Come unto Me

I've been very encouraged by this short message from Amy Carmichael. As I reflect on it, I realize that the Lord has placed many of these souls (compassionate, caring souls) in my life. My life has been enriched by you so I post this hoping it serve as an encouragement to you in return. You know who you are if these words resound within you.

Sometimes we think of the invitation of Matthew 11:28 as if it had been spoken to sinners burdened by their sin. It is to them, of course, but not only (perhaps not chiefly) to them. That is why the words over the door of the House of Prayer are "Come to Me." Those dear words are to us all, and each time we cross the threshold of that House, our Lord says to each one--calling him or her by name--Come to Me.

In the Aramaic it is "Come unto Me all you who are tired out and carrying burdens." Perhaps the burden that is tiring you out is not your sin (for that has been forgiven) but the sin of another, a soul dear to you. Sometimes it s the weariness of illness, or the tiredness after pain. Sometimes it is the inability to help others as you long to do; the burden of a loving heart can be a heavy burden. The words come fresh as dew to us every morning, "Come unto Me, all you who are tired out and carrying burdens, and I will give you rest."

Edges of His Ways, January 18

Thank you for being examples to Ryan and me and showing Christ to us through your lives. May this rich piece of truth spurn us on to share with and pray for those yet to know a Savior who is waiting to carry their burdens, too.

Highlights from the Holidays

1. The Subaru (affectionately called "the subie") finally experienced snow in Payson, AZ.

2. Mike and Melissa are having a boy! I've named him Ry-Ry after my dear husband but they have some other ideas. We'll let you know his real name in May when he arrives.

3. The Castillo experienced (and survived) all Steph's immediate family and their spouses over Christmas weekend. We also spent time at Mike & Melissa's. I love watching Elena with her family and especially her grandparents.

4. Elena loves her baby cousin Addie. When she first saw her she exclaimed, "baby" and tried to pick her up. Don't let this picture fool you, she played well with Addie & enjoyed patting her and giving her hugs.

4. We enjoyed Christmas eve in Tijuana with our friends Luis & Aide, and much of their extended family. And somehow we managed to sleep that night even with all the fireworks and loud music.

5. The first week of January we resumed classes at the beach. Yep, tough life. BBS was given a weeks stay at a resort in Rosarito so thats where we held classes. It took Elena awhile to be okay with walking in the sand but strangely enough she didn't cry when she fell in the ocean (I'm not that horrible of a mom...I was watching closely, I just didn't expect her lose her balance when the water came to her toes).