Yes, Sir!

I’ve heard twice now in the past month how people go to church mostly to feel good when instead we should be going to get our assignment, our marching orders...

Endurance Requires

...being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience,   ~  Colossians 1:11

In order to patiently endure, you need God’s power and might to do so. 

That’s why it’s so hard. Can’t do in my own strength. 

Armies by KB {video}

This song is the battle cry of our hearts right now:

Called to be Cinderellas

(I mentally wrote this little post years ago — haha!)

I so loved the live action Cinderella. Growing up, Cinderella was (and is) my favorite Disney movie. She responded to the degradation, abuse and familial mistreatment with optimism, hope, grace, perseverance, love and kindness. She never lied or ran away or retaliated. She was perfect. (I think that’s why many don’t like her, preferring Belle and her humanity. Just like the Superman/Batman controversy.)

In the recent version, she’s discovered and released and tries on the slipper and all is well for the prince found her, but... there is still this feeling like the climax hasn’t happened yet. Weird. And then...

As the happy couple leave, the stepmother shows at the top of the staircase. All halt, the cheery music stops, you realize that you are holding your breath and the tension is palpable... and then Cinderella declares, “I forgive you." Wow. Now that was unexpected. Out of everything she could have said... the writers chose the Christlike forgiveness response for her?! And now you have your sense of closure, your climax.

At first, I was shocked that forgiveness was portrayed as strong and beautiful. Now, Cinderella really is the most Christlike princess.

“And his name shall be called...”

Boy #3:

MORGAN ISRAEL DIMARTINO 

Morgan: We initially thought of Morgan as we wanted to memorialize our time living in Morganton. Morgan is a Welsh name that used to be a boy name but has become unisex (we know two boys named Morgan and two girls named Morgan). It means “sea-chief” or “sea-defender.” We love that because God has really been moving our hearts for the sea peoples, like those in Melanesia, the Sentinel Islands, and elsewhere. Lastly, Micaiah really wanted another name to begin with ‘M’ since there are two ‘A’ names and two ‘R’ names in the family :)

Israel: All of our children’s middle names are from Aidan’s side of the family, to give them honor. Aidan’s brother is named Jacob, and God changed the Jacob-of-the-Bible's name to Israel after Jacob had spent the night wrestling with God (Genesis 32:22-28). Hence, Israel means “perseveres with/triumphant with God." Also, we wanted to keep the theme going by including a Hebrew name in each boy’s name.

DiMartino: "Di" is Italian for "of, from" and "Martino" is allegedly a mountain in Italy from whence the ancestors originate. "Martino" is derived from "Mars," the Roman god of war.

It’s our easiest kid name to pronounce ;)

So, our family consists of AAA for the girls and RMRM for the boys!

Resolution for 2020

The intro is from my post six years ago on resolutions (just because it still accurately expresses my thoughts!):

"Let me start by saying that just hearing the phrase New Year's resolutions rubs me wrong. I think that one reason is because weight loss is the first thing to come to mind because it is so common. Also, no one actually keeps them or remembers them after a few months. So they seem pointless and not very profitable.

But... it is hard for me to let such an opportunity to pass me by. I relish times of purpose to be still and reflect. [I sound like a Mary -- haha, but I really am a Martha-doer struggling to find (designate) time to be still and reflect.

If God does not forbid it, and it strengthens your love-relationship with Christ, then I want to take advantage! Not that I cannot make "resolutions" other times of the year, but I have to be somewhat forced to sit back and reflect or it just does not happen because life is constantly demanding! Since this new year's time is already designated for making resolutions, then I'm going to let it "force" me :)

I find that I frequently need to evaluate my life in all areas to keep it going in the direction I want it to (towards glorifying God, of course). I hate regret and don't want to be on my death-bed, looking back on my life, and thinking, "If only I had done something with that part of my life back when I had the chance before it spiraled out of control."

The best way to change anything is to alter my spiritual life and let God have more access to my heart so He can bring true and lasting change to myself..."

2020 is going to be quite the crazy, hectic year with a new house, new job and new baby! It appears daunting, but I know it is full of good gifts. So, I want to make sure that I focus rightly on Jesus, go slow and enjoy the moments, and maintain constant joy and gratitude. I am going to keep my resolution super simple and intentional:

Just read one chapter of the Bible a day, preferably in the morning. Not only is the Word of God my life, but if my kids don’t see that, then I’m wasting these days with them. I don’t want it to be for naught. What’s the point if I’m not getting to know God better?

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life."   John 6:68

Man does not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.   Matthew 4:4

Comparison Kills Happiness

When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” ~ John 21:18-22

I know I wrote about these verses years ago, but I probably mention this daily with my kids! Seriously. All day I hear But he or But she. It’s always comparison with each other or other kids — what they have or get to do.

My motherhood mantra for them and myself is You follow Me!

How to Bear Fruit

Let your roots grow down deep into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7

This verse lends itself to such beautiful imagery! I can just see a great tree with deep roots and a big, strong trunk. It’s flourishing with bright green leaves and...

Overflowing with fruit of course! ("Overflowing with thankfulness.")

When we give thanks, we bear fruit! 

And who doesn’t want to see the fruit of the Spirit in their lives?!

So, give thanks friends!

Growing with Your Children

Several times this past year, I have felt like I am at my wits’ end with the kids. I began to have suspicions that it had something to do with not adjusting my parenting as they grew older.

For four years straight, I would annually create new charts for chores, school schedule and consequences according to their personalities, struggles, and abilities. But the past two years have been such an upheaval, that I never got around to it and thought that it would be okay if I skipped a year. I missed it again at the beginning of the year. I was paying for it.

A few weeks ago Ricky watched the kids one day and let me regroup. I made three new charts for chores, screentime rules, and consequences. They have really helped bring me some order, relief, and peace. Kids need age-appropriate expectations.

I won’t be skipping next year!

Being a missionary is hard.

Being a missionary is hard.

I know, I know. There are many ways it’s hard, and we haven’t even left for our first assignment yet! While I am aware of many difficulties that may come, this one caught me by surprise. (Granted, I may have been forewarned but didn’t think that I would be affected.)

 It requires a soft heart and tough skin!

To remain soft toward God and people...
To stay focused and joyful by how He is moving around the world...
To keep motivated to fulfill our task...

I think I hold relationships dear to my heart. For that reason, I am grieved when people don’t respond because I feel like the relationship is now severed. (I guess people would rather break the relationship instead of just telling us no we’re not going to partner?) Anyway, this saddens me way more than I thought it would, requiring tough skin!

To remain unmoved and steadfast when people make harsh comments or thoughtless criticisms...
To hold onto love when friends and family ignore us...
To not be sorrowful but peaceful when faced with silence and rejection...

These have been some of my prayers for myself and others in the same boat!

Upside-down Shaming

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27

This verse has been such an encouragement to me lately! The handicap and disabled are about as weak as they come. Choosing one to be a missionary... sounds foolish to me! But, God's kingdom is aptly called the upside down kingdom. For this I am thankful!

A Lent of No Numbers

I am not positive how I want to proceed with Lent in the future. (Remember that whatever you give up for Lent is just for six days. You are free to indulge on the Sabbath.)

This year, I decided to give up telling my family how many times I have already asked them to do something (i.e., For the fourth time, please pick that up!) and take up calmly repeating my request.

It’s simple and specific, which I like. But, here’s the rub.

By the time I get to repeating numbers, I am likely angry, frustrated, and grumbling in my heart (James 5:9). It’s likely a sinful response that I want to get rid of (Colossians 3:5-10). I want to make war and kill sin every day, not just six. So, I am probably picking the wrong thing to give up.

I realize that you don’t have to partake of your sacrifice on the seventh day or even once Lent is over, and you don’t have to follow legalistically some unbiblical “Lent law.” It’s just that I think I should give up something that is not sinful necessarily. Next year, I might change it up...

Our Intercessor

We spoke at an outdoor church last October. Despite the cold and rain (and lack of luxury), it was powerful. God was there, the Spirit was moving, and Jesus was elevated. Beautiful.

At the end of the service, a group was praying for us. It was a blessed time, and I didn’t want it to end. It made me sad to think that they were going to stop praying. Right after I thought that though, I heard Jesus say, “But I won’t stop praying for you.” Oh, what comfort to my soul! That reminder felt like a soothing balm. Thank you, Lord, for interceding for your people (Romans 8:27,34)!

Resolutions for 2019

The intro is from my post five years ago on resolutions (just because it still accurately expresses my thoughts!):

"Let me start by saying that just hearing the phrase New Year's resolutions rubs me wrong. I think that one reason is because weight loss is the first thing to come to mind because it is so common. Also, no one actually keeps them or remembers them after a few months. So they seem pointless and not very profitable.

But... it is hard for me to let such an opportunity to pass me by. I relish times of purpose to be still and reflect. [I sound like a Mary -- haha, but I really am a Martha-doer struggling to find (designate) time to be still and reflect.

If God does not forbid it, and it strengthens your love-relationship with Christ, then I want to take advantage! Not that I cannot make "resolutions" other times of the year, but I have to be somewhat forced to sit back and reflect or it just does not happen because life is constantly demanding! Since this new year's time is already designated for making resolutions, then I'm going to let it "force" me :)

I find that I frequently need to evaluate my life in all areas to keep it going in the direction I want it to (towards glorifying God, of course). I hate regret and don't want to be on my death-bed, looking back on my life, and thinking, "If only I had done something with that part of my life back when I had the chance before it spiraled out of control."

The best way to change anything is to alter my spiritual life and let God have more access to my heart so He can bring true and lasting change to myself..."

I loved what I did last year — the idea and what I chose! (I certainly plan on doing that concept again in the future.) But, last year proved to be really chaotic for me. And, it’s hard to keep resolutions (make changes) amidst a bunch of inconsistencies and changes! Some months I did well and other months I forgot to even read the resolution I had made for that month ;) Enough excuse-making...

Now, I have learned over the years that when I make a resolution, it has to be completely based on reality, meaning I cannot expect Ricky to help me keep my resolution. I have to be able to do it entirely by myself that doesn’t take time... Something that considers our family and circumstances.

I am making one resolution for the year and praying that there are repercussions that extend and influence other areas.

• To always consider Ricky first. Before what I think we need to do or should consider doing. Let Ricky do what he chooses to do in peace and without judgment from me. I’ve spent the last 11 years pushing us. For naught. I might think that I’m just trying to be respectful of others, which is a good thing, but even so, I am going to put Ricky first. That’s my job and my calling. Unless Ricky is well nourished physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, then our family is literally not going anywhere or doing anything.

Be kind and build each other up.   1 Thessalonians 5:11

A wise woman builds her house...   Proverbs 14:1

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die. But if by the power of the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, then you will live.   Romans 8:13

Peeled Bananas

 Why is your newsletter called Peeled Bananas?

A woman from Asia once said that reading the Bible in her national language was like eating a banana with the peel still on it. But having the Bible in her heart language, the language in which she dreams and thinks, was as satisfying and delicious as eating a peeled banana.

My Favorite Corrie Ten Boom Quotes

"You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have.”

“Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.”

“What wings are to a bird and sails to a ship, so is prayer to the soul.”

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.”

“It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability that counts.”

"This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person he puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only he can see."

“The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.”

“There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.”

"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible."

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

“There is no panic in Heaven! God has no problems, only plans.”

“When I try, I fail. When I trust, he succeeds.”

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.”

“The first step on the way to victory is to recognize the enemy.”

Wholehearted Willingness

After God had spoken "Now” and released us to GO into full-time, international missions work, we prayed for almost two months before moving forward.

It was during this time that I felt Him asking me a question. And I knew that I had to do a little soul-searching first and not simply or impulsively answer.

“You are willing to die for a people group, but are you willing to suffer for them?”

And I knew that He meant voluntary suffering. Being willing to give up what little bit of health I had left. Lay it on the altar as a willing sacrifice.

It seemed different to suffer for not renouncing your faith in Christ versus suffering for a people when someone else could go.

That’s like voluntarily having the severe restless legs I had during pregnancy (intense pain and sleeplessness). Who would volunteer for that?!

I don’t like suffering. Death? Please! Torture gives me the chills.

But suffering is coming for everyone no matter what — voluntary or involuntary.

Really, it was a matter of obedience. Would I be willing to go wherever He sent me even if that meant embracing more suffering?

Of course, I would quickly shout, “Yes!” But He was telling me to wait and ponder, so that my “yes” would be deep in understanding and full in knowledge. A wholehearted acceptance.

There was no Aha! moment. Just prayers. Because suffering for the Bibleless is suffering for Christ.

I was praying a lot that God would help me to have His heart for people and love others more than myself. And I would pray that I would learn to trust His Spirit in me to endure with faith, love, and joy.

I’m still praying. But I am much more confident in my yes.

*I know Wycliffe Bible Translators would not send its members into wanton endangerment or ignore health concerns. I think that God just wanted me to wrestle with this and trust Him even more than I already do.

Called to Peace

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

Colossians 3:15

This is a popular verse in our home. And it has been for me for years now. But recently the Spirit illuminated a new depth of meaning that I had been missing.

I used to always focus on the first half of the verse, thinking the second half to be more like a directive telling me how I needed to behave. "Act peacefully since His peace rules your heart.” Not that there’s not truth to that, but I don’t think that’s what Paul is saying here.

I think Paul is getting at God’s action and not ours.

He has called me to be in and dwell in peace. It's not a call to action but a reminder of this gift He has for us. He wants for me to have and know peace. Imagine the Father beckoning His child to come get dessert.

So come and get it! For He is calling you to peace.

Open Expectancy

When Raphael was a newborn and it was time to feed him, he would lay across the Boppy on my lap and just open his mouth, wanting and waiting for me to put the nipple into his mouth. Knowing I would do it.

I keep thinking that God wants us to trust Him like that. Going to Him with open hands, expecting Him to fill us and nourish us.

Let’s go to Him with that confidence in His goodness (Heb. 4:16, Ps. 81:10)!

You, God's Joy

I wanted to get this down before I forget it!

Having a newborn really brought meaning to Zephaniah 3:17!

He will take great delight in you, 

Newborns don’t DO anything. They just are. I would get overwhelmed with delight looking at him, coddling him, and nursing him — simply just with him BEING. And I realized that must be how God feels about us, delighting in our being, not trying to earn His delight by doing and serving and working and proving.

He will quiet you with His love, 

When he would get fussy or sad, I would gently shush him and pat him, reassuring him of my presence and that he’s going to be okay. This is quieting with love!

He will rejoice over you with singing. 

Sometimes when I am simply looking at and loving him, I would get so overjoyed that I couldn’t contain my heart. I would just erupt with singing and song would burst forth!

All of this 

God does 

Over you 

Just because 

You’re His.