Please note Pat and I have moved to
Jim & Pat Noble 1017 E. Tours Rd. West, TX 76691.
Please send correspondence to Light at Mission Viejo 4601 Mission Bend Santa Fe, NM 87507
Dear Friends:
What are you grateful for? This can sometimes be difficult to think about in the midst of a pandemic, or even in the midst of political turmoil. It is easy to focus on problems rather than recognizing all of the blessings. In this New Year, it is good for us to consider our many blessings how they really do overshadow any circumstance that may try to steal our joy.
Most of us have the blessings of family. Most of us have the blessings of enough to eat. Most of us have the blessings of shelter. Most of us have the blessings of health. And, most importantly, we all have the opportunity of eternal blessing.
Psalm 145 needs to be the cry of our hearts! When the peace of Christ rules in our hearts, thankfulness overflows. Even in the darkest of times, we can praise God for his love, his sovereignty, and his promise to be near us when we call.
I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I'll bless your name into eternity.
2 I'll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity.
3 GOD is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.
4 Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. 5 Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders.
6 Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.
7 The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone's lips. 8 GOD is all mercy and grace — not quick to anger, is rich in love.
9 GOD is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace.
10 Creation and creatures applaud you, GOD; 11 your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor,
12 Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office.
GOD always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does.
14 GOD gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. 15 All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time.
16 Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures.
17 Everything GOD does is right — the trademark on all his works is love. 18 GOD's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it.
19 He does what's best for those who fear him — hears them call out, and saves them. 20 GOD sticks by all who love him, but it's all over for those who don't.
21 My mouth is filled with GOD's praise. Let everything living bless him, bless his holy name from now to eternity!
(from THE MESSAGE)
I think it is important to keep a bigger perspective in the midst of all the turmoil of the world that surrounds us.
What are you thankful for? What has God done in your life? In the lives of your loved ones? I pray that as we start this New Year, we keep our hearts and minds focused on the Eternal, rather than the temporal, and when you start feeling down-and-out, or upset, or sorrowful, or unhappy, put your eyes back on what is really important! I think of the song written by Helen Howarth Lemmel in 1918 (when the Spanish flu epidemic hit):
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Let us keep our eyes focused where they belong. In this way, we will continue to live thankful lives, blessing others. May the Lord fill you with joy and give you an eternal perspective this year!
As for our girls at Casa, they were blessed with many gifts at Christmas, and even though they were “isolated”, it was still a good time. Many from Betty and Ana’s family came and shared Christmas with our girls! Those in secondary school are now starting back with school and those in high school continue to have an extended vacation until the end of January. It is a crazy system, and so they spend a lot of time feeling bored. Our two Anas are challenged to keep them occupied! Our building is getting in sore need of some upgrades, and we are hoping that we will be able to bring a work team to Casa this year to do some cement repair, painting, and roof upgrade! Please let us know if you are interested.
Feliz Año Nuevo—Happy New Year
Happy New Year!
I am happy to say that we made it to the new year. This past year was challenging. We’ve had to shift from meeting with our students and parents every month to supporting them from a distance. However, I am proud to say that we have been able to support all of the families, thanks to all of you. I know that the support they have received throughout the months has made a difference.
I am looking forward to a brighter year and hope that soon we can start meeting with the families face-to- face again. It is imperative to keep encouraging our students to keep going and to stay focused on their education. We have several students that had to start working and we saw their grades affected. I hope that soon we can help them refocus and ensure they keep advancing in their studies. Please keep them, their families, and us in your prayers.
As for our Christmas celebration, we took a completely different approach. This year we weren’t able to have a Posada, but thanks to all the Sponsors, each Alas de Amor family received food, and the children received a Christmas gift.
The food basket contained basic food items, including pork meat and corn for tamales or pozole. In addition, we received several cash donations in order to buy protective supplies. We were able to include several face masks and soap for each family. These products are far more expensive in Mexico, and many families cannot afford to buy them. In the end, our Christmas celebration was a success. All of our students met with us in small groups to pick up the gifts and the food baskets.
Once again thank you for your support. May you have a blessed and healthy year!