“Saturday, August 30, 2008 @ 11:30a … Ester Rodriquez was born into the family of God. Enough said! Let’s welcome her home!”
I wrote these words last week … and used them to intoduce “an unfinished story” … which is a realistic testimony of the incredible grace and providence of God … but I disagree with what I said above, when I wrote, “Enough said!”
I could never say enough about Ester.
You know how I came to meet her … but you should really get to know her.
On the day that she first heard the words of life about Jesus … she realized that she needed to ”listen to Him”, but there were some issues in her old life – that she wanted to “clear up” before she accepted her new life.
I am not at liberty to discuss those issues here … serious issues that demanded serious lifestyle changes … but you should know that Ester began to live and pray in such a way that it was obvious that she was bearing “fruit worthy of repentance”. So … when the day came for her to receive her new life, those of us who know Ester, were almost as thrilled as she was.
And since that day … we have seen her walk with Jesus through traumatic and stressful situations … with the dignity of the Queen from whom she got her name - to fulfill God’s purpose for her life.
Please welcome Ester to the family of God.
I admire you Ester. I want to be a woman with your heart for family. In the short time that I’ve known you I have seen a love in you that endures through the toughest of moments. You are honest about how hard it can be … but you still do it. When you seem to have no strength left … you find more. I know that strength comes from God … He knows how much you need it, and He has a ready supply.
I pray that God helps you feel how close He is holding you. He has you safe … held tight in His hand … you are protected by the Great Protector.
Remember the words we learned yesterday. You were created good by God. You are one of His wonderful works, and He sees you as precious. You were knit by Him … with love everlasting.
Welcome HOME Ester.
By: cemotosnack on September 14, 2008
at 5:05 pm
Ester…watching the God-things unfold in your life has been amazing! He started working things out a long time ago didn’t He? God has used your life to touch so many lives. And He has only begun to show the plans He has for you! Your example of faith and obedience to God will have n effect on generations of your family. I mean Jayden and Paulie will only know this Ester with the new life! Right?
God does good stuff…and He has done amazing stuff with you. You are a shining example of someone that can keep showing grace and goodness even during extremely trying times.
God made you good….very good indeed. And I am blessed by your presence at the OPEN. Welcome home…you can find rest in His arms. He will give you breath and hope and life.
By: sherryfisher on September 14, 2008
at 5:39 pm
Welcome home Ester!
By: David Kirk on September 14, 2008
at 10:39 pm
Ester, the things God has brought about in your life have been amazing to witness. The answered prayers, and the healing taking place in you and your family have been tremendous.
I know you are facing a valley in your new life with the Lord. I wish I had the magic words to make those things go away. In this time, just allow Jesus to hold you in His arms. He is able to heal your heart.
You are loved!
By: Sarah on September 15, 2008
at 10:00 am
Dear Ester,
When you stepped our of the water of baptism, you didn’t do so alone. There was One with you
Who will never forsake you…never leave you alone…never again.
When Moses first tried to free Israel from bondage to Egypt, he failed. Forty years later, he tried again…but this time he was accompanied by Jehovah God. Ever afterward Moses would be sure that God was with him and with the people. He didn’t want to take a step without Him. There were many difficult trials that came but Moses proved faithful through them all by the power of His ever-present Help…his Home…his God.
What a lifelong joy it is to know that God is your God…that He is your Home too…both now and forever. I pray that all your future will be a journey of faith and discovery of more and more of the blessings and truths about God that will help you face life’s joys and sorrows…it failures and victories…with steady eyes.
I am so glad that you have a brand new spiritual address…there in the heavenly places in Christ. No one can ever take that away from you.
God bless you and all yours.
By: oakesclan on September 19, 2008
at 12:57 pm
Welcome to the family! I am glad you are here and we have been able to get to know the wonderful person that you are. We are family. We belong to one another under the head that is Christ Jesus our Lord. He loves you and so do we. We are here for you and you will always have a place here at the Open.
By: Kelly on September 21, 2008
at 3:46 pm