Welcome! Nuestra Casa Es Su Casa ...Our house is your house

A glimpse into the life of Daniel and Jaynee Lockwood and their 12 precious blessings. Thank you for visiting; we pray that what we share here may always bring glory to our wonderful God and Saviour. May you praise the Lord with us for the great things He has done and continues to do as we serve Him sharing the gospel here in the little town of Cuidad Insurgentes, BCS Mexico. He alone is good and faithful!

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Trusting Him each day

A few emails let me know that it's been a while since I've updated!  Each day is so full and the weeks go by so fast now.  I'm just not at the computer that much anymore.   Moms can multi-task...I can quiz Beka on her spelling while I'm checking Isaiah's math as I fix Samuel his bottle and get a band-aid out of the cupboard for Noah making sure to keep an eye on Nehemiah and Susannah who've crawled under the picnic table with something behind their backs all the while holding Eliseo on my hip.  
But when for some reason, all multi-tasking abilities fall by the wayside when I'm reading or typing on the computer.  I just can't type and think about anything else at the same time.  So I decided it would be best for me to limit most of my computer use to the evening after the children are in bed.  But the problem is as the children get older, I'm ready to get to bed before they are! :)  After the younger ones are in bed, I enjoy spending the evenings talking or doing something fun with the older ones.  And by the time they are in bed, I just want to have a cup of tea, snuggle and/or visit with Daniel and sleep!  

The past couple of weeks, I've been praying if I should even keep updating here.  So many things I pondered in my heart...finding time to write, what to share, wanting to always glorify the Lord and encourage others.  Daniel made it easy for me...husbands are good like that...he told me to keep writing. 

Honestly, I've been a bit discouraged lately over a trial that our family has been going through for many, many months.  It's been so very hard...and it isn't something that I can even share in detail.  Sometimes I feel we are on the front lines of the battle.  And sometimes, my heart is heavy.  
But I am thankful.  So thankful!  I have a husband who loves me so much and when my mind wanders from what is true, he is good to tell me not just what I want to hear but what I NEED to hear...truth!
This trial has caused me to realize my need for Christ.
This trial has caused me to pray often.
This trial has made God's Word so very precious to me...Words of Life.
This trial has made me love my husband and children more.
This trial has shown me many areas of my own weakness and sin.
This trial has caused me to realize that I can't change my heart, but Christ can and will when I ask.
This trial has helped me to minister to others who are suffering or have suffered similar hurts.
This trial has made me love and appreciate my friends so much.
This trial has brought my husband and I closer together.
This trial has made me love and appreciate pastors...those who minister to our souls...so much more.
This trial has given me the opportunity to overcome evil with good.
This trial has given me the privilege to suffer for my Lord, albeit so little in comparison to all He suffered for me.
I want to count it all joy; I want to rejoice and be exceeding glad.  I want endure it to the end as He continues His work in me. 
It seems that each time that we go through another hard time, this fire of this particular trial intensifies.  While I was in the hospital a few weeks ago, it got "hot" :).  The things said hurt far more than my surgery did.  
Uncle (pastor) Tom gave me these verses:

Matthew 5:10-12
Luke 6:22-23
Acts 5:41
Romans 8:17-18; 35-37
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Philippians 1:29
James 1:12
I Peter 4:13-16

How they encourage my heart!
Psalms 119:71- "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."

But admist the hard paths, there are sweet green pastures of rest.  The Lord continues to show His love and care in such wonderful ways.  Last month, funds ran a bit short.  I planned carefully on my last shopping trip for the month to buy as simply as possible.  So we had our bags of beans, rice, potatos, and some vegetables...enough to get us through that last week.  But then we ran out of propane.  We can hang our clothes and live without hot water, but it's a bit difficult to cook dry beans without a stove.  :)
We prayed.  The next day, a friend of Daniel's came to the house. At the beginning of the month, Daniel had loaned him 300 pesos (about $25).  The man had said he was going to pay Daniel back a few days later but never had.  And we forgot all about it.  But he arrived at our house that day...at just the right time...to pay Daniel back.  And we were able to buy propane for those final days. :)

What else is new...school is going well!  Really well!  I am so thankful for how the Lord guides us each day.  He gives me so many ideas, calms my frustrations, and over and over again shows me how He will will direct our paths if we will only trust in Him and not lean on our own understanding!  His ways are so sure and His yoke easy and his burden light!  How I have come to understand that more and more.
Daniel helped me to understand something recently.  Have you ever been angry or impatient or frustrated and no matter how much you know it isn't right and you want to change, you just can't?  This is such a simple truth, but one I just didn't fully understand.  
I can't change my heart.  But HE can!  This past month, so often I have felt like I know I shouldn't, and I so simply cry to the Lord asking Him to change me.  I tell Him I know I'm wrong, but I need Him to work in my heart.  And I am coming more and more to trust Him knowing that HE WILL!  It is so amazing and wonderful to see how He works!  And there is no pride to be had when it isn't me but HIM!  I just go around thanking Him over and over.  I'm so glad I know Him!

Well, it's late...too late! Here are a few pictures of the past couple weeks...




This little guy as sure filled out!  It is hard to imagine he started out so tiny!  He's an early riser like mommy but not much of a cuddler.  He'll sit with me while he's drinking his bottle, but then, he likes to be on the go!




Beka's getting so grown up!  


Last week, one of the young ladies in our church turned 17 and invited us over for a birthday lunch.


I think Susannah put a little too much lemon in her soup! :)


Nehemiah's teethy grin!  He's such a ham!


My big 1st grader Noah!  


Josiah!! :)


We had a fellowship supper after church at our house last Sunday night. 


Last Tuesday, Daniel had to take me to La Paz to start the paperwork for my new visa as my old one expires this month.  Hna. Tola stayed with the boys and we took just the girls.  We went out to breakfast, ate icecream, walked along the beach, did a little bit of shopping, and just hung all over Daddy :)  I think he liked it! :)

I'm still working through my emails, so if you've written and haven't heard back, hopefully soon!!  Have a good week in the Lord!

16 comments:

  1. Jaynee, I know that life has been full of more downs than ups lately ...but please know that you are not alone that there are people praying for you and your family and the work that God does through you.....and I'd say that if the devil is bothering your peace then God must have a wonderful work to be done through you. Just praying that God will build you up and bring you through these trials....and may you have more wonderful days and outings with your toadies and darling husband.

    Blessings to you all
    shelley p
    from over the pond

    ReplyDelete
  2. Its so good to hear from you. I truly enjoy your words.
    Hope you are having a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Glad to see an update, but I am sorry things are hard right now. (And a little jealous your school year is going well- I home school too, and our year has been rough so far!)

    I heard of your blog on FJ, and just wanted to pop in and catch up and wish you the best with the beautiful family. Your family is adorable and you have a truly wonderful heart.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jaynee, I have been reading but not commenting much lately...just a busy time for me, and I don't like to write in haste when important things need to be said. But I just need to say now that I will be praying especially for peace for you and resolution of this trial you mention. My husband and I went through a very difficult and hurtful time over a two-year span from three to five years ago...and then struggled with the aftermath for many months afterwards. It is so very difficult! Obviously I don't know if what you are dealing with is similar to our experience or not. But just keep bringing it all back to God as you are doing, and allow yourself to accept the peace that God wants to bring you even in the midst of the storm! It was during that time that Philippians 4:5-7 really bacame alive for me...when I first really wrestled with the concept that God really means that He wants us to bring absolutely everything and lay it at His feet, no matter how hard that may be, thank Him for his faithfulness even in the darkest of times...and then allow ourselves to release all of our anxiety and be filled with His peace NO MATTER WHAT is swirling around us. There were times I literally laid in bed at night crying out to God, asking Him to help me let go because I just didn't know how to do it. And time after time, He came to me at 2:00 AM or whenever it was, and helped me to release it all so He could fill me with His peace and presence for that night. Jaynee, it is just so hard sometimes! His yoke is easy and His burden is light....but in our humaness we just fight against that concept. But I'm here to tell you that our God IS faithful, He WILL prevail, and you will come through this time in His victory and strength! And you will be closer to Him and affirmed by Him in ways you never thought possible before you began this journey!
    I'm praying for you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jaynee, I just wrote a long comment, and when I hit "publish" I think it disappeared. I will look tomorrow, to see if it might have gone through. If not, I will try again. Meantime, just know I am praying for you in this trial! Perhaps I will try an email instead, tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  6. We would like to send you guys funds, do we use the clearing house address on your website and put in care of the Lockwoods? I didn't want to send it there without knowing for sure from you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mandy, thank you for your kindness and generosity. Yes, please send any funds to CMC (Central Missionary Clearinghouse) and put in a note that says for the Lockwood's and they will send you a tax receipt. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mandy, I just put the address on the top of the blog. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. So good to hear from you!
    I don't often have time to comment but I just wanted to say that I'm praying for you all! and also to let you know that you've encouraged me today to keep bringing everything to the Lord. Lately, my heart has been so heavy for all the trials, sufferings etc.. that have been afflicting my family, friends, and our country...
    It's easy to see the negatives and forget about the blessings sometimes. But God is good and faithful! He brings Joy from Mourning and Peace through despair! He is still on the throne...

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jaynee,
    I am so glad that Daniel encouraged you to keep writing!

    The things you wrote today really ministered to me in an incredible way as I also have been struggling with some things over the past few months. As I was thinking about things last night, I was feeling very much defeated, knowing that I need to to change but not knowing how. But I read your post today and you are so right -- I can't change but He can change me.

    Thank you so much and please know that I am praying for your situation and your sweet family.

    ReplyDelete
  11. So sorry that your recent trials have effected your peace of mind. We will continue to pray for peace in you hearts and homes and following of God's Holy will! Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  12. It was so good to see an update, please continue them coming. I've prayed for you and your family for so many years it's become second nature to check your site to see what is going on in your lives. I will be crying out to the Father on your behalf, believing that our miracle working Father God is going to bring you through this current trial you are going through. I think back to all the miracles your family has seen and know that another miracle for God is so easy for Him. Don't lose hope my friend, God is faithful to give us the strength to get through each and everyday, not to just get through them but I believe to be victorious through our trails.

    Love in Christ,
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have been reading your blog for awhile, but I don't often comment. I do hope that you will continue to update. You are often an encouragement to me - as a mother, as one who is seeking to follow the Lord, and as a wife. I am sorry that things have been difficult, and I will pray the Lord's peace for you as you work through it. I appreciate your honesty with your struggles. I think we all would benefit from letting our insecurities and weaknesses into the light. We can deal with them there. Praying for you and your sweet family.
    Stephanie C.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lockwoods,

    I just wanted to let you know your main site is down. http://www.lockwoodfamilytomexico.comlooks like the domain expired. You might want to look into it.

    The Mover

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jaynee I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about you the other night.It was like the Lord told me to tell you that his grace is freely given to you and you just have to hold your hands out and he will fill you with his love.

    He doesn't want anything special from you, he knows you love him, he just wants you to accept his grace and peace.

    He is not the Old Testament Lord of wrath, Jesus is the Lord of Love, and he is always with you. He is there to be the good shepherd and to care for his flock.

    Please don't think me too presumptuous, but when the Lord wakes me up thinking about a specific person, I guess it's up to me to let you know

    I will pray for you and your family. Please take good care of yourself.

    ReplyDelete

We always LOVE hearing from you! We enjoy getting to know our readers as well. Feel free to email us or comment here and introduce yourself if you haven't already. Have a wonderful day in the Lord! He is so good and faithful!