Way Corp group(s) I was in
7th Corps
Where I live
El Paso, Texas
Married or Single
Married
About Me
I have been blessed with a wonderful family here in El Paso and across the border in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico (where we lived for years.) My wife is named Luz del Carmen; she is from Chihuahua, Chihuahua; for you americanos, that refers to a city and a state, not "dog", "dog." (I'm kidding around; I'm sure many of you know more geography than I do.) After more than 26 years of marriage, we have 3 big kids: John (age 24), Paul (age 21), and Michael (age 20.) We still consider them a blessing, though they occupy a lot of space and have hearty appetites! Two of them are 6 feet 5 inches tall and that is not a tall tale. The shortest one makes me feel microscopic! (That might be a tall tale.) We get to enjoy loving home fellowship with God's kids on both sides of the border. I appreciate the prayers of anyone who thinks of us when seeing news about violence in Juarez, the border region, all of Mexico, etc.
My Interests
I enjoy taking long walks in the desert (before it gets too hot!)
I once helped one of my sons collect samples of plants native to the Chihuahua desert, I enjoy trying to remember these plant names. Needless to say, I am in awe of the overwhelming variety of plants and "critters" our God has made that thrive even in a desert!
God's Word, His love, his truth are more meaningful than ever as He has graciously opened doors for me to not take certain things for granted: such as a much fuller concept of Biblical " repentance" and a much deeper realization of His mercy; more than ever I want to love mercy.
Employment or Career
I' ve been doing teaching jobs for years; in the last few years I have taught reading and language arts in what is called an "alternative" setting: (for children with extreme behavioral issues.) This job has really been a unique opportunity to reach kids with anger problems and other severe tendencies. What an open door there has been to sow seeds of God's love where dire needs are so evident. Among other things I get to share "tall tales" and other tales that promote compassion, forgiveness, overcoming anger, and other aspects of how God delivers our hearts.
My wife is an excellent high school math teacher. She works heartily unto the Lord.
Music I Like
My musical tastes are pretty eclectic.
Here are some things I can recommend; at least they are uplifting for me: (Instrumental:) Phil Keaggy- In the Quiet Hours and other CDs, Manheim Steamroller- Yellowstone- the Music of Nature, stuff by Wishful Thinking
an oldie: the motion picture soundtrack of Godspell (especially "All Good Gifts")
Brent Bourgeois- Come Join in the Living World
Kennedy, Kirkpatrick, Madeira & Sprague- Coming from somewhere else
Kathy Troccoli- Love Has a Name
Streams- a CD by several artists
other things by Phil Keaggy
Books I Like
I am an avid book devourer! I'll try to limit my spiel here to a few recommendations I've enjoyed in recent years:
Some translations you might or might not have come across: The New Testament translated by William Barclay, The New Testament translated by Richmond Lattimore, The Unvarnished New Testament translated by Andy Gaus, Tanakh (JPS transl.- O.T.)
Some books of biblical, spiritual interest ( well worth examinining in order to hold fast to good, useful truths): Matthew for Everyone and other" ..." for Everyone - books by N.T. Wright ( a series of simple, useful N.T. studies)
The Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You by James G. Friesen, E. James Wilder, Anne M. Bierling, Rick Koepcke, & Maribeth Poole, The Blessed Hope, The Gospel of the Kingdom, and A Commentary on the Revelation of John- all 3 by George Eldon Ladd, Life in the Son (A Study of the Doctrine of Perseverance) by Robert Shank, The Coming Kingdom of the Messiah & Jesus Was Not a Trinitarian- both by Anthony F. Buzzard The Foundation/ Jesus, the Christ/ Living Sacrifice/ Change to Change- all 4 by Vince Finnegan, The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer, A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly, Present Perfect and God of the Possible: both by Gregory A. Boyd
The End-Time Time Line by Jim Mattison, Hearing God by Dallas Willard, Worship: God's Desire for All Ages by John J. McCave, To Love Mercy by C. Samuel Storms, The Bait of Satan by John Bevere & Our Heavenly Father Has No Equals by Donald R. Snedeker
A book for fun/historical interest: Into Africa by Martin Dugard
Movies I like
Amazing Grace (about William Wilberforce)
The Buttercream Gang (great learning for kids and "big" kids)
God's Outlaw - about William Tyndale
Sports Teams I like
Ones that happen to be playing close, exciting games at a time when I am watching!
P.S. I'm still not much of an internet "fan." I ask your forbearance and patience if you try to communicate with me and get a slow response. God bless you.
My Email Address:
ldc84jpm@yahoo.com
Comments
I saw your post in International Outreach. Are there any believers in the Ixtapa area?
My heart for you for now & ever:-
Num 6:22-27
22 The Lord said to Moses,
23 "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
24 "'"The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace."'
27 "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them."
How much more will God bless His kids today!
Ephesians 1:33 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Shalon Patricia
Mike
Thanks for the note. I always appreciated my time spent in Ciudad Juarez and El Paso too! I use my weak conversational spanish weekly if not daily. My connection there has earned me opportunities to converse with a lot of people.
Everyone should gain perspective on life by living with you and the people you serve.
BTW I saw your school work is similar to Colleens in that she works for our local school district with developmental pre-school kids.
Anywhoo be good and God bless
eric
Thanks for the reply. And, I guess that was a "lame hello", but I had just finished reading an article about El Paso/Ciudad Juarez, and how rough it is down there, and then made my comment. No doubt you know the real "ins and outs" of the place and know where to go and not go.
Anyway, thank you for your kind comments, and Shannon sends her warm "hellos".
Y, Dios los bendiga su esposa y tu Familia. Mi Espanol is no muy bueno (as you can see), pero, yo gusto hablando en Espanol (whenever) el opportunidad (arises) Adios hermano!
Tu hermano en Christo,
"Cobbeen"
(that's "Kevin" the way my old Mexican sheetrocking partner Librado Argueta used to say it. Now Shannon calls me "Cobbeen" from time to time...hah!)
God bless,
Craig
!Qué bien que estás aquí¡. Creo que esta página es una bendición para muchos de nosotros, el poder reencontrarnos y poder hablar.
Me alegro que este contento con tu vida y tu familia.
Estaremos en contacto.
hasta pronto
amelia