What it All Means to Me

As many of you know this past Sunday, we had our inauguration service for our new church, Doral Baptist Church. I can't tell you what a success I consider it. Lucas and I woke up early after a long day of preparations the previous day. From printing out the communication cards to finishing the sermon, it was quite a load. I woke up a little anxious but Lucas being the laid back guy that he is had it all under control (even after sleeping only 3.5 hours).

I ironed his outfit (Did I mention that I believe all pastors should have free dry-cleaning year round?), got dressed, and quickly got in the car after Lucas finished loading it up with the instruments and breakfast goodies. We arrived at 8:00 on the dot and got to work. I started setting up the breakfast while Lucas rehearsed with the worship team. Before we knew it people started trickling in. My dad and his family were first. Then the newlyweds, Mike and Debs walked in and finally my mom, Vito and Tati. So basically the English service was comprised of my family, our family. But it meant so much to both Lucas and I because we knew that they were there not out of an obligation but because they really believe in what God is doing through us and wanted to show their support.

While the worship team was singing I couldn't help but shed tears of joy. Just watching my husband serve the Lord with his gifts and knowing that my family was there fully commited and devoted to Christ. I remember when my hubby and I started dating I was the only one going to church out of my family. For their own reasons, they were far from God but little by little, God answered our prayers and everyone has found their way back to Him.

You know so many times (more often than not) I choose to pick on the little things that irk me about my husband (God knows how many imperfections irritate him yet he rarely complains) and miss out on loving the man God has given me. Ever since I came to the Lord I knew that I wanted to marry someone that would love God before me and man, to know that I have that man gives me so much joy.

We don't make much money, we can't really go away for the weekends and we don't even have our own home yet. Quite frankly, we really don't have much (and trust me there are days when I compare myself to others and start thinking it's not fair and we should have more) but on days like yesterday I know that I wouldn't trade what I have for anything in the world. Not because I think I have the best thing but because I know that we are doing God's will and there is nothing greater we could be doing with our lives than serving him.

And it is with joy that I tell you this: our church may be small and we may be inexperienced but we serve a mighty God whom is able to do extraordinary things through ordinary people. We are the ordinary people.

I think this verse best summarizes how I feel about God calling us:

"Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-- and the things that are not-- to nullify the things that are, so that no ne may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption."
1 Corinthians 1:26 - 30 (NIV)