Recent Hunter's Moon

Last Thursday, 10/25/07, was the night of the hunter's moon. The moon appeared larger that night than any other night of the year. While these photos don't due justice to the actually size of the moon looming overhead that night - you can tell by the detail you can see in the variations on the moon's surface that this was a spectacular sight.

A Pretty Drive

Hindsight - 20/20

The following words are inscribed on the tomb of an Anglican bishop in Westminster Abby (1100 A.D.)

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country, and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

Something to think on . . . .

Dark Weather

We have had quite the run of gray days - the skies full of dark storm clouds. In the last couple of weeks the sun's activities have been well hidden from view by an ever present gray blanket of clouds. For me, so many days without sunshine begin to feel weary and discouraging. However, God in His faithfulness, encourages us even in the day to day. This morning our family worship time included the reading of Psalm 97 and tucked away in verses 1-2 we found this profoundly new perspective on "gloomy" weather. I quote "The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne." Wow! It's right there - The LORD reigns - clouds and thick darkness surround him. A good reminder of His ever-present glory and greatness. So my heart rejoices as the cloudy weather no longer brings gloom but cheer to my heart with another evidence of His presence.

MEET HENRY!

The newest member of the Ortega "farm".

Joe's birthday gift this year.
Yes, he picked this one out himself.
This five month old little guy
is fifteen pounds of puppy energy and mischief.

What a cutie!!

WHO IS HENRY??

To find out, stay tuned . . . .

Extreme Devotion

Recently, our family has been blessed by a daily devotional titled "Extreme Devotion." Published by The Voice of the Martyrs, it draws daily thoughts from Scripture giving examples of these truths lived out, by God's grace alone, in the lives of persecuted believers both past and present. One common factor in the lives of believers is the presence of trials. The testimonies are inspiring and the devotionals both inspiring and challenging. Our devotional reading from yesterday really struck a cord with us.

"We don't have to go looking for trouble. It already has our address. Jesus often reminded his disciples that trials are part of daily living. Seeking God more earnestly does not mean seeking more trouble for our lives. No, the benefit of seeking a deeper relationship with God is to better prepare us for the inevitable. We don't have a choice about what troubles come our way. However, we can choose to have a relationship with God that prepares us for trouble. Some trials may mean losing our lives for Christ's sake. Yet this is not the real sacrifice. The extreme sacrifice must come long before. We must sacrifice selfishness at every level in order to develop intimacy with God ahead of time. When we have sacrificed all to pursue a preeminent relationship with Christ, we will have already done the hardest part."

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers,
in view of God's mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God -
this is your spiritual act of worship."

Romans 12:1