering see-saw...

Luca and Samuel...

Birthday girls...

Friends...

Fathers...

Kathy and Leia... Birthday girls' moms...

Isabella...

Elise...

Papà reading to Miranda about "Fancy Nancy"...

Miriam...

Nicoletta and Kathy...

The end of a long but nice day...

E is for Elise... (card I made for Elise)

I is for Isabella... (card I made for Isabella)

Isabella and Elise, Happy Birthday!! Thanks for inviting us to your party. We had so much fun. God bless you and your families. May He bless you and draw your little hearts closer to Him. Keep Him first!

Love, us

July 2010... My Husband's Birthday...

2010-07-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

The card I made my husband... titled "A Blessing Unto You, My Love"

Happy Birthday, Papà!! Happy Birthday to you!!

July 4, 2010 Giosaia's 8th Birthday Party...

2010-07-25T22:25:00.001-07:00

We had a double (okay triple) themed birthday party. We held it on July 4th, so of course come colors were from that. You know, Red, white, and blue, stars and stripes... The first two original themes were as follows: King Josiah in the Bible became king at 8 years old, and He was a king who loved God. He followed many years of evil kings, and pleased God. And... to go along with my year-long animal themes, I decided to use an animal that was known for being king, but did not want to use a lion. Any guesses who the animal part of the theme was based on? If you guessed BABAR then you are correct. I loved the choices, and so did my son. Different is one of the things I like. Originality mixed with the usual. By the way, there are no birthday parties that I could find online based on this character. Odd, I think. Anyhow, it was a simple, but fun, party. Lots of food, laughter, and fellowship.

Giosaia, we love you so much. We are so proud of you, and we cannot believe that you are 8 already. Stay in the light of the SON!!!

The card I made for Giosaia... titled "Babar and the Red Balloon"...

The whole view of the elephant garland...

An elephant garland...

A combined celebration: Happy 4th of July and Happy 8th Birthday!!!

Zucchini bread cake turned out PERFECTLY. Homemade ganache for frosting. Colored with food coloring. Yummy, yummy, yummy...

Romina...

Emanuele...

The last of my American mini marshmallows put to good use... Rice Krispie Treats! Yummy!

Dario says, "YUM!"...

Buddies... Antonio, Sophia, Augusto, and Giosaia...

Martina...

Friends from Rome with Antonio and Giosaia...

Chalk art and soccer...

Chalk art...

Funniest thing... I always debate on whether to sing "Happy Birthday" in Italian or English. It was taken out of my hands as the kids all started singing in ENGLISH. (I did not have to say a word!) hahahahaha!! Fun!

Augusto

Nonna and Giosaia...

Sophia and Giosaia with her sweet picture...

Here it is, the gift from Grandma and Grandpa... A remote control car!... OOH-AHHH!

July 25, 2010 Home Improvements...

2010-07-25T22:14:00.001-07:00

Can you tell what this will eventually be? :-)

As of recently, this is what the addition looked like. Since this picture, the blocks have been completed. The workers are coming to stucco the outside, so it will look completely different soon. Then on to picking a paint color.

July 26, 2010 Update On Kids And Things In General...

2010-07-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

So much going on. Just wanted my family and friends to see the kids during these days. Some pictures of each to give you some perspective... :-)

Antonio-9 1/2, likes creating new adventures for outside play time, being innovative with simple things, learning to papercut like mamma, helping cook, and playing soccer with friends.

Antonio and his new t-shirt...

Giosaia- 8, My cautious one is discovering the joy of learning to do some new things (like fake pop-a-wheelies!), loves to draw, learning to papercut like mamma, do schoolwork, read together, and make sure mamma has plenty of hugs throughout the day.

Giosaia and his two missing front teeth... (I love the look, I really, truly do. Great for pictures!!) :-)

Giosaia and his new t-shirt...

Luca-6, Loves to rough-house, ride bike, be around smaller kids, and loves cuddling.

He loves rough-housing...

Luca and his new t-shirt...

Miranda- 4 1/2, loves girly things, but loves to hang out with the boys, too. She loves dainty/frilly things and dressing-up for play time or going out, beans and greens, princess movies, and laughing at silly things.

Miranda, God's little princess...

Miranda and Dario...

Miranda and her new t-shirt...

Dario- 2 1/2 (Doing very well after his last dramatic incident. No sign that anything happened has remained on him. He is also doing MUCH better psychologically and likes to wash his hands again. He loves to get into everything, to make people laugh, and to pet our dog and cat. He loves Toy Story, and plain al dente pasta.)And he still gives the best monkey-hugs.

Dario and his new shirt 1...

Dario and his new t-shirt 2...

July Episode of: Adventures In Parenting... But Mostly In Trusting God!!!...

2010-07-17T19:00:00.001-07:00

Below are the messages I sent out by email to family and friends during our latest dramatic moment, from a week ago (occurred the weekend of July 10th and 11th). I will praise God for His faithfulness and care to my son. He has done a miracle in protecting my baby, and He is SO good. Cling to Him!! Trust in Him! Believe in Him!!

And, Now... here is our latest "Adventure in Trusting"...

Note #1 Email titled "Lye: A Cruel Sort Of Suffering..."

Please pray for Dario. Anthony will take him to the eye doctor tomorrow, if we can get an appointment. Yesterday, Saturday, the 10th of July, The kids were playing outside. I heard screaming from Dario, rushed out and saw him covered in white powder. As we have sand and other construction equipment around, I just rushed to flush out his eye, but thought nothing else of it.

Unfortunately, he had a really rough evening. I took him to a local emergency aid center, and explained that his eye was really red and swollen because of sand thrown in his eye, and we were given a medicine to aid him.

I am horrified to announce that I was wrong. My heart hurts as I have just this afternoon (a little after 24 hours after the incident!) realized that it was not sand, but LYE that was thrown in his face. Thank the Lord I flushed out his face long and hard. Really, the poor kid is afraid of my kitchen faucet now, but today he seemed much better. Sensitive, but more himself. Only, today as I realized it was lye, I feet HORRIBLE… after doing some reading, I am praying with all my heart that his eyes will not be permanently affected by the chemical. I am crushed as I think about how much he suffered yesterday, and that I did not realize.

What you see in the pictures, what I thought was like sand burn, was really chemical burn. Sniff-sniff…

I did not catch it on in time, and I am just horrified about it. I assure you, I feel bad enough, and I am really hesitant and emotional talking about it.

I am REALLY asking for prayer that all goes well, and that I have peace in my heart. Now I just feel like a horrible mother. May God forgive me for not understanding his suffering. May God help us and let him be okay. He is actually acting normal now, so we just want to make sure he is okay.

I feel REALLY bad, and I really don’t want to answer a bunch of questions at this time. Thanks…

I love you, thanks for listening, and for praying. I know you will…

Celita

Dario and the burn under his eye... (taken July 11, 2010... it currently does not exist anymore. There is just a pink mark now. will try to take pictures again soon.)

Note #2

Just wanted to let you know that we took Dario to his pediatrician this morning. After explaining our dramatic weekend, and after she checked him out, she was very enthusiastic and said that for all the craziness… he looks like he is fine. Obviously for precaution we are still taking him to the eye doctor, but they had no appointments today. So we will go tomorrow afternoon. Dario is acting just like Dario. The burn under his eye is being kept clean with saline solution. Thanks those of you who reminded me about that in my shocked moment. And the doctor said that it is crusting well and should be fine once it falls off. I wonder if there will be some scarring, but… I am trying not to dwell on it much. As long as his eyes are okay.

Now… prayer is needed for tomorrow’s appointment. May the Lord help us as we try to get Dario to cooperate and LET the doctor look at his eyes. Sigh…

I praise the Lord for helping me to react in a time of necessity. I praise Him for friends and family whom have been a most appreciated source of encouragement and prayer. I praise Him for my most wonderful children, Dario being mentioned for now because he is such a good sport and such a joy in my life. I praise my Lord for His protection and care for my family and for daily letting me see the evidence and power of prayer.

May He bless each of you today and throughout this week. Glorify the Lord with me!! Hugs and much love…

Celita

Me, Miranda, and Dario

Note #3

First I want to say… There has been a misunderstanding on my part. Not that it changes things. I chalk it up to having emergencies and misunderstandings due to a different language. Anyhow… My friend Kathy is married to Ciro. Ciro is Napoletano and also teaches English. So, when he heard the explanation of what happened to Dario, He was a little confused about some of the words used to explain what happened. So… Lye is not what I explained it to be. After some research on their part, they determined… the material that was thrown in Dario’s face was LIME. Either way it burned under his eye, can make someone blind, and is dangerous. But, figured I would fix that.

And, secondly, yesterday was Dario’s eye appointment. Poor kid fussed a bunch, but for being 2 and half did great. The doctor, hahahahah, kept reassuring me that she could not at all determine how his actual eye sight was. DUH!! And I kept reassuring her that ALL I wanted to know was if his actual eye was okay, not scratched, not damaged in any way. The result!! HE IS JUST FINE!!

Praise the Lord with me again!!

I do have one prayer request. I have noticed that he is still horribly afraid of our kitchen faucet, after his dousing, but not only that, seems to also be horribly afraid of running water in general, and the bathroom sink now, too. He panics every time I go to wash his hands. Please pray that the Lord heals his little heart, and dulls that fear in his heart. God has healed and protected my son. I have seen His wonderful and mighty hand move in my family this weekend, and I am here to say. PRAISE HIS NAME!!! We serve a faithful and powerful Lord!!

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and care. It has meant more than I can say. Please know that I love you dearly. Feel free to share this glorious and joyous news with whomever you like. May it bring glory and honor to the name of Jesus!!!

With a grateful and blessed heart,

Celita

Update For This First Week of July 2010...

2010-07-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

(For information about this papercut, please click HERE...)

Life!! Been busy. Kids out of school and trying to keep them occupied. Anyone have some neat activities, crafts, or experiments that I can add to my ideas pile??? Pass them on.

I have been making papercut trading cards, and receiving some lovely trades for them. I have been reading to the kids alot. Many years ago my mom gave me some of her books from when she was a kid. We are on the last of three books about Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren. I have been very pleased at how much my older two have especially comprehended the funny things within. So pleased. We have laughed together quite often. Hahahahah!!

Our addition is coming along. I have so many pictures to post, but at the moment, I haven't time. I hope to post them soon. We officially have the windows and doors blocked up so that it is looking like a house now, and less like a car garage. ;-)

I have been doing summer homework with the older boys, to keep them up on, especially, mathmatics (I think I have learned, the only way to really deal with multiplication tables is to memorize, memorize, memorize.) :-) They are having fun taking an animal a day from a book we have, drawing the related picture, reading out loud, and then writing five facts that they have learned about that animal. It has been fun to see their excitement and to watch them learn.

Well, hmmmm... I have yet to post many things. For now, I MUST be off to bed. Thanks for checking in. (I hope I have not lost all of you... sigh) Blessings and peace to you!!

celita

June 23, 2010 A Glad Update with a Hint of Vent...

2010-06-23T02:13:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... I have not been around much. Sorry about that. I do think of lots of things to write but have not had a chance to do much actual writing down. If you want to see some of what I have been up to, feel free to stop by my other blog http://daysease.blogspot.com/ I have been making lots of Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) because I have been going through some unexplainable Crafty Craze. :-) Go see! Here is just one of the ATC papercuts.

So, anyhow...

School is out! I am so glad! I have all of my kids home with me, and I have decided something drastic... The plan is to have a calm, relaxed summer. Meaning, no summer camp, no crazy plans that make me stressed out, etc... Of course, there is always something that pops into life to change that, but that is the point. I don't want to be stressed out before those "things" pop into life. I really want to enjoy my kids and do special things with them. So... I have experiments, books to read together, and other activites lined up. I really want to introduce the kids to things like making mousetrap cars, inventing things, etc... I am so excited. So are they. They are actually glad to be home and to be able to do such fun things. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share them!! I can use ideas!!

The only ones who are not so excited and don't understand... the outside world. Some people in my church and community are making life a bit more difficult with their insistency that I add some things to my life and schedule, but you know what... I have the best and greatest calling ever. I want to be the best mom I can be. I want my kids to remember having a blast together. I want them to like to be home. I want them to love the Lord and to love each other. I am called to "train them in the way they should go". There is NO job outside of maintaining marriage or child raising that anyone can convince me is more important or more worthwhile than those. My job is to minister to my family in this season of life. By doing so I am actualy ministering to others who are watching, observing, and wondering. Who knew?

God knew!! And so, in the simplest ways I can, I am pouring myself into my kids, my marriage, and into relationships around me. My goal... to be a good steward so I can see good fruit grow. If I am not around, or so busy with volunteering, working, etc..., how in the world will that happen? It makes me sad to hear people say that they think I am not using my gifts as I should or to the best of my abilities. Huh? I sing to my kids, and to others when I feel to do so. I read to my kids and make them laugh. I keep my husband happy, and we are more in love than ever. I papercut every chance I get. I am trying to do better with maintaining our home. I email loved ones continually, and frankly, people wonder how I do it all. And then they criticize and think that I am not doing enough. Well, go figure...

Funny thing is... I am more content than I have EVER been. I am at peace with this decision. I finally am "relaxing and enjoying" my family and my home more than I ever have. That is a BIG deal for me! I know Restlesseness and Panic Attacks well. I have dealt with depression and stress. I know that I want to be better. And, I know that I have prayed for confirmation about how and when to eliminate certain activities, and God has made it clear. I think it is interesting when people think I should listen to them more than God Himself. It is laughable.

I keep leaning on this verse from Colossians 3... "Do all things as unto the Lord and not to man." This is all for You, Lord! Take it, grow it, use it, and bless it!!And help me to stay on the path that You have for me, to hear Your voice, and to be sensitive to Your Spirit. Love you, Jesus!

June 9, 2010 A-Budding Love...

2010-06-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

There is a song that I remember from childhood called "Abiding Love". While I was creating this papercut, I kept thinking of that song, but inserting "A-budding" in place of "Abiding". So... I suppose it is a pun of sorts. :-)

I have been thinking about youth, love, and that time of growth. I am watching young adults around me pass through what I have already passed through. The struggles to know "what is REALLY right or best for my life?" There are those on the way to marriage, or those just starting relationships and in the middle of deep puddles of doubt. There are those beginning new careers, moving away from families, finding new jobs or new homes, preparing for college, ending one chapter of life to begin another.

Change is not easy. And, for me, it seems that my life really does represent the quote, "Anything worth having is worth fighting for." The best things of my life have not come easily by any means. I mean, NOTHING. I was really discouraged about it yesterday, as I scanned through my life and observed how "struggling, stretching, tottering, bending, trudging" have been constants in my journey.

Today I feel better, but I feel heart sore. I know that all of those challenges have caused me to build endurance, grow in faith, and to lean more on God. I am grateful to see how much I have grown, but... Sometimes I wish I could have some things come easily.

Yesterday I was looking at the photostream of some of a friend's art, and I saw that he had a series of three cards representing a flower bud growing. I sat staring, reflecting. One seemed to be ready to soar into the sky, exciting and ready to just be let go to grow. Another seemed as if inching along gradually, up, up, up, but still reaching and wanting. And the last seemed to be going even more slowly, still piled on top of itself and just beginning to show bravery to lean away from what it has always known.

This papercut card, here, represents the couple, the differences in upbringing, location, thought process, and so many other things; but what I really want to be represented is the SUN. It is big and the bud grows towards it because it wants to soak up the light. That is how we each, individually, should ideally be with Jesus, the SON, so that we can soak up His goodness, blessing, and have His direction, guidance, wisdom, discernment, etc... when making life's many tough decisions.

I can attest, personally, to God's faithfulness to guide me and direct me. I prayed often about most issues in my life. I remember feeling at a loss of what to do, many times. I remember feeling overwhelmed, ready to break, stressed out. I remember lots of different emotions, but through them all God was, and is, always in control. As I leaned on Him, and still do lean on Him, as I sought Him for His perfect will in my life, He has always given me an answer- Yes, No, or Wait. As I have obeyed Him, I have seen His perfect will and perfect way. Yes, I have made mistakes, but... He has also helped me to get back up after I have fallen. What a faithful and loving God He is.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Note: The color of the sun is a little off in the scan. It is more of a light orange... Perhaps other colors are also not exact, but that was the most noticeable.

June 5, 2010 Mere Edges Of His Ways...

2010-06-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

I do give God standing ovations... Here are just a few reasons why...

Job 26:7-14 (New King James Version)

7 He stretches out the north over empty space;
He hangs the earth on nothing.

8 He binds up the water in His thick clouds,
Yet the clouds are not broken under it.

9 He covers the face of His throne,
And spreads His cloud over it.

10 He drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters,
At the boundary of light and darkness.

11 The pillars of heaven tremble,
And are astonished at His rebuke.

12 He stirs up the sea with His power,
And by His understanding He breaks up the storm.

13 By His Spirit He adorned the heavens;
His hand pierced the fleeing serpent.

14 Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways,
And how small a whisper we hear of Him!
But the thunder of His power who can understand?”

Created for Nancy for a trade...

Creative Day Over At Jen's Blog...

2010-06-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

http://riddle32.blogspot.com/2010/05/creative-day.html

My friend, Jen, mentioned this really great idea for a preschooler's game. I just had to share, since I think that even my older ones would enjoy it... Click on her link above to see the whole post. Below is the basic gist of the game.

"Here's how you play... :) When it's your turn you have to declare what action you will do. For example: make animal noises, jump, sing, clap, flap your arms, ride a pretend bicycle in the air (Eric and Sam laugh a lot when I choose this one), etc. Then you roll the dice and do that activity that number of times, or number of seconds. :) It turns out to be quite comical. So, if you and your family need something new to do...get out a kleenex box!"

And, if you have any creative ideas to share to make this summer fun and enjoyable, and at least a little bit educational, feel free to share!! Thank you!

:-)

The Urgency to TRULY LIVE!!!

2010-05-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day for a hike. Tom and his wife, Anisa, were content to just soak up some sun after an extensive winter. It was a lazy day to recuperate from a long week and the “hustle and bustle” that is oftentimes Life.

For the most part they just walked along the path, well worn by other visitors. Crocuses, daffodils, narcissus, and other brightly coloured beauties were sprouting triumphantly from their damp, earthen beds. Twittering birds sang, flirted, and played around the tree branches above, skipping from one air current to another with glee.

Such joy! It was easy to relax and breathe with such beauty and tranquillity.

Squirrels, wary of these strangers to their home, scampered nervously from their position in a nearby maple tree. They were, seemingly, on a mission to find more nuts. A frenzied mouse sprinted across the path to find shelter in a group of ferns, and in the distant sky, a hawk was gliding and soaring, possibly on its way to find its next prey.

As Tom walked along he was thinking about how content he was. He and his wife both had great jobs. They had raised two beautiful and successful children, who now had families of their own. They were good people who volunteered when they could, donated to various organizations, and leant a helping hand to whoever had need. They were known by all to be kind, generous, and full of integrity. They went to church., and they enjoyed fellowship with others. All in all, they were set.

There was something that plagued his mind, though, even as he sauntered down the muddy trail. Something seemed to nag at his heart, but he was not sure exactly what it was. He thought to share his concern with Anisa, but decided against it, as he really did just want to relax and not let any concerns dampen the serenity.

Anisa was ahead of him by about three meters. Oh, what a woman! She was so beautiful, a true godsend, and as close to a Proverbs 31 woman as any could get. She obviously loved God and sought to always draw closer to Him. Her greatest desires were to seek after, to live for, and to learn more about Him and His ways; and, she had a passion for encouraging others to do the same. She prayed often for her family, friends, and others, and he had never seen anyone who entered into relationships with such passion. Honestly, he did not always understand it. Sometimes he thought it more of a weakness, as it left her vulnerable to so many who might take advantage of her kindness and care. She was too trusting, too loyal, and too interested. But then, he knew that their differences complimented each other.

Tom loved God. He prayed, whenever he thought of it. Perhaps he could do more to encourage growth in his own heart, but he just did not have that urgency. He did what was right, and felt that he was doing a good job at being the best person he could be. He read the Bible occasionally and really did like Pastor John’s ways of sharing God’s Word. He heard people talking about living for God fully surrendered, and, well, he just shrugged his shoulders. “Moderation. Everything in moderation.” That was best. Surely being an extremist and labelled a fanatic was not what Jesus would want them to do. “What Would Jesus Do?”, as far as he was concerned, meant this: living a life of loving and caring and respecting others; not judging; being a good citizen and standing for what was right and moral. Peter, Paul, and the disciples? Extremists, but that was for then, not for now.

A rock tripped him and jolted him out of his deep thoughts… Oh!

He had not realized how deep in thought he was! And now they were approaching the summit of this mountain. They had come here many times before, and he looked forward to soaking up the view that would be before them. It was one of his favourite places to come to and just… be.

Anisa arrived first and stood at the wooden railing intended to keep people from falling over the edge of the cliff. As Tom approached he could see her smiling, and he knew that she was mentally thanking God for His creativity and wonderful imagination. It truly was a sight to behold: the trees blossoming and budding, the earth coming alive in color after spending so many months clothed in deep browns and other blander shades.

A deep sigh escaped from within his heaving chest, and Anisa glanced at him, eyes full of appreciation and joy.

For several minutes they just stayed there, then Anisa decided to sit on a rock off to the side, closer to the trees, leaving Tom in a clearing closer to the railing. As they both meditated in silence, Tom was startled by a movement under his feet. What? In the moment that he was ready to step back, he saw the railing sink down away from view and the earth began to crumble before him. Astonished, he looked towards Anisa who glanced up just as Tom began to scramble to keep from sliding down the growing precipice. Panic seemed to stretch across the distance between them, as Anisa could only cry out, hands outstretched, and watch her beloved tumble over the edge.

************************************************************************************
A few years ago my pastor here in Italy asked something that has penetrated deeply into my heart.

He asked, “Where is the most dangerous place to be? (regarding relationship with God)…And he gave us a few minutes to consider the answer.

I thought to myself, “Hm… Well, let’s see. I think that the most obvious dangerous place to be is distant from God, not knowing Him, and unsaved. Right?

Wrong.

He said something that startled ME, and I knew it was true.

“The most dangerous place to be is this: When you think you are okay with God, and you are not. (!!!!)

I knew it was true. I have learned many things the hard way. For example: just knowing and living the “right things to say and the right things to do”, won’t save you. Neither will going to church every day of your life, being a good person, giving all you have to the poor, volunteering for all worthy and important causes, giving largely to charitable organizations, or being the nicest, most generous, most loyal, most loving person. (Each is important but will not bring you salvation from sins or get you to heaven.)

The Bible is clear: (my comments in parenthesis)

John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— (being good is not enough, knowing how to say and do the “right” things is not enough… we can do nothing to save ourselves, but we are saved out of HIS love and mercy)

Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' ( that does not sound like “in moderation” to me…)

Philippians 2:12
“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…” (do not become lax and complacent, don’t let yourself become too comfortable or fall asleep…Keep seeking and drawing near to God, and He will be found by you and draw near to you. He will strengthen you, keep you, and help you.)

Revelation 3:16
So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (pick a side, and live urgently!!! Walking the fence is not safe. There are only two ways to go. The fence does not count and actually is considered as leaning to the wrong side.)
************************************************************************************

I will tell you honestly. It hurts to see family and friends suffering because they have chosen to walk away from Jesus. I see them struggling through trials and daily life, and I wish I could give them the “will” to love Jesus and live for Him; but, I can’t. I will not say that I have arrived and am just fine now… No, I have to “work out my salvation daily” just like everyone else, but… I know that I find my strength, joy, hope, love, peace, encouragement, and help in serving Jesus, in looking to Him, in seeking after Him, and drawing near to Him.

That is what I know, from personal experience. I know what it feels like to feel far from God. I know what it feels like to lose someone; or to feel overwhelmed in grief, depression or challenges threatening to destroy me. I know failure, but I also know what it feels like to see growth and feel triumph.

This journey is not meant to be walked alone. He wants to walk with you, sometimes carry you, and definitely take you by the hand and guide you, minister to you, provide for you, and just love you.

If you should have any questions or comments, please consider leaving me a comment on this post and signing in as anonymous (or leaving your name). Or you can send me an email by “viewing my profile”.

Blessings and many thoughts… Celita

In Christ Alone...

2010-05-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

In the middle of a battle that began long before my time, but one that affects me every day, in every way. It is debilitating and motivating at the same time.

There is a bombardment of physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual artillery set against my brothers and sisters in the Lord, and because I care… well, it hurts. Cancers, blood clots, surgeries, never-ending fevers, lay-offs, discovered masses, down times, deaths, overworked and going on empty, babies being sacrificed for “no hope” (or should we say for convenience’s sake?), broken hearts, overwhelming doubts and fears, men with such sad and hopeless eyes, weak wills, no strength to continue on… on and on I could go; trial after trial, in an effort to wear us down, weaken us, hurt us, discourage us, destroy us. And, yet, when we are weak, God is STRONG.

I will not stand by and be trampled!!! I will not lie down and just die!!! That is not the way of a child of the living God. That is not the way of an heir with Christ. That is not the way of a sinner saved by grace who now has “the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead” living in her. We are more than conquerors in Christ! We have the victory through Jesus! Let us STAND in faith! Let us STAND in hope! Let us STAND in confidence in the ONE who has control and knows all… Let us TRUST IN, CLING TO, AND RELY ON JESUS!! Let us believe!! AMEN! Keep holding on. Keep seeking. Keep drawing close to God, because when you do He has promised to draw near to you. And, keep persevering and taking the right path… whether, crawling, trudging, running, walking or whatever… KEEP GOING!!!

For, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” (from 1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB)

IN CHRIST ALONE (by Michael English- singer and songwriter)
In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself
In battles won
For I've been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone, I overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes
Like diamonds in my hands
But these trophies could not equal
To the grace, by which I stand

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory
In the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

In Christ alone will I glory
For only by His grace
I am redeemed
And only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness
To my need
Now I seek no greater honor
Than just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses
And to the glory of my Lord

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory
In the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

May 2010 Luca's Birthday Package From Grandma and Grandpa...

2010-05-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

Too excited for words!

His expression says it all... (ugh, it is a little blurry, but you get the point...)

Wow! So happy with his new gifts!! Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa!! I love you and miss you very much.

May 12-16, 2010 Luca's 6th Birthday And Party...

2010-05-19T01:52:00.000-07:00

Luca's Actual Birthday Day...

At least two of us are happy... What happened, Miranda? Don't be cranky.

I wanted this, Grandma! Thank you... (Mom, I know you gave this to him last time we went, but I just gave it to him, since he is starting first grade next year. He loves it!)

************************************************************************************
Luca's Party

The card I made for Luca... Bolt's Bone...

Dogs, Dogs, Dogs...

Waiting for guests to arrive. All kids are wearing something dog related. No costumes, just little things.

Thank You, Jesus, for the great ideas and the help to make the cakes just right. Yay!

Luca's Dog Bone cake... (candy outline bone filled in with white icing.) That yellow was perfect and so bright and cheerful!

Bolt's Lightning Pawprint Cake... (I really like my new Wilton dyes!!! So concentrated, I did not have to worry about running out of yellow to get a bright color... Just two dips of the toothpick and then mixed! Nice!)

The two cakes... One dog related, one "Bolt" related. :-)

This is hilarious!! I text messaged this guest about having them dress up as dogs for the party, if they wanted to. He asked if even adults had to, to which I said, "Sure! Please do!" But he said he only had a horse's head, no dogs. Then I remembered a bit of trivia from the movie, Hidalgo. You can check here for the reference. Apparently, the Sioux word for "horse" actually means "big dog". So I said that the horse mask would be fine, and that from now on I would call him, "Big Dog." hahahahahahahahhaah! He added just the greatest laugh for everyone when he showed up like this. Anthony did not believe he would when I said what happened. Boy, was he surprised!! It was great. Grazie, C!!! hahahahahahahaha!!

E in her doggy mask. So creative! And she and her sister gave them to Luca when the party was done. Nice! They are enjoying them.

S in her dog mask... cute, huh?

After instructions, ready to begin the Sniff-and-Find Candy Hunt...

The Sniff-and-find Candy Hunt was successfully completed!! :-)

The kids delved into their found "treasures". Yes, I got them all hyped on candy. Everyone else does it to me, and this was an easy and super fun game for them.

I just had to participate myself. Woof!

Blowing out the candle...

Luca's guests...

Something very funny just happened... Don't ask, I don't know. I was mostly with the kids.

Listening to some conversation... sorry so blurry.

I and S... again, sorry so blurry... Ugh.

Baby M is getting so big!!! She is turning into a big girl right before our eyes!

Miranda with M and I...

Free play time... Animals! What else? hahahah...

Free play time... Thanks, mom, for the free entertainment... Animals, animals everywhere! :-)

Luca with S and E. They gave him the pants and shirt set. He likes clothes!

Luca and his 10 year old cousin, S. She made him this card of "Bolt", and she and her family gave him a new watch. He loved both items!

Grandma and Grandpa sent a surprise package from the States for Luca's birthday! Nonna and Nonna gave him money, which he was excited about. Mamma and Papà had some small gifts and provided activities, food, and fun for a howling party. The theme was "Dogs", but I added a side theme of "Bolt". Luca likes the movie, and so do I.

I decorated with all dog paraphernalia I could find. I made the cakes from scratch, and decorated them myself. We had a Sniff-and-find Candy hunt; had Dog Charades which then changed to Animal Charades; played Dog 7-Up which then changed to Animal 7-Up; had "Bolt" on for backgroud entertainment;and ate cake, laughed, and just had a great time.

Oh, S, I, and M, I am so sorry I did not get a picture of you with Luca and the gift you gave. They gave him a Speed Racer double-looped racetrack.

Luca, we are celebrating God's faithfulness to you. We are rejoicing because of this life with which He has blessed you and us. "Let your light shine brightly for Jesus, my son. May God "bless you, keep you, make His face shine upon you, be gracious to you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26) Amen!"

May 14, 2010 Beginnings of Window Installation.

2010-05-19T01:31:00.000-07:00

View from front. See the "old" front door?

Anthony's prototype window is ready to be installed. Here he is getting the frame set. Have yet to take the picture with the glass in, but at least you can see this.

May 2010 Guitar, Mother's day, and Other Random Photos...

2010-05-19T00:44:00.000-07:00

Miranda is all princessed up... she loves dresses! Mother's Day!

Me and my baby girl... on Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Famliy Picture May 9, 2010 (What a great day!! Laughs, memories, I did not cook... hahahah)

My littlest cowboy...

This would have been the best picture!! UGH for blurriness!

It has been a challenge trying to teach my kids discipline, but there are moments when my heart just soars to see the bits of improvement.

April 2010 Random Kid Pictures...

2010-05-18T23:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday school lessons and coloring...

*************************************************************************************
One of those days when mischievious little fingers are working hard and fast. And mamma only found out days after...

Such a good helper, right? He is doing what mamma asked him, right? Hm... That may just be a cover-up for being mischievious. And, if mamma nor papà have the camera, then who does? hm... something is up.

Maybe I should have named him Alvin... sigh... Always climbing, always getting into things. What a stinker, and my sweet little boy. :-)

Culpril number 1...

While mom is upstairs, the culprits will play...

Giosaia, I now know that you were one of the culprits. It is written in your eyes. hahah...

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Again... These are Luca's pictures. Sneaky bugger, got my camera and had a hay-day a couple of times. This is just one of those times, but tell me... Do you think I have a budding photographer here or what? I never showed him how to use those special buttons. Heh, I learned about them gradually, while he just picked up the camera and went at it. I think with some lessons on keeping his finger out of the flash, he could be a 6 year old pro. :-)

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There is my littlest man!! He also is liking dinosaurs now!

I have been told that he looks just like me. What do you think?

Me and my two youngest...

Dario has just woken up from his nap. In an effort to not have any mishaps caused by his intrusion of his diaper, I have found that it frustrates him to have his onesie buttoned from the outside. Hence the new fad. And, he loves his cowboy hat, especially when watching his favorite movies, Toy Story 1 and 2. :-)(Uncle Joshua, take a look at those shoes! Remember them? They have gone through all of them!)

Luca and his punky hair!

Just had to show you Miranda's girly pose. Where did she learn that? hahaha...

Miranda posing after mamma did her hair. Her first ever double french-braids. Oh! She was so pleased!

The back of Miranda's double french-braided head... Her first ever, and she loved them!

The Lone Ranger has returned!! Antonio put this get-up together by himself. Great Job!

Mamma, take a picture! and guess what! They posed themselves!!! Hand-holding and all!

Thank you, Miss Kathy, for this idea. Luca had a fun time making letters out of kitchen utensils.

April 29, 2010 Allergy Testing...

2010-05-18T23:46:00.000-07:00

Waiting for possible hives to form.

Dr. C to right, Nurse to left (as you look at the picture) They gave Luca a certificate for his good behaviour. He was very pleased. He sat through the prick test and while the hives formed. He itched for a bit, but came through just fine.

Luca went for allergy testing and was confirmed to have a variety of things that aid in his respiratory issues. Asthma is being prompted by these buggers, and he now requires medication to be able to go from day to day comfortably, at least for most of the year. Thank You, Lord, for Your help, wisdom, and direction. We were directed to a very sweet allergist by Miranda's and Dario's pediatrician. Thank you, Dottoressa N.!!!

April 11, 2010 Organization Freak Here!

2010-05-18T23:37:00.000-07:00

Finally, we have invested in these new beauties- five of them. Cubby shelves which are being utilized in the boys' room, two in the computer room, and two in the kitchen/kids' play area. I am really enjoying them! The ones in the kids' play area now have simple labels which the kids are enjoying reading. Helps to keep them organized and motivated to help keep some order. Yay!

Thank you to Anthony and Alessandro, my nephew, for putting them together!

Thank you, Julie! I still say you should be spokes-person of these particular shelves. You could sure teach us how to use them in as many ways as possible!! You're great!

April 2, 2010 Anthony's "Project Window"...

2010-05-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

So, Anthony decided to try making a prototype window. It would cost less to make them, than having to buy them. So, here is his first initial effort, which he is currently testing out in that big hole in front of our "old" front door. I will have to show pictures of it installed at another time.

April 2010 Home Improvements... The Addition!

2010-05-18T22:54:00.001-07:00

April 2

the boys' window! second floor almost ready for cementing.

It's a jungle out there!

April 9

from the front... working on second floor

from the back... working on second floor.

April 24, This is what happens, Cement for main support walls, and blocks for fillers of windows

There is our "old" front door, though we still use it. That space will be our mud room, as the main front door is moving over to the right.

April 24-29 Last Steps Of Cementing!

roof before cementing

The tip top of our roof... Flat for possible future changes if one or some of our kids want to stay nearby.

Intricate

There is my old kitchen window, surrounded by support poles.

Tada!

Highs And Lows...

2010-05-04T23:31:00.000-07:00

There are highs and lows in blood pressure, water levels and tides, barometric pressure, and altitude. Not to mention how hot air balloons go high and low, and so do roller coasters, mountains and valleys, and numerous other things.

This week has started off to be a really bad health week for me. Sunday night I felt funny and decided to check my blood pressure… high. Monday, I felt worse, but when I checked my blood pressure it was… low. Yesterday, again I felt horrible, and this time it was high in the morning and low in the afternoon.

As I have been dealing with these changes in my body from unknown causes, I am struck by the frailty of the human form. Sometimes we feel so invincible. There are those who truly are the strongest in the world, the smartest, the most ingenious, but… in the scheme of the day-to-day or a lifetime, all they have is worth- NOTHING. Even the strongest person will know what it feels like to be weak when the flu hits, or something worse. Even the smartest will feel slighted when someone smarter than him comes along. Even the most ingenious will feel simple at some point. Things like tragedy, death, weather, etc… they put us all at the same level of vulnerability. Think about how too many sunless days drive us into doldrums, or how too little sleep makes us cranky and out of sorts, or how too much stress makes us anxious and unhealthy… And these are just some examples out of many possible ones. We have highs and lows in emotions, physically, psychologically, economically, geologically, and in every area of life.

I am reminded of how wonderful it is to serve a living God who has promised us many things: to remain CONSTANT, to never leave or forsake us, to help us in our times of need, to give us strength when we are weak, to give us joy in our sorrow, to give us hope in difficult moments… I am in awe of Him. He, who is God of the Universe, chooses to associate with us, these weak, selfish, often hard-of-hearing beings, who push Him away until it is convenient or until we have “need” of Him.

For days I can go about my duties barely thinking about Jesus and His blessings to me, then, in a moment of stress, ill health, or confusion, all of a sudden I REMEMBER to think about Him, to include Him in my days. Why are we often so forgetful, so absentminded, so independently dependent???

Why can’t we just see our need for Him and live as close to Him as possible? Why don’t we include Him in every moment, since He knows all anyhow and can help us? Why do we really think that we can manage without Him?

I struggle with this myself. I try so hard to be consistent in my relationship with God, and you know what, I cannot tell you how many times I have had to ask Him for forgiveness for forgetting to “check in”. How can I continually leave my Best Friend out of my life, so unintentionally? We would never do that with a flesh-and-blood best friend. We include that person in every possible detail of our lives, and rush to share at the earliest possible moment when we have something to share.

That is what Jesus wants in relationship with us, with me… to be a part of everything, and to really BE A PART of the day-to-day occurrences, ins-and-outs, moment-by-moment activities, and challenges of our days and lives.

Lord, you know my heart, that I desire to be called Your faithful friend. You know that I have many good intentions to include You into my days, but… I know that good intentions don’t mean anything unless they are followed by action. Help me, please, to do better. I want You in my life. I NEED You in my life. Draw my heart closer to Yours. I want to know You more… Amen.

Remember My Tears... based on Psalm 56:8b...

2010-04-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

There are seasons of tears that seem too heavy to bear. There are days that seem to never end in their grieving and pain. But I can attest, by personal experience, that God is faithful. He said that He will never give us more than we can bear in His strength, and that He will provide "a way of escape." (Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 for more on that verse. And, if you are not sure how to use a Bible, email me, and it would be a pleasure to clarify on that.)

I was recently been reminded of a verse in the Bible that refers to a request by King David to God. David suffered a lot in his life, but he always sought to live for God and please Him in spite of his many mistakes and bad decisions. He was called a "friend" of God because of his willingness to be humble, open, and accept God's discipline.

The verse occurs in the middle of a conversation David is having with God, actually a request for relief from tormentors, which at the time of this prayer, were many. He is overwhelmed with grief, distressed, and he says in Psalm 56:8b...

"You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?"

I was struck by the image of tears flowing into a bottle to be stored away. God sees our tears. May God help you, to turn your heart to Him, so that He can bring you, me, us, relief in our hard times. May He help us to surrender our hearts, wills, minds to Him so that He can work good things in us, and teach us to trust, love, follow, and serve Him with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength.

Trust in, cling to, rely on, and believe in Him, for He cares for you...

Belated March 1-31, 2010 Home Improvements...

2010-04-24T13:40:00.001-07:00

March 1

Working after the other men have left... in preparations for cement day tomorrow...

March 2

Making sure everything is stable and ready to go for pouring cement...

An eye and tongue metal format is used to keep the wood in place. (I am not sure of the professional name for them, but they were cool to me.) :-)This is at the top where another piece of metal was used to "lock" it into place.

An eye and tongue metal format is used to keep the wood in place. (I am not sure of the professional name for them, but they were cool to me.) :-) This is in the middle of a row of them.

They don't just pour in the cement, they put a vibrator machine inside as well to settle the cement.

View from the boys' window... broad perspective...

View from the boys' window...

March 3

Showing progress slowly but surely...

First floor support walls complete...

The view into the basement... at the far left end is where steps will go up.

Lupo has had a lot of excitment recently. Good boy!

View from the upstairs window near my in-law's front door.

March 6

First and only REAL snow of this winter.

Sunset... Gorgeous Colors!! Great job, Lord!

March 20

Some perspective...

March 23

The hole left after the window was removed.

Our front door is to the left. This is the top view of what will be the second floor.

Under that covering is what will be our basement/kid's play room... (or at least that is the plan.)

What a mess, huh?

This perspective is not longer available.

The window is officially closed off...

March 29

First floor with support walls and second floor nearly ready to cement.

The upstairs window has been closed, the window removed. And, there I am!

Our "second floor"...

I think I see our front door... I think... Oh, there it is!

It is a jungle under here! (our first floor with supports at ceiling and second level)

Peek-a-boo!

March 31 Prototype Window!

Anthony's prototype window!! He is going to try to make the windows of the new addition. He did a great job.

The handle to Anthony's prototype window!!! I like!!

Belated March 2010 Random Pictures...

2010-04-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

March 1

Game inventors...

March 6

Now this is recycling!!! We see this kind of thing often, as my father-in-law has the mind of an inventer and inovator...

March 15 Sheep Day Entertainment!

Here they are, coming up the street!!

Close-Up-And-Passing Entertainment!!

See the baby??? aww...

One of the sheep decided to snack on some of our hanging vines... :-)

March 25

Oops, she caught me...

Cheese!!! (Maybe my sweet dimples and cheesy smile will win mamma's heart over so she won't scold me about eating out the bread.) hahahah!!

Brothers...

Belated February 1-19, 2010 Home Improvements...

2010-04-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

Here are the Home Improvements for the month of February 2010. Progress is much further than this. I will keep adding photos in hopes that eventually I will catch up. :-) Enjoy!

February 1

February 2

February 5

View from the boys' room...

February 16

Moving a tree that was in the way of the construction, but worth rescuing.

February 18

The first floor cement beginnings...

The view from our front door...

February 19

Belated February 20-26, 2010 Home Improvements...

2010-04-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

February 20

View from the boys' window...

February 22

Before cemented...

After cemented...

February 24th

February 25th

The general "first floor" view...

View from the boys' bedroom window. These will be the first floor support walls.

February 26th

View from the upstairs side window...

This is the window that I originally took photos from and our front door.

Belated February 2010 Random Pictures...

2010-04-24T05:35:00.000-07:00

First, Sorry that the pictures are not lined up perfectly. It is complicated lining them up perfectly when there are so many pictures. Enjoy!

On the tale end of the chicken pox, we needed a sick day craft to distract our minds. What better craft than creating paper machier bowls!! They created them, waited a day or two, and then painted them. Such fun! Though extrememly messy... ;-) Worth it!

I have mentioned before how much I love to see rainbows. They remind me of God's faithfulness to keep His promises, and they remind me of HOPE. What pleasure I had when there was not one, but two, on this day. A Double blessing to my heart!! Thank you, Lord! A simple thing that brought joy to my heart...

The second picture of the DOUBLE RAINBOW!!! (one is dark, one is very light, but it is there!)

The last of the chicken pox are healing on Miranda's face...

A Care Bear sighting!!

Dario stacking groceries. Not helping but having fun. hahhahah...

Luca does not look like himself here. He was all swollen and pox covered. He had the worst chicken pox of all of them put together. He invented his "Itchy Dance" which is humorous, and thank God healed okay.

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The Water Fight In My House...

Do you remember a couple of months ago when I shared about a very wet, water fight that broke out in my kitchen and living room? I had gone upstairs to do something, and when I walked in my third son was in the middle of literally throwing a cup full of water? Miranda and Dario were soaked through with drips of water falling swiftly from their locks, and there was water over 2/3rd's of the floor, on the windows, and even some dripping off of one of the light fixtures. Sigh... This is when I had tried to mop up some of the water with blankets that were on hand, then decided I needed to dress the kids as it was still cold and they did not need to get sick. Funny how the mind can freeze in a chaotic and stressful moment, confused and wondering whether to let the body laugh or cry. I did nothing but my silence was more disconcerting to them than if I had reacted. What a day to remember... hahahah! What a memory that I will certainly remind them of as the get older. :-)

Order has been resumed... Now they are calm and Dry...

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This is what happens when you chew on a wooden rod that has been painted in tempera paint... hahahah!!

Look at that mischievious gaze! Did I mention that he loves water? Can you tell?

Stacking Blocks!! Oh, Dario enjoys it!

Success!! All by himself!!

Reading Time!!

Guitar practice...

Luca made an Iron Man replica to hang up...

Wearing Papà's "Newsies" hat...

Wearing Papà's "Newsies" hat. Doesn't it look great?

Belated January 2010 Various Pictures...

2010-04-15T23:34:00.000-07:00

I love my sweatshirt, but I also love this box. Mine, all mine!

Sweatshirts and things from Abuela and Pop-pop and Titi E... Thank you!! They are great!

It is party time at Strawberry's house... Doubles and impersonaters welcome!!

Gifts in the mail are so much fun!

One of Dario's favorite things to do... stack!!

Dario's chicken pox are nearly all dry and falling off... Yay!

Pizza Box cover...

Care Package from R and TJ included "Tasty" sweets and fun... Thank you!!

Happys and Crazys

Antonio was upset that everyone else was getting the chicken pox and he was not. :-) He wanted to miss school with everyone else, but he was nearly the last one. And he got it light enough that he had to stay home but was just fine... sigh...

With Dario almost completely through the Chicken Pox, on to Miranda...

Paper Machier is a great activity to keep the kids busy. They made bowls!!

Crayola toddler markers are great! Thank you, Miss Elaine and family!

Here we have Chicken Pox Days (which actually lasted between mid January to mid February, but these are only January), belated Christmas gifts from Grandpa and Grandma and mommy's friends, R and TJ; and just general family shots... oh, and I collect pictures of the (sometimes) fun pizza box covers that we come across. hahahah... :-)

Belated January 8, 2010- Our Birthday...

2010-04-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

My friend Kathy, with her youngest daughter, M., and me...

One of his surprises was a package sent from my parents... :-)

My oldest son, Antonio, was born on my 24th birthday. We celebrated our special celebration day simply this year. I originally had a party planned for him, but we had to adjust those plans. I was disappointed about that, but I had no choice. We ended up just having an ice cream cake for us.

Then for a special birthday treat for me, Anthony gave me a choice of where I wanted to go in the evening- Just us. Instead of picking a nice meal with him, I chose to go to a special service at my friend, Kathy's, church. It was a blessing, one I desperately needed.

Thank you for your patience with me, Jesus, and for loving me through and in my insecurities and emotional moments and in my failings--- through each and every moment, day, challenge, and triumph of my life. Sigh...I love You. And, thank you, Anthony, for that night.

Belated January 21st-30th, 2010 Home Improvement Pictures...

2010-04-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

Cement being poured and will be our first floor...

Interesting machine used to bend the steel or cut it, depending...