A RIVAS UPDATE

Belize

2011-08-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from Josh's trip to Belize, Central America, for Hope Camp 2011!!! The young man with Josh in the picture on the bottom left approached the hope corps youth at a restaurant after church. He tearfully opened up about wanting to get away from the gang life, and they were able to pray with him right there! They ended up moving out onto the street into the pouring rain as things were getting louder. After their prayer meeting on the street, the young man said he would be at church on Sunday! We are so thankful that Josh was able to experience Hope Camp!

Update

2011-06-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I've posted so I thought I'd give an update! First of all, Josh is away at Hope Camp in Belize Central America right now. I'm so thankful that he has had the opportunity to experience this! We miss him so much but at the same time so proud that he chose to give this year to God and become part of Hope Corps. From what I hear, it has been amazing so far!!

Crystal is finishing up grade 9 and will be heading into High School in September. Big changes ahead!!! She's been working hard to get some credits before she even starts grade 10 so she will have a head start. Here's a little clip of her piece "Dreamcatcher" that she played for her end of the year recital.

Church has been amazing!! We have been having such a move of God! So thankful to be a part of it all! Thankful to all of you who keep the work in Airdrie in your prayers, don't stop now! Love you all :-)

15

2011-03-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

WOW, I can't believe that my baby is 15 years old! Each new year brings more decisions and more responsibilities as she progresses through her teen years. I am extremely thankful that God is working in her life and that she has found some excellent role models to look up to! I really wish I could slow time down or even rewind it a bit, but I know that's not God's will. All in all, I am very thankful for the years God has given us with our children and intend to enjoy every minute of it!!!!

No Limits 2011

2011-03-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

No Limits was awesome again this year! We were so blessed to be able to go once again. The highlight this year was to hear our Pastor preach, and PREACH he did!! We were so proud of him. The weather was nice and all in all we had a wonderful time. We got to eat at all our favorite restaurants too!!! The power of God was amazing and each of us was touched by God in a very special way......

Revival!!!!!

2010-10-29T21:38:00.007-07:00

So many things have been happening lately that I don't know where to start. Revival is HERE! We are in the midst of a mighty move of God. I feel so blessed to be in the big middle of it all. Please keep Airdrie in your prayers. We have had two new families visit us in our last two services and we are believing God that He will complete His work. We are enjoying having my mom here with us for the next little while also! We are soooo excited about all that God is doing!! Just thought I'd share ;-) :-)

Autumn is Beautiful!

2010-10-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well, last Saturday was our anniversary and we had decided to go to Canmore for supper on Friday evening. After we ate, Willie surprised me by driving to Banff! We stayed at the beautiful Rimrock Hotel and Resort. The view was amazing! On Saturday we went for a nice breakfast and walked around Banff for a few hours. The weather was soooo beautiful as was the scenery! Just thought I'd share how blessed I feel to be married to such a wonderful, godly man!

Our Son Has Officially Graduated!

2010-09-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

I would just like to say how proud I am of my son for his accomplishments. He finished his last exam in August and he turned seventeen on Sept 3rd. Now that school is done, there are a lot of decisions to be made. I know that God is working in his life and that He will be there to help him make the right decisions. The prayer of my heart is that he will continue to put God first and that he will yield to His will.
Josh, Thanks for being such a blessing to our family! We love you!

Josh's Surprise Grad Party!

2010-09-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

So Josh has completed high school now and we had a surprise party for him. Matt was such a great help in whisking Josh away for a few hours before the party so we could get last minute things ready. The turnout was good and the fellowship was great! Crystal baked his favorite treat, WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE and we watched a slideshow of his growing up years! Thank you to all you who helped in making it a success, I know that he will always remember it!

Tulsa

2010-07-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

PEAK was great again this year! Is it possible that it gets better and better? God is so amazing. It's just so beautiful to see our young people touch God! I'm grateful that I was able to go with my kids but hope that Willie will be able to go with us next year! God Bless!!!!!

Broken Hand :(

2010-06-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well, Crystal decided to break her hand last Sunday. Unfortunately, it happened to be exactly one week before her piano recital. Her teacher knew how hard she had worked on her piece and decided that she would play Crystal's left hand for her. Here's a little clip......
She also got her braces off on Monday and is so happy to finally see her teeth again!!!

A Burdened Heart

2010-06-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

God, hear me today I pray. Lead me to the hungry souls that are searching for you. Let me be an instrument in your hands. Open doors that no man can shut! IN JESUS NAME!

Mothers Day 2010

2010-05-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

First I want to say how privileged I feel to be the mom of two of the most wonderful kids in the world. I am overwhelmed sometimes with the great responsibility God has given us to raise these two awesome people to become what he wants them to be. He has been so good to us! The best Mothers Day gift I could ever get is to see my children loving God and living for Him with all they've got. I can't explain how much Willie and I appreciate all they do to help us with the work here in Airdrie, as I know it's not always easy.
This Mothers Day, I will not be able to be with my mom. I have been thinking about the wonderful friendship that we've shared over the years and really want to make sure that I have that kind of relationship with my kids. No matter how far away they may be from me, I want to always be their friend. Thanks Mom for being a true friend and thank you Josh and Crystal for your friendship. I love you all so very much :-) Natalie

Wedding Pics and More........

2010-04-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures that I took at Isai's wedding and some from the rest of our trip. We had a great time with family and friends, but glad to be home! Hope you enjoy:-)

Trenton's Visit

2010-03-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Well, we had Trenton over for a couple days and had a blast. What a sweetheart he is. Thanks for sharing Tina :-) Here are a few pics we took while he was here!

No Limits Trip

2010-03-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

What a blast!!!! Everything was just so amazing. We were so touched by all the messages that were preached, God really moved! We came back exhausted, but it was soooo worth it:-) Can't wait to do it all again.

Happy 14th Birthday Crystal!!

2010-03-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, you will be 14 in three more days! I can't believe how fast time has gone. I remember holding you for the first time, it seems like yesterday...... We love you and pray that you stay close to God no matter what. Put Him first and you will make it! Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter. Love Always, Mom and Dad

Well................

2010-02-22T21:57:00.000-08:00

It's been quite awhile since I've posted so I thought I'd give an update. Josh had his wisdom teeth removed in January. We thought that everything had healed properly but he ended up with an infection. His face was swollen so big that the dentist told me to get him to emergency right away. They ended up putting him on IV antibiotics for a week. The surgeon also had to re-open the area and drain the infection. Well, to make a long story short, God had His hand on him and everything seems to be cleared up now...Thank You Jesus!!!

We are getting very excited because we are going to No Limits next week!! We've wanted to go for several years now but it never worked out. With homeschooling, we are feeling like a little break from our routine is just what we need to come back and get down to business. We are looking forward to seeing our friends and family too! Anyway, I guess that's all the news for now:-}

God Is Good!!!

2009-12-21T18:37:00.000-08:00

Well, so much has happened lately I don't know where to start. 1st of all, Crystal had her second recital and did great playing "Carol of the Bells". We had our Group fellowship night on Friday and had a great turnout, Thanks for coming everyone!!! We started off at the festival of lights and then came back to our place for snacks. We got to meet Jennifer,Debbie's daughter, who was baptized on Sunday night and also Emily, Debbie's granddaughter. Congratulations to Jennifer! We also had a potluck here in Airdrie after the service to celebrate Leo's baptism and our 1 year anniversary having services here.God has been so good. Love you all!!!!

So Proud of You Crittle :-)

2009-12-05T21:56:00.000-08:00

Well, one down and one more to go!! You did wonderful on "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" and I'm sure you'll do great on "Carol of the Bells" next week at your recital. Keep up the great work, God will bless you for using your talent for Him!!!!

Soooo Excited!!!!

2009-11-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from the services in Airdrie. Leo was baptized on Sunday night and we are so excited about what God is doing!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

2009-10-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

As I am typing this post, the snow is flying. Already???? it seems like our summer only started last month...(sigh) Well, this post is supposed to be about Thanksgiving. I have soooooo much to be thankful for!! Thank you God for saving me. Thank you mom for all your love and support. Thank you Willie for being the best husband a girl could find. Thank you Josh and Crystal for giving me the joy and privilege of being your mom. Thank you Pastor and Sister King for your love and guidance. Thank you to all my friends for just being friends. Thank you church family for standing for Truth and living the life. I love all of you so very much:-) God Bless

Happy Anniversary My Love!!!!!

2009-10-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you for being such a wonderful husband and father. Every year my love for you grows so much, it's unbelievable. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I hope it doesn't go as fast as the last few years have gone, it just seems like yesterday...........

1st Time Bread Making

2009-09-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I'm not too old to learn something new, I made bread for the first time the other day. Wow, what alot of work! It seemed to go over well with my family, they were hoping for this treat on a weekly basis. I quickly informed them that this treat would surprise them from time to time and definitely NOT weekly!! I guess this shows that good things in life take time and patience, but are really worth it in the end!!

Happy 16th Birthday Josh!!!!!

2009-08-31T22:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that you're actually going to be sixteen in three more days, wow, how time has flown!! You are turning into such a wonderful young man. We are still putting you in God's hands each day, as we have since your birth. Keep living for Him with all your heart, we can't wait to see what He still has in store for you! Love Always, Mom & Dad

Thanks For Your Prayers!

2009-08-21T21:08:00.000-07:00

As of last Tuesday, my uncle was transferred to the hospital in their home town and is expected to be sent home by next week. He will be needing Physio, but other than that, he is recovering amazingly well. Thank you Jesus for answering prayer!!!! Here is a photo on his last night here in Calgary.

Our Vacation!!

2009-07-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

This year we decided to drive to P.E.A.K and make a family vacation out of it. It was great!!! We drove to Denver on the first day and did some sight seeing aroud there. We went to Colorado Springs and visited Focus On The Family, what a blast:) We then went on to Tulsa and enjoyed the best services ever! P.E.A.K was amazing. I think the attendance was around 4000 people. It was such a blessing for our kids to be a part of the wonderful move of God and to meet other Godly young people! Thank you Jesus for bringing us home safely!!

Update

2009-07-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to all of you who have been praying for my uncle! He is still in ICU, but should be moved to another floor as soon as a bed becomes available. The breathing tube and the dialysis machine have been removed and he is awake!! Thank You Jesus! His recovery may take awhile due to his body being so full of infection, but the improvements are happening slowly. Please keep praying for a complete recovery.

Please Pray!!!!

2009-07-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

My aunt and uncle, Doug and Lorna Green, are here on vacation from Newfoundland. Their two week vacation was supposed to end tomorrow, as their flight would leave in the morning. Last Friday Doug began to feel unwell. He was brought to the urgent care in Airdrie and they thought that he had strep throat. He went on antibiotics, but by Sunday morning things had worsened considerably. My mom took him to the Peter Lougheed emergency and they admitted him right away. By Sunday afternoon, he was in an induced coma, on a respirator and on dialysis. His organs are not functioning properly due to so much infection throughout his entire body. They are still doing alot of tests and have not figured out the cause as of yet. Thank you to all of the people who have been praying!! Today they ruled out some contagious viruses and said they feel that things are not getting any worse, which is good news! God is so good:) Please keep praying for his complete healing. Thank you again for all of your prayers.

Happy Birthday To My Sweetheart!

2009-07-03T08:56:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Willie!! I love you sooo much and look forward to growing old with you! You are a great husband and father to our children. Thanks for all you do. Love Always, Nat

Pictures From Our Vacation

2009-06-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Here are e few pictures taken on our trip to California, hope you enjoy!!!!

Congratulations Steven Chavez!!!

2009-05-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

Steven, we are so proud of you in all your accomplishments!! I just can't believe that you are actually graduating in two weeks. How time flies...... It seems like only yesterday that I held you in my arms as a fat little baby. You were such a cute one! I've watched you grow up and love you so much more even then I did then. Remember to keep serving God and always put him first!!!See you soon:)

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!!

2009-05-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

Thank you for being such a wonderful Mother! I have so many great memories of time spent with you over the years. You're also such a wonderful grandma to my children. We love you so much Nan!!!

Our Little Road Trip With Nan!

2009-04-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

On our way to Kamloops we passed this cute little church. Josh was preaching to his congregation, me!! The maximum capacity for this church is eight:)It was a very nice trip. We also visited SunPeaks Resort and the kids got to snowboard. We had a really nice visit with my brother and his wife. Kamloops is a very beautiful place,everything is built on the sides of hills. It took about 7 1/2 hours to get there from Calgary. Thanks Rod and Julie for having us!!!!

18 On Easter Sunday!!!!

2009-04-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

We had 18 in attendance last Sunday! God is doing great things in this city! If anyone has any friends or aquaintances who live in or around Airdrie, please invite them to join us at The Nosecreek Valley Museum, 10:30am each Sunday.Please keep us in your prayers, God Bless!

Summit Conference

2009-03-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

We were so blessed by the wonderful preaching at The Summit Conference in Spokane Washington this past week. God spoke to us in such a mighty way. It was well worth the drive to see our kids get a special touch. Our youth group was such a great example by responding to the Word of God!!!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

Happy Spring

2009-03-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

On Friday Mar 21, the first day of Spring, we had such beautiful weather! By Sat evening, you could tell the snow clouds were coming in. The next morning we woke up to a major Spring snow storm. On Sun afternoon the snow was slowing down and the sun was peaking through the clouds so Crystal went outside to help some kids build a snowman. The snow was just perfect, really sticky!!! I sure hope Spring really comes to stay sometime soon, I'm ready for it, aren't you?

Happy 13th Birthday Crittle!!!

2009-03-04T20:42:00.000-08:00

It seems like only yesterday that I held you in my arms. Now you are becoming a beautiful young lady. As you grow up, keep growing stronger in the Lord!!!We love you more than words can say:):)

Love

2009-02-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

Love, what does it really mean? The first thing I think of is the Lover of my Soul, giving His life for me on that old rugged cross. This my friend, is the meaning of true love. No other love can compare! As we live our life here in this world though, we have been blessed with people to love and be loved by, as we live for Him. My Husband (my best friend), my children, my family, my friends, my Pastor and his wife, and all the family of God, these are some people whom I love with all my heart! Thank you Jesus for showing us the True Meaning of Love!!!! I had to include a pic of the flowers my husband gave me, so sweet:)

What a Week!!!

2009-02-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

Last week was soooo busy, the kids were at COP snowboarding in the day and then we took a group of young people bowling on Friday night. What a Blast!! I hope the kids had as much fun as Willie and I;) I found out that Willie is pretty good at it too!

This Song Is So True!!!

2009-01-29T15:31:00.000-08:00

Life has a way of making us forget the real reason we are here. We ARE the body of Christ and we are here to fulfill the great commission! If we just profess to be Christians without showing people Christ, than are we really Christians or Christ-like? This song really gets me thinking about my life and all that there is to do for Him! Let Your Light Shine!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Amber!!!!!!!

2009-01-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

We love and miss you lots! Hope you have a wonderful day!

2008-12-31T16:51:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 2009 EVERYONE!! WE PRAY GOD'S BLESSINGS ON YOU ALL IN THIS COMING YEAR!

Service in Airdrie

2008-12-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

Please keep praying for the people of Airdrie! Here are a few pics for you!

GROUP GET TOGETHER

2008-12-27T11:47:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday we hosted a get together for our group. We had a really nice time. Some of us ladies were talking about how important a little bit of good fellowship is. We are all so busy that we sometimes forget about the importance of friends and slowing down enough to appreciate those around us. Thank God for His wonderful family!!

Willie's Loss of Wisdom

2008-12-06T23:12:00.000-08:00

On Thursday afternoon, Willie got 2 of his wisdom teeth out. They called me in to the room to give me instructions on his care, he looked soooo pitiful:( I can't believe he did so well through it all. They had a bit of trouble getting his bottom one out and told us to expect some swelling and bruising, can you believe he had absolutely no bruising and only a tiny bit of swelling? He's finally able to eat a little and is feeling much better today. Thank God!!

Airdrie 2020 Vision Update

2008-11-30T21:12:00.000-08:00

Today at our service we had 11 in attendance! We had a wonderful move of God. The power of God was so strong. Please keep us in your prayers as we reach out to the people of Airdrie. God is so Good!!!!!!

Merry Christmas, From Rosie

2008-11-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

When my aunt was visiting last Christmas, we put the santa hat that she had for her dog on Rosie. I thought she looked so cute! All of you dog lovers will understand, even though I would not buy it for her myself, we had fun dressing her up. And by the way, We Don't Believe In Santa! Hope you all have a Great Christmas!

An Afternoon With Trenton

2008-11-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday we had Trenton over for the afternoon, it was so much fun. He is such a happy baby. Crystal took very good care of him and Willie made him laugh lots. We are kind of out of practice, but I think he had a good time:) Can't wait to do it again, my little blue-eyed man!!!!!

Costume Party

2008-11-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

The kids went to the youth costume party last night and had a blast. What a nice way to spend halloween instead of listening to your doorbell ring all night. They were supposed to dress as a famous person in history. Spending time with friends while having good clean fun, what more could we ask for!!

There Is Light At The End Of The Tunnel

2008-10-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

What an awesome message our Pastor preached yesterday! God cares so much about each of us that he'd send a message just for us. Don't give up, Jesus is with you always.

Autumn Is Almost Over :(

2008-10-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

Willie surprised me by taking me to Banff for our anniversary earlier this month. The colours were gorgeous. It seems like Autumn is lasting longer than usual this year. Most often on our anniversary there is wet snow or freezing weather. The scenery on our way to Banff was amazing. It's funny how different a place can look during a different season!!

Thanksgiving

2008-10-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

I know that" Thanksgiving " is past, but I have really been thinking about all that I am thankful for this week. I am so overwhelmed by all the things that come to mind. We take so many things for granted all year long, it is so nice to take time and reflect on how God has blessed us so mightily. Try not to take the little things for granted, they are all so precious!!!!!!