A New Life

Hola amigos!

I hope you’re all having a beautiful and blessed weekend so far!

God has been so good in every way I can think of.  I’ll recap on everything that has been going on throughout the weekend first.

On Friday afternoon, Greg and I went to volunteer with the kids in Santa Ana as we do every week.  We like to call them our “multiple Latino childrenz” haha.

I have to be honest that sometimes, it’s very difficult working with them because they act out so much!  I know that this merely a product of what goes on at home.

I’m just so thankful that from time to time, God reminds us that this isn’t about the number of kids that are changing, but it’s about that ONE LITTLE SOUL that gets blessed by His love.  Our prayer is that we won’t give up because that one soul is worth it all.  And indeed, slowly but surely, several of these kids are changing and growing!

It just feels so great when one of them opens up to us about their struggles.  I think–they’re feeling loved!

Yesterday noon, I had a girls’ picnic day with the lovely ladies from church! I haven’t had something like this in quite a while!  I was definitely blessed and encouraged all throughout!

Lots of folding and opening with those crazy tents!  At least 3 of them were broken haha.

Oh my goodness, it was doggie-nation that day.  We were all ooh-ing and aah-ing and going gaga over them.

With the lovely Haein!  She’s small like me, yet she exudes this gentle and bold spirit! Love it.

And of course…lots of delicious and pretty food was consumed!  Along with beautiful Earl Grey Tea cupcakes and some cookies that I came up with 2 years ago.  I’ve been tweaking them and perfecting them over the years and I can humbly and honestly say–it’s a perfect creation.  *evil cackle*

Towards the end of our get-together, our beautiful sister (Pastor Daniel’s wife) Jae gave us a brief pep talk and encouragement.

We were all handed a tiny little pot of soil+sunflower seeds!  She wants us to cultivate this now and see how it’ll grow in the future.

Did you know that sunflowers are called “sunflowers” because they turn to the sun?! I knew this already, but she reminded us that in her eyes, we’re like these precious flowers because we turn to the “SON” and God’s light.

Also, sunflowers are unique in that they don’t tend to bloom in the spring like most plants do.   Rather, they are cultivated in the hot summer and blossom in the fall when everything else around it is dying! Clever huh? I just LOVE LOVE LOVE symbolism!

And guess what!

Remember that I once mentioned that my family doesn’t share in my faith in Christ?  Well, recently my sister, Greg, and I started to go to church together on Saturday nights!! That alone is a miracle for her!

A few days ago, she really surrendered her life to the Lord and decided to get baptized yesterday!! HALLELUJAH!! God truly hears our prayers.

It was a beautiful moment.  It was a moment in which she died with the old, and went in with the new.  She now has a NEW LIFE.

God’s presence and joy in that place was so strong I could hardly stand it!  My sister is truly changing for the better.  I can see that she is filled with PEACE, JOY, AND EVEN MORE PATIENCE.

Another miracle is that David, my bro-in-law, was supportive enough to come join the baptism service for my sis.

We headed to Mammalucco’s and celebrated this beautiful day!

Mammalucco’s is ZE BEST pizzeria that I’ve tried while in the U.S.! It’s authentically Italian, and very close to the Argentinean pizza. Mmmmmmmm! Melty and gooey.

Greg gave my sis an awesome book titled Battlefield of the Mind. It explains how everything–from good to bad–starts from our minds.  Whatever we let into our thoughts, is basically what comes out of our bodies and actions.  We need to guard our thoughts!

Life in Christ is truly so beautiful.  I know for certain that once we know Him and have a RELATIONSHIP that’s intimate with Him, we can’t go back.

He gives us new life.  I don’t to waste it. 

He doesn’t promise an easy life because life in the world is still the same.  However, He promises all the strength that we need to overcome our obstacles.

***Late update:  Kat is giving away some awesome stuff! Go check out her awesome blog.  She always has sweet and encouraging things to say. ***

Love,

Ellie <33

Tagged as: baptism, books