Lunch date with daddy

Every Wednesday morning Elijah and I head to church for my small group study and for play time in the nursery for Elijah. Today was nice because we got to eat out with Abba after our meetings. Abba doesn't come home to eat lunch that much anymore because he usually has lunch with church staff or members (it's part of the internship). Elijah and I are excited that Abba gets to fellowship with church people but we LOVE it when we get him for lunch and dinner! YAY!

Today we headed to a chinese restaurant, that I didn't like so much but was happy I was there with my guys. After that, we headed to the church playground where I met other mommies and chatted for a few minutes. Elijah was with Abba playing around. Abba had to leave again so Elijah and I roamed the grounds for some fun. It was super windy today so Elijah's hair was everywhere, as you'll see in the pictures.
He immediately grew attached to this little buggy. He was fighting over the buggy with Emma, a little girl we met on the playground.He looked like a little drunk driver, stumbling out of his car.

Bye family and people from Cali!

Fathers love their children the way God the Father loves his Children

My pastor Michael Lawrence rebuked me in his preaching this past Sunday when he said that children judge their parents’ love on wrong standards when they think their parents don’t love them because they say no. God loves us, even when we wrongly and immaturely think he doesn’t when he says no to our prayers or desires. God loves us by giving us what we need, which isn’t always what we want. I thought of that tonight as I heard my son cry out for me from his crib when he needed to sleep. “Abba! Abba!” he cried (yes, he calls me “abba” which simply means “daddy” in modern Hebrew). I wanted so bad to go to him and pick him up and hug him and lay down beside him on my bed (not his crib). But I restrained myself because he needs to learn to sleep on his own and he needs to learn that it will be okay. Of course, if it is in my power, and he is crying because he is in danger or unnecessary pain, I will relieve him and deliver him as quickly as I can. So would God. He’s our Father and promises good to us who are in Christ, even when he says “No” to our desires. He says no because he loves us. He’s being wise and strategic and at the exact point he’s saying no to our desires, he’s saying yes to our good and our need. And I’m sure God is not indifferent to our cries in necessary pain. He feels for us and cares for us. So let’s revel in the wise and perfect love of God!

John 3:16 (ESV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

The Atonement of Christ - to save us from our sins (last Sunday's message)

Pierced for Our Transgressions John 3:14-18
Part 6 of 14

I. The Need for the Atonement
II. The Nature of the Atonement
III. The Motivation of the Atonement
IV. The Effect of the Atonement
V. Our Response to the Atonement

The message on Sunday was rebuking. Michael Lawrence spoke of Christ and the atonement. There were a couple of things that struck me. He said a story of his family member whom he saw recently, who stopped going to church. Michael asked him why. His family member responded that he has heard the same 30 sermons over and over again. Michael solemnly thought "no, there is just one." He explained that the cross is inexhaustible. That hit me. Sometimes I do think when the Pastor speaks of the cross "oh, this is the part I know" and yes, although, I know it and it is what has saved me, I don't grasp all of it, it's inexhaustible! Wow that is amazing. Another point Michael reflected on was when he spoke to parents (II), he said "you can't train sin out of your kids, there sin must be atoned for." That is so true. We parents, at times just care if the kids sin or don't, but at times we don't strategically discipline with the gospel. We can't train anything out of the heart, that is Christ's job alone, that is why he died. Praise God for the message!

Ice Cream with Josh

On Saturday night we had another opportunity to hang out with Josh. We had dinner and ice cream at Cold Stone! It was very yummy. Elijah even ate some of my blueberries from my ice cream...the healthier part of the ice cream :)

Josh was excited to eat some ice cream too.

Elijah was shy at first, but came around at the end. Elijah kept saying "Josh" and I think he might have gotten sad when we said bye.

Josh also came to church with us on Sunday. We didn't hang out after, but Elijah did get to see Josh and say his name over and over again.
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Dancing Night, WEST coast style

PJ played some west side rap music last night. He misses the west side...I think we all do. We are still excited to be here in DC learning from CHBC and getting to know the beautiful city, there's so much too see. As the music played Elijah, and PJ were in a dancing mode. I just giggled and took a few shoots. Silly boys.


PJ showing Elijah the "veterano" moves.

Pajama Day!

I have to get use to going out in this cold weather, otherwise I will be held hostage in our apartment until Winter is over! Yesterday, Elijah and I spent the whole day in our PJ's (no pun intended).
He seemed happy in his PJ's all day.
As Elijah leans on my leg, those are my pink pj's, I wouldn't dare put a picture of me in my pink flannel pj's! :0

Adiós Abuelita ...

I know Elijah will miss his Lola. It was very generous of her to fly here to DC, to make a special delivery to us. We had a nice time together. She also had the opportunity to tour DC a bit. I'm also grateful to the Martinez' for accompanying my mother-in-law and for their tour DC too.


On our way to lunch with lola. Elijah is not use to being bundeled up so much, in California he usually wore diapers at home and ran around, like Mowgli
Elijah helping me choose our lunch.We'll miss you Lola! See you and the family in June, Lord willing.

The Tibayans date with Josh Gadd

Josh is such a delightful person to be around with. He came to CHBC two Sunday's ago, and after church we went out to lunch with him and our new friend Ian. We went to Fuddruckers, I've never been there and accidentally ordered a 1/2 lb. mushroom burger, forgetting that it is a 1/2 lb. of meat that I would stuff down my tummy! Oh boy, did I regret that! I felt sick the rest of the day. After stuffing a 1/2 lb of meat...Josh is crazy :)
West side for life!
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We usually have our date night on Friday's now, but this past Friday was different, we had a special guest.
PJ found this great little homey Italian restaurant...very yummy for my tummy (and for Key).
Our engaging conversation with our guest. The garlic cheese toast were so good.I had the fettuccine premivera. I love how PJ is stuffing his mouth in the background...silly lovely.
I made sure I had some room for desert, because I thought they had tiramisu, but they didn't that night :( so I settled for this scrumptious desert (I forgot the name of it).

It was a great night of talking and laughing with good'ol Josh. We are all excited that we have a familiar face to hangout with. He will soon get married and we hope to be there. I can't wait to meet his future "lovely". Thanks Josh for being a kind brother in Christ. We look forward for our double date with you and Amy.

Finally, the Rock Has Arrived

This past whole week, PJ and I were a bit nervous expecting our son again (the first one being his birth). We would talk about different scenarios of things Elijah would do when he arrives. I really was feel nervous at how he would settle in with us, and in our new place.

I cleaned our little place well. Tried disinfecting what I could...I know I have issues (bacteria and I are not friends).

Anxiously awaiting our little boy.PJ and I were literally right by the gate waiting for the first glimpse of him.
Once he was face to face with us, he seemed dazed and didn't know what to make of him seeing his mommy and daddy again. He smiled nervously.
He was shy around us a bit, but was warming up to the fact that he had his mommy and abba again! Mommy was very emotional and cried a little when they reunited.
He was scared walking into our place, but once he got comfortable, he ran everywhere.
He loves and missed his Abba so.

Our first whole day together was nice, but weird. Elijah still has to get use to the routine here. He went to the nursery for the morning and evening service and he did fairly well. They have lots and lots of cool toys and lots of kids his age (18-23mths). Everyone that knew we were waiting for Elijah was excited to met him. He wasn't as excited. He talks more and his pronounication is better. Man I missed him so much. It was so cold this morning, he was not happy with that, he would tell me in a half crying voice "is cold, is cold." Poor baby. We all need to get use to the cold weather here.

God is so kind in allowing us to see Elijah again. I have to keep reminding myself that he is a "loaner."

The message today-"Pierced for Our Transgressions" Michael Lawrence
1. Who forsook Jesus
2. What does it mean to be forsaken, and
3. Why was he forsaken

Michael said several quotes I was strike by. He spoke about the reality that Christ had to be the God and Man on the cross, not just man, because Christ had to bear the infinite punishment for our sins, he had to bear "the judicial stroke of eternal judgment." That hit me. I was just imaging a blow from God on his son and how I could never perceive the damage Christ endured. God's perfect judgment on Christ. Thank you Lord for saving me and others.

The Son is Coming

Elijah is coming tomorrow at 6pm. Jesus' last words in the Bible are, "Surely, I am coming soon." I can't wait for Elijah to come. I'm so excited and eagerly anticipating his arrival. Jesus is coming soon too. Who am I more eager for? Sadly and honestly, I look forward to my son coming more than God's Son. Why? Maybe it's because I know with a high degree of certainty my son will be here tomorrow. Maybe it's because I have already seen my son face to face. Maybe it's because I'm sinning and my mind is set more on earthly things. I fear it is the last one. I want to be more eager in anticipating the return of King Jesus! That doesn't mean I should lessen my excitement for my son's arrival, but by God's grace, raise my excitement for my Savior's arrival.

Colossians 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

"when I was 11..."

Yesterday was our first snow fall. It was amazing and beautiful. I was too scared to drive in it or go outside (I must have looked like a nerd, peeking through the door, haha) just looking at how it made the city look was beautiful. Poor PJ walked home from church, but thank God it was only 4 blocks. Can't wait until Elijah plays with it and sees it, oh what joy in Lord!



This was the beginning of the snowfall, as you can see the ground was bare...
Then woohla, there's snow everywhere!Funny story:
PJ was in a group discussion with Mark Dever and the other interns, and while they were talking PJ was looking outside through the window (very distracted), amazed at the snow.
Mark stopped the discussion and told PJ "that is what we call snow PJ...when is the last time you saw snow?"
PJ replied " when I was 11 years old"
Mark, not at all mad "Well, then please go, go, go look"
PJ gets up and goes to the window and admires the snow, as the discussion proceeds.

Moral of the story: We are so obvious that we are not from here :)
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There's a catholic church across the street, no it is not the one we attend. Please pray for us as we try to build a relationship with our landlords. I think they might be catholic. They ask what PJ does but never really share about themselves. PJ, and I have to show Christ to them. We asked them if one day they'd join us for dinner, they gladly accepted. The lady is so nice. Lord if they are not saved, please save them.

The Hastie Wedding 1/12/06 at Capitol Hill Baptist Church

This was our first wedding at CHBC. PJ and all the interns had to be there, perhaps it was part of their observation time. All members were invited to the Hastie Wedding. We came to find out that if you use the building at CHBC, you also have to happily welcome the members to attend. CHBC looks at the wedding as a worship service, so you wouldn't stop a member from coming to service, then you shouldn't stop them from coming to this worship service. I like the way the church looks at weddings and how that spills over to the congregation. Yes, it was a wedding but their was something different about it, it did feel like a beautiful worship service too. I thought this to be very interesting. I like that. It makes sense and it builds this church to look at weddings differently (and marriage), not just say it does but really implementing that into the congregation and in the wedding service.

The groom as he first looks at his bride-to-be

The small court
Her beautiful gown!

This picture reminds me of my idol Jackie O.

Michael Lawrence officiating the wedding.

Another Jackie O moment.

I missed the actual kiss but I like how she looks at him after it :)

She was a pretty bride.

The Hastie's!

The appetizers after the wedding. I believe they had a special reception for the family after.

I was fascinated with these cute little star decorations

so much detail...
I took to many.

I took a lot more but they came out blurry :( and we didn't stay long after. I want to get better at taking pictures, I thank God for the opportunity to use and try to get better at using an SLR (thanks Booty!). Maybe at the next wedding I can get better :) JP and Owen would have had a blast here taking good pictures.

What I’ve learned from my first 11 days as an intern at Capitol Hill Baptist Church

Quick facts about my internship so far:

• 11 days as an intern at Capitol Hill Baptist Church (CHBC).
• 6 days until I see my son.
• 11 days without an apartment.
• 2 Lord’s days at CHBC.
• 6 membership classes attended.
• 1 membership interview for my wife and I as individuals
• 1 members’ meeting regarding the budget
• 1 discussion so far with the interns and Mark Dever regarding ecclesiology
• 5 books read (3 were before the internship began, but were required)
• 2 booklets read
• 10 papers written
• 6-7 hours of sleep per night

What I’m learning so far in my internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church:

1. Pray short, often, and straight to the point.
2. Communicate with the members as much as possible within practical reason.
3. Worship God while you read and write
4. Think through the service, songs, message, and review all of it after it occurs to affirm what is good and make improvements where necessary or helpful
5. Invite critique and encouragement
6. Love and serve the brothers and sisters in the church
7. Care about surrounding churches
8. Keep your ministry in your church in the context of the gospel spreading around the world and your region
9. Take risks with budget plans and dream big for the kingdom of Christ
10. Eschatology does not have to be a divisive issue among church membership
11. It is a blessing when members take church membership and church ministry seriously
12. I need to structure my time better at CFBC and work in the office more, perhaps moving my study there
13. Pastors must exercise patience and a heart of humility and service towards the members in the members’ meetings
14. The church covenant is a good and useful thing to recite often with the congregation
15. Pray for other churches and ministries around the world
16. Be intentional and deliberate about everything the church does
17. Have an evening service if possible and make it different from the morning service in focus
18. Encourage members that their main ministry in the church is attendance and building relationships with different members in the church

There is more to come and more I’ve learned, but I have to get back to working on my next two papers.

"I'm just too far, from where you are, and I want to go home..." Michael Buble

My cousin and sister left us comments about Elijah missing us. I read them and cried so much. It was embarrassing because I was taking care of Drew (the baby of the couple we are staying with), and Becca and her friend Joylane walked in as I was already done crying but I think my eyes were watery. I was still sad and wanting to cry but I wanted to play it off but just ended up telling them of the two comments, not intending to cry, but just ended up crying in front of them. I felt sad but also like a nerd.

Here are the two comments we got...

From Faye:

Your welcome i know it must be hard for you guys but know he misses you both a lot. the other day we outside and i was pushing him in his red wagon and we were about to go into the house cuz i was getting tired he's heavy ahheh..but as i was pulling him up he said, "Peepai down, down..." so i put him back down and he saw a white car driving by he kept on pointing down down to follow the yellow car as he yelled "Abba Abba" like telling the to wait for him. He thought it was kuya pj so he tried to get the cars attention. it made me really sad because he was yelling Abba Abba and waving his hands, he said Abba softly as the car drove away like he was thinking my Abba forgot about me he got a little sad but i told him don't worry he would see you guys soon. he loves you guys and misses you very much. thank you for your encouragement love you and miss you much!
*P_phunk.

From Jennifer (my sister):

Man you shut up with your song...it makes me more sad...you freak! And then i read Faye's comment to you and my eyes started tearing up...you change that song to a happy song...like Nacho!! haha j/k. Well since she told you a story about Elijah im gonna tell you one that is also sad, not to make you more sad, but because i've been wanting to tell you...im not sure if i told you this, but you will hear it again...on Friday when i picked him up we were at Thai Village, Me, Elijah, mom and Angie...were sitting there and im feeding him and he didnt want to eat anymore so were just talking about nonsense and Elijah was just looking around and he saw a man walk in back of him and he watched him until he walked out and Elijah said, "Abba, Abba" and every time he said it his voice would get lower...soon he started whispering "Abba" and he looked down when he walked out and he made his crying face...when he frowns...and he just put his head down and his eyes got really watery like he wanted to cry...it broke my heart, even now as im typing this...i tryed my best to get his mind off of "Abba" and i tryed to feed him more but he didnt want it...so he wanted "up, up" and then he was better! But just know that he does miss you guys and realizes that you guys are not around. He loves you guys and misses both of you!

Dude i told Rachel S...from work...this story and her eyes got really watery, she even had to wipe her tears before they came running down.

I LOVE YOU BOTH AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH!! =)

Missing My Baby

My cute little son,
How I miss you so! I can't wait until you'll be here in my arms. Lord willing, we will be reunited with you on Jan.19th. I know it was a sacrifice to leave you in Cali for 2-3 weeks but the ride would have been harsh for you and we need time to get a little home ready for you. Daddy and I long to be with you. We both get sad at certain times. Mommy cries when she starts missing you. But we know this time apart is for His Kingdom and benefits all of us, including you. We still miss you and it hurts to think of you not being near but God is faithful and He knows what is best for all of us (you, me, abba, and Pan Dulce/Key). Can't wait to see you my little man. God bless you and enjoy your time with the family.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy/Abba