In the Garden

“Mom, come and look!” my 3 year old daughter calls out from her room. “It is very nice, honey”, I reply not knowing what she wants. “Things are crazy here; I don’t have time for that.” I mumbled under my breath.

My sink is full of dishes from this morning and I have to get supper ready in about an hour. The trash can has been sending me a warning of needing to go outside. It is threatening to stink up the whole house if I don’t comply. Every time when I walk by my bedroom, the overflowing laundry basket just stares at me as if asking me “when are you going to clean me up? Your husband is going to ask you for clean socks again pretty soon!” It irritates me when I faithfully make up a shopping list only to leave it at home when I go to the grocery store. “I will get to the dirty clothes when I finally have the detergent or Santa will have to delivery his present early”, I grouch. Yes, I need to finish my sewing project in time for grandma’s 90th birthday this weekend. I cannot wait to put my sewing machine away so that we can claim back our dining table. The machine has been sitting there for months and I should start charging rent. Picnic everyday is not as fun as people think!

“Now, what?”, I scream when I heard the baby cry.

Although this happened many years ago, our challenges remain today. Being a daughter of the King of the Universe and to our earthly parents, we have great responsibilities and accountability. How can I live up to God’s standard? I do feel overwhelmed at times & I don’t know what to do.

My Savior always reminds me of his words: “be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. He would gently take my hand and lead me to his garden. We walk through the meadow together; enjoy looking at his wonderful creations. The air is filled with refreshing aromas from different plants and the whole place is covered with pleasing colors. I enjoy the sounds of the bubbling brook that runs through the garden, accompanied by the feather choir. What a magnificent orchestra!

With a loving voice my savior calls my name trying to get my attention. “Miranda, take my peace” says the Lord, “the peace that I give you is not the same as the world gives nor can money provide.” He does not promise me a rose garden but he gives me the assurance of all things because he has overcome the world. He shows me his pierced hands and tells me how much he loves me. I should not have doubt of his love; he gave up his life for me and my loved ones as well. I need not worry about their salvation but faithfully do my duties, and he will take care of the rest. He leaves me his words “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11: 28-30.

I do not want to leave the garden but stay there with him forever. However, Jesus encourages me to go on a little longer, for he is coming soon to take all his children with him. He invites me to come back to the garden as often as I wish and drink from his fountain of living water.

Do you have the garden experience with Jesus? It is important to take time with him so that our strength will be renewed & our hearts will be encouraged. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” Isaiah 40: 29-31

By Miranda Cerovski
Miranda is pictured with her husband Ed.

Women in Ministry at FWESDA

We are so proud of Marie Macri and Miranda Cerovski that were ordained as elders to serve in the Far West End SDA church. They are both women of great spirituality and will be a rock for us all as they minister in this capacity.

We are also blest to have Myriam Gutierrez as a deaconess in our church. Her warm and joyous spirit is a great example of the joy we can find in serving God and others.

Ladies, here are some pictures of your dedication taken by Carla Gutierrez.

Recipe Challenge - Rice with Coconut and Milk

This recipe was submitted by Myriam Gutierrez and I know many of you have been waiting for this recipe because it is absolutely delicious!

Ingredients:
½ Cup of Rice
1 Condensed milk (can)
2 Cinnamon Sticks
2 Cups of coconut (bag of shredded coconut)
Milk
Water
Pinch of salt

Directions:
1. Cook the rice with enough water to cover the rice over one inch.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks and a pinch of salt (just what you can grab with the tip of your fingers).
3. Cook the rice and add more water (if needed) until rice is soft, aprox 30 – 45 minutes. If needed add more water to obtain the desired consistency.
4. In the meantime, blend milk (liquid) with coconut (not too much, just to blend both ingredients together).
5. Add this blend to the rice and keep stirring, if rice gets too thick add more milk and cook it on low, stirring constantly.
6. Lastly, add the condensed milk and cook for a little bit just to get the sweet flavor on the rice.

If it gets too thick add milk (liquid).
Rice should be soft and sticky, not too dry.

Welcome Baby!

When it was confirmed that our baby was coming, as first time parents we had mixed emotions and excitement. Yes it was a baby boy, and then all the preparation followed like prenatal visits and preparing for baby stuffs. It was not easy but exciting.

At last Baby Jeid came, an additional member of the family. He was not aware that we needed to adjust our priorities to make him a part in our circle. We has sleepless nights when he cries for milk or needs a diaper change. Sometimes it’s frustrating but rewarding. But when he begins to smile and communicate in baby talks,fatigues are gone!

It is the love of a baby that is much welcomed that makes the difference.

How do we love the spiritual babies that are born in the church? Often times they come to the church helpless and in need of much attention as a new member. Sad to say that at times we treat them as adults for which they are not yet ready. We serve solid food while they need milk yet. We leave them alone to walk while they still need a spiritual stroller and walker, and if not attended they will stumble and fall.

Like Jten and I welcomed baby Jeid with tight embraces, and taking time for bonding & nurturing,in like manner we need to care for those spiritual babes that will come to our church.

By Daryl May Huilar
Daryl is pictured with her new baby boy Jeid, and her husband Jten.