Buck&Esther

Out From Hiding

2010-11-20T13:53:00.002-07:00

I was just reading though the posts from the last several years, and it was a good reminder of God's faithfulness in our lives. Sometimes, when life is just trucking along, we forget all that God has brought us through. Where the Lord has taken Buck and I in the past 3-4 yrs has been nothing short of a miracle. Why GOD has allowed us to get a front row seat at what HE is doing in El Paso and Juarez, I don't know? However, I wouldn't change one moment. I have obviously not been Blogging for a long time, but I am hoping to slowly catch back up.

As we approach Thanksgiving, with all the outreaches and family time--I want to pause and reflect on God's hand in our lives. Thank you Jesus for your blood which has FOREVER changed me. It is because of HIM we serve!

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Life as a Pastor's Wife

2009-07-08T21:36:00.002-07:00

Delight yourself in the Lord and He WILL give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4

How many times have we thought as a woman... "If Only..."

If only I was 10 pounds skinnier... I would be happy.
If only my house would stay clean... things would be perfect.
If only my kids would behave... I would have peace.
If only my husband would appreciate me more... things would be different.

What if we thought... If Only I could show the Lord more, how much I loved him... hmmm interesting thought? What if we thought--If only the world knew how much HE loves us! How would our lives be differnt, if we shifted the focus of off us and on to HIS GLORY

Oh how I am humbled at his goodness! Oh, how HE truly love us! All he wants in return is our love of HIM. Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" The Son of man questioned what God wants to hear from our hearts... that we love and delight in the one who created us! Tell the creator of heavens and earth how much you love HIM today, delight yourself in HIM, and I know... you will never be the same again.

Esther

2009-05-30T08:50:00.002-07:00

So I have been MIA for a while... but I'm back. Life has been so awesome and amazing! My babies are growing so fast. I feel a stirring in my spirit that change is in the midst. Not exactly sure in what way? I just feel my heart wanting more of HIM. I can't wait to continue to press into his spirit and continue to ride the GOD journey. The scripture he has placed in my heart is this: "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..." I am ready to take hold of the eternal life.

IN CHRIST,

Esther

Our Karate Kid

2009-02-15T20:25:00.004-07:00

Man! I just can't seem to stay caught up on our blog here lately--and I have so much to share. I am going to have to blog about one thing at a time. This Saturday Elise tested for her first belt in Karate--her white belt. In order to receive this belt she had to show knowledge of certain skills and then break a board in half!! I thought to myself that was a little crazy to receive her first belt, but... SHE DID IT! Here is proof! We are so proud of our little karate kid!

The Process

2009-01-19T20:03:00.003-07:00

My goodness, I can't believe it has been 19 days since my past post! Life has been fast and furious... and sometimes if I am honest I can miss the process. I have a friend who asks me each week, "So Esther How was church? How many people came on Sunday?" And I tell him all about the service. Now he asks me this with a pure heart. He is a business owner and this is how he thinks, by the numbers... So I thought about the numbers... I would like to say... "It's been amazing! We are growing by hundreds at a time." But if you know anything about church planting... you know it's a SLOW process! Up one week down the next, but then I really started thinking about the people... lives changing, soles won for Christ and I was overwhelmed... 92 people have either given their lives or rededicated their lives to Christ and we have served 1,621 hurting people all in the first 4.5 months. God is good! So we are continuing to figure how to do good church... but the emphasis is staying on the hurting... The church will grow one step at a time and just like a baby learns to crawl before she learns to walk... we will continue to take each experience and learn from it...
Lives are changing. Not perfection but changing--but again it's a process. So, my resolution for 2009 is to enjoy the process. Stop and smell the roses if you will. God has ordained each moment, and we never get our moments back. One day, I will look back on this day with great fondness. I encourage you to enjoy your current life experience, in a flash, in a instant it will be over and on to the next experience. Enjoy the process.

2009-01-01T10:36:00.002-07:00

Happy New Years everyone. I hope that 2009 will be a joyous one and one that will bring good works for the Lord. I am excited for a new year with HPC El Paso -- and what God has in store for us. As I mentioned in my last post, Buck has ventured off to a new site http://www.buckzengerle.blogspot.com/ . He will be starting daily devotionals for our New Year Prayer and Fasting time. So on a more personal note... a lot of you have been asking for some updated pictures of the kids, so here goes. I took these on New Year's Eve 2008!

2008-12-20T15:06:00.002-07:00

Well, Buck has ventured off to a second site:

www.buckzengerle.blogspot.com

You should check it out!

2008-11-29T08:23:00.002-07:00

Blessed to be a Blessing!

I am almost without words for the gratitude I have to be a part of a church who consistantly care for those who are hurting and broken. Yesterday, HPC El Paso served 347 people in Juarez and El Paso. We had a team that went to an orphanage, Emmanuel Ministries, in Juarez to cook lunch and then play with the children. Then half of the team continued on to Plazuela De Acunia and served dinner to the families of that colonia. We also had another team who went to the Rescue Mission in El Paso and fed the homeless a Thanksgiving lunch. Buck and I want to thank you church for not just listening to God's word, but getting out there and making a difference--to be a "healing place for a hurting world."

2008-11-29T08:16:00.002-07:00

A little Picasso in the making??

This past week, our little Elise received an honorable mention award in an Art contest at her school. Over three hundred children submitted Art of all forms. She was honored at an assembly at her school and was very proud! Thank goodness she got this talent from Mimi (Buck's mom--who is an artist) and not her mother who still draws stick figures. You go Elise, Mommy and Daddy are very proud.

HP Women's Kickoff!

2008-11-23T21:04:00.004-07:00

Last Night was a big night in the life of HPC El Paso. We had the kick-off to our HP Women's ministry. It was so much fun. We had an opportunity to have a "pamper" night and about 30 women got together to have dinner, fellowship, LOTS of pampering, and word spoken into their heart. I feel so blessed to be able to share life with so many incredible women. I count it a privilege to be able to host a night where women from all generations, nationalities and backgrounds could come together and celebrate womanhood. I love you ladies; and look forward to an awesome adventure Living the Dream that God placed on HPC El Paso and all of you wonderful "God Chicks."

Esther

2008-11-17T09:06:00.001-07:00

God still performs miracles in 2008! My father went and had his post treatment test and we found out that he is now cancer free!! Praise God. This is the second time that he has been completely healed from cancer—that is not a coincidence… That is the power of prayer. There is nothing too big for God. SO if there is something that you are believing God for, hold on. Help is on the way. It’s may not be in our timing—but ALWAYS on time!

Deuteronomy 7:9
"Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His loving kindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments”

2008-10-27T21:03:00.003-07:00

This past weekend myself and 5 other beautiful friends of mine went to Baton Rouge to attend the Live the Dream Women's conference. It was awesome! What made it even more special is that I got to share the experience with my mama!! Here are a couple of photo's of the group--and if your wondering why we are standing in from of a "swat team" van... That is what we drove around in all weekend... Anyhow, we got to hear from some of the most annoited women (and man) from around the globe: April Simons, Chris Caine, Delynn Rizzo and Dino Rizzo. We are going to be hosting a "Re-Live the Dream" Recap sometime in November so we can share video from the conference with those who couldn't attend. Come check it out.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition!!!

2008-10-09T19:19:00.007-07:00

Today we were so blessed to have Gina Carameros with Sanctuary Ministry come to our house and make it into a cozy home! I wish I had taken before pictures to see the awesome transformations she did to our home! She is absolutely amazing! Take a peek at what she did!

More Baptism Pictures

2008-10-05T15:59:00.004-07:00

A couple more pictures from the baptism...

HPC Baptism

2008-10-05T15:49:00.005-07:00

This weekend we had our first ever HPC El Paso Baptism! Our oldest daughter, Elise, was the very first person we baptized at the church. It was awesome.

Here are a couple of pictures of the event.

UTEP Outreach

2008-09-21T16:01:00.004-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures of the UTEP outreach. We had an opportunity to serve over 300 hot dogs to some hungry Miner fans... and although UTEP lost... our outreach was slammin!

I think my favorite part of being a church is being able to serve the community along side some amazing people!! Of Course, doing church with my amazing husband of 11 years (this weekend) is awesome too!!

More Launch Day Pictures

2008-09-08T21:25:00.001-07:00

Let's do Launch.

2008-09-08T21:14:00.011-07:00

We Launched!!!

It was truely amazing! Buck and I just want to say how honored we are to have such a hard working team behind us. Here are a couple of pictures of Sunday.

We had 254 people come, but more importantly-- 6 people gave their lives to Christ and 6 more rededicated their lives to Christ--and that is what we are all about!!

Making HIS name famous,
The Zengerle's

Band Practice

Theatre Seating

Kid's JAM

Connection Desk

A Great Sunday

2008-09-03T11:27:00.006-07:00

Great job Sunday! We overcame the rainstorm and a few other obstacles to have a great, great service! We had 7 visitors and we haven't even started yet!! We have some fine tuning to do, but it will all come together next week. When our best effort meets God's favor...a movement begins. Next week in El Paso will be a life-changing moment for us and the entire community. El Paso will never be the same because HPC is here. No matter what happens next week or how many show up, this is the beginning of a long journey as we love this city into The Kingdom. Many of you are fasting now and many more will begin next week. Let's pray for each other, an incredible launch, and most importantly the hurting...

Pray for the single mom struggling to make ends meet. Pray for the widow who misses her husband each night as she goes to bed. Pray for the homeless man that feels rejection each and every day. Pray for the prostitute that is selling her dignity. Pray for the addict that can't seem to quit, although he has tried a thousand times. Pray for the military wife that wonders if she will ever see her husband again. Pray for the poor that cannot afford basic medicine and enough food to feed the family. Pray for our sister church in Plazuela de Acuna and the nine people that gave their lives to Christ over the last two weeks. Pray for the "successful couple" that seem to have it all together on the outside, but are falling apart on the inside.

Pray for us because we are also hurting more than we care to admit and desperatley need God to move in our lives. Most importantly, pray for God Almighty, the creator of the Heavens and Earth. Pray for Jesus Christ who gave up his life so that we may have forgiveness of our sins and the freedom that comes with it. Pray that the Holy Spirit sweeps through this community, that revival comes, and thousands upon thousands come to know the saving grace that only Christ can give!

Esther and I love you guys so much! We are excited to do life together and look forward to the miracles, the challenges, and the opportunity to serve this community with everything we have...this will be our legacy! Let's Reach the World by Serving One.

Sold out,
The Zengerles

Hurricane Gustav

2008-08-30T14:13:00.005-07:00

As the news of Hurricane Gustav is getting worse, Buck and I ask that as a community of believers, we come together and pray for Louisiana and the surrounding area. We were there for Hurricane Katrina and saw first hand, the devastation that community suffered just 3 years ago. Many of the HPC campuses will be directly affected by this storm, so lets lift up our brothers and sisters from that area in prayer!

More Servolution Pictures

2008-08-17T22:08:00.003-07:00

A few More Servolution Photos

Servolution 2008

2008-08-17T21:56:00.005-07:00

Healing Place Church El Paso got to be part of an international quest to be a servant driven body of Christ. Over 16,000 people from Louisiana, California, Texas, Mexico,and Africa got a touch from Christ this past Saturday. Our team broke out into three groups (Fire/Police Appreciation, Canutillo Back packs and school supply give away, and Mexico Outreach) to touch our community and it was amazing to see the impact that was made right here in our own backyard. Buck and I want to thank everyone who came out to Reach the World by Serving One.

2008-08-17T16:57:00.001-07:00

Oh and here is one of my brothers and parents and me~ We clean up rather good!! :)

2008-08-17T16:45:00.002-07:00

FAMILY TIME!!

This weekend was amazing. Not only did we have an outstanding SERVOLUTUTION (I will be blogging about that soon) but it was my grandmother's 90th birthday party. We got to meet our extended family. It was awesome. We enjoyed meeting each other so much--and created a relationship that will now continue on. Here are some pictures of the weekend!! Baruch Hashem... That is God Bless in Hebrew!!

2008-08-11T19:49:00.002-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures of the launch team Sunday morning at the park. We are less than 5 weeks away from the BIG DAY!!! Caleb has been such an awesome asset to our team and we are so blessed to have him on board!! Also, we are getting ready for Servolution next Saturday August 16th. Buck is leading a team into one of the colonias in Mexico to serve food and play with the kids, Ralph is going to take a team to Saint Vincent De Paul in Canutillo to take under privledged kids backpacks full of school supplies, and I am taking a team to all the West side Fire and Police stations to take breakfast to those men and women who serve our community on a daily basis. We just want to be the hands and feet of Jesus at work in the greater El Paso area. If you have an opportunity check out www.servolution.org or call us to get plugged into a team. It's going to be off the hook.

2008-07-28T20:14:00.002-07:00

LUKE 8:22-25
Jesus Calms the Storm
22One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

I know it seem as though I talk about faith often, but God just has a way of continually growing me in this area... and of course I share with others in case anyone else is going through the fire. This amazing journey that Buck and I are embarking on, has not been without a few bumps and bruises along the way. I am so excited to be on this path that God is leading us on. The church plant is going amazing, we are surrounded by such a wonderful group of people. My father is doing OK, he started radiation last week and so far... so good. It is my mother who is now in need of your prayers--it seems as though her heart condition is worsening and may be needing a pacemaker sooner than later. So that is it. The enemy is going to continue to attack the health of my family. The good news? GOD IS ABLE. Although, I would like to break down and say "Why me? Why MY mom and Dad?" I shout... "Thank you Lord, Thank you Jesus!! You are worthy of all glory, honor and praise! We will not take our eyes off of you or the work to be done in El Paso. I know you are the Alpha and Omega--and you will not disappoint!"! I know that BOTH my parents are going to make a full recovery--and as an anonymous writer once said: "Faith, like Grace, does not always come cheap or easy, but like grace, it is a precious treasure." What are you believing God for?

2008-07-08T17:56:00.001-07:00

48 hours of driving time and 2,819 miles later, we finally made it back to El Paso from Sandestin, Florida. We had such a blessed time! This was a working vacation as Esther and I coordinated "Verge Camp" for The Rock church at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. 350 students and leaders attended this event from seven different churches. The main speaker was Pastor Warren Beemer, founder of Amazing God ministries. This ministry focuses on providing leadership development and support to youth pastors across the country. The camp was slammin' from the stage design, to the speakers, to the leaders, to the beach. Everyone was deeply touched and many gave their lives to Christ and were baptized in the Ocean! We were also able to attend Shoreline Church of Destin pastored by my friend Eric Partin. Eric and his team are doing an amazing job reaching the lost! We also managed to get in some quality family time with our vacation partners of many years, the Scharolds. Our God is so amazing, He even lets us have a TOTAL BLAST. Giving your life to Christ doesn't restrict you...it frees you to live a life you could not imagine. Praise God!

2008-06-25T20:53:00.002-07:00

We had a TOTAL BLAST on the outreach today. We gave out 500 bottles of free ice-cold water at the corner of Redd/Resler and at the Walmart Neighborhood Grocery. Our youngest servant was 2 and our oldest servant was, well, she didn't want me to tell you, lol.

People could not believe we were giving out free water, with no strings attached. When they asked "why" they were typically told because "we just wanted to bless you" or "because that's what Jesus would do". People were genuinely blessed, Christ was glorified, and we had major fun!

Church, never underestimate these small acts of generosity and the impact they have on people. Today, we REACHED and SERVED our community. Today, we lived out Matthew 25:35 "for I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink"

2008-06-21T07:56:00.002-07:00

Ok, I Know, I Know, I have once again fallen behind in my blogging--No excuses! So I am going to try and fill you in as much as possible in the life and times of the Zengerles. The church plant is going great. We have found a place to meet and an incredible Worship leader. Caleb Brown, from HPC in Louisiana, has decided to trade in the swamps for the desert and is moving to El Paso to help us launch the church! We are so excited to have him on board. All in all we truly are starting to see the church coming together. The best part is, it's exciting to see God at work in our team member's lives.

Life at home has been even more hectic. My poor parents have had a some trying times and Buck and I are trying to support them as much as possible. They are currently living in our house due to their home being flooded out a couple of weeks ago. Then, as I mentioned before my father has been sick and he was tested for cancer. We found out two days ago that he indeed does have Cancer and will be starting treatment soon. We are all extremely positive and know that God is faithful! Keep my daddy lifted in your prayers--The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy but the Lord IS sovereign over all things!

2008-05-28T18:06:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of Healing Place Church being the hands and feet of Christ. It was an honor to see how happy and overwhelmed Jay became when he received your gift. He said he was saving up for a hotel room that night so he could get cleaned up. The church gave him a tent, a sleeping bag, a hiking-type backpack, a first-aid kit, many hygiene products, a pair of shorts, a pair of jeans, five t-shirts, 3 hats, sunscreen, and most importantly a bible! He was looking through the items before we left and began to leaf through the bible. He seemed genuinely overwhelmed with the love of Christ that we were able to share with him. These small acts of kindness demonstrate who we are, a healing place for a hurting world!

Yesterday, I talked to a man who was an alcoholic for most of his life. He has now been sober for almost a decade. He said that in AA many people would share testimonies about the fact that their life was turned around by receiving small loving acts from a stranger. Acts like these, during a time when all the world seems to reject them, are Christ's light breaking through the darkness.

This is the heartbeat of HPC, reaching out to people who have been forgotten. Sometimes the forgotten is a homeless man, sometimes it is your neighbor or a co-worker. Never underestimate the power of these small loving acts to a person in need. Jay may be in Heaven one day looking for you to share his story of how his life changed that one day in 2008. The day he met Christ under a bridge in El Paso...and became forever clean.

Reach the world by serving one,
The Zengerles

2008-05-12T17:36:00.002-07:00

2008-05-03T08:07:00.004-07:00

So... Everytime I am about to sit down and blog--Life seems to get ahead of me! The last two weeks have been great and also a little trying... Isaiah turned 2! My baby turned 2!! That's amazing... Well, and to add to the fact that I was feeling a little older--I found my first GRAY HAIR! Ok, so I am not going to have a mid life crisis or anything--but I was a little shocked to find that sucker! Ha! Then on Thursday, Buck and I went to the Mayor's Prayor Luncheon--which was rather timely since about 10 minutes before the lunch I found out my father is being retested for cancer. I hate that word! Now, we have been here before and he has survived colon cancer --and I KNOW that God will move again and he will be healed 100%. I do ask that you please stand in prayer with us during this time and agree with us that he will be healed~

2008-04-19T14:27:00.003-07:00

What an amazing week we have had!! Buck and I just got back from the ARC conference in Birmingham, where we got to hang out with about 1000 other people who have a vision of changing the world for Christ! The key note speaker was Brian Houston from HillSong Church in Australia. We had an opportunity to hang out with some great friends and make new ones along the way. We are so fired up we can't even stand it. Then we got home Wednesday night and got to spend all of Thursday with Pastor Mark Stermer from HPC--he got a taste of El Paso and gave us an encouraging word for the work we are starting here... He even left with a little of El Paso on his feet--the brother bought some awesome snake skin leather boots to take back to the swamps!! Here are some pictures of the ARC conference...

2008-03-27T20:48:00.003-07:00

"Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we can not see."

We had our first team meeting the other night, and we are so honored and feel it is a privilege to get to work along side some truly exceptional people! I am so excited about what God is going to do through all these willing hearts. The Lord is truly teaching me patience through this process--I am ready to start tomorrow... but I am learning to work through the process. We are learning to take one step at a time, and have faith that God will meet us in this city and bring a new hope for the hurting and a new work for those called according to his purpose. So, please continue to be in prayer with us as we embark on this journey...

2008-03-13T19:56:00.002-07:00

Well these last few weeks have been crazy!! Buck has been in and out of town for several church conferences, Elise has been filming a movie... YES a Christian movie for a contest called the 168 hour film project! Well, and my computer has been on the blink. So forgive me for my recent hiatus in posting. I am really excited about our first team meeting for the Church next Wednesday evening. Buck and I have been looking at diferent locations, building the team, and of course getting prayed up!! I am so amazed by how faithful God has been in this process. I am humbled that we are able to serve along side so many great people and just can't wait to see what God has in store as we plant this church...

Plant goodness, harvest the fruit of loyalty, plow the new ground of knowledge.Hosea 10:12

2008-02-19T18:31:00.002-07:00

Esther does most of the blogging, but today I feel the need to blog! The day was going well when we found out that another couple joined our launch team and is committing to tithing each month starting NOW!! I pray that God will bless them 100 fold for believing us and partnering with us on our vision to plant a life-giving church in El Paso. Planning, building the team, and fundraising are going very well. God has honored our faithfulness and we are truly humbled by His love for us and this city. However, the reason I am blogging is for something far greater. Out of the blue my six year old daughter Elise gave her life to Christ at the dinner table tonight. She was able to fully explain what it meant to do that so Heaven is rejoicing because she gave her life to the LORD! I will have the privilege of baptizing her on our very first day of services. God is so faithful and He loves us so much. All we have to do is love Him back and He creates a life for you that is far beyond what you deserve and even beyond what you can dream. "For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the LORD, plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future" -Jeremiah 29:11
Although we live in an imperfect world and still struggle greatly at times, the LORD is good and worthy of all our praise! Give your life to HIM completely and all of Heaven will rejoice for you as it is for Elise.

2008-02-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

So… it’s official! We are planting a church! Wow!! Buck and I are so excited about what God is about to do in El Paso. We are full speed ahead with the birth of this church less that a year away. Buck flew to Baton Rouge a week ago and received the blessing from Pastor Dino (HPC)—with that said we are now building a team! We are praying for God to bring people with a heart to serve this community to come along side of us to build our dream of reaching the lost, the hurting, and the forgotten for Christ! We are asking for prayer; lots and lots of prayer! As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Rom 10:11. God is calling us to a great and mighty work—and as long as we focus on the cross, he will make a clear path! We have sold out completely—and literally—selling stock and possessions to make this dream a reality but sometimes you have to be willing to give up the silver in order for God to give you gold—and gold to us … those precious souls waiting for someone to show them Jesus in the flesh! Wow! Amazing isn’t it?

2008-02-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Healing Power of Prayer!

This is a picture taken outside the Baton Rouge General Hospital--Inside is a young campus pastor and youth pastor--Amy Stockstill from Bethany North in Baton Rouge. She is fighting for her life--the doctor's gave her 48 hours to live on Feb 5th. 1500 students came out to the hosptial to pray for her... She is starting to show signs of healing in her body! She is still in the battle for her life--Please take time to pray for her. She is a precious child of God who has a passion and desire to bring others to Christ!

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man and said, "I will. Be healed!" Matthew 8:13

2007-12-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

I think this young lady has it right:

2007-11-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Gen. 2:18, 21-24

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!

2007-09-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 11:1

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

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

2007-08-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

Esther

2007-08-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

Another Awesome Week Serving the Lord...

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

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

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

2007-07-14T12:28:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

2007-07-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

SUBMERGE 07 was off the hook!

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

Love you all!!!

2007-06-10T14:39:00.001-07:00

Hey all,

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

2007-05-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

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

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

2007-03-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

2007-03-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Buck

2007-03-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

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

2007-02-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

Bring the Rain:

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

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

2007-01-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

2007-01-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

The weather around here has been a little off the wall. We were expected to get a major snow storm this last Friday. The city practically shut down to brace for the storm. Schools were cancelled, city offices were closed, and all social, civic, and sporting events were posponed--and guess what... All that happened was rain (a light rain all day).

Isn't that always the case? I think that is how most of us tend to live our everyday lives. Someone once told me that FEAR stood for: False Evindence Appearing Real. We tend to worry so much about things we think are going to happen that we make it much worse in our minds than what the outcome usually is. Now don't get me wrong preparation is not a bad thing, I think the city made a statement that they were using "an overabundance of caution" to make sure their citizens stayed safe--caution is good, but faith is much greater. So as someone who comes from a long line of stressed out souls~I am working on it, or I should say God is working on me.

After all the hype--two days later without much notice we did finally get some snow. The girls were so excited that we had to let them run outside in their pj's and jackets to at least say they made a snow ball. We decided to take a day and go skiing. It was wonderful up at the ski resort! Buck and I made a "date" of it.

2007-01-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Blessings don’t look like blessings to us!

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

2007-01-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

2006-12-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

A Christmas Eve I will soon not forget.

Today Buck and I, along with our dear friends Brian and Claudia Mosher were able to participate in the Christmas Eve service at the church in Mexico. Now I have been to numerous Christmas Eve services that were extraordinary--Healing Place has had beautiful music along with a dynamic Pastor; St Mark's has always been filled with many warm and friendly people whom we consider family; we have spend Christmas in San Antonio in a small somewhat country church near Buck's parents home; we have spent Christmas Eve in numerous churches with all different styles of worship--however, today I felt the presence of the Lord so great --that as I sit here and recall the days events my eyes are welling up with tears.

We spent Christmas Eve in the back of an eighteen-wheeler, with a portable heater and small wooden chairs. We gathered into the Lord's House with about 30-40 other believers and worshiped HIM with one old guitar and children playing on the floor. BUT the presence of the Lord was there. They didn't speak English and my Spanish was a little rusty, but when I closed my eyes during the music the sounds of their voices sounded angelic. The four of us went person to person and prayed over their needs and as the tears streamed down their faces I saw Jesus in their expressions.

Buck spoke a word of Hope to them of what is to come in their community and I translated. They stood up and shared testimonies of what God has done in their lives and they were truly grateful. We ended the service by sharing communion together. Like I said it was a simple service, but God took the time to swing by and share Christmas Eve in this small community neslted in the back of some mountains in Mexico. God is working a great miracle--right there in the middle of poverty, in an area where the people have been taken advantage of by evil drug cartels--Jesus is shining his light.

Psalms 92:15 They will declare, "The Lord is just! He is my Rock! There is no evil in him!"

Merry Christmas.

2006-12-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

2006-12-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

We (as a family) all went back out to Mexico today. Elise and Avery were little missionaries again. Both of them helped to pass out the presents to the children from the colonia. I think they are getting the BIGGEST gifts this Christmas season. They are being taught the gift of giving. They are starting to realize that we are so blessed and that we must be the example of Christ to those less fortunate than ourselves. For those who are not familiar with this area or what a colonia is, basically, it’s about the poorest of the poor in Mexico. The area is filled with little dilapidated houses that are constructed of cider block, cardboard and wood. Many of the families have no electricity, and most have no form of transportation. I, myself, was taken aback with their living conditions. Now don’t get me wrong, they are VERY clean and tidy people. They were also very gracious and thankful of everything they are given. I just felt as though I was being taught a lesson on being grateful for the blessings that are in my life. They were all very happy and many know and love the Lord with all their heart. I spoke with one woman who told me that she has to walk (which seemed like a pretty far journey from her home) to church—which is held outside on the dirt, each Sunday morning to hear the word of God. By the way, Elise wanted to know why Santa Claus was looking a little different today. I had to tell her that actually—the jolly ol’ hombre that was out serving with us today was “Santos Claus Chavez” --who, of course everyone knows is Santa Claus’s cousin from Mexico!!! Anyway, we will be back out there Christmas Eve, and I know God has many blessings in store that day. Buck will be preaching that morning and I will be translating… We ask you to be in prayer for us that day. Not only are we their to restore and bring personal necessities we are there for something far more important than any material possession we could bring them—and that is a relationship with Christ—Our Savior.

2006-12-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

Elise and I went to our Christmas outreach today in Mexico. In the semi-trailers you see in the background is where we hold our church services and school. This was Elise’s first international mission trip. (30 minutes from our house!) She did a great job serving God and being the hands and feet of Christ to our brothers and sisters across the border. We just got a deed to 6 acres where we are going to build a 12,000 sq. foot church/school/community center. The new building will be a beacon of hope for the people in the community of Acuna. God is so faithful and we are blessed to be in ministry!

2006-12-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas... Wow! Having three kids during the holidays takes on a whole new meaning. We have had several Christmas performances and of course a visit with Santa! Here are a couple of pictures of some of the events from the last couple of day:

2006-12-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just marvel at how "ON TIME" God is!! The other day, as I was coming home from the grocery store, I was thinking in my head about how in the world we were going to buy Christmas Presents this year. I was actually praying that somehow money would just come in the mail from somewhere. As I walking into the house, I caught a glimpse out the back window of the view from our backyard. I felt this immediate sense of guilt when I looked at just how blessed my life is. I attached a picture of what I was looking at. How could I fathom asking God for money when he has given us so much? Well, after putting the groceries away I went to check the mail--and to make a long story short, somehow Buck managed to not cash three small checks from when he worked at West and we "fell into" $1000.00 dlrs of unclaimed money!!!!
Even when I realized what God has done for us, undeservedly, he always seems to be there even when its a selfish request! It just amazes me, I am blown away... He is just so faithful.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

2006-11-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with Thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." Psalms 95:1-2

Well, here we are on the day before Thanksgiving, and I am reflecting on the last couple of months. We have had some major changes and challanges AND we have had some wonderful blessings! So here is my list of some of the things I am thankful for:

My Salvation
My Family
My Church
My Home
My Health

Simple, I know, but really that is what matters the most to me! I can catch myself complaining about the most trivial things, but what I have is worth more than GOLD! We have had plenty and we have had little--going into full time ministry wasn't for the money! However the family time has been incredible. Even when I wonder how we will pay our bills the next month, God has been faithful. So here I am on my knees and I thank you Lord. Through the trials and the triumphs I thank you for mercy, grace and wisdom. Oh, and for the three best looking children in the world... Here is a picture we took today... Aren't they just precious!

2006-11-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

Being the mother of three small children under the age of 6, I seem to always make a grand entrance into grocery stores and shopping malls. I usually get the pitiful looks from women whose comments go something like this: “Oh bless your heart! I am sure you have your hands full!” or “Do you and your husband own a T.V?” I usually laugh it off and wonder what all the fuss is about. However, this week has been a challenge.

In the course of a couple of days I have been in the doctors office twice, several late night episodes of crying, whining and the like, and well not to get too graphic, enough uncontrollable stomach ailments— that I am starting to think that my choice of carpet colors was not the best!

I was feeling pretty sorry for myself, not to mention a little envious of my husband’s life. Why should he get all the glamorous jobs? Preaching, retreats, luncheons, seminars – while I am changing pull-ups, cleaning up spit up, and doing the never ending pile of laundry? Where is the justice in that? I thought God was no respecter of persons?? I mean I was called into this life of ministry too, right?

Well into my pity party God showed up. “Believe me, I understand, I am daily cleaning up my children from the dirtiness of this world, and they too whine and complain while I pick up the pieces of their lives!” Ouch, am I one of those children? Party over!

Philippains 4:11-13

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

So I am back to enjoying my season of life, I know that God has something big in store for our family. If all I was put on this earth to do is to see that my children become doers of the word and to help my husband be the leader that he was called to be, then so be it. I am here to serve him- not my pride. Plus, watching my kids from the rear view mirror raising their hands and singing at the top of their lungs to Jesus is pretty cool—in fact its down right awesome.

2006-11-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

We just had our men’s retreat at Bonita Camp in the Mountains of New Mexico. God showed up big as we bonded as a group of men committed to have Christ at the center of our lives! Some of the things we did were a low ropes challenge course in the forest, many chapel events, watched part of the Passion of Christ, taught the plan of salvation, and then symbolically burned our sin in a campfire at an outdoor amphitheatre.

On the last day we covered the lessons that were learned over the weekend and James 1:22. “Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers of the word who delude themselves.” Each man responded with what he was going to do when he comes off the mountain. Finally, we celebrated communion together and then headed back into the world with a renewed sense of direction and strength for our lives, knowing that we have brothers in Christ to help us along the way.

2006-11-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

Promise Keepers

I’m late on this blog entry as we did this last month. However, Promise Keepers was a great time of fellowship with the men of our church. We went to Phoenix, Arizona and worshipped with 18,000 other men. It was a great event as we were unleashed as mighty men of God!

2006-11-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

I preached at our last men’s gathering about King Asa. God is building a great core of men for our church. Pray that revival sweeps through our church and ignites passion that our men can use for His Kingdom!

2006-10-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

Why do so many people believe that when you decide to become a Christian that fun just goes out the window? Prior to being saved, Buck and I thought having fun always included "substances." But the truth of the matter is, we had no real joy or substance in our life. We were blessed last night with tickets to the Mercy Me/Audio Adrenaline Concert. WE HAD A BLAST!! It was the first real Chrisitan concert that I had ever attended--and let me tell you that there is something awesome about worshiping the Lord with 6,000 other believers! I know the Angels were rocking out in heaven! To top it all off, we went to the soundcheck and were able to have dinner with Mercy Me!! Buck and Bart (the lead singer of Mercy Me) were even sharing sob stories about how awful the Cowboys played Monday night!! Hahaha... Seriously though, it was so cool to sit and talk to those guys about each of our testimonies--they were really down to earth guys who love the Lord. Here are some pics we took with the the guys from Audio Adrenaline and Mercy Me. OK, So now I am hooked--I am looking to see when the next band comes into town!

2006-10-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

We make it through the weekend! Elise had a blast at her party. Her Strawberry Shortcake pinata was bigger than Avery~ it was a hoot. They also went to a costume party (the same day as her party) and needless to say all three--well actually, all five of us crashed out hard when we got home! Thank goodness birthdays only come once a year--it was a lots of fun but Elise is already planning for next year!

2006-10-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was Elise's 5th birday! Wow, she is growing so fast. She shares my mother's birthday--so we all went to dinner to celebrate the bithday girl's. Elise will have her birthday party this Saturday--pray that we live through the chaos of about 20 five year olds and Bob'O Fun Center... Anyhow, Buck and I just so blessed to have three great children. I think above all else my call is to raise these three beautiful gifts from God to come to know christ and then serve him with all their hearts~ If I can do that (through God) then I have accomplished much more and anything else... As parents we must pray for our children daily, because if we don't then who will?

Psalms 127 ...Children are a reward from him (The Lord).

2006-10-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

Well we have had a pretty busy week! Buck taught a Connections 101 class at the church on Wednesday night, then he spoke at the Men's Ministry Friday night. He asked if I would sing that evening and I agreed (although I was pretty nervous--I have never sang solo, much less acapella... But I did it!!) Finally, we dedicated Isaiah at church on Sunday morning. Buck's brother and parents were in town, and a bunch of my family members were there. Pastor Kurt did an amazing job tying in my Jewish heratige into the ceremony, in fact he anoited Isaiah with oil. My father and grandmother were pleased with the ceremony--both of whom are still Jewish. Seeing both sides of our family from such different backgrounds come together to witness Isaiah's dedication made me stop and praise God for his goodness and mercy... That Jew and Gentile could come together and worship him and glorify his name.
"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods . . . 0 come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker" (Psalms 95:1-3, 6).

2006-10-03T07:34:00.001-07:00

We finally had our first small group bible study this weekend! After having to reschedule several times, we got together this past Sunday. It was worth the wait. We did a small study on The Five Love Languages and I really feel that we connected as a group. We look forward to spending more time together, strengthening our marriages--and oh yeah... The desserts were awesome--hope not to grow the midsection while we are at it!!

2006-10-02T11:55:00.001-07:00

I just got back from a small group conference at Willow Creek Community Church. It was incredible! We learned a great deal about small groups and neighborhood community. The original church in Acts was, in large part, centered in people’s homes around a meal. So the focus was on building a community in your home where you could fellowship with each other and learn about Christ and our Father. We found some time to go to downtown Chicago for some authentic deep dish pizza…my mouth is watering again so I’d better stop! We truly enjoyed our time of fellowship, learning, and worship with the small group leaders of our church.

Acts 2: 46-47 “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

2006-09-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

"And the Lord God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him'" (Gen. 2:18)."Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said:
'This is now bone of my boneAnd flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.' Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Gen. 2:22-24)
Wednesday was our 9th anniversary! Buck suprised me with a beautiful dinner and a romantic night's stay at a bed and breakfast in Old Mesilla. What a night! My parents kept the 3 kids and we were able to just have a date. God is so good, we are blessed with a great marriage and love for one another. I think as the parents of three small children we can forget the romance sometimes and this was a chance to focus on each other.

2006-09-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

HI all!! It has been a while since our last post, however we have been staying busy with the kids and church. Buck has just relaunched the men's ministry at the church. He preached at the kick off the other night and had 50 men at the first bible study. This is wonderful, considering most event will have about 10 -12 men in attendance! They followed that up with a tailgate at the UTEP football game where they had 100 in attendance! GOD IS GOOD! We are having our first Young Married Bible study in our home this Friday and we are excited about what God is about to do.

2006-08-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

School started this week for the girls. They are attending the private school through the church. Elise tested into Kindergarden and Avery is in the Early Education program--both are loving it! Isaiah is doing great--he is such a sweet baby with a sweet spirit. Buck and I are about to launch a small group in our home dedicated to young Married Couples. We will be studying the Song of Solomn. We know that God will meet us in this place to stregthen some marriages and bring more laborers into the Kindgom. We miss Baton Rouge very much, but we know that God has here in El Paso for "such a time as this." We are so excited about what God is about to do in this community and will be sharing with you as we move forth through the battle.
"And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over and the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light..." Romans 13:11-13

2006-08-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! We pray all is well with all of you. Love, The Zengerles