Our 2015 Family

Saturday, we celebrated the joining of two lives and their becoming one. "Mr. Cartwright's" niece got married and it was a wonderful celebration as well as the perfect "excuse" to take my photo-evading children's pictures. (Namely, my big boys. I'm sure you mothers of boys out there understand.)

So enjoy.

You will notice that my youngest girl and boy have the most poses...you really would think they are cut from the same cloth...in so many ways. My sweet, "Marie", just smiles beautiful, without any antics...and my oldest, well, I don't have any of him by himself. Surpriiiiise. Surpriiiise.

Grandpa Puebla and Grandma Puebla made an appearance as well. It's been so long since we have all been together at such a formal celebration.

It's Only a Diamond!

The unthinkable has happened!

As "Mr. Cartwright" and I were out for dinner last night (to watch the first half of the Oregon/FSU game) I looked down and to my horror, discovered my diamond was missing in my engagement ring! I wanted to cry! If it weren't for my boys sitting there with us, I would have. Tears welled up instantly but I was able to restrain them from overflowing.

I could do nothing but think about it last night. My heart was so sad. We just celebrated our 20th anniversary and I kept trying to tell myself ,"it's only a ring". I kept reminding myself that it is a symbol of a love that doesn't fall apart like way the ring has. 

So my head hit the pillow and my thoughts wouldn't stop. 

But God had different plans. I had a dream about being back in Honduras and ministering side by side with our missionary friends. I saw the faces of poor, beautiful people. I sat beside orphans and the unwanted. I awoke from the dream at 3:30 a.m..

I couldn't fall back asleep. I rose with a strong desire to pray and commune in the Word. I read Luke 12. I was struck by the words of our Great Shepherd. 

Luke 12:

29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.32 "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

I prayed for the souls of my children. I prayed for my quick responses of anxiety. I thanked the Lord for his amazing provisions.

6:00 came too soon and I turned my thoughts toward the day. As I was basking in God's goodness under the torrent of water, I proceeded to rub my ring to clean it, which is something I do very frequently in the shower, and I realized I didn't have it on.

I, then, found it quite ironic, that I hadn't had one thought about my diamond. Perspective. That's key.

I still desire to fill that empty space on my ring one day, but I realize there are things in life much more meaningful and eternal. This new year my focus will be on seeking first His kingdom!

A Gift For Dad

Many of you know my dear Mother went home to be with the Lord this past spring. So many emotions have accompanied me throughout the recent months. I am still missing her, yet time does ease some of the pain. There are so many days that I still want to call her and talk to her. The tears have inched their way further from my lids, and when they come they aren't daily anymore.


I still have the gift of my Father, and am so thankful he is alive and well. Seeing him alone and wanting companionship caused a different sort of pain inside me.


So, our Gracious God has provided him a friend, companion and as of today, new wife.


Many people hear this news and their eyebrows go up in questioning...and if I could read their minds, I might hear, "Wow, so soon?" or " That is too fast!" But I am so happy for my dad. Lord willing, he has many more years of serving his Savior and what better way than with someone the Lord has supplied as a friend and fellow slave in Christ. No one will ever take the place of my dear mom, but it is a blessing to have a new friend and older Godly woman in my life.

Dad and Lindi,
We pray the best for you as you seek Christ in this new relationship. We love you and are eagerly waiting to see you soon. May all your aim be focused to Christ and serving Him the rest of your days. Praise God for all He is doing in all of our lives.