Happy Birthday Lela!

Hello All,

Today is my lovely wife's birthday. I will never divulge the number, but she has again climbed the numbers ladder! I was recounting that we have now celebrated at least 12 of her birthdays together, which is pretty cool. My wife is the best woman in the world to me, and I know that the kids would insert "mother" next to the word "best" as well. She holds her life, our kids' life and my life together with simple grace and beauty. Of all the people that I love to make laugh, she is my favorite. I pray that she will have a wonderful birthday today! Here are some of my favorite photos of my wife...although, I am now realizing that she or I rarely have a photo alone!

Here is Lela on a Spanish beach with our little surprise, Elizabeth. This picture reminds me of my wife's courage and commitment, to go overseas to follow the Lord when this was our smallest child. Not very impressive until you understand the temperment of our children at this age! Lela is a saint!


This picture reminds me that my wife has cooked for 5 people for the last 6 years. This is generally the microcosmic scene where my wife is finally sitting down to eat, only to be interrupted by some little (sometimes big) person! She has had probably only 2 mildly warm meals in all that time!

During my time in ministry, Lela has been a faithful partner. Whether it was the crazy Junior High Youth group, the mission in Spain, or the worship teams, my partner has always been by my side. This is both a wonderful thing and a crazy maddening thing when it comes to leading worship, especially because we always disagree who should get the solo. I always think me, she always thinks her! I would ask you what you think, but if you have heard us sing before, I am pretty sure what your answer would be! :(

I guess that this picture has little to do with anything, but gives you a glimpse of my wife's corny personality that I get to enjoy. This is why we get along so great: We can be goofy together, and laugh about all kinds of ludicrous stuff, especially ourselves. This picture also speaks to my wife's optimism and hopefulness, in that this picture was taken with our old defunct camera. She found a way to make it work (I guess that also shows that she is incredibly resourceful!) and this was the test picture. Classic! She has made this face at our car in Spain and now our computer at home! Mostly her prayers and optimism keep it all running and working!
I know what your thinking: "What does this have to do with Lela?" Let me explain. First, do you seen anything green? Before Lela, my motto was "If it's green, it ain't in me!" You will notice a salad and asparagus. (Every thing goes down better with a t-bone!) Asparagus, as well as a whole host of foods have been introduced to me by my lovely wife and personal chef! Second, you will notice a glass of Apple Cider. B.L., that glass was about 3 feet taller and it was filled with various things that ended with the word "Soda!" Finally, and perhaps the best thing : You'll notice the presence of utensils...ENOUGH SAID!!!

I love my wife! Happy Birthday honey!

Blessings...To Our Friends,
Frank Sanchez