The Jimenez Family

There seems to be a common theme running through my conversations of late. Life is hard. Decisions are difficult. Relationships are strained. Perspectives are changing. Christians are in the heat of trials. Trials that have been promised to us...that should not come unexpectedly...but trials...nonetheless.

who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. I Peter 1:5-8

For a little while...if necessary...you have been distressed by trials. What makes a trial necessary? Why must we as believers...experience pain...loss...suffering...hardship...frustration...disappointment? What need in our life demands that we endure these trials?
Often times, the need comes when we have become too comfortable in our surroundings. When we have allowed our flesh to make it's home in this world and find comfort in this place. We lose sight of our eternal lodgings...and allow our citizenship to slip down into the temporal. We elevate our need for comfort...our need for stability...security. And we make that our aim...pursuing it at all costs.

Or perhaps, we have become too accustomed to relying on self. Independent. Self-sufficient. Self-reliant. We forget how frail we truly are...and how quickly a change of circumstances can rob us of what little control we thought we had over our lives.

Or it could simply be...a reminder. A remembering of our identity. Our purpose. Our calling. Our security. A reinforcing of the solidarity we have in Christ to prepare us for the mission He has predestined us to. A reminder to keep our focus on Him.

Whatever the case maybe...we know that these trials are custom...tailor-made by our Sovereign Creator. This is far different than experiencing the effects of a fallen world. No, this is an all sufficient, completely sovereign God...gently and lovingly calling us to the edge of what we deem comfortable...and propelling us across the threshold into hardship. Into the unknown. Where we cannot draw on past experience or previous knowledge. All of this comes from Him. Knowing all of our weaknesses. Knowing all of our insecurities Knowing all of our vulnerabilities. These trials are not for others...but individual...some might empathize or understand what we experience. But these are singular by design. To draw out a singular focus. The proof of our faith.

Taking Peter as an example…he suffered immense persecution…to the point of death. This being the same man that denied Christ…now being martyred for his name’s sake. What happened in his life to make him so sure that his salvation was genuine? Worth dying for? From the time Peter watched the Savior ascend to the penning of this book…Peter had stormed quite a few trials. And he had come to learn that these very trials were given not to hurt him…not to push him further from the Lord…not to exasperate him…but to prove to him his faith. To prove that this faith is genuine. To quiet all the doubts that might be questioning the words he had heard His Savior speak. These trials…hand-crafted by his Lord…pushed him beyond his natural capabilities into the reality that God was protecting this faith. His mustard seed size faith…was being protected by Almighty God.

As we walk through trials...human faith...human reasoning begins to falter...melt away. We cannot answer the questions…we cannot explain the “whys”. So, we turn to the Author and Perfector of our faith and begin to experience a side of His character not yet seen. In comfort, there is no need for mercy and healing. In ease and prosperity there is no need for a Deliverer and Provider. But through these trials…our one-dimensional Savior becomes three-dimensional. His vastness exceeds our understanding. Then something incredible happens…in the midst of these trials…rather then doubt and disbelief…He allows us to see we need not worry about the safety of our faith. It is protected by the power of God. He is sustaining our faith. Everything shifts...we begin to see the assurance of our salvation...the reality of faith. Without hardships we would waver...question whether or not salvation has actually occurred.

But thankfully, God does not keep us protected...shielded...cushioned from these trials merely to endure continually. He does the opposite. He refines this faith through trials...allowing us to see it is sustained by HIM alone...and thus revealing not only to us the trueness of our faith but also manifests facets of His nature not yet experienced.

In this we greatly rejoice. We rejoice because in His supreme sovereignty God found it necessary to reveal to us our pure faith. To remove the dross. Remove the impurities. Remove the distractions. He has intervened in our life to remind us that His power is sustaining our faith...He is protecting us...He has anchored our hope beyond the veil. We rejoice through these trials because having not seen Him...we come to know Him so much more intimately through the fire. And we rejoice with joy inexpressible because this trial has now prepared us for action...sobered our minds...and fixed our hope completely on the revelation of Christ.

There is not a situation that we can fabricate that would bring all of this to fruition. There is not a method or formula that we can follow to achieve this proving of our faith. There is nothing that we can do…on our own…that would accomplish this same result. No…it can only be produced through trials.

So these trials...while painful...might seem to be without end...can at times wear us down beyond our physical endurance...but are truly necessary.

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
II Corinthians 4:17

We started our homeschool year earlier this year...hoping to add some cushion and flexibility to the calendar.

With a trip back up to Philly this coming weekend and a short trip to the beach...all just in August...we might use up the extra days before Fall hits!!!

But back to school we are...well...technically we are now in our third week of the year!

I had some fun things planned for the kids for the first day back...

hoping that it would ease them into the early mornings and rising concentration levels! :-)

Of course...what is a special morning without a special spill...

not five minutes after everyone sat down to breakfast...

someone spilled an ENTIRE bowl of Cheerios...oh well!!

For the most part...there were smiles all around to get back to the schedule and noses in books.

We enjoy homeschooling...maybe not all year long...and especially not in the month of May...but all in all...we love being together and just learning as a family!

Each year I try to change things up just a little bit.

Nothing huge...but something that gives a new feel to the year.

This school year, the kids' lesson plans are on the computer...so each morning they log onto one of the laptops and check out what is required of them for the day.

Such a small little change...but has made a huge impression on both of them!

Jackson has learned his colors. And most of his letters. And for some strange reason can write the letters "O" and "H" quite proficiently! So we have some OH HO papers all over the house!

Hopefully, we can expand on those this year!

Like in all other areas of his life, Jackson approaches school with exuberance and excitement each day!

Never a dull moment with this kid around...halfway through the day Jackson came into my room making a choking sound. Apparently, he had been sucking on a Lego (why?) and accidentally swallowed it!

Hmmmm...thankfully we found out later that it was actually a marble...not a Lego.

Small comfort!

Sweet little Hailey.

The girl already knows all of her colors and is getting ready to pass her older brother on letters.

Learning through the environment of her home has been the best teacher!

Our verses for the year are Colossians 2:6-7 (yes, my Bible study is still burning in my heart!)

Jason and I are praying that each of our children will continue to walk in Him...established in the faith...through their own personal relationship with Jesus.

Our motto at the Jimenez house is L-O-V-E (my husband loves acrostics!)

Laugh

Open

Value

Encourage

After school we headed to our favorite pizza place!

And then they each picked out their favorite book from the store next door!!!

Now we're three weeks in...excitement wearing off but the fun JUST BEGINNING!!! :-)

In early spring I received several messages from former students...girls asking if I could meet with them over the summer or perhaps mentor them.

With four kids running around and trying to help Jason with the ministry...my time for mentoring was scarce.

But as I prayed about it...I sensed that God was pushing me to teach.

So I rounded up a group of girls - and in early June we began our study on the book of Colossians.

We started with about sixteen and ended up with fourteen consistent, regular, committed girls.

Being that it was summer...I was surprised that they cleared work schedules...got up early...and intentionally set aside every Thursday morning to study God's Word.

It has become a common trend among Bible studies...especially with women...to cater the study around what God is doing in our lives. As females, we usually find it very easy to emote...or to put feelings into our devotional studies. Most of how we respond to the Word is about our feelings. Far too quickly our time spent with the Lord gets centered around what we have learned about ourselves and far too little about what we have learned about GOD Himself.

From the start of this study, we switched out our narcissistic glasses for those with a broader view. Who is God? What did I learn about HIM through this passage? And inevitably, God-discovery led to self-discovery. In light of what we learned about God...our understanding of self began to take a more honest picture.

The knowledge of God and the knowledge of self go hand in hand. We can only have a right perspective of ourselves when we have a correct perspective of God.

The book of Colossians is about Christ. The first half being about His supremacy and sufficiency Establishing His authority...His character...and the completeness of His salvation. The second half fleshes out what life in Christ looks like...iin the heart and life of the believer...in the home...in the church...and beyond.

I learned SO much through this study. Yes, I was the teacher...and have studied this book countless times. But it is alive...and was very active in my heart...teaching me and correcting me. My understanding of God broadened. My appreciation for His gospel deepened. And my reliance on Him increased. There were so many weeks when God used this study in my own life personally to reinforce the supremacy He desires and to reassure me of His love.

Week after week, the discussions from our Bible study became the launching pad for encounters all around me. There were many times after our study that the girls would sit around and just...marinate. Talking about the passage. Talking about life. Confessing sin. Bringing the Word we had just learned into a real life situation. It was such a sweet, sweet time of fellowship.

The final study was bittersweet...parting ways as most of them head back to school or college...but anticipating ways that God would use our freshly ignited faith for His glory. I pray that in their hearts they will hear the ringing echo of these amazing truths we have learned:

You are complete in Him.

The Gospel. The Gospel. The GOSPEL.

Jesus plus nothing equals EVERYTHING.

The only way to have a distaste for sin is to have a superior satisfaction in God.

What we are craving is so vast and infinite that it can only be filled by an immutable and infinite God.

We always need to be surrounded by those that stir our affections for Christ.

Compromise is rooted in the fear that comfort is better than Jesus.

If we would just stop and remember the gospel, we would realize that God really is what we want most, even in our worse moments, no matter how strong the temptation we’re battling.

You have an enemy.

PRAYER. When we pray regularly…irregular things start to happen. You never know when or where or how God will invade the routine of your life, but you can live in holy anticipation knowing that God is orchestrating supernatural things. God is always preparing us and positioning us for divine appointments. The plans of God are only revealed in the presence of God.

Three days.

To ourselves.

With nothing to do.

But relax...

And that is exactly what we did!
Jason and I usually hit up the beach when it's time to unwind...
but being this close to so many different historical cities...we decided to give Savannah a try.
We stayed in a beautiful bed and breakfast that sits in the heart of the historical district.
Our van stayed in the same place for three days...and we did a LOT of walking!

We went to the City Market...the river walk...Forsythe Park and every street in between...
completely captivated by the charming architecture and the whimsical trees.
We splurged once...eating right on the river front...
but the rest of our meals consisted of the best $2 slice pizza around!!!
We went to several old bookstores...many different coffee shops...one AMAZING ice cream shop...and an extravagant candy shop!

Jason loves fried chicken...I mean...he really LOVES fried chicken!

Sadly, his wife only makes it in the oven...being a little too timid to try and accomplish this feat on the stove.

So when we were in Savannah...surrounded by Paula Deen and companions...fried chicken was on our "to-eat" list!

We had heard about this amazing little place called Mrs Wilkes...a country style eatery.

It was quite expensive but we decided we'd skimp on some other meals to make it all balance out.

We spent the morning at Forsyth Park...just basking in the sunshine and soaking in the serenity.

As Jason was praying, he felt led to speak to the man sitting next to him.

Turned out to be a fellow believer...James.

Brother James had met with some very hard times...

difficult medical situations, loss of family and friends, and the recession.

He had actually spent the night on that very park bench and had the bug bites to prove it.

He told us that he thanked God every morning for waking him up...

for giving him another day...and asked that He would continue to keep him humble.

He quoted Scripture and joy oozed from his smile.

He showed us his favorite brick surrounding the fountain...Friend of God.

He said as long as that was true...nothing could shake him.

Jason was so moved by his story..and his humility that we offered to help him find a place to stay that night. After we had prayed and hugged and said our goodbyes...that fried chicken lost it's luster.

Spending that much on food when it could help a fellow brother seemed disgusting.

It was such a beautiful picture of Christ...

Jason's willingness...James' humility...God's conviction on our hearts.

And the encounter truly woke us up to what is MOST important...

and all that we had to be thankful for!!

It was a beautiful...relaxing...wonderful trip!

There is a deadly philosophy creeping through our hearts and homes. Lingering and tantalizing. Bringing with it a sense of apathy and complacency. Justified with the arguments brought to us by the world...beckoning us to hold back. To reserve oneself. To take time for "your needs". To make sure "you have enough for you" first. To only give...when it is comfortable and convenient to do so. To only serve...when accolades are loud and appreciation is flowing. To only love...when it is reciprocated and the object is congenial.

But this runs contrary to the example given to us by our Savior. Who being in very nature GOD...did not consider equality with God something to be used for His own advantage, rather, He made Himself NOTHING by taking the form of a Servant...humbling Himself...becoming obedient...even to death on a cross. (Phil. 2:6-8)

He was poured out. Without restraint. Without reserve. Without holding back. No thought to Himself...only to the will of the Father and the salvation of His people. That is what true ministry looks like. To give of oneself with utter abandonment. Knowing that the One who calls is sufficient enough to fill that which is left dry. To obey without conditions.

Paul considered himself empty. Completely spent. All of himself...poured out before the Lord...on the altar...as an offering.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

II Timothy 4:6-8

Likening himself to the burnt offerings of old, he envisioned his life completely at the behest of his Master. His perspective was not on this world...not on his own comfort, not on how he was "feeling", not on how others could benefit him...or make him look good...but his perspective was on the eternal. What other purpose was there to live this brief life on earth...but completely poured out to the One who secured his eternity.

On the exit of his life, Paul could look back and confidently say that he gave all he had without restraint...holding nothing back. He fought...not coasted...all the way to the end. Knowing that there is a war raging round him...the petty enticements of this world could not entrap him.

If these are the examples set before us...what has become the stumbling block for us? The inhibitor? The restraint? Where are the faithful saints that give with reckless abandonment? That love without restriction or conditions? That serve tirelessly...selflessly...and cheerfully?

Could it be that our sights are not set upon the crown of righteousness set before us? Have we forgotten the righteous Judge that holds our reward in hand? Has this temporal life dimmed our love for His appearing? Have we adjusted our gospel to fit into our self-centered culture? Diminishing sacrifice and glorifying self.

Unfortunately, the church is not characterized by radical obedience...rather a comfortable existence. Few and far between are the ones willing to actually "feel" their sacrifice. But the reality is this...there is still time.

There is still time to put aside the "American-dream" and grab hold of the eternal reward. There is still time to dismiss the prominence, the success, the prestige, the accolades...the temporal trappings of this world.

There is still time to say as Paul, "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." To have your sights so securely set on the prize before you that the circumstances surrounding you become merely the backdrop of God's grace to be shown. To anticipate with longing the appearing of the Lord.

There is still time...to be poured out...

I think we have FINALLY started the lazy days of summer!

With travelling and VBS and different commitments...our June was packed to the brim with activities!!!

The week we got back from Arizona we made a quick trip to the strawberry patch...hoping that there were still some left on the vines since we had missed the opening of the season.

After several very rainy days...the sun came out and we had some BEAUTIFUL berries to pick from.

I spent most of my time keeping a close eye on Hailey and Jackson...they didn't really contribute many berries to the bucket because they were so busy tasting all of them!

I probably should have kept a better eye on the older kids...I think the only qualifications for them was that the berry was red...so I ended up with two buckets of extremely tiny berries!

Oh well!!!

Our friends, the Richardsons, came and stayed with us from San Antonio for a short, but sweet, time.

We are so thankful for the wisdom, love, encouragement, & support these friends have poured into our lives over the last year!

There were seven kids in the house...and the noise level definitely notched up a bit...thankfully, the four of us were able to get a quiet break to head out and spend a few hours eating and having a great time!

Then it was time for VBS!!!

VBS week has been the highlight of our summer so far.

With over 750 kids in attendance it was a packed out house!

This was my third year on the music team...and I must say...I had a BLAST!!!

I am not very talented in the area of dancing, co-ordination, or even rhythm...but thankfully...kids don't care!

I also had the privilege of teaching the preschoolers Bible-time.
There were about fifty little ones all packed in one room...waiting for me to capture their attention...and dazzle them with truths of God's Word.
These precious little guys were a delight to be with...smothering me with hugs and kisses each and every day!

Amy and Tyler both had super fun groups with fantastic leaders.

It was a great week with many memories imprinted on our family!

After VBS. we had a wonderful 4th of July...celebrating our freedom and family with some close friends.
Then we packed up our stuff and headed to the lake with our friends, the Howards!!

It was a jam-packed house...with nine children and four adults...but it was FUN!!!
This is our second summer we've been graciously hosted by the Howard family.
I'm sure it cannot be easy to double the noise in your home...but they didn't seem to mind all the craziness our family brought them! :-)
It has been a considerably rainy summer...and even the morning we arrived it was lightly drizzling.
But thankfully, Mr Jeff had the magic touch...when we went out on the boat...the clouds went away!!!
The kids tried to be daredevils on the boat...while I tried to keep my breakfast in my stomach!!!

Right before we left...Jeff and Jason tried to get a fire going so we could roast marshmallows...

thankfully...it started pouring right AFTER the last bite was popped into our mouths!

So yummy and delicious!

The kids had such a fun (uninteruppted) time of playing with their friends.

This lil miss just could not get enough s'mores!
Good to the very last bite! :-)

It was a busy June...and start to July.
But now I'm ready for those lazy summer days...just kicking back!!

As humans...we long for an answer to everything. We want to be able to explain.

To know why. To rationalize. To control.

As Christians...we long to justify the "whys" of a situation.

Or the "reasons" behind certain trials and tribulations.

We are so quick to respond with rhetoric and rehearsed responses.

Commonly spoken phrases that spin suffering and pain in "acceptable" terms.

Limiting our view to what is here and now...and that which is unfolding in front of our eyes.

We decide what the purpose is for walking through challenges.

Claiming brokenness, humility, chastisement, or deepening our faith...

all of which we deem to be God's intention in allowing these struggles in our lives.

In order to make sense of the pain...we focus on our limited understanding of the situation

rather than on what we are able to understand of our God.

In the midst of excruciating trials, Job and his friends sit around analyzing the

causes and solutions of his suffering.

Ranging in emotion and ideas...they all weigh in with different opinions and philosophies.

At the end of themselves...they are aghast with the obvious unspoken answer...there is NO

explainable reason why Job should endure such suffering.

That is...not explainable here on earth.

While focused on what they can see...much was going on behind heaven's closed door that they

could not see.

In response to Job's lingering question...a whirlwind of a response is given.

Not an explanation to the "why" or the "what".

But an answer that goes beyond the suffering and pain.

Purpose does not always make the trial more bearable or easier to endure.

Only knowing the character of Him who allows it...fuels the fire for existence.

Knowing the sovereignty of an almighty God...who takes part in every element of His creation...

and admitting a deficiency in understanding that which is hidden...

Job recognizes his failing.

I had heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You...

The vastness of God's power...the reality of His incredible might...

the incomprehension of Yahweh's intricate and complex sovereign plan...

answered not the question of "why" to Job...but the understanding of Who.

Being filled with the knowledge of who He is that keeps all of life in balance...

Job no longer questions the purpose for his suffering.

He no longer tries to place a quaint little label over all that was transpiring in his life.

We are too quick to limit our sights. Too quick to relegate pain and suffering to it's own little

box of what our confined understanding can handle.

Instead of trying to figure out the purpose behind the pain...

rather than identifying all the life lessons to be gained from enduring these trials...

be filled with the knowledge of who He is.

Seek to know Him not only through the hearing of the ears...but the seeing of the eyes.

Take stock around you...as the intricate plan of life unfolds...all at the behest of it's Creator.

Let the knowledge of the holy fill you with the assurance that...

He can do all things and no purpose of His can be thwarted.

There is a lot of talk around our house about "worldviews". What they are...why they are important...how they affect our lives. And often times, God allows situations for our entire family to see a worldview in action. From idea all the way through application and actions. Be it Christian or secular...it becomes apparent how decisions are made and through what filter it comes through.

Recently, I had a conversation with a mother about our children. We talked about similar concerns we had with certain issues that had arisen. It became apparent quite early in the conversation that our worldviews differed...and thus our ideas for child-raising very different! I listened while she explained how her children were "finding themselves" and "working out the kinks" and that eventually...they would become who they were "meant to be". I mulled over these differing statements while intently listening to her methods of guiding her children. It was neither the time nor the place to get into a theological debate. But in the days since, it has provided me with much to think and pray about.

I approach my children as sinful little selves. I do not see them as a product of their environment. Yes, when the little ones do not get enough sleep...they are cranky. And yes, when one of my children does not have enough to eat...her blood sugar drops and she acts out. But the reality is...they are sinful...they are selfish...they are struggling in a body of death that has been passed down to them for generations. So while as parents we have laid a groundwork for our expectations on their behavior...the root issue...their heart...is out of our control. And while we feel that it is our responsibility to disciple them and raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord...the reality is...ultimately...it will be their own choice.

Homeschooling, church-going, Bible-reading, TV-prohibiting, sheltering, moral-living...cannot change the heart of my child. They can not. If I believed this to be true and parented through this worldview...wouldn't I be the same as the mother I conversed with? That my efforts and attempts would bring about the product I desired? That through time and circumstances my children would become who they were "meant to be"?

If I parent from the perspective of "betterment" then I negate not only the origin of sin...but also it's solution and cure. My children would only learn to escape punishment and/or please their parents. They would fail to grasp their complete and utter depravity...and would be caught up only in the works they perform.

But when the mirror of God's Word...the source of correction...reveals to their hearts that the origin of sin is not able to be reformed but only regenerated...the need for a Savior arises. Then...and only then...will the manifold mercy of God's marvelous grace transform their sinful little selves. And their obedience will be from their own personal desire to please their God.

I pondered that conversation for quite some time. I thought about the ramifications of the different worldviews...and how they were playing out in our own homes. And I was convicted that oftentimes...I can get swayed...caught up in the "outwardness" of my children rather than the true condition of their hearts. Forgetting that no matter how hard I "try" to recondition their behavior...sin will find it's way to the surface...because sin is what is in the heart. I examined my motivations for discipline...wondering if I was more concerned about how I appeared to others...rather than the work God was doing in each of them individually. I was reminded once again of my own need for a Savior...and that I had once been a participant of the kingdom of darkness but now a member of the kingdom of light. And that...while I appreciate the hard-work and diligent application of God's truth from my amazing parents...my salvation came through Christ...and HIM ALONE!!!

So while this conversation unveiled my friend's perspective and worldview...it showed me all the more the sinfulness of my own heart...and once again pointed me back to Jesus and my need for Him.

Worldview: n. The overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world.

I see and interpret the world through God's Word...the unwavering Truth which is the foundation of this life. My perspective comes from the understanding that man is inherently sinful...and cannot remedy this problem on his own...no matter how hard he tries. I believe that God...in His sovereignty and love...provided the ONLY solution to this curse. He gave His innocent Son to die on a cruel cross and accept the punishment I deserved. This is my worldview. And I pray that this worldview trickles down and infuses all that I do and say for those sinful little selves that are looking on!

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