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
Enjoy your birthday! have a great day, with plenty more to come!
Thanks for your prayers - they mean a lot at a time like thisc-
Love,
Ellen