“Just Two”

Weekly, now for the last two in and half months, my accountability partner and I have been meeting.  It’s been gloriously sweet – So, I’ve been thinking of giving our “meeting” a name…and it will be “Just Two”.  Now, I can assure you it’s definitely not just the two of us, more on the name later.  Every Wednesday, before the mid-week service, I head on over to Mary’s -- Without fail there’ll be a hot cup of coffee brewing and waiting for me.  I enjoy chatting with the kids, and sometimes I give in and have supper – and when I’m good I have a veggie shake!  Then, the kids go off to either play or school work….while Mary and I talk about what the LORD’s doing in our respective life – we end in prayer and ask the LORD specifically to help us live out the upcoming week intentionally, and in a God glorifying way. 

Back in January the LORD made it clear to me I needed accountability in my life.  And although life is rich and full with work, ministry, and my kids and students – so much of my life was whisking away with little impact for Christ.  I also knew that in it of myself I wouldn’t venture too far out of my comfort zone.  That’s where the accountability partner comes in.  The LORD placed Mary in my heart and I emailed her and shared what I believed the LORD wanted to do in my life.  And she graciously agreed to meet with me and hold me accountable.  This accountability seed had already been planted in my heart last year when my dear friend Chantal emailed me with a similar request.  And we both embarked on holding one another accountable.  Sadly, life got busy and I lost the momentum.  Thankfully, our friendship remained intact.  This year I emailed Chantal, as well, and although she’s not physically with us on Wednesday’s “Just Two” – Chantal’s with us in spirit as we pray for her and include Chantal in all the Lord’s doing with us.

When Mary and I started we set goals for 2012 – Broad categories such as Ministry, Marriage, Finances, Family, Bible, etc.  Then, we set out to acquire “bite size” goals each week to aid us in accomplishing our “Big” goals.  The idea wasn’t original with me but inspired by Crystal Paine at Money Saving Mom. The LORD’s been gracious in meeting with us and we are thankful for His longsuffering in our lives – I see His hand upon my life in specific ways.  And thankful that He doesn’t give up on me and offers encouragement along the way.  And stands ready to offer and provide His grace for whatever the appointed need is for that precise moment, if I’m mindful to ask and take.  Whether it’s boldness, patience, purity – whatever the need.  At times life can dish out trials that can cause me to be discouraged or become anxious.  When that happens I’m quickly reminded that my focus is me, myself and I rather than looking to Him.  The LORD’s used those moments to remind me how much I need Him and His grace.  It keeps me depended upon Him each step of the way.  I don’t always avail myself of His grace, but He’s always faithful to His word. 

Pastor Bickel has been preaching an excellent series on Prayer, (check it out here, Sermons-Archives Feb 22 Bethel Baptist Fellowship)  and quoted Matthew 18:19 “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven”.  “Just Two” – That’s it, two, hence the name of our get together and this post.  As I learn to take my rightful position, in Christ, and pray with the authority given to me (God’s) – by faith I can remove mountains (i.e. obstacles) and accomplish what God has set out for me to live out. I know I have merely touched the surface in my relationship with the LORD, but I’m growing and learning to refuse to be satisfied with coasting in low living.  The LORD has much more in store for me -- the potential to live an abundant life is available to me, and you, if you are His child.  It’s gloriously wonderful.

Needless to say, we’ve bonded even closer as sisters in the Lord.  So planning a surprise baby shower together with Andrea (she blogged about it here, Random Issues check it out!) was super, super exciting and so hard to keep it hush, hush -- but so worth the wait.   I’ll post on this sweet day next.

Ecuador 2011

I’m so thankful to have had this opportunity to travel to South America.  It was wonderful to see family members, but more importantly, to travel with my mom was truly a sweet blessing.  The Ecuadorian culture is incredibly warm and hospitable.  It’s extremely hard not to fall in love with them. Here are a few wonderful and unforgettable highlights of my trip.

 

 

Mom and I – on our way to our most favorite place in Ecuador…Quito!

The view from our seat. 

We arrived right in the mist of all the festivities of “Fiestas de Quito” celebrating Quito’s independence. We participated in a few of the traditional activities.  But first we made a stop at the cemetery to visit dad.

Tickets to Plaza de Toros for a bullfight – other than the initial “hooking” (in which the bull is stabbed between his shoulder blades) which was hard to watch – the rest was quite enjoyable and overall interesting.

Plaza de Toros – Here’s mom and Paqui.

 

A church called Basilica -- considered the largest church in Quito. With impressive building features of fine bronze doors, colorful stained glass windows and a tower with sweeping views of the city.

My friends were brave and climbed the towers, which are not for the faint of heart—perched at the top of 375 feet above ground. Yikes!

My beautiful friends.

Enjoyed a lovely dinner and afterwards took in the most breathtaking view of the city.

Our last night before heading back to Guayaquil and then NYC – Took a ride in what’s called a “Chiva” -- they are an open-air passenger bus with benches and a roof which holds a band -- and plays traditional Ecuadorian music.

A one story Chiva – peppered throughout the city.

Heading back home – the two weeks went by zooming, and saying good-bye is by far the hardest part of the trip.  But, surely I have treasured memories forever stored in my heart.

El viaje inolvidable de 2011

Translation: The unforgettable trip of 2011.  And that indeed it was – Ecuador is the country my parents were born and raised.  Last year was my first visit after not visiting for seventeen years.   And to make it extra special I travelled in the month of January to coincide with my  mom’s birthday.   Thus, we celebrated and travelled this beautiful country together with our beloved cousin Paqui.  And dubbed it El Viaje Inolvidable de 2010.  So, we’ve started a few traditions, one being another unforgettable trip of 2011!

To change things a tad, this year, I decided to travel in the month of November to celebrate my birthday.  Here are are few highlights: 

This is my beautiful mom Josefina, affectionately known as Pepita.  Mom will be 82 in January (Ssh! Don’t tell her I said so). 

And here’s Paqui – she’s dearly loved by many and we enjoyed spending time together.  And cherished moments talking about our Lord and how much He’s blessed us and shown His mercy upon us and our loved ones.  Paqui had a particularly difficult year as she lost her beloved husband (my cousin) to a massive heart attack in October.  I was happy to be with Paqui and mom to welcome Paqui’s daughter,

 

Mariuxi (pronounced Maroosqee) who travelled all the way from Spain to be with her mom and family for Christmas.  Here’s mom greeting Mariuxi!  Poor thing, she had a 12 hour delay plus a 12 hour flight.  Needless to say, she was exhausted.  So, off to the beach we went.

  After a couple of days at Playas we headed back home to a crab feast.

Next post I’ll sure my second part of my unforgettable trip and share why it was so unforgettable.  Till then my friends – have you had any unforgettable trips lately?  Do tell!