Weekend away

Let me begin this with a little lesson I learned. Jose and I went up north to Irvine, CA for the weekend to attend a wedding. I was anticipating lots of great photo opportunities. Our camera doesn't work anymore, so I really wanted to get a new camera. Before we left we bought a new camera. We excitedly took several pictures at the beach and the wedding. Well, considering the camera is new and there are many options to choose from, all the pictures were deleted by mistake. At least now we know how it happened. Unfortunately this happened twice (once before the reception and then afterwards). God was revealing my heart to me by showing me that I had made a camera and pictures into an idol. I had wanted it too much. Anything we want too much quickly becomes an idol. There are many other things to be sad about than losing pictures...how trivial! Thank you Lord for reminding me not to hold onto silly possessions and put them before you. Thank you for cameras, pictures and memories which will quickly fade away.
Jose and I left Saturday afternoon and checked into our hotel (a Marriott Courtyard) in Irvine, then headed straight for the beach. It was a lovely afternoon and we both enjoyed the cute beach town. Our pastor told Jose earlier this week of a new church (Sovereign Grace) in Irvine that meets Saturday nights. We were able to go and were greeted very warmly. You can tell it's at its beginnings, especially by the effort everyone makes to welcome you. Lynn Baird spoke on Ephesians 6:10-17, an excellent message to stand firm. Reality is that we are fighting a spiritual battle which derives from our own sinful hearts. Secondly, the important truth is that we are strengthened by the Lord. We are to allow ourselves to receive God's strength. And lastly, this struggle is lifelong. We don't have to go after the devil; Satan is coming to us. We need to stand firm ready to resist. God has already won for us through Jesus Christ! We are standing in His victory everyday! It was very encouraging. In September Jose will be going on an E-team to the Philippines with Lynn Baird, so it was great to meet him.
Sunday, August 5, Alex and Karen Sanchez got married! Their wedding didn't start until 4 pm, so Jose and I took the time to go to the beach and hang out. Alex is a former Marine, who was in the same unit as Jose when they deployed to Iraq. Karen is a high school teacher and coaches swim team. They are a wonderful couple and it's neat to see how God brought them together. Their wedding was a testimony of His grace in their lives. The wedding ceremony was outside at a chapel made just for weddings. It was beautiful (sorry no pictures). Their reception was at a community center - set up lovely. At our table there was a lady there who Jose reminisced with about 1/5 Marines, stationed at Camp Pendleton. She has a business that serves Marines and their families in a variety of ways. She had been a part of the welcome home party when Jose got back from Iraq and knew the people in his unit. We were blessed to be able to come to the wedding and take the weekend to spend together!
Life here at home has been busy for Jose as he is taking a Greek class at Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido. Here's some pictures of him studying last night.





I continue to work 3 nights a week. I'm planning to talk to my boss about switching to working days. Nights are great for a more quiet atmosphere at work, although it does wear on the body. Then Jose and I could be together almost every night.

There have been three families that I've prayed for and have been on my heart. Please check out their blogs and pray for them. Two families recently lost a child to different forms of cancer. A young man my age is recovering slowly from a car accident. These families are in other Sovereign Grace churches. Here's the link about the Davis family, which tells Micah's story, http://www.lukecinda.blogspot.com/.
Here's the link to the Haughery's family, which tells Alivia's story,
http://www.aliviarachelhaughery32005.blogspot.com. Here's the link that tells Ian's story, http://www.prayforian.blogspot.com. All these families have gone and are going through serious trials. They have remained steadfast in their trust in the Lord and been an amazing example of God's grace at work. Please join in praying.

Also, we would love your prayer for God's wisdom and direction. We are leaning towards Jose getting out of the Marines in 2008 and going full time to Seminary. We are excited whichever direction God takes us.

Happy early Birthday to Sarah Megorden! I treasure Sarah's friendship. We've known each other since 3rd grade and God has allowed us to remain friends all these years. Hopefully she'll come and visit soon :)