Eighteen years ago David planned and thought how he would hold me in his arms to kiss me for the first time on our wedding day.  His plan was to cup my cheeks in his hands and lovingly plant a kiss on my lips.  We just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary on October 4, 2015.  The Lord (as always) never ceases to amaze us with His awesome provision.  David and I were going to Richmond and Virginia Beach, VA to pick up

school books for the children and David suggested we make that trip in the car with just baby Sofia.  He researched and got a beautiful room with a balcony right on the ocean at Virginia Beach.  It was so romantic and we had a wonderful 2 night stay!!

I can’t help but wonder what has happened to our society today.  We have lost and been untrue to the “worse” part of making the vow to be faithful in every way – for better OR for WORSE!!  Not just in marriage – but in almost every aspect of life.  We have a “hand – me – life – on – a – silver – platter” culture.  One that screams, “Treat me fair – OR ELSE!!”  Now, I am all for treating people in love (as Jesus teaches), but sometimes life hands us a lemon and we refuse to make lemonade out of it, but rather pucker in sour distaste and throw our heads back and howl at how our life is…….well……..unfair!

When David and I first married, David was from a completely different background than me.  We loved each other, but I can honestly say the first year was tough.  Then, when we started having children, it became even tougher!  But, we took our marriage vows seriously and stuck it out through the worse part of “for better or for worse”.  We learned together, grew together, and fell more and more in love day by day.  Also, my sister & brother in law – Kevin & Amy

Kevin & Amy

Foster- have gone through the roughest times of their marriage in the last months and they have chosen to stay together.  Their trials have drawn them closer and I see them actually falling more in love – despite Amy’s broken, physical condition.  I have sat back and sadly watched couples “throw in the towel” on marriage for – quite frankly- silly reasons.  I know there are legitimate reasons for divorce, but I would like encourage others today to contemplate the sacredness of marriage.   Mt 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Where has the philosophy gone in being faithful to our Lord also………even in the better times and the worse times?  Again, my sister Amy Foster has gone through the toughest times of her life since the accident.  Lying in a bed, unable to move can sometimes cause sheer panic.  But, instead of becoming bitter at her Lord (whom she has always been faithful to) she runs to Him and learns and applies more and more of His Word to her life.  This kind of stamina, in this day and age, is becoming nearly extinct.  David and I (since going into full-time ministry 5 years ago) have gone through many disappointments and testings of our faith.  Jesus NEVER lets us down and we never go hungry, but always have enough!  Then, we look around and see how God has blessed us and we can’t help but allow our cheeks to burst forth into a big smile………for we can feel that our God is REAL!!  Where are the Christians with back-bone?  The ones that will stand tall and say, “Let us fight the fight for the cause of Christ!!!”  2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

 Far to often, I see and sadly watch as Christians fall wounded on the battlefield, NEVER to rise again.  Believe me, there have been many times that David and I have been severely wounded on the battlefield, but we have chosen to rise again to – stay our course!  Many times, unfortunately, the arrows and bullets of attack have come (strategically planned by Satan to confuse us) from our fellow Christians.  In the heat of the battle, sometimes fellow Christians get confused and think we (their allies) are their enemies.  They seem intent on shooting us down………..only to lessen their very own defensive army.  May we as Christians learn to love and forgive and aim our weapons on where they should be – at sin and the TRUE enemy.  I love many people and want to shower my love and forgiveness on them for wrong-doing, but they unfortunately push you away – confused that you are the enemy out to hurt them.  We need to get back to the old-fashioned philosophy of loving our friends for better or for worse.  Yes, when people fall into sin and begin to drag us down, it is time to cut strings with them………….but never stop praying for them or loving them.  However, far to often, there is a spirit of hatred and distaste that I believe brings our Saviour great sorrow.   Lu 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.  Lu 6:27 ¶ But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.
30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

WOW!  Those Scriptures sure do convict me!

Where has the parenting gone that says – I will train and teach my children wrong from right no matter how much it goes against societies teachings!?   De 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  Even when I am exhausted, I won’t give up!  I’ll take “pretend” pornography, cigarettes, gambling, drugs, alcohol and many other wicked items and trample them on the ground.  All the while with passion and with tears streaming down my cheeks – telling my children those things will RUIN their lives! Where has the passionate parenting gone?  We have 4 teens in our home right now.  Soon, we will have

My 4 precious teens!!

6 teens in our house.  I can honestly say, they are a joy to me.  They are transparent and obedient.  I don’t say this lightly and never want to boast myself of tomorrow – but as of right now – it is true!  Where has the philosophy gone that teens should be conducting themselves as young adults rather than “cool” nin-com-poops.  Where has the passion for righteousness gone in our young people?  It makes me fear for the future of our Nation!  The Christian teens of today are far worse in character than the unsaved teens of old were!  Mothers, don’t give up on parenting………….even during the tough times – remember? for better or for worse?!

The list could on and on……………

~ I want to be true to others ~ for better or for worse.

~I want to stand on righteousness and godly standards ~ for better or for worse.

~I want to love my husband and children ~ for better or for worse.

~I want to love and respect my parents ~ for better or for worse.

WE NEED A NATION OF CHRISTIANS THAT WILL RISE UP IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT AND FIGHT FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST – FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE!!

All Because of Jesus,  Jill Rodrigues

(The articles written by Jill Rodrigues (my wife) are never intended to instruct men.  They are only to encourage her fellow sisters in Christ and if -per~chance- others read it and are encouraged, Amen.  ~Dave Rodrigues)

Invitation

Well, this was the 3rd Bates’ Wedding our family has been invited to, and we were very honored and humbled when we received the invitation in the mail.  We have formed a friendship with the Bates because we have been at their church a few times and done some singing.  We are so honored for their testimony for the Lord…………..especially now that they are willing to put their family in the “public eye” as they now have their own show on the UP (Uplifting Entertainment) channel called “Bringing up Bates”.

The special couple!!

Marriage Vows!

Jill & Tessie with Tori Bates.

Weddings like what Michaela Bates and Brandon Keilen had are virtually becoming extinct in this modern day……………where Christ is honored, there is modest dress and chaste spirits in the bride & bridesmaids, and the bride and groom come to the marriage altar pure!  Praise God for this testimony!  We enjoyed being a part of this special day, especially because it was a nice diversion from all the suffering we have faced in the last few months.  It was good to see the Bates family and Michaela personally thanked us for coming.

Michelle Duggar

Michelle Duggar

It was also a special treat to see the Duggar Family there – due to Jana Duggar being one of the bridesmaids.  Their family never ceases to amaze me because of one thing in particular…………their humble spirit.  Many times when people are put in the public eye and become famous, it goes to their heads and they treat you as if they really do not have the “time of day” for you.  As we have gotten to know this family better, I can truly say, they do not acted rushed when they are talking to you and truly act like they care about you!!  This inspires me and reminds me how I want to treat people as we travel from church to church.  The Duggars singled us out and spoke with care to us…………even asking specifically about my dear sister Amy Foster.  It blessed my heart so much and I appreciate their prayers.

Joseph & Jinger Duggar. Ben & Jessa Seewald.

This reminds me of how I think of Jesus Christ Himself – GOD’s Own Son – and yet He made Himself of no reputation!! Php 2:7 “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” I am impressed in my life that I want to walk in humility! – trying to emulate my GREATEST role model – Jesus Christ!!  I fail many times – but my goal is to make eye contact with people, smile, show care, and not always act rushed when I really have no TRULY pressing needs or committments before me.  (There are times where I have to rush………smile), but I try to make people feel valued in my sight…………because I am TRULY NO BETTER than they are………..smile.

Duggar Family singing the next day at the Bates’ Church.

Jessa Duggar Seewald.

Anyway, I thank God for good examples I have in my life that act upon these principles and values………….because our God is a caring God and forgets not the cry of the humble. Ps 9:12 “When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.” Time and again, I see the humble are the people that are lifted up for God’s glory.  Why, because when we realize that we are NO ONE in our own strength, but ONLY by the power of God, it is then that HE ALONE is glorified through our lives!   Ps 34:2 “My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.”  Duggar Family, thank you for your testimony for the Lord and your example of humility!

Brandon and Michaela share their very FIRST KISS!!

New Couple!!

Well, dear reader, we wanted to share this exciting experience with you.  Brandon and Michaela make a beautiful couple and we are so thankful for this union that God brought together!!  CONGRATULATIONS, Michaela and Brandon.  We love you guys!!!

Because of Jesus,  Jill Rodrigues

Anna, Meredith, Sofia, & Jill

P.S.  It was neat because Anna Duggar and I had our babies one day apart.  I had Sofia on July 15th and Anna had Meredith on July 16th!!  They both weighed 7 lbs. 14 oz. at birth.  It was fun to compare notes and take pics!! 

Dear Readers,

Maybe many of you know the famous Dr. Tom Williams and the impact he has made on this nation in the way of prayer, faith, and godly marriages.  We are honored to call the Williams our personal friends.  Recently, we were invited by them to attend Dr. Williams 80th birthday party at their home.  Unfortunately, we are unable to attend because on that very same day, we were invited to a wedding.  However, we were asked to type and send in to Mrs. Jeannine Williams a “memory” of her husband.  She was trying to compile 80 “memories” of him to read at his party.  David and I each shared what he meant to us.  We thought we would share with you how this great man of God has personally impacted our lives.  We love you, Dr. Tom Williams, and you are a pillar of faith in a world where that is virtually becoming extinct.  Happy 80th Birthday and we LOVE YOU!!             With Adoration,  The Rodrigues Family

A “Memory” written by David…………

Dear Bro. and Mrs. Williams, At your request I have written down some things that impress upon my heart concerning Dr. Williams and his testimony to me. First of all, I would like to say that Dr. Williams was an inspiration to our family before we even had a chance to meet him. My wife and I taught a young married couples class for over 10 years. During that time we had the young couples to our house for a time of fellowship and encouragement. We played some of Dr. Williams video tapes on marriage and commitment. These tapes were a great blessing to us as well as the young couples in our class. His devotion and example of love and dedication is tremendous. Secondly, I would like to say that since we have had the opportunity to meet Mr. and Mrs. Williams I have found Dr. Williams to be one of the most sincere, encouraging men of faith I have ever met. I know that he prays and cares for our family and success. There was one time in particular that Dr. Williams called me to pray with me concerning the sale of our home in NY. We talked and he prayed with me that morning. It was that very day that our home sold. I do not believe the timing was a coincidence. I believe that Bro. Williams has a sensitivity to God’s leading that is the reason for his success in the ministry. I only hope to be able to walk close enough to God in my life to see these kinds of consistent answers to prayer and God’s power on my life and family. I know that he will have an abundance of rewards in heaven for his labor of love. All because Jesus lives, We love and pray for you! Bro. David Rodrigues

A “Memory” written by Jill………………

I had to practically keep pinching myself to believe this moment was real!  When I met the Williams, I stood in AWE at how humble they were!  Here they were thesewell known PILLARS of the FAITH and they treated our family kindly and warmly.  They even had us into their RV twice to feed us!  Dr. Williams messages were refreshing beyond words!  He spoke his words in love, but stood on old fashioned, godly principles (an almost lost way of preaching now-a-days.)  My husband and I asked the Williams of their “secret” of how they stayed so humble towards others rather than be lifted up in pride.  They responded to us that the Bible tells us to be “clothed” in humility……………”Like wearing a fine suit!!”  Dr. Williams lovingly told us.

To try to sum up on one small article of what Dr. Tom Williams (and his dear wife Jeannine) means to me/us, would be nearly impossible.  But I will say this, as a wife and also mother of 12 children, I VALUE so much having this couple’s influence in my life!!  They have impacted me and my faith more than they will ever know!  

It was 1:30am and I had been asleep for about an hour.  I awoke with mild contractions. I got up and went to the bathroom.  For a bit of time, the contractions were so hard, it scared me enough to hurry and take a bath and shave.  The warm water calmed down the intense pain and then I gingerly went back to bed, trying not to wake David.  I wanted him well rested to help me through the labor.  I lightly slept as I continued to have contractions all night.  Rising frequently to use the bathroom was part of the restless night.  Finally, day break came and I rose to take a shower.

Shortly after, David came into the bathroom and questioned how I was doing.  Well, I think today is the day that we have to go to the hospital.

“REALLY?!”  He exclaimed.  “Let me call to let the print shop know that I can’t come in today”.  (He works there sometimes when in town).

“Okay,” I readily agreed.

Bending over in pain with each contraction, I put on my makeup, did my hair, and packed my bags.  I was ready to go.  As one last effort to make sure my contractions would not slow down, I took some herbs my midwife from NY had given me.  My contractions became more intense just a few short minutes later.  David had suggested that on the way to the hospital, he would stop and get me some breakfast and maybe we could even go to Lowes and walk around and he could get something he needed to fix something in the RV.  I agreed.

On our way, my contractions became worse and I then remembered I had forgotten my purse.  So, we turned around to get that.  Each bump in the road, became an agony to me.

“Maybe we should for-go Lowes”, I suggested.  David readily agreed.

As the 20 minute trip progressed, I then groaned that maybe we should also for-go the breakfast idea too.

“Okay,” David anxiously nodded.

Our original plan was to go the doctors office first to have the doctor check me and make sure that I was dialating before walking over to the hospital  (both buildings are attached).  Unfortunately, my midwife was on vacation the very week I went into labor, so we used the “back-up” doctor.  He did a great job though.

As my contractions took on a crippling pain, I suggested that we also for-go going to the doctors office first and go straight to the hospital.  By now, David was really getting nervous!

By the time of our arrival, I could not walk and could feel the pressure of the baby’s head.  They wheeled me quickly to the labor unit in the hospital and it was about 20 to 30 minutes after we arrived that little Sofia Amy Julianne made her appearance.  The pain was SO intense at the end that it was nearly unbearable.  I threw up violently, causing my water to break and I was SO relieved to push out our precious new baby!

It is amazing how the Scripture verse is so true……………..Joh 16:21 “A woman when

Our dark-skinned little Sofia. xoxoxo

she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man (or girl……smile) is born into the world.”

This was the fastest labor and delivery I have ever had.  I have only had an epidural with one baby, due to her being breach.  I am thankful that all my labors and deliveries have been vaginal and not C-sections.  God has been MORE than good to me and for that, I am TRULY grateful!!  Thank you for all of your prayers!  They DID help!!…..smile.

When I was in the midst of all my pain, I would look up into the most comforting eyes on the face of this earth………….my DEAR husband – David.  I would G-R-O-A-N to him that I could NOT do this, and he would lovingly, with a yearning voice, encourage me forward and that YES, I could do this!  He helped me with the breathing pattern and would lovingly stroke me.

Sweetheart, (outside of the Lord) you are my greatest comfort, my knight in shining armour, my mate,

Daddy/Daughter moment. xoxoxox

my support, the father to my children, and the man that I want to grow old with.  Life is not without struggles and trials, but YOU are the one that I long to remember the past

Nice meal the hospital served to David and I! It even had sparkling grape juice!! Ymm!

with and live the memorable moments of the future with.  THANK YOU, for choosing to “come grow old with me”!!

With a GRATEFUL heart for our newest miracle – Sofia – from God,

Mama ~ Jill Rodrigues

One BIG happy family!!

This is just a quick post to let you know that I (Jill) had our 12th baby today!  She is a beautiful baby girl!  We will give more details in the future , but for now, we will just give you the important details.  Praise the Lord, I and the baby are healthy!!  Our entire family is in LOVE with her!!!  What a blessing from God!

IT’s A GIRL!!!

Name:  Sofia Amy Julianne Rodrigues

Weight:  7 lbs. 14 oz.

Length:  19 1/2 inches

Time of delivery:   Wednesday – July 15, 2015                                             at 11:28 am

**Look below to see all the children holding her………..**

(This post was written by Jill Rodrigues upon request of Rachel White of Lighthouse Baptist Church to be read at a ladies’ mtg. their church is having on Monday – June 15, 2015. The theme of the meeting is “Am I Willing to Go?”  Hence, that being why the title is such.)

Dearest Ladies at Lighthouse Baptist Church,

Hello,my name is Jill Rodrigues.  I am a mother to 11 children and I am due with number 12 in July 2015!  I got married to my dear husband – David Rodrigues- on October 4, 1997 sharing our first kiss on that special day!!   When we first married, we lived in NYC and helped start 2 different churches there.  During that time, by husband

was still working a full-time job and decided he did not want to raise his family in NYC.  So, when I was expecting our 3rd baby, we moved back to upstate NY (Elmira area) and became active members in a church in that area.  My husband taught the Young Married Couples Class for about 11 years there.  We were always heavily involved in ministry, but my husband continued to work a full-time job in the commercial print-shop industry with sometimes adding a part time job to the mix.  We always wanted to be in full-time ministry, but we were just praying for God’s timing regarding when that would happen.

Well, finally God opened a door to us to help out a printing ministry named Lighthouse Publications.  We were excited that God finally opened up the door for my husband to print full-time for the Lord and for us to enter full-time ministry.  My husband gave up his part time job and his full-time job.  We worked with Lighthouse Publications for about a year and a half.  This was a stepping stone for us to be led to the next ministry we helped with – Gleaning for Christ Missions.

We then began to pray about what was the next step for us.  David felt that God was leading us to branch out and start our own Family Ministry named – Rodrigues Family Ministries.  Which involved the following:    We call them the 3 “p’s” –   Printing, Praising, & Preaching.  We purchased a 38 ft. long RV, gave up our rental home, and went on the road full-time.  We sing and play several instruments as a family and that is what the “praising” stands for.  We are raising support to eventually get a house and garage and start our own printing ministry to print Gospel tracts and Gospel Portions and that is what the “printing” stands for.  David preaches as he has opportunity to when we travel and that is what the “preaching” stands for.  The 3 P’s!!

I want to stand behind my husband and his decisions.  I enjoy and am blessed that God

has called us into full-time ministry.  BUT………….it has not been without sacrifice.  I (we) gave up everything we knew to move to a different state and then, we even gave up the home that we had in WV to give even a bit more of ourselves to God.  We have tried to witness; see souls saved; train up a godly generation (our children) for the Lord and encourage others to do the same; praise God through our song; proclaim truth on various radio stations; etc. etc.

When you are pouring your life into finding as many avenues as you can to serve the Lord, you sometimes expect that God will pour back on you the blessings of a lifetime.  But, sometimes God wants to see how much we are willing to sacrifice for His Name’s sake.  With a new baby on the way, I became almost desperate to get into a house!  These were worries I let riddle me and cause me unrest. Where was God?  Did He care about me and our family?  It seemed the 5 years since we went into full-time ministry, there was constant sacrifices and difficulties.  Our every need was met and we never went hungry, but I wanted to see God work to satisfy my every want too!!

  Finally one night on my bed, when the rest of the family was asleep, I surrendered it all to the Lord.  Why was my heart so filled with selfishness?  Why (when others have sacrificed SO much more than me) was I not willing to give it all to God?  I have shed many tears and still sometimes struggle with the sacrifices we make on the road, but I know that my heart is surrendered to God’s will.  May my difficulties bring glory to an almighty God!  May HE be seen through MY weakness!  May it show others that HIS grace IS sufficient in times of weakness!   2Co 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  All the praise and Glory belongs to God and God alone!!

Dear Sisters in Christ,

David laughed at me as he held me high in the air on the teeter totter.  He was on one side and I was on the other.  My weight was far less than his and he had the advantage to hold me wherever he wanted me.  We were courting (about 18 years ago) and we were at a church activity in Montour Falls Park, NY – Havannah Glen.  As we continued to play around on the teeter totter, we tried to see if we could balance and hold it steady in the middle.  It was almost a losing battle because of the weight advantage David had over me.  I was a willowy, tall (5’7) and thin 115 lbs. and David was a sturdy 185 lbs.  We had fun that day long ago and enjoyed going around the park and just spending time with each other.  It was nice to walk up the many stairs to the beautiful falls and sit and read our Bibles with each other.  It was a day we will never forget.  I even bought David a small porcelain figurine with 2 bunny rabbits sitting on a teeter totter in memory of that special “courtship” day.

This scenario reminds me of the verse in the Bible that says……..Pr 20:23 ¶ “Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.”

I think of how important having a balance is to God.  When we are “tipped” on one side and don’t keep the “teeter totter” of our life balanced, I think it displeases God.  There are so many examples of this and I am constantly trying to instill this value in my precious children.  The areas of balance about to be mentioned may bring a controversial reproach from some, but we are confident to take this stand, because it is all backed by God’s Holy Word.

There are SO many examples that can be depicted in this area………………….

~There are people totally focused on winning souls and little to no focus on godly living. Or, there are people totally focused on godly living and do little to nothing to spread the Gospel.   BOTH are extremely important to God.   Pr 11:30 ¶ “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”   Tit 2:12 “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”

~We see ladies dressed very immodestly bringing attention to their bodies rather than their countenances.  But then, we see ladies dressed frumpy with little to no style…………..giving the world reason to wag their finger at us regarding our “out-dated” and “frumpy” appearance.  God intends for women to look beautiful, but NOT sensual.  That is reserved for her husband alone!  Far too often, women in this day and age, take pleasure in exploiting their bodies to other men with the philosophy that the men should “control themselves”………………YET, our rape crime has gone up considerably in the last few years.  I believe that women that dress in a way that tempts men to lust, share in the guilt.  It seems so simple for ladies to dress in dresses/skirts for gender separation (De 22:5 ¶ “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”) and to properly cover themselves (according the the Bible that means properly on top -not too low or too tight- and all the way down to at least our knees – not exposing our thighs when we sit.)  The Bible shows that to show our thighs is considered nakedness.  (Isa 47:2 “Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.
3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.”)  Now again, there can be a false balance where all this is concerned.  People can become legalistic and pick on things

Picture David took of me in the Andy Griffith Museum on our fun Mayberry Trip!

such as perfume, earrings, makeup, style, etc. etc.  However, the Bible shows many times from His Word that He has created the woman to be beautiful but to NOT use her beauty for whoredom.  The chapter of Ezekiel 16 is a great chapter on showing this balance God desires from us…………….Eze 16:13 “Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.
14 And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD.
15 ¶ But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.”  We, as ladies, must pray for God to guide us into this perfect balance of beauty and modesty.

There are many people that focus on the LOVE OF CHRIST but fail to recognize the JUDGEMENT OF CHRIST on sin.  Yes, we try to be a very gracious, loving family towards others that do not believe exactly like us- as the Bible tells us to be.  1Co 13:4 ¶ “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

Again, yes, to show the love of Christ to others is extremely important……..but the love of Christ does not mean that love is void of judgement.  If you love your children, you don’t NOT correct them for doing wrong for the fear that you may seem judgemental.  You are only trying to instruct them in the way of righteousness.  Yes, we have seen the struggle among believers to manage a healthy balance in this area.  It is either mean-spirited Christians or Christians that have become tolerant of sin that grieves a HOLY and RIGHTEOUS God!  Where is that balance?  Show charity – YES! – but take a strong stand against sin.  (I think Ephesians chapter 4 is a great chapter regarding holding this good balance of taking a godly stand against sin, but doing so in the spirit of love.)

The list goes on in many areas where we can become imbalanced……………

~Eating like junk-food junkies  –  OR  – over-focusing on nutrition.  Mt 6:31 “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  We should be wise stewards with what we put into these bodily vessels that God has given us, but we should not stress or over-focus on these things.

I’m sure as you ponder this thought, you can think of many scenarios that can lean towards an imbalance.  My challenge towards my children and to myself (smile) is to walk in balance.  I want people around me to be comfortable and sense my love for them, but I also want them to know exactly where I stand concerning sin.  I am certainly NOT above sin and I fall VERY short of being what I should be, but by God’s grace, I do strive to walk in balance before God and others.  We live in a day and age where we are wishy-washy in our beliefs.  I think of the good, old fashioned revivals of old that would sweep through this land. Unfortunately, those days are long past and we pray for their return.  It has been said of the modern day “Western” Christians, that we live an apathetic Christian life.  I am afraid this is true in many cases – resulting in the sad state of our Nation.  Again, I fail all the time, but my aim and goal is to be fervent for Christ  (Ro 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”).

I love you in the Lord and I hope you have a great day!!!

Just a Sinner Saved By Grace,   Jill Rodrigues

It had been a LONG month with our family suffering from a horrible car accident that my sister had been in, causing her neck to be severely broken.  Our days had been filled with hospital visits and watching our own 11 children along with my sister’s 6 children while she and her “caretaker” husband stayed at the hospital.

My husband was immediately furious!  “What right does a guy have to go into a ladies’ bathroom?  I want to talk to management!”

Where does time go?  Was it actually 16 years ago that I held my precious 1st baby newborn in my arms?  Yes, on April 19, 2015 – Nurie turned SWEET 16!  I can say the word “sweet” with full confidence for EVERYONE that meets her proclaims how sweet she is.  She always has a ready smile for everyone and obeys us with a cheerful, obedient attitude every time we ask!  The last 3 weeks she has been an awesome helper caring for 23 children and has done so with not ONE complaint from her lips.  Her pleasant attitude and close walk with God inspires me and leaves me in AWE that God has blessed us with such an amazing daughter!  I truly have NO greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth!  I love you, Nurie, and thank you, honey, for your testimony for Christ’s sake.

To HIM be all the Glory,   Mama

P.S.  We enjoyed a celebration at home with the 23 grandchildren and then David and I [along with my parents and one close friend that Nurie chose] had fun dressing up fancy [as opposed to the popular, worldly prom night] and taking them out to eat at a fancy restaurant.  We had a great time and Nurie looked BEAUTIFUL [inside & out……..smile].

The end of November, we celebrated precious Sadie’s 1st birthday! It’s hard to believe it has been a year since we had her!!

Ymmm!!

Daddy helping Sadie open her gifts.

The Pastor and Pastor’s wife at a church we were at had these baby bunnies and more. They were just SO cute!

We are going to show you now the various churches we have been at over the course of the last month or so.

We then visited Gil Bates’ Church again. Their family just started a new series of TV shows on the UP (Uplifting Entertainment) Channel. It began airing the beginning of January. Feel free to tune in to watch!! It is called “Bringing Up Bates”.

Gil Bates preaching.

Nathan Bates with Timothy.

Jill, Carlin Bates, and Nurie.

David helped hang insullation with our boys in this church’s new auditorium they are building!  We enjoy helping out churchesdo projects (as we can) when we travel.

These are dear friends from Temple Baptist Church in North Carolina.

Sheila and her daughter Jill.

This is the church with “Faith Baptist Publications”. It is a print shop that David & I have been helping out at while we are parked here in Florida.

So, we have been staying busy singing at various churches and trying to help out where we can as we travel. This, along with the busyness of traveling, computer work, paper work, phone calls, many other ministries we are involved with, homeschooling 9 children, etc. this has become a full-time job in of itself!!!………..smile.

In our travels, we were able to stop by David’s sister – Jaynell – and her husband Josh’s house and stay for almost a week. It was nice to see family. This is Jill with her 2 sister in laws – Nikki and Jaynell.

David with Josh.

My girls with Nikki’s twin girls – Sabrina and Morgan.

As an early Christmas gift, Josh and Jaynell took our family out to eat and then took us to the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN to see the beautiful water falls INDOORS and Christmas lights!!

It was so grand and beautiful!!

While there, David got his shoes polished! (A TOTALLY new experience!) They looked like NEW afterwards.

Olivia wanted to share in the moment with her Daddy. – Cute!

In front of a HUGE Christmas tree at the Opryland.

Our travels also took us to the “Creation Museum” in Kentucky. God amazes us at how He provides for us to do these things. We were given a great discount at the register and as a result, I had tears streaming down my face as I thanked the cashier and thanked my God! He is so faithful!!

We like to go here because it teaches our children how important it is to believe in CREATION as opposed to EVOLUTION! We try to continue to contend for the TRUTH!!!

The petting zoo.

A precious brother/baby sister moment.

Sleepy time – CUTE!

I have been SO sick with this pregnancy! David has been a perfect husband in supporting and helping me. One day, he told me he wanted to take me out to a restaurant on the water here in Florida. I was thrilled! My daughter helped me curl my hair and put myself together for our “hot date”. It was beautiful and my husband and I had such a good time talking on spiritual things and how we can strive to be better parents. We sat by the water hearing the waves splash up on the shore. It was so peaceful and we watched the sunset! It is challenging serving the Lord full-time and we have had our share of ups and downs, but it is not a life we would trade for the world!