The Value of a Girl

The beautiful sunny 'San Diego' weather that we are so blessed with was hiding its splendor this last Monday, and Mr. Rain had taken it's place. Some of our youth at church, my daughter included, had a day off from school and wanted to just be together. We opted to have lunch in the food court at the local mall. We are a very creative bunch, and also took some games, so suffice it to say that we spent a very healthy amount of time at a table in the food court. We were not the only 'creative' bunch that had decided to make the food court our personal rain shelter. I noticed 2 girls and a boy sitting very near to us. They had already been there when we first sat down, and although were not eating, they were there the whole time we were. I have always had a burden for young people, and I just kind of felt drawn toward one of the girls. She was a very beautiful YOUNG girl. The make-up and seductive clothing didn't fool me. The guy that was with them could have starred in the music video 'Pants on the Ground'...Now enters Mr. Gangsta. As I played our latest craze, 'Monopoly Deal' with my daughter Chantal and these incredible young people from our church, I found it harder and harder to stay focused on the game. My laughter and joy began take a drastic turn. My heart was breaking and I was shaking with anger and sadness inside as I sat in this mall where people were deciding the 'value' of 'things' and buying and selling 'things'..... all the while there sat 2 young girls in the very same mall who didn't know their own 'value'. I shook with anger as I watched 'Mr. Gangsta' go from one girl to the other. He would sit on their lap and put his hands ALL over them. After spending time with one, he'd go to the other. As I sat there I began to feel VERY angry. I got up at one point and asked an employee to call Security. I was told that if there was no immediate danger, I would have to go to the information desk and make a request. Meanwhile my daughter had sensed something wrong with me. The other kids as well. When they noticed what was taking my attention, they all began to feel the same feelings of compassion, anger, sadness. I felt like something had to be done. As I was preparing to get up, I noticed one of the girls quickly walk away, followed by the other girl (the one I had been drawn to). This was my chance. I stood up and said "Excuse me, excuse me"...got her attention and she came over to me. My first question was 'How old are you?' I learned that this beautiful girl was 13. I wanted to cry. I began to talk to her about her 'value'. I told her that she was very beautiful and deserved so much more than to be treated how she was being treated. I could tell that I was reaching her, but when my daughter stepped in and began talking to her, I KNEW we were reaching her. We made friends with her and gave her our church card. When she left our table she left with the knowledge that she had 'value'. She was worth so much. That day really impacted me and the young people I was with. We saw so many things on this girls face in a matter of minutes....shame, embarrassment, regret, then... hope? A spark of hope?? It was a 'Real Life' lesson for them seeing that this kind of behavior doesn't bring bliss, but brings shame. It was a 'Real Life Lesson' when they saw the power of looking someone in the eye and telling them how 'valuable' they were to God and to the people of God. The value of one girl.....worth the whole world.

Today We Turn 25

Twenty-five years ago today I married the love of my life. When I think back, I remember feeling at the time - like I really loved my groom. But the love that I felt then doesn't EVEN compare to the depth, height, and width of my love today. Through good times, through bad times, in sickness, and in health, we have forged through the days. The days have turned into years. TWENTY FIVE YEARS!!!! We created 3 beautiful, incredible people, and are building a thriving church together. Together, we have accomplished so much.

Today I look back, but also look ahead. I know that you have lots more surprises up your sleeve. You have many more life ideas and experiments yet to live and try. And today, like I did so many years ago I vow to stay by your side. Whatever life brings us. I'm excited about spending it with YOU. Here's to 25 MORE with YOU babe!! I love you forever.....

Landmark Experiences

Last night in our evening service I received a 'Landmark Experience'. Words never do justice to these experiences, however, my husband best described it when he said that "It felt as if we had been take up in angels wings and carried into the Presence of the Lord." He quoted the verse in I Hebrews....."Of the angels, Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be the heirs of salvation?"

I couldn't stop weeping, and at the same time I felt like laughing because it was so beautiful and sweet. I didn't ever want to leave. I didn't want that feeling to stop. Before the night was over I just sat there in that special 'spot' where I received such overwhelming love from God. That 'landmark spot'. Today when I went to the church to do some work, I went to that 'spot' and just sat and let the tears fall in gratefulness for what God had done in my heart and life.

Today as I went through the daily 'stuff' that I do as a wife, mom and Pastors wife, I began to remember many other 'landmark experiences' in my life. As I thought of them I realized that those experiences are what has made me who I am. They have kept me through the hard times. They are what I hold onto when the demon of doubt would like to wage a battle with my mind. Today I took a journey; not physically, but spiritually to many of those 'landmarks' in my life, and thanked God for them.

Today my load is lighter. Today I can see clearly, for the rain has gone. Today I feel the brush of angels wings....But I know that when Tomorrow comes, *and it will*....I have another landmark in my life that I can return to and 'remember' the power and sweetness of God's love, and that memory will carry me through....

Pondering....

I was just sitting and pondering.....*this could mean trouble folks!*

I was born and raised in an Apostolic home. It's all I've ever known. (It's all I ever WANT to know... I might add!) I have always loved God and lived for him simply because I WANTED TO. Nothing has changed....I STILL WANT TO! I am, *to put it simply*....in love. In love with Jesus. In all the years that I have lived for Him, I have NEVER EVEN CONSIDERED any other 'way'. I am unapologetic about my 'lifestyle'. In fact, I consider my 'lifestyle' a privilege. There are many before me that have walked this narrow path. I value them and am so grateful for their faithfulness and commitment, and treasure the heritage that has been passed down to me. I now am lovingly and proudly passing this treasure down to my children.

Our political and religious world today scream for change. So far the only 'change' Washington has brought, is a president and first lady that have no respect or understanding of the sacredness of the highest office in our nation. Their dress code, their references to our incredible country, and political stance, scream and prove their 'CHANGE'=EMINENT DESTRUCTION!! We are being destroyed not from the 'outside', but from the 'inside'. Is this same evolution taking place in the Apostolic world? I say yes! And lookout, because the real damage is being dealt from the inside.

I don't want any shortcuts or new plans. I want what is tried and true and what I consider My Pearl of Great Price....just sayin'.

Happy Birthday To 'My Dream Come True'

Sixteen years ago today, God gave me the desires of my heart....actually He gave me so much more than I ever dreamed of, in a beautiful little package we named Chantal Lorraine Bertram.

God had called us to go on the evangelistic field, and we were selling our home and EVERYTHING we owned. Our family at the time, consisted of 2 of the most delightful boys you could ever ask for, and I was a very happy Mommy. My deepest dream however, was to have a little girl. At this very momentous time of our life, surprising and delighting us, Chantal made her entrance into our world. I remember crying and laughing in the delivery room telling my husband, the doctors and nurses, (like they didn't know already!)..."It's a girl! God gave me my girl! Oh I can't believe it! DID YOU HEAR ME??? IT'S A GIRL!!!! Thank you JESUS!!" They gave me polite little nods and congratulations, but that didn't dissuade me. I cried and laughed and gushed on. What a total blast this little package brought to our home.

She was and still is the perfect balance. She is not afraid of getting dirty, and is perfectly content in a jean skirt, cowboy boots, and a bun on her head....And she takes a backseat to no one when she gets all gussied up! LOL Tomboy, and Princess all in one package!

I remember praying over her every time I would change her diaper, or feed her. Thanking God for her, and asking God to keep His hand on her. To protect her and give her a heart after Him. My prayer has been answered. I have watched this little Tomboy Princess turn into an incredible young lady. She is one of our best altar workers. She sings with anointing, and genuinely loves people. She prays. She is a real christian!

With a grateful heart I write this....I know this is a public forum and others will read it, but there are 2 beautiful blue eyes that are my focus and this is written for those 'blues'.

Chantal, you are my dream come true and oh so much more. You have been nothing but a delight to your Dad and I and your 2 VERY protective brothers.(lol) You have brought laughter, singing (all the time...), and such fun to our home.

My wish for you is that you keep God first. He WILL give you the desires of your heart....I know what I'm talking about....He did that for me! I love you more than you will ever know. Happy 'Sweet 16'.

David & Chantal Singing 'The Prayer'

This is an audio clip of David and Chantal singing 'The Prayer' at Jonathan & Cynthia's wedding.

Thank you for letting a proud mama brag!

Introducing.....Prince David

This being a very 'transitional' time (Is that even a word?.....it is now!) in the Bertram household, with Jonathan married and out of the house, it really got Chantal and I thinking....Here's what we came up with.

We have officially crowned David Hunter Bertram the 'Prince' of the house. YES....he now holds the very royal spot that sits right next to the throne. Thus he must be treated like the royalty that he is.

This last Sunday night (the very first night after the big coronation), when we came home from church, Chantal (The Princess) and I were poised and ready. When he entered the dining area we quickly sat him down and asked him what he wanted to eat...."ANYTHING, to the half of the kingdom is yours just ask"....and that he did. We tirelessly served him his hearts delight. Meanwhile the delight was ours. Just to watch the little grin, huge dimples, and the chest expanding before our eyes was incredible fun. I must say that the Prince is milking this one for all it's worth. The Princess is working tirelessly in the kitchen granting the Prince his every wish. (It is loads of cute!!!!)

In my opinion, the Prince is so worthy of this royal treatment. He is nothing short of delightful. He has the Queen and blonde little Princess wrapped around his handsome little finger. However, the queen is now waiting for a new awareness to set in and be realized....The one that will occur with startling clarity,...the one when the Princess realizes her royal spot in the Kingdom, and has the Prince finally doting on her.....