Miriam Ruiz "Mia"

This amazing lady was born in New York on November 25, 1955 and she was raised in the Bronx.  I was absolutely fascinated to hear how God has used Mia's tenacious spirit to accomplish much. Her parents, Philip and Sylvia Fogel raised their daughter in the traditional Jewish ways. "I know that my heavenly Father has had His hand on me my entire life. While obediently attending services in the synagogue I never felt the Presence of God." Her family home was shared by her one brother Harry, and their grandmother Rose. Mia describes her grandmother as a sad, bitter woman who needed to control her environment. "Living at home with her constant gloom was no picnic." Mia further explained "Grandma Rose was emotionally unavailable and lived as a tormented woman because of her inability to forget. You see my grandma's Jewish parents were exterminated in the Poland death camps." With very little emotional or financial support, very early on, Mia chose to not judge people. Mia relied on God and trusted in His guidance, provision and strength. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1  While in high school Mia began to study French and eventually excelled so greatly that she won a scholarship. She enrolled at Montclair State College in New Jersey to major in French and then felt led to get her teaching credentials. While in school, at the age of 19 she married outside the Jewish faith to a wonderful Mexican man named Amado, which means loved one. Amado lavished Mia with love and together they had three sons. Rick now age 40, Ron now age 37 and Matt age 36.  After Mia's three kids were born she returned to school and got her teaching degree.  Her first job as a bilingual teacher was in New Jersey. "Eventually I was recruited

by a hospital in Texas to be the Director of Education. The hospital became my laboratory. While in Houston, for three years  I experimented and used various programs I developed for the nurses, and doctors. While running the Wellness Center, I also hosted a radio talk show called "Get Healthy". Well the economy tanked in 1985 and Mia and family moved to Florida. Her husband worked in construction and Mia worked briefly at a Teaching Institute in Orlando.  God then opened the door to Disney where Mia was hired to teach motivational seminars on customer service. "One day a satisfied client suggested that I go out on my own, so I did and my company was simply called Mia Consulting.  I had a blast traveling all across the USA and Canada until my husband got sick in 2000. My mission was then to take care of him. I took a job as the Director of the Learning Center of Jacksonville and took care of Amado until he died in 2003. It was during this time that I began to attend the non-denominational Beit Israel Messianic Temple. "I felt the Presence and love of God there. During a Passover, Seder service, as I listened to the Rabbi speak about Yeshua, the Lord revealed that His Way was a path of unity, not separation. For the first time I understood the Oneness, and the unconditional love of Jesus for all people." In January of 2016, after 35 years of teaching and raising three sons it was time to retire. But where? With a mixed response of 'go for it' and 'apprehension' from her boys, Mia chose to move to Mexico. Mia felt God's nudge and encouragement so she packed up her green chevy which she named 'Sparky'.  Mia tried living in Mazatlan then Puerto Vallarta before she finally

nested in Ajijic.  "I have always felt divinely guided."  Early in 2017 Mia began feeling short of breath. Under Medicare she drove back to Texas where the Cardiologist reported that she needed open heart surgery to replace a valve. With her bold faith Mia told the doctor "I'm going back to Mexico for 6 months and I will call you if I need you!" On the way home she prayed "God I need You to show me what to do."  Mia tells that she heard a voice say 'chelation'. Long story short she finds a clinic in Guadalajara named La Vida Sana (healthy life) and over a period of 3 months she received 12 chelation treatments. Before the cost of chelation, Mia had placed a deposit towards a trip to Israel scheduled for October 2018.  Determined and full of faith, in August 2018 Mia drives back to Baylor where she gets the good news "You do not need surgery!"  Mia also shared that during this valley she clung to Psalm 23. "He gave me new strength."  It was August 8, 2018, which was the deadline to make the final payment for the Israel tour.  She was driving back from Texas and praying "Lord if it is Your will that I go to Israel, then You have got to find a way for me to go." Mia was hungry, broke and exhausted when she climbed into bed. The next day she gets a call from Priscilla. "A lovely couple here in Ajijic have paid the balance owed on your trip to Israel." With tears in her eyes Mia shared "God had demonstrated His faithfulness so many times in my life. When I got that call I just sat there shaking, totally overcome by His love!" Over her lifetime, this beautiful lady has generously given through her gift of teaching. Mia has lived this promise "For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give-large or small- will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38 - This Jewel will walk with Jesus in Israel!

Helping Leagues of Women

Preserve the art and the culture of hard working women

There are many women's groups that aim high to improve the lives of others by raising awareness and providing relief and emotional support. In the USA and in MEXICO we have the Red Cross, but the Red Cross in Mexico is limited as there is no government support. As an example the first Junior_League was founded in 1901 by a daughter of a railroad executive who was inspired by a lecture about the work of social reformers. Today, there are currently 293 Junior Leagues in Canada, the United States, Mexico and the United Kingdom. According to the Association of Junior Leagues International, they exist as an organization of women committed to developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. It's purpose is exclusively educational and

The Red Hat Society has grown into an international group of women who have contributed greatly by simply gathering together to have FUN while supporting one another through good times, and bad.  Women of great Value enjoy having FUN as they lift up others by their examples of compassion. At the Autumn Feria, we have the distinct opportunity to fellowship among all females, while wearing the colors and artistry of Mexico.  Let us teach by example, let us come together for the good and worthy purpose of celebrating creativity. Let us intentionally promote the efforts and talents of one another so that we can effectively make a unforgettable splash in our community. There are vendors who are now artfully designing hair ornamentations and necklaces with matching earrings that include an image of Frida.  Let those who are inspired to share their courageous story on this blog also support our local artisans that are on board with the values and the guidelines posted on this blog. There is JOY to be obtained as we voluntarily rejoice in the success of one another!  Let us support one another in lieu of compete with one another. The Feria is held the first weekend of November each year at the Chapala Yacht club. Come and be prepared to shop for cultural treasures. Heavenly Father we praise You and glorify You with the voice and talents the Holy Spirit assigned. 🙌 Your ways are not our ways, and Your plans for Your Church are far superior than what man can imagine our control. We are Your Humble Chosen, and we invite the Holy Spirit to open our ears that we be in tune with every

prompt.

We welcome He who abides in us to do a mighty work, a supernatural change in all those who seek God. Pour out Your wisdom, a fresh anointing, that satisfies our hunger to know You more intimately.  Holy Spirit shake the church to awaken us to see the good You are doing in our midst. Open our eyes to see Your marvelous works. We are His beloved, His peacemakers. Holy Spirit help us forgive ourselves and return to our Father's calling.  Unite us as His righteous army with our eyes focused on Jesus. Thank You Father for all the ministering angels, for the Holy Spirit, for Your mercies, grace and ongoing plans for us. We welcome You Holy Spirit, speak Your truth to us all. AMEN

Ruthie Castaneda

We all meet people along our journey that make an impact, a beneficial difference for life. As God would have it, Ruthie Castaneda moved next door to me in 2012. Immediately we were connected by a live stream recognition as purposed by the Holy Spirit for His double blessing. Before we were knit together in our mother's womb, our Father had His plans for us. "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb." Psalm 139:13 NLT Ruthie's daughter Alexia was six years old when we first met. Her grandmother Eva had recently joined Jesus so Ruthie asked permission if Alexia could call me Abuela. God knows our needs and He fills everything in His supernatural, wonderful way. Ruthie loves to travel to Mexico with her two kids so that they may maintain their rich heritage. This post is to highlight the legacy of Ruthie and her beloved mother Evangelina Zapien who was born in Tijuana, Baja. Our Father comforts us "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy" Psalm 126:5 and for sure and certain "A person finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word." Proverbs 15:23

Ruthie was born in Fresno, California on July 4, 1983 to Vincente Mancha from Piedra Negras, Coahuila and his wife Evangelina AKA Eva. Ruthie had five siblings; Elizabeth, Silvia, Jesus, Ignacio, and Berta. In 1988 when Eva was pregnant with Berta, after being viciously beaten by her husband and slashed with a machete, Eva secretly extracted her six kids away from potential harm. They traveled by bus to Stockton, California. At the age of 5, Ruthie and her siblings landed in a shelter where they welcomed the message of hope from an Evangelist from Temple La Hermosa, a Spanish Pentecostal Church in downtown Stockton. "Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3 After a time the Mancha family moved to Lodi where they met the Jimenez family of six. These two Mexican families bonded for life and to this day, Ruthie credits Josefina Jimenez for helping Eva raise her traumatized tribe of six.  

Ruthie explained that her family was in a constant state of change as they moved from apartment to apartment. Eva earned income by cleaning houses and taking care of kids while Josefina worked. "There was an abundance of love and little money, but we were always comforted and made to feel safe and secure." Ruthie attended three different High Schools; Fremont, Franklin and Edison. She went on to complete her general education at Delta College and at the age of 20 she got married. Her daughter Alexia was born on August 2, 2005 in Long Beach. In March of 2008 because Madre Eva had become critically ill, the Castaneda family moved back to Stockton. Eva died at age of 56 but before she joined Jesus she bravely gathered her kids to give them specific instructions. Momma told her kids "I am not afraid because I know where I am going". Eva was adamant that her kids did not cry but sing, praise God, and wear RED! 'Let the Godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's Presence. Let them be filled with joy." Psalm 68:3 Obediently, from her deathbed, Eva called her ex husband and said "I forgive you". Our Father said "But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:15 / Luke 11:4  The Pastor of Temple La Hermosa led Eva's Celebration of Life as the family sang El Alfarero (The Potter).

Ruthie listened and wept as she translated the Spanish version into English remembering that this was her mother's favorite song. LYRICS: Take my life, reshape it. One day I was praying and I told my God - You are the Potter and I am the clay, mold my life to Your liking....do what You want, make me a new person. He told me I don't like who you have become, so I will take you apart. I will transform the lump of clay into a new useful pot. But in the process, I will make you cry - because I must pass you through the fire. I want you to smile when all things go bad. I want you to praise Me instead of complaining. I want you to trust Me during every trial. I want you to learn to forgive."

 Have you asked God to take your life as it is and reshape it? Do you set your own goals, go your own way, then pray for God's blessing on your activities? Or maybe you humbly admit that you have left God out of your life altogether? We delude ourselves if we think that our way is superior to God's Word, Will and Way. Each of us has a distinct, spiritual identity that is part of our Father's divine plan. Everyone was born with a particular mission and purpose to serve God. This mission, if you choose to accept it --- includes embodying the qualities of God - and reflecting His nature. Our individual divine purpose requires a willingness to surrender to God. Our own preferred plans or personal ambitions are cancelled so that He can fulfill His purpose through us. Our desire to be respected, liked, well-known, promoted, or to be well-off are all part of our grandiose selfish nature. Finding our spiritual identity involves striving to be rid of undesirable character traits, and sacrificing any view of who we are that is not in accord with God's expressed word for us. As much as I appreciate the content of many cultures, be reminded that real wisdom only comes from the Holy Spirit. God’s Word must be the beginning and the end of the standard by which we conduct our lives in this world. For eternity sake, silence the voices of the world, be still, be certain, be assured that the Word of God is Truth. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

Ruthie shared that she once attended church on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. She sang in the church choir with her good friend Carolina. On July 7, 2022 Ruthie revisited her mother's faith and her own. Life is a song, and it is our glorious opportunity to sing praises to God for all His plans. Ruthie and I talked about Jason and how God allowed me to sing as I remembered my son. Saved souls are connected, the Holy Spirit is the thread that holds us together for eternity and for the grand reunion with those that have gone before us. From the lips of God "Like clay in the hand of the Potter, so are you in My hand" Jeremiah 18 Our Father warns us to NOT do evil in His sight and to obey His every word. The world we live in divides us by race, culture, accomplishments, denomination, religion and language. God unites us by His Spirit and calls us His, a child of God. 

Ruthie cherishes all the days of her life and fondly remembers receiving trophies at church for learning Scriptures. In 2010 she graduated from the University of the Pacific with a BA in Sociology with a minor in gender studies and humanities. In 2012 she bought the house in which she currently lives with her two kids Alexia and Evan. Ruthie worked as a Special Ed Assistant for six years and in 2018 she returned to UOP to obtain her teaching credential. In 2021 she graduated with a Masters in Teaching along with a credential for: Multiple Subjects, Mild to Mod, and Mod to Severe. On her summer break 2022 Ruthie traveled to Mexico to reconnect with the woman who God arranged to live next door. Ruthie knew my son Jason and we spoke about how God used LifeSong Church to change his heart and eternal destiny. God willing, may we reunite again before Jesus returns.

God bless us all with a vision of His glory to come. Matthew 16:27 "For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what they have done." AMEN Isaiah 6:3 "I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of His robe filled the temple...and they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” Almighty God of Heaven and of Earth, there is no one like You. Thank You for choosing me, anointing me, giving me hope for a forever future with You. Thank You for the Scriptures, for the scribes who devoted their lives to copying the writings. Thank You for those who canonized and printed the Bible and for those who distributed it. Thank You for those Christians You led me to and for the Holy Spirit who interprets Scripture and leads me in the right way. Thank You that I have instant access to Thy Word at any time. There is no lack of availability to Your holy Presence. I pray for increased faith in the Truth as You reveal Your plan for me in the Holy Scriptures. The Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum are filled with scientific evidence that validates every living Word in the Holy Bible. According to Your good and perfect will, we shall continue to praise You with our whole being because YOU alone are worthy of praise. Ruthie went home with a Spanish/English Bible and a copy of Behind the Curtain to share with her kids. A recent Word from LifeSong Church in Stockton where my son was baptized. The sermon accentuates the freedom we have to be on fire about God as we share our passion. 

Lawrene Della Simpson

Lawrene Della Simpson is a vivacious woman of faith whose gentleness is evident to all!  She was born in Hinsdale, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.  Lawrene was only 5 years old when her mother Irene suddenly died. She and her dad then moved in with his mom, her precious grandmother Della. Lawrene emphasized the great value of watching her grandma read the bible every day.  She also noted that God somehow multiplied the cash that her widowed grandma stuffed into her bible! "Her limited widow's income just seemed to stretch. There was always enough money for special treats!" Soon Lawrene will be celebrating 34 years of marriage to Vern.  In her words "Feeling responsible to care for my grandmother, I did not move out of her house until I was 27 years young!  Living on my own,  I kinda kept Jesus a secret with my friends, and for a time I chose to not attend church as I ignored any tugs of the Holy Spirit. I can say that even though I walked away from God, He never left me".  In 1983 Lawrene moved to Minnesota and took a job as a clerk for the railroad. Because of her awesome skills, she retired in 2009 as a Manager.   In 1984 she graduated from the Metropolitan State University, in St Paul and she met a wonderful Navy man named Vern. When Vern recognized her value, he proposed and she was thrilled to say YES!   As a newly married couple, Vern and his bride lived in the world, but Lawrene felt an emptiness.  As she was taken in and raised with such love by her grandma Della, Lawrene yearned for a family of her own. She decided to find a church in which she might raise a few kids. Vern and Lawrene agreed to adopt kids from South Korea. They chose their daughter Kimberlyn in 1989 when she was just seven months old. Then they chose Joseph in 1992 when he was only 3 years old.  "Being Asian and living in America as adopted kids brought on a few abuses." Her daughter endured a horrific attack which took a great amount of obedience on Lawrene's part to forgive the abuser! This incredible Woman of Value absolutely sparkled as she remembered returning to Korea to hopefully locate the biological families of her two kids. She was concerned "on their behalf" for them to know their roots.  With her eyes dripping tears, in her words, "My greatest achievement has been that both of my kids know who Jesus is!"  She is affectionately called Mama "D" by those who know her.

Lawrene personally gave her life to Jesus at the tender, sweet age of nine. She was baptized at the Brookfield Baptist Church in Illinois while living with her beloved Grandma Della. She has experienced life without God, and she trusts that her kids will come to appreciate the difference, in their own way, in their own time.   When asked about a trial that Jesus carried her through, Lawrene courageously admitted that in 1999 she was invited to a BSF study of the book of Matthew while living in Minnesota. God touched her broken heart and she wept as she studied the ways of God in marriage. While living in Minnesota, Lawrene was faithful to her BSF group for 16 years. During her first study of Matthew, she was separated from her husband for 3 weeks. As a result of reading the Bible, and some Christian counseling, God restored their marriage. There certainly is VICTORY in JESUS - Amen and Hallelujah!!!  Another recent time when Lawrene held tightly to the Author and Protector of her soul, was shortly after she retired in 2009.  As she presented her prayers to the Mercy seat, with much thanksgiving for the miraculous healing

power in the name of Jesus,  God comforted the Simpson family as Vern fought and received a healing from his Cancer. On the lighter side, Lawrene beams a big smile as she is a huge Chicago and Cubs Fan! "I love Lake Michigan, the museums, the food and natural beauty of Chicago. I also love old timey hymns! Lyrics often move me to tears!"  Lawrene joins a flock of snowbirds annually as she lands at Lake Chapala. She returns to Chicago gleefully to reunite with family and to enjoy a Chicago Dog, a Kolache, Pork and dumplings, Sauerkraut, Red cabbage, and of course Italian Pizza.  Lawrene documented her trip to Israel in October 2019. Click this link:  Mama D's Adventure Blog  When Lawrene emerged from her precious baptism in the Jordan, she sparkled with tears

flowing. She was entirely overcome by the Holy Spirit. Lawrene overflows with the love of God, and all of us at Lakeside are deeply touched by her faith, and renewed by her delightful laughter. Twenty three Christians from Lakeside travelled together to Israel, and on March 8, 2019 twenty six Christians gathered together to bless Lawrene and Vern as they relocate back to Minnesota to be near their new grandchild. One of many verses that continues to minister to Lawrene is "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:4-7 - This praying woman was honored on International Woman's Day with a special blessing from Priscilla, Joy, Dan, Randy, Marlyn, Eddie, Betty, Linda, Ken, Donna, Ray, Mia, Terry, ChaCha, Mindy, Bill, Chuck, Zoe, Mike, Barb, John, Cathy, Frances, Luis, Deena. 

Deena from Dallas

Deena Murdock has lived at Lakeside since 2010 and she has been very active in various community activities.  She lived and worked in Dallas as a substitute teacher at Trinity Christian School.  Deena grew up on a farm and was an avid horse riding Texas lady who also loves fishing, and snorkeling.  She is inspired by the beauty of nature and she brings that inspiration into the colorful creations of her jewelry design. Deena is a beloved great grandma affectionately called Dee Dee or Grandmother.  She was busy leading bible studies in Texas and since living at Lakeside, she has shared her lovely voice in the choir for years and currently attends The Lord's Church in San Antonio.  Deena is a vibrant, victorious woman who has defeated cancer.  She has been widowed and now lives as an active, blessed by God divorcee since 2011.  Her bunko enthusiasm is also shared by many women who are uplifted by her joyful personality.  Deena is incredibly proud of her precious

children and grands. Her son Kyle is a pastor, a pilot and a geologist in Tennessee, and her daughter Tiffany lives in Dallas as a wonderfully busy mother of two children. Deena has presented her jewelry at several special events and she invites you to visit her home based design center and perhaps bring a piece that needs repair, or simply privately browse her vast number of rare jewelry designs.  Her studio is located in Riberas near Mom's Cafe.  Give her a call, visit her studio and bring that special outfit that needs a little bling. Call Deena for a personal appointment at 376-106-0842

Terry Crockett Esquivel

Terry was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala in 1958. She has three sisters and one brother all born in various locations throughout Latin America and the USA.  Their dad was a diplomat in the US Foreign Service and served specifically in Latin America. Terry is an experienced expat who cherishes all that she learned from her dad. She recalls that her dad would destress in nature and that the family would take off in a 4 wheel drive through the rain forest. "On one escapade, dad drove past these enormous trees and stopped at a narrow wooden bridge that crossed over a very deep ravine. Dad tested the bridge for safety by  jumping up and down on it, then we crossed!"  Terry and her sister have almost completed the publishing of their father's memoir. As a result of his different assignments, over the years, the family lived in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and the USA. From age 6-8 Terry lived in Costa Rica, and also in Nicaragua for 10 years. "The family never discussed religion, but our mother and father taught us to always tell the truth, to be kind and other Biblical basics.  We did have a bible in the house."  During an RV trip across the Southwest when Terry was eleven years old she remembers being involved in the decision as to where the family would land after their dad retired. "I voted we move back to Nicaragua because it was lovely and I had horses. It was a peaceful country and safe at the time." When the family returned to Nicaragua her dad purchased and cultivated land for a cattle ranch."

A major turning point occurred when Terry was 14 years old. After a series of earthquakes that destroyed the city of Managua where the family was living, she recounts "We had 48 hours to pack up what we could to move to San Juan del Sur." From the age of 14-18 we lived in the remote town of Rivas.  Because of the devastation of the earth quake Terry missed one year of school. At the age of 17, during the 2 years that Terry attended high school in San Antonio, Texas her mom died of complications during her treatment for cancer. After many bad decisions and poor choices, at the age of 18 Terry had met and married a man that her dad did not approve of. It was very painful for Terry to be cut off from her dad. At the age of 20 she gave birth to her son Jonathan in Panama City, Panama. Times were rough and Terry was taught how to bake cakes and sell them for 25 cents each.  Terry was living off the grace of a God that she did not know...yet. The room in which she lived as an expectant mom was adjacent to a Christian Church. "There was not enough money to pay the rent and when the landlord came by to collect, out of her compassion she allowed me to stay.  It was comforting to hear people singing through our thin adjoining walls." Long story shortened, the first time Terry entered that church

and heard the Gospel "I felt a physical Presence.  I went forward and I was overtaken. The congregation surrounded me, laid hands on me and audibly prayed over me. My eyes were opened and I thought 'what am I doing here?' Terry ended up calling her uncle Jack who agreed to advance her the annual portion of a small inheritance. It was exactly the amount needed to purchase tickets to San Diego.  Jonathan was 7 months old when she landed back in the USA with $100 dollars and a suitcase. In 1980, her first job was scooping ice cream at Savon Drugs for minimum wage.  Her manager was Gene, the man she eventually ended up marrying. Once Terry decided to take charge of her life, her dad resumed his full support and helped his daughter make a budget to live on food stamps while honestly reporting every cent of help from dad. While living on food stamps, and working at Savon, her dad paid the tuition to attend a Trade School. Persistent in her quest to improve her living conditions, Terry eventually got her Master's degree.  In 1987 she married Gene. Forming a family together with their combined children, Jonathan and Duana, they have now enjoyed 31 years together.   In their first year of marriage they also bought their first home in Lemon Grove. Within a few years they both began attending the Christian Church of Lemon Grove. They both worked in corporate America with increasing responsibility and pressure that would eventually threaten their health and happiness.

In 2010 they decided to retire early.  It took 5 years to execute their plan. In 2014 they visited Ajijic and in 2015 they sold their house and gave away most of its contents. "I had underestimated the work effort and sheer determination required to move from 2500 sq ft into 1058 sq ft then eventually into the 340 sq ft of a motorhome. With great excitement we drove to Miami and along the way the RV life gave way to a costly reality of repairs etc. Homesick, they sold the RV and moved to Modesto, California. They planned their relocation to Mexico, and in January 2018 they drove across the border and settled in San Antonio Tlayacapan. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11  Over the years Terry and Gene have held bible studies in their homes and while at Lakeside they have contributed greatly in their community. Terry has taught a group of Expats to sing Spanish praise songs.  After a fabulous career, Terry retired well out of a managers position. We are blessed to have her as a "Temporary Resident" in Mexico. Among her many wonderful gifts, the one I admire the most is how she swiftly engages everyone she meets with a genuine love that flows through her from above.  What perseverance and faith it took to be such a victorious "overcomer".  This Woman of Value is a tremendous asset to wherever God may take her!

Heidi Lane

Heidi Lane is a thrilling newcomer to Lakeside. God has shown much to this fearless flower as she faced many things while travelling in various different countries on assignment!  “Blessed are the pure in heart.” Matthew 5:8.  This short summary gives the reader only a glimpse into the life of Heidi and her fascinating career in the competitive world of fashion. Most importantly, we get a deep peek into the heart of an innocent woman blindsided by deception. Heidi was born in 1954 in the small town of St Petersburg, Florida. Her dad John was a violinist who worked as a salesman when he left the military. Her mother Carole founded a dance studio in Wisconsin where little Heidi learned to dance and to perform. Heidi and her mom attended an Episcopalian church while dad claimed he found God in nature.  When Heidi was 19 years old she courageously moved to New York to pursue her acting and modeling career. Her only sibling, Marita also moved to New York and while Heidi moved into Saint Catherine’s Residence for girls in New York City, Marita moved into the dark world of drugs and she died of an overdose of heroine at the age of 26. God’s hand was on Heidi as she pursued her dream career path. While many young hopefuls spend years to get hired in the world of modeling, Heidi was immediately contracted to be a model for JC Penny and Montgomery Ward catalogs. She was a runway model of fashion in Europe with shoots in Milan, Rome, Tokyo, and Paris. Modeling for Armani and other well known designers, she was featured in TV Commercials and in People magazine.  At the age of 29 Heidi got behind the camera and learned all she could about photography. For five years she owned and operated “Studio Elle”,  a training center in Sarasota, Florida  for models. While she was encouraging young models with her extensive experience,  she spent a lot of time in Miami shooting for various agencies. While in Miami she met Gustavo Menendez, an aspiring musician. After dating for 5 years,  at the age of 40, they were married in 1994. Gustavo was from Argentina and he traveled within Heidi's "Who’s Who" circle.

In 2013, while Heidi was on a business trip to London and Paris, she got a call that her dad died of a sudden heart attack. This news brought Heidi back home to comfort her mother. Looking back Heidi admits that Gustavo had zero interest in God, therefore there were lonely dark days, as they never had anything more than a physical connection.  Heidi and Gustavo purchased and fully remodeled their home in Miami Shores.  Gustavo traveled on location with Heidi to Fiji, Hawaii, and the Bahamas while their home was being remodeled. He met Ellen, the President of Warner Chapelle Publishing in Miami and got hired in 2014.  Soon after he landed a solid job in the music industry, in 2014 Gustavo told Heidi that he could no longer be married to her because he had fallen in love with a younger model from Argentina.  Heidi was devastated as the truth about her husband’s infidelity sunk in. Heidi attended bible studies in Florida and she wrote several soul fortifying scriptures in the back of her Bible. “You are more than a conqueror, victory is in store for the upright, be relentless in the pursuit of God’s promises, God will restore what has been stolen, the Lord’s purpose will prevail, God is faithful.” A picture of Heidi's worn "Jesus is Calling Bible" demonstrates her desire to know Jesus and become more like Him. While reading  Philippians 4:8-13 God has renewed her faith in Him, and in His ways. She soon realized the Truth. There had always been an emptiness in her that no amount of fame, fortune or man could fill. When Gustavo left her to process his shocking choice, Heidi stepped outside and looked up. Just then a plane was painting this message across the sky “JESUS LOVES YOU”. Heidi’s heart embraced this as a sign from God.  She was forced to sell their home in Miami, and their cottage in Mount Dora, Florida. After the hard task of liquidating all her assets, in 2015, Heidi and her mom decided to live together. They purchased a condo in Bradenton, Florida and they chose to travel and see what new country they might live in.  These two brave women investigated

Ecuador, Bali, Portugal, Guatemala, and finally Nicaragua as potential home countries. Just as the government of Nicaragua began to crumble, Heidi and Carol wisely chose to check out Mexico and ended up in Puerto Vallarta in 2018. “They worshiped idols, though the Lord had said, “You shall not do this.” 2 Kings 17:12 Within the world of fashion and Hollywood it is easy to get caught up in idol worship. Heidi was quick to share how “Christ in me, is His hope for glory.” Remembering the day that she was baptized in the pool of her pastor in Puerto Vallarta in August 2018.  “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6 Like we all are, Heidi is being changed into the image of Christ. Surrendering all of who she ever has been, she emerged a new creation in Christ. The resume of Heidi includes writing a script for a T.V pilot called   “Away We Grow” and like a prophecy being fulfilled, Heidi is away from a life of glamor, living at Lakeside and willing to grow “in Christ”.   “The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or ever heard, but must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller.  Heidi was written up in People Magazine for her “Crazi Net”. A fashion bag filled with ways that caused women to get creative in their fashion.  Macy’s department store in San Francisco hired her to design windows and she was also featured in Seventeen and in fashion spreads for Mademoiselle Magazines. Her face also graced Italian and Vogue catalogs. Heidi’s joy

has lit up many prints, and T.V. commercials. Today Heidi lives in Chapala with her precious performing pooch “LuLu Ball”.  Heidi is no longer acting or performing, she has placed Jesus on the throne of her heart and it is her desire to bring Him glory. She has been wired by God to encourage others and she does this very well!   With a brief introduction at a purse party, I was led to have Heidi use her talent and take a publicity shot needed for one of my projects. Since she joined Abundant Life Church at Lakeside her photos have been featured in the local OJO Magazine and several families have contracted her for reunions, anniversaries and weddings. This extraordinary woman has the talent to make everyone smile, even our fur babies! Do not hesitate to contact her by email for an appointment for a personal photo shoot. EMAIL: lanehp7@gmail.com