Not too long ago, my daughter went to Hawaii to visit a childhood friend. It was tough as I left her at the airport. This was the first time she was flying alone.
She had made all of the arrangements. I was so proud of her, she didn't ask for my help in any part of the process. The only information she gave me was that she was leaving on a Wednesday and coming home the following Tuesday.
Easy enough.
It was a long week for me as this was the first time she had gone out of the state without parental supervision. She would check in occasionally with a text to comfort my heart...
"Mom, I jst jmped off a cliff! It was awsme, I lve u"
"u what? I'm so happy u r hving fun"
In my opinion I would have been much happier if she would have said something like,
" Mom, just lazing around on the beach reading a book. Having the time of my life!"
Now that's a comforting text!
It's Monday night and I send her a little text confirming the time of her arrival...
" What time does your plane land?"
"7 am. So sorry, thanks mom."
" No prob, see you then. Lve u"
I was pretty proud at how my texting capabilities had improved over the past week.
(You must know that the reason she said sorry in regards to the time of her arrival is because I had to get up at 3:30 in the morning to get to the airport on time.)
My niece was kind enough to make the drive with me, so off we went. This is where the real story begins.
The flight was delayed just a bit. We waited anxiously to see her and hear all about the trip.
Finally! 7:25 am--passengers are coming into the terminal. Each of them looking nice and tan with big smiles on their faces. One by one, they passed by. Where is Britt?
"Michelle, we must have missed her, let's go to the baggage claim area"
7:45 am.
No sign of Brittany, no unclaimed bags, and no text. We called her only to get her voice mail.
Can I just say how incredibly angry I was when the woman at the front desk would not check the passenger list?
"If she isn't a minor, we cannot give you any information."
This is never the right thing to say to a mother!
8:15 am.
Okay, Lord, don't let me freak out here. Maybe she decided to stay another day. But why didn't she call me?
My heart is now beating fast and I am extremely frustrated.
"Michelle, give me your phone!" I must have dialed ten times and finally...
"H-e-l-l-o"
"Where are you!"
"I'm sleeping, why are you yelling at me?"
"I'm not yelling at you! I'm worried!"
" Why?"
"We are at the airport waiting for you!"
"O my gosh mom, I don't get in til tomorrow morning"
I could hardly talk through my tears.
"You told me you came home Tuesday."
"Mom, I leave for home Tuesday night, but my plane lands Wednesday morning."
"Go back to sleep hon, I'll see you in the morning."
As a parent, I am sure you can just imagine how many unspoken thoughts went through my head. Do you want to know the best part? I had to do it all over again the next morning! I must love getting up early in the morning and going on five hour round-trip drives. My husband and son just laughed and said I had another Lucy moment. ( I have these a lot.)
It's Wednesday night all is calm, Britt is home. My son is getting ready to go to bed. After he gives his dad a hug, he looks at me. He just couldn't resist:
"Hey mom."
"Hey what?"
"Don't go to the airport in the morning, Britt's home." "Thanks J."
"Britt, I don't care if you are fifty, If I am responsible for picking you up, I get a copy of the itinerary!"
" Yes, mom."
And so concludes another ordinary day in the Ortiz household. Thanks for reading.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
Mar 26, 2008
Mar 22, 2008
A Portrait of the Cross
The words written so long ago by the Psalmist ring loud and clear this morning as we are given a glimpse of the future--which is now history. Words spoken by the Psalmist by the power of the Holy Spirit; how would he know to utter these words? Did he even understand what they meant? Did he know he was quoting the very words of Jesus and the crowds that would mock Him?
I invite you to take a little journey with me through Psalm 22 as we see a portrait of the cross.
The prophetic words, "My God my God, why have You forsaken Me?" Psalm 22:1, would be spoken by Jesus while he was on the cross in Mark 15:34.
"All those who see Me laugh Me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 'He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; let Him deliver Him since he delights in Him?" Psalm 22:7-8, spoken--no shouted with distain in Matthew 27:43-44.
"...They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots." Psalm 22:16-18, would be fulfilled in John 19:37.
It blows my mind to think that before time began God had a plan to redeem His creation. And Jesus, who would be obedient to leave heaven's throne to come and pay the price for you and I knowing some would reject Him with such hatred; wow. I have no words. But Crystal Lewis and Brian Ray say it well:
Remember
He's the man who'd bleed for me
not making a sound or cry
He suffered as a guilty man
His innocence was the crime
while others said come down and save yourself
He was saving my life
Remember, I will remember
what He did for me
Remember, I will remember
how He died for me
Early Sunday morning came
the stone had been rolled away
they stepped inside the empty grave
alone in dismay
they were thinking he was gone
they were not believing
death of the lamb did bring
forgiveness and healing
why do you seek Him here among the dead?
He is risen!
Remember, I will remember
what He did for me
remember, I will remember
how He died for me
I know it's You who lives inside of me
I know it's true the peace of mind you bring to me
Your sacrifice had now set me free... I will always...
Remember, I will remember
what He did for me
remember, I will remember
how he died for me
(C) Crystal Lewis, Brian Ray
What else can I say? Lord bless you and keep you and may He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Love in Jesus. From my heart to yours, Happy Resurrection weekend!
(C) Teresa Ortiz
I invite you to take a little journey with me through Psalm 22 as we see a portrait of the cross.
The prophetic words, "My God my God, why have You forsaken Me?" Psalm 22:1, would be spoken by Jesus while he was on the cross in Mark 15:34.
"All those who see Me laugh Me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 'He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; let Him deliver Him since he delights in Him?" Psalm 22:7-8, spoken--no shouted with distain in Matthew 27:43-44.
"...They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots." Psalm 22:16-18, would be fulfilled in John 19:37.
It blows my mind to think that before time began God had a plan to redeem His creation. And Jesus, who would be obedient to leave heaven's throne to come and pay the price for you and I knowing some would reject Him with such hatred; wow. I have no words. But Crystal Lewis and Brian Ray say it well:
Remember
He's the man who'd bleed for me
not making a sound or cry
He suffered as a guilty man
His innocence was the crime
while others said come down and save yourself
He was saving my life
Remember, I will remember
what He did for me
Remember, I will remember
how He died for me
Early Sunday morning came
the stone had been rolled away
they stepped inside the empty grave
alone in dismay
they were thinking he was gone
they were not believing
death of the lamb did bring
forgiveness and healing
why do you seek Him here among the dead?
He is risen!
Remember, I will remember
what He did for me
remember, I will remember
how He died for me
I know it's You who lives inside of me
I know it's true the peace of mind you bring to me
Your sacrifice had now set me free... I will always...
Remember, I will remember
what He did for me
remember, I will remember
how he died for me
(C) Crystal Lewis, Brian Ray
What else can I say? Lord bless you and keep you and may He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Love in Jesus. From my heart to yours, Happy Resurrection weekend!
(C) Teresa Ortiz
Mar 18, 2008
A Dedication to Jesus: All who Agree, Say Amen
This morning as I consider the week my Lord Jesus had so long ago, I can't help but fall deeper in love with my heavenly Father. My all time favorite musical artist is Crystal Lewis. She seems to write the sentiments of my heart.
Today, I dedicate this song to my Savior and friend, Jesus.
Lord, I Believe in You
Though I can't see Your holy face
And Your throne in heaven above
It seems so far away
Though I cant touch your nail scarred hands
I have a deep and unspeakable joy
That makes my faith to stand
Lord, I believe in You
I'll always believe in You
Though I cant see you with my eyes
Deep in my heart
Your presence I find
Lord, I believe in You
And I'll keep my trust in You
Let the whole world say what they may
No one can take this joy away
Lord, I believe
Born from above
You are Gods only chosen one
You're the one and only true way
To the Fathers heart
You died for all sin
Then you rose and now live again
Conquering death and the grave
So that I might live
Lord, I believe in You
I'll always believe in You
Though I cant see you with my eyes
Deep in my heart Your presence I find
Lord, I believe in You
And I'll keep my trust in You
Let the whole world say what they may
No one can take this joy away
Lord, I believe
Crystal Lewis
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love, your grace, and your mercy. Without it, I know where I would be and nothing anyone could ever say will change my mind. You have proven yourself faithful over and over again and you did not have to. You are my God, my King, My Savior, my Friend. And now Lord, I pray you reveal yourself to all who have not seen you face to face. I love you with all that is in within me. In the name of Your most precious Son, Jesus.
Today, I dedicate this song to my Savior and friend, Jesus.
Lord, I Believe in You
Though I can't see Your holy face
And Your throne in heaven above
It seems so far away
Though I cant touch your nail scarred hands
I have a deep and unspeakable joy
That makes my faith to stand
Lord, I believe in You
I'll always believe in You
Though I cant see you with my eyes
Deep in my heart
Your presence I find
Lord, I believe in You
And I'll keep my trust in You
Let the whole world say what they may
No one can take this joy away
Lord, I believe
Born from above
You are Gods only chosen one
You're the one and only true way
To the Fathers heart
You died for all sin
Then you rose and now live again
Conquering death and the grave
So that I might live
Lord, I believe in You
I'll always believe in You
Though I cant see you with my eyes
Deep in my heart Your presence I find
Lord, I believe in You
And I'll keep my trust in You
Let the whole world say what they may
No one can take this joy away
Lord, I believe
Crystal Lewis
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love, your grace, and your mercy. Without it, I know where I would be and nothing anyone could ever say will change my mind. You have proven yourself faithful over and over again and you did not have to. You are my God, my King, My Savior, my Friend. And now Lord, I pray you reveal yourself to all who have not seen you face to face. I love you with all that is in within me. In the name of Your most precious Son, Jesus.
Mar 5, 2008
Friends are God's Bouquet of Roses to His Children
When I was a kid, I heard phrases like, “Every rose has its thorn” or “Life is a bowl of cherries but to bad it has the pits”
These people are weird, I would think.
“With age comes wisdom” was another one that used to get on my nerves. However, I must confess, I, like most others learned that these and many other sayings were birthed out of life experiences.
Some people say I think too much (I am not sure, but it must have something to do with the pile of mush that sits underneath my skull—I like to consider it a brain.)
What was I saying again? O yeah, now I remember.
There has been a passage of Scripture floating around in my mind for the last several weeks. Yesterday, a special gift was given to my daughter; one so precious, it brought this passage to life.
“…to care for those who mourn in Zion, to give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, messages of joy instead of a languid spirit” (Isaiah 61: 2-3 The Message)
My daughter’s favorite flower is the white rose. For her, it represents all that is pure and beautiful as it pertains to love. As a soon to be 20-year-old young woman, she is experiencing some pretty thick and nasty thorns. What is a mom to do? She prays hard, hugs much, and cries for her child. Yet, she knows her daughter is strong and full of faith and will rise a refined and an amazing woman.
What was I saying again? O yeah, now I remember.
There is an art show in town (a dangerous thing for my daughter) needless to say she bought this beautiful black and white painting of Venice. While we were there, she spotted an exceptional painting of a single white rose in full bloom, complete with three-rain drops. I saw the look on her face, “Okay Britt, but what about Hawaii?” “Yeah, you’re right.
If I had the money, I would have bought it on the spot. For now, it just had to be one of those things she enjoyed for a moment.
While I was still at her apartment, her roommate showed up with this painting! I could not believe it!
“Happy Birthday, friend!” Janae yells, as she is walking into the bedroom. (Just in case you are wondering, Britt’s birthday is not until August!)
This brings me back to Isaiah 61:2-3. God is faithful to give us what we need when we need it. For Britt, it was not the gift of the painting (well, maybe a little), but it was the gift of a friend who loved her and recognized a need of something extra special.
It may be true that every rose has its thorn, but thanks be to God that amidst the thorns, He gives us a continuous bouquet of roses.
If my thinking is correct, the thorn is the human side of us that shrieks its ugly head, but the rose is the human side of us that has the ability to offer selfless and sometimes sacrificial acts of love and God’s blessing to us is a friend who can pick up the slack of another who has brought pain.
However, this is just what I think.
© Teresa Ortiz
These people are weird, I would think.
“With age comes wisdom” was another one that used to get on my nerves. However, I must confess, I, like most others learned that these and many other sayings were birthed out of life experiences.
Some people say I think too much (I am not sure, but it must have something to do with the pile of mush that sits underneath my skull—I like to consider it a brain.)
What was I saying again? O yeah, now I remember.
There has been a passage of Scripture floating around in my mind for the last several weeks. Yesterday, a special gift was given to my daughter; one so precious, it brought this passage to life.
“…to care for those who mourn in Zion, to give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, messages of joy instead of a languid spirit” (Isaiah 61: 2-3 The Message)
My daughter’s favorite flower is the white rose. For her, it represents all that is pure and beautiful as it pertains to love. As a soon to be 20-year-old young woman, she is experiencing some pretty thick and nasty thorns. What is a mom to do? She prays hard, hugs much, and cries for her child. Yet, she knows her daughter is strong and full of faith and will rise a refined and an amazing woman.
What was I saying again? O yeah, now I remember.
There is an art show in town (a dangerous thing for my daughter) needless to say she bought this beautiful black and white painting of Venice. While we were there, she spotted an exceptional painting of a single white rose in full bloom, complete with three-rain drops. I saw the look on her face, “Okay Britt, but what about Hawaii?” “Yeah, you’re right.
If I had the money, I would have bought it on the spot. For now, it just had to be one of those things she enjoyed for a moment.
While I was still at her apartment, her roommate showed up with this painting! I could not believe it!
“Happy Birthday, friend!” Janae yells, as she is walking into the bedroom. (Just in case you are wondering, Britt’s birthday is not until August!)
This brings me back to Isaiah 61:2-3. God is faithful to give us what we need when we need it. For Britt, it was not the gift of the painting (well, maybe a little), but it was the gift of a friend who loved her and recognized a need of something extra special.
It may be true that every rose has its thorn, but thanks be to God that amidst the thorns, He gives us a continuous bouquet of roses.
If my thinking is correct, the thorn is the human side of us that shrieks its ugly head, but the rose is the human side of us that has the ability to offer selfless and sometimes sacrificial acts of love and God’s blessing to us is a friend who can pick up the slack of another who has brought pain.
However, this is just what I think.
© Teresa Ortiz
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