MARGIES BIMS

BACK TO WORK - LUKE 2:15-20***********


IF YOU'RE GOING BACK TO WORK AFTER CHRISTMAS, WHAT WILL YOU TAKE WITH YOU? A FEW GIFTS AND SOME WARM HOLIDAY MEMORIES, OR SOMETHING MORE?

I LIKE THE WAY J.B. PHILLIPS TRANSLATES LUKE 2:20- "THE SHEPHERDS WENT BACK TO WORK, GLORIFYING AND PRAISING GOD FOR EVERYTHING THAT THEY HAD HEARD AND SEEN, WHICH HAD HAPPENED JUST AS THEY HAD BEEN TOLD."

AFTER HEARING THE ANGEL'S ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE MESSIAH'S BIRTH, AFTER VSITING BETHLEHEM WHERE THEY FOUND THE BABY LYING IN THE MANGER, AFTER TELLING PEOPLE THE AMAZING THINGS THEY HAD HEARD ABOUT THIS CHILD-AFTER ALL THIS, THE SHEPHERDS WENT BACK TO THE FIELDS, THE SHEEP, AND THEIR DAILY ROUTINE.

BUT THEY RETURNED FROM THAT FIRST CHRISTMAS WITH SOMETHING NEW-HEARTS FULL OF PRAISE FOR WHAT THEY HAD EXPERIENCED. THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES WERE THE SAME, BUT THEY THEMSELVES WERE DIFFERENT-THEY HAD ENCOUNTERED CHRIST THE LORD.

HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED CHRIST THIS CHRISTMAS, PERHAPS THROUGH THE BIBLE OR A NEW APPRECIATION OF HIS COMING? WHEN SOMEONE ASKS, "HOW WAS YOUR HOLIDAY?" WHAT WILL YOU SAY? WITH JESUS IN YOUR HEART, YOU CAN GO BACK TO WORK WITH JOY AND A WORD OF WITNESS TO OTHERS-GLORIFYING AND PRAISING GOD FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE HEARD AND SEEN.

JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD IS COME!
LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING;
LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM,
AND HEAVEN AND NATURE SING.

TAKE THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS WITH YOU EVERY DAY. GOD LOVES YOU SO MUCH AND SO DO I. HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT YEAR.

HAVE A HAPPY, BLESSED DAY**********
BIBLICAL INFORMATION MINISTRIES-BIMS

Happy 20th Birthday-Savannah

Happy Birthday Honey-from Mom & Dad. You are a gift from God. You are a wonderful daughter, but you are not old enough to be twenty!!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours

Click the arrow to hear Bing Crosby's "White Christmas", for my money, the best Christmas song of all time.

End of the the Year Family and Genealogy Update:

Genealogy and Family Update: This has been an unbelievably extraordinary year for our family. Several cousins from several branches but with a common ancestor have reconnected. This year I met, Juanita De La O Gordon, of New Mexico, daughter of Juan De la O, son of Manuel De La O, who is the brother of my grandfather Santiago. Juanita and I communicate regularly. Secondly was Carol Herrington. Carol was married to the late John Garza, son of the late Emma De La O, the daughter of Manuel De La O. Our common ancestors are Rafael and Margarita (Madrid) De La O, our great grandparents . Juanita’s father Juan De La O was an accomplished musician and was recorded for an arts project for the in Library of Congress in Washington D.C.

Within a few days I heard from both Joseph Valles of Georgia, great grandson of Buenaventura De La O, a famous and prominent teacher and musician from the early days in New Mexico, and Mary De La O Kersey, of Diamond Bar, California, the great granddaughter of Buenaventura De La O. I also met her nephew Michael De La O. Buenaventura is the brother of my great grandfather Rafael De La O, father of Santiago and Manuel De La O.

The oddest and yet a very personal reconnection was meeting (online) my cousin Randy James De La O. We thought it was cool that we both had the same first, middle and last names, but when we found out that we shared the same birthday as well, it became somewhat eerie. I was born May 8, 1954, he was born may 8, 1979, twenty five years later. I halfway expected Rod Serling of The Twilight Zone to be looking over my shoulder. Randy’s great great grandfather is Manuel De La O. Pablo De La O is Manuel’s son, Arturo De La O is his grandson, Richard is his great grandson and Randy’s father.

Last but not least was an email from Hugh Rowlett Jr. Hugh is the son of Delia De La O, my father’s oldest sister. I never knew my aunt Delia, who lived in on a farm in Tennessee and passed away years ago. You can imagine my surprise and joy to hear from him. I hope to continue to communicate with him.

I mentioned in an earlier post on this site, that Jeri and I, had met Mary Kersey and her husband Dave, a great guy by the way, as well as Michael De La O, Mary’s nephew. We were also invited on Saturday December 15th to the grand opening of their son Robert’s new dance studio in Woodland Hills, California. It was a great night. Their daughter Cari and her husband Juan, recently won a national Salsa championship in Puerto Rico, and gave a great performance at the studio. We were honored to share the night with them.

Jeri and I also met Carol Herrington at the Whittier Area Genealogy Society and had lunch with her and had a chance to get to know her. She is a very nice person and we hope to see her again.

Also, a very probable solution to the mystery as to how my father came to be born in Albuquerque, when he and his family were from southern New Mexico. The majority of the family history takes place in Las Cruces, in Dona Ana County. According to Juanita, Alejo De La O (Santiago’s brother) and his wife Aurora owned rental property in Albuquerque. Manuel De La O (Juanita’s grandfather) having previously moved to Colorado, would return for the winter and stay with them. Why not Santiago and Gumesinda? Alejo and Aurora are my fathers Godparents. So it’s possible that the family would meet there during the winter months and the Christmas holiday and then return to Las Cruces. My father was born on December 16, 1923, so it is entirely possible that he was born during one of those visits.

I should add that all my cousins have been more than helpful, in fact they are light years ahead of me in their research and have been very generous with their information. My father used to say that De La O meant “of the circle”, I have no idea at this time if it’s true or not, but I do know that in this case, it’s an apt description because we have become like a circle, a family circle. As my cousin John Valles said “it is no small act of God that we have reconnected”. I consider them all a blessing.

A little closer to home, my auntie Margaret continues to bless us all with her Biblical Information Ministries (BIMS) and I want to thank her for all she does. Thank you auntie.

This month my son Andrew’s service in the Coast Guard comes to an end . Friday the 21stof this month will be his last day. His time officially ends in February but because he has accrued vacation time, he will be off until his official release date. Andrew and Anaphone have decided to continue to live in Seattle, Washington where Andrew will continue to work and further his education. We are grateful for his service and thankful that he is safe.

All the girls , Meranda, Savannah, Deedee and Lori are doing fine and are either busy raising children or working or both. All the grandchildren, Mariah, Maddie, McKayla, Sidney and Trevor, are healthy and happy, and for that Jeri and I are grateful.

My brother Dennis , his wife Teri and daughter Samantha are all in good health. My niece, (Evelyn’s daughter ) Sunshine Montes, married earlier this year and lives Florida with her husband Brian Harvey.

We continue to pray for my sister Evelyn’s emotional and physical health and are planning to visit her in Phoenix, Arizona sometime after the holidays. My mother Anita continues to be in good health. We will be spending Christmas with her.

My wife Jeri and I are ending the year on a high note and we want to wish all our family and friends, new and old a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Take care and God Bless you.

Above: Granddaughter Mariah Guardian
(center wearing stripped sweater)singing
Christmas carols at Calvary Chapel in Montebello.

Above and below: Jeri and I with granddaughters
Maddie and Mariah at Calvary Chapel Montebello

Above: At the grand opening of Robert's Dance Studios,
Jeri and I with Mary (De La O)and Dave Kersey

Above: My wife Jeri at the grand opening.

Above: Cari and Juan de Dios (Mary and Dave Kersey's daughter
and son in law, and recently returned from Puerto Rico
where they won a national salsa competition.
I apologize for the quality of the photo. Several photos that
Jeri and I took that night were too blurred for uploading and viewing.

Above: Jeri and I with Robert Melgoza, Mary and Dave Kersey's son,
and owner of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Woodland Hills, California.

Above: Sisters Sarah, Lucy, Emma and Mary De La O.
(Manuel's daughters and Juanita's aunts)

Cousin Hugh Rowlett Jr. and family. Hugh in the back and from
left to right are daughter Vanessa, wife Amanda and daughter Jessica.
This photo is in the Azores island where Hugh's wife Amanda grew up.

Above and below: My niece, Sunshine Montes Harvey
(Evelyn's Daughter)and her husband Brian Harvey

MARGIES BIMS

GOD AND HIS SALVATION***************
EPHESIANS 2:8-9


YOU'RE NOT ALONE IF YOU HAVE MIXED FEELINGS WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE EVIDENCE SURROUNDING THE LIFE OF JESUS. YOU MAY FEEL COMPELLED TO BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD, BUT YOU'RE NOT SURE OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO HIM.

IF THAT'S THE CASE, BE ASSURED OF THIS: IF YOU ACCEPT HIM, HE WILL ACCEPT YOU. IF YOU WILL RECEIVE HIS OFFER OF FORGIVENESS, SALVATION,EVERLASTING LIFE, AND ADOPTION INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD, HE WILL BECOME YOUR SAVIOR, TEACHER, AND LORD. IT'S THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL-THE GIFT BOUGHT BY GOD HIMSELF-FOR YOU.

NO ONE IS SAVED BY TRYING TO BE GOOD. WE ARE SAVED BY TRUSTING IN JESUS. THE BIBLE SAYS, "BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED THROUGH FAITH AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES; IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD, NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANYONE SHOULD BOAST"
(EPHESIANS 2:8-9)

THE ACTUAL WORDS WE SAY TO GOD TO RECEIVE THIS GIFT MAY VARY. WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT WE BELIEVE HIM ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO SAY SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THE FOLLOWING:

GOD, I KNOW I HAVE SINNED AGAINST YOU. I BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS YOUR SON, THAT HE DIED ON THE CROSS TO PAY THE PENALTY FOR MY SINS, AND THAT HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD TO PROVE IT. NOW I ACCEPT YOUR OFFER OF FULL FORGIVENESS AND ETERNAL LIFE. I ACCEPT JESUS AS YOUR GIFT FOR MY SALVATION.

"IF YOU HAVE SAID THIS PRAYER
HALLELUJAH, YOU ARE SAVED."

IF THIS IS THE HONEST EXPRESSION OF YOUR HEART, YOU HAVE ENTERED INTO A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD! YOU ARE HIS CHILD (1 JOHN 3:1-2). AND HE GIVES TO HIS CHILDREN THIS COMFORTING PROMISE: "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU" (HEBREWS 13:5)

JESUS IS BOTH THE GIFT AND THE GIVER OF EVERY GOOD GIFT. HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT TIME.

HAVE A HAPPY, BLESSED DAY************
BIBLICAL INFORMATION MINISTRIES-BIMS-

MARGIES BIMS

WE NEED GOD AND PEOPLE***************
ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12

IN 2006, WHILE PROMOTING THE FILM "ROCKY BALBOA", SYLVESTER STALLONE SURPRISED CHRISTIANS WITH WHAT HE REVEALED. HE SAID THAT HIS FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST HAD NOT ONLY INFLUENCED THE WRITING OF THE FIRST ROCKY FILM BUT THAT HIS DECISION TO CREATE THE FINAL MOVIE WAS INSPIRED BY HIS RENEWED AFFILIATION WITH CHRISTIANITY.

AS PART OF THIS TRANSFORMATION, STALLONE REALIZED THAT A POOR CHOICE HAD PREVIOUSLY GUIDED HIS LIFE-SELF RELIANCE. HE SAYS, "YOU NEED TO HAVE THE EXPERTISE AND THE GUIDANCE OF SOMEONE ELSE." STALLONE LEARNED SOMETHING THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO ACKNOWLEDGE-WE NEED GOD AND WE NEED OTHER PEOPLE.

THE BIBLE CONFIRMS OUR NEED FOR GOD AND OTHERS. DAVID EXRESSED HIS RELIANCE ON GOD THROUGH CRYING OUT TO HIM AND PLEADING WITH HIM IN PRAYER. "GIVE HEED TO THE VOICE OF MY CRY, MY KING AND MY GOD, FOR TO YOU I WILL PRAY" (PS. 5:2)

IN ECCLESIATES WE READ THAT SOLOMON ENCOURAGED A PROPER RELIANCE ON OTHERS. IN FACT, HE SAID HELPING EACH OTHER CAN STRENGTHEN US, BUT INDIVIDUALISM AND SELF-RELIANCE ARE DANGEROUS AND MAKE FOR WEAKNESS. TWO ACTING TOGETHER ARE BETTER THAN ONE SELF-RELIANT INDIVIDUAL (4:9-12). GOD GAVE US EACH OTHER, LET'S PASSIONATELY RELY ON HIS POWER AND DRAW FROM THE HELP OF OTHERS.

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP PROVIDES US
WITH ENCOURAGMENT AND LOVE;
IT WILL HELP US IN OUR JOURNEY,
TILL WE REACH OUR HOME ABOVE.

WE CAN GO A LOT FURTHER TOGETHER THAN WE CAN GO ALONE. I HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT TIME.

HAVE A HAPPY. BLESSED DAY***********
BIBLICAL INFORMATION MINISTRIES -BIMS-

The Latest From Seattle

These are the latest photos from Andrew and Anaphone, from Seattle, Washington. Andrew returned from his final overseas tour, in Japan, just before the Thanksgiving Holiday, in November 2007.

Click on any photo for a larger view

Above and below: Andrew and Anaphone

Above and below: Andrew James De La O

Above: Andrew and Julian Duran

Above: A view from the front porch

Above: A view from the street

Above and below: The USCGC Midgett returning to Seattle, Washington from Japan

Update on Andrew's Service:

Much of Andrew's time in the Coast Guard was served aboard the USCGC Mellon, a 378-foot High Endurance Cutter, stationed in Seattle, Washington. Last year when Andrew heard that the USCGC Midgett, a similar ship, was being assigned to Iraq and the Persian Gulf he requested a transfer and volunteered to go with the Midgett during it's Middle East tour of duty. Andrew was involved in several large drug busts involving heroin and cocaine. The rescue of Ecuadorean immigrants, whose ship was sinking, and several military training missions overseas. He was personally responsible for saving three lives.

Some of the other places Andrew has been to are; both the North and South Pacific, the Bering Sea, the Sea of Japan, the South China Sea, Straits of Gibraltar, the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, Suez Canal, Straits of Homuez, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Panama Canal. On his tour last year he literally circled the globe.

The countries include:; (the numers in parenthesis are the number of times visited)
Alaska- 12 Dutch Harbor 7, Kodiak 5
Japan- 3 times, Tokyo, Okinawa and Sasebo
Singapore- 2 times
Thailand- 1
Brunei- 1
Malaysia- 2
Philippines- 1
Guam- 1
Hawaii- 2
Ecuador- 8
Panama- 2, including the canal crossing
Guatemala- 1
Costa Rica- 2
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico- 1
Kamchatka, Russia- 1
Goa, India- 1
Seychelles Islands- 1
United Arab Emirates (U.A.E)- 2
Djibouti (formerly French Somalia)- 1
Salalah, Oman- 1
Jordan- 1
Crete, Greece- 1
Italy- 1 Gaeta, Rome
Rota, Spain- 1
Aruba- 1

Needless to say, but I will anyways, Jeri and I are proud of our son. We are proud that our son felt a need to serve his country. When I look at my son, his friend Julian Duran, and all the men and women that serve in every branch of the service all across the world, I know that all the criticism about the younger generation not pulling their weight or not being responsible, or having no love or respect for their country is completely false. They have proven themselves.

Andrew Salazar De La O

Today we remember our father, the late, great
Andrew Salazar De La O .
Happy Birthday Dad.
16 December 1923 - 7 May 1981

MARGIES BIMS

GOD BECAME A MAN -MATTHEW 1:18-25****

ONE WINTRY DAY A MAN WAS WALKING DOWN THE STREET AND NOTICED SOME GRAIN ON THE GROUND. A FLOCK OF SPARROWS WAS HAVING AN UNSCHEDULED FEAST. AS THE MAN TOOK A STEP TOWARD THE BIRDS, THEY BECAME UNEASY. ANOTHER STEP, AND THE NERVOUSNESS INCREASED. WHEN HE WAS ALMOST UPON THEM, THEY SUDDENLY FLEW AWAY.

FOR A FEW MOMENTS THE MAN STOOD THERE REFLECTING ON WHAT HAD HAPPENED. WHY HAD THOSE SPARROWS SCATTERED IN FLIGHT? HE HAD MEANT NO HARM, BUT THEN HE REALIZED THAT HE WAS TOO BIG.

ANOTHER QUESTION CAME TO MIND; HOW COULD HE WALK AMONG THOSE BIRDS WITHOUT FRIGHTENING THEM BY HIS SIZE? IT WOULD ONLY BE POSSIBLE IF HE WERE ABLE TO BECOME A SPARROW AND FLY DOWN AMONG THEM.

THE SPIRITUAL ANALOGY IS CLEAR. IN OLD TESTAMENT TIMES, GOD APPEARED TO PEOPLE IN VARIOUS WAYS-TO ABRAHAM THROUGH HEAVENLY MESSENGERS, TO MOSES OUT OF THE BURNING BUSH. THEY WERE AFRAID BECAUSE OF GOD'S AWESOMENESS. BUT CENTURIES LATER THE ANGEL OF THE LORD APPEARED TO SHEPHERDS AND ANNOUNCED. "THERE IS BORN TO YOU THIS DAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID A SAVIOR, WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD"
(LUKE 2:11).

YES, GOD BECAME A MAN SO THAT WE WOULD NOT BE AFRAID TO DRAW NEAR TO HIM.

WITHOUT RELUCTANCE, FLESH AND BLOOD HIS SUBSTANCE,
HE TOOK THE FORM OF MAN, REVEALED THE HIDDEN PLAN.
O GLORIOUS MYSTERY, SACRIFICE OF CALVARY,
AND NOW I KNOW THOU ARE THE GREAT "I AM."

JESUS BIRTH BROUGHT THE INFINITE GOD WITIN REACH OF FINITE MAN. THIS CHRISTMAS LET US DRAW CLOSER TO HIM.
HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT TIME.

HAVE A HAPPY, BLESSED DAY*************
BIBLICAL INFORMATION MINISTRIES -BIMS-

A Message for Uncle Andrew

This is from my granddaughter Mariah Guardian to her Uncle Andrew De La O in Seattle, Washington, where he is stationed on the USCGC Midgett.

Camping at Yosemite 1956

I ran across an interesting website dedicated to camping: Yosemite and Sierra Nevada Camping and it inspired me to post my old photos from Yosemite. All of these photos are from June 1956 with the exception of the last photo which was taken in the mid 1960's. By the way check out that website through the link I provided. It is pretty informative and if you are thinking of heading up that way, it might be helpful.

My father and I atop the El Capitan Bridge. Does it still exist?

My father Andrew and I, in what is probably the most famous view in Yosemite:
The Yosemite Valley.

My mother and I

My sister Evelyn, myself and my mother Anita.

With my mother, and I believe that is my sister just visible behind the playpen.

This photo was not taken at Yosemite.
It is either Mt. Baldy or Big Bear, California.
It has been so long, I can't remember which.
That's my younger brother Dennis and I.

MARGIES BIMS

JESUS AND THE WISE MEN TAKEN FROM THE BOOK OF MATTHEW 2:1-12****************

NOW AFTER JESUS WAS BORN IN BETHLEHEM OF JUDEA IN THE DAYS OF HEROD THE KING, BEHOLD, WISE MEN FROM THE EAST CAME TO JERUSALEM, SAYING, "WHERE IS HE WHO HAS BEEN BORN KING OF THE JEWS? FOR WE HAVE SEEN HIS STAR IN THE EAST AND HAVE COME TO WORSHIP HIM."

WHEN HEROD THE KING HEARD THIS, HE WAS TROUBLED AND ALL JERUSALEM WITH HIM. AND WHEN HE HAD GATHERED ALL THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND SCRIBES OF THE PEOPLE TOGETHER, HE INQUIRED OF THEM WHERE THE CHRIST WAS TO BE BORN. SO THEY SAID TO HIM, "IN BETHLEHEM OF JUDEA, FOR THUS IT IS WRITTEN BY THE PROPHET:

BUT YOU BETHLEHEM IN THE LAND OF JUDAH, ARE NOT THE LEAST AMONG THE RULERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL."

THEN HEROD, WHEN HE HAD SECRETLY CALLED THE WISE MEN, DETERMINED FROM THEM WHAT TIME THE STAR APPEARED. HE SENT THEM TO BETHLEHEM AND SAID, "GO AND SEARCH CAREFULLY FOR THE YOUNG CHILD, AND WHEN YOU HAVE FOUND HIM, BRING BACK WORD TO ME, THAT I MAY COME AND WORSHIP HIM ALSO.

WHEN THEY HEARD THE KING, THEY DEPARTED; AND BEHOLD, THE STAR WHICH THEY HAD SEEN IN THE EAST WENT BEFORE THEM, TILL IT CAME AND STOOD OVER WHERE THE YOUNG CHILD WAS. WHEN THEY SAW THE STAR, THEY REJOICED WITH EXCEEDINGLY GREAT JOY.

AND WHEN THEY HAD COME INTO THE HOUSE, THEY SAW THE YOUNG CHILD WITH MARY HIS MOTHER, AND FELL DOWN AND WORSHIPED HIM. AND WHEN THEY HAD OPENED THEIR TREASURES, THEY PRESENTED GIFTS TO HIM: GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, AND MYRRH.

THEN BEING DIVINELY WARNED IN A DREAM THAT THEY SHOULD NOT RETURN TO HEROD, THEY DEPARTED FOR THEIR OWN COUNTRY ANOTHER WAY.

LET'S NOT FORGET THAT CHRIST-MAS STANDS FOR JESUS. YOU HAVE JUST READ QUOTE FROM THE BIBLE. HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY NEW YEAR. LOVE TO ALL. I HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT TIME.

Remembering

It's amazing how a song can evoke memories of long ago times. I am listening to a Bing Crosby album right now and there are several songs on it that were my father's favorites, and by association, my favorites as well. I've been listening to "White Christmas", "I'll be home for Christmas", Silver Bells" and "The Christmas Song", all timeless Classics.

December can be somewhat bittersweet for our family. As we celebrate Christmas with our children and grandshildren, other family members and friends, we also remember our father. He was born in December and it was his month to shine. He loved to sing all the songs I just mentioned, he loved to hum along or whistle. He enjoyed having company during the holidays. December belonged to my father. This year, as every year, I feel my fathers presence all around me. Forgive me for being overly nostalgic but today I am remembering.

Prayer Request

An old friend of mine, Rudy Nino, is suffering from liver cancer. He is scheduled for surgery on Christmas Eve. He may or may not survive the surgery. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. God Bless you Rudy! You are in our prayers.

My cousin, Juanita De La O Gordon and I exchanged photos this past week and were surprised by the similarities of these two photos of our fathers with their brothers. Both sets of brothers are first cousins. My grandfather is Santiago De La O and Juanita's grandfather is Santiago's oldest brother Manuel De La O. I just had to post it. Both of our fathers share a family resemblance. Both are seated in the center. One photo is from New Mexico, the other in California.

Pablo, Juan and Rafael De La O (three of Manuel De La O's son's)

Gilbert, Andrew and Jimmy De La O (three of Santiago De La O's sons)

Somewhere in East Los Angeles

I never knew my grandfather Santiago, other than what I was told by my father, and from old photos. I think this is a great photo. He has his violin with him, he looks happy and the woman seems to be enjoying his company. I can imagine my grandfather playing his violin for the customers or friends. According to my father, my grandfather was a multi talented musician. The more I delve into my family's history the more I find that musical talent is the thread that runs through our family.

This photo is interesting because of what is in the background. If you look directly behind his hat, you will see an old calendar with the poker playing dogs. That photo is still making it's way around the internet today as well as pop culture posters. Then there is the old jukebox, Eastside beer and the beer signs. Everything is just so representative of it's era. Nothing I can do about the ink spot, it's been there ever since I can remember. Besides it adds character to the picture and it makes you wonder how it got there.

   

 This is written on the back of the photo: Mr. Santiago M. De La O and Mrs. Christine Olivarry, Los Angeles 22 Aug 10 - 52

MARGIES BIMS

BARREN BUT NOT BITTER-LUKE 1:5-17******

BARRENNESS, WHETHER PHYSICAL OR SPIRITUAL, CAN LEAD TO BITTERNESS IN SOME OF GOD'S PEOPLE. IT CAN DEVELOP IN THE HEART OF A DISAPPOINTED COUPLE WHO CANNOT HAVE A CHILD. IT CAN ALSO OCCUR WHEN PEOPLE SERVE GOD AND SEE NO RESULTS.

A MISSIONARY COUPLE WHO SERVED DILIGENTLY FOR MANY YEARS WITH NO VISIBLE FRUIT ASKED IN FRUSTRATION, "HAVE WE WASTED OUR LIVES?" A YOUNG PASTOR AND HIS WIFE LABORED 5 YEARS FOR A THANKLESS, UNRESPONSIVE CONGREGATION, POURING OUT THEIR LIVES ON THEIR PEOPLE. "DO THEY EVEN CARE?" THE WOMAN ASKED.

ZACHARIAS AND ELIZABETH, MENTIONED IN LUKE 1, ARE A MODEL FOR ANYONE WHO IS FACING PHYSICAL OR SPIRITUAL BARRENNESS. THE AGED COUPLE HAD AN IMPECCABLE REPUTATION, HAVING FAITHFULLY AND OBEDIENTLY SERVED THE LORD FOR MANY YEARS. THEY HAD PRAYED FOR CHILDREN, BUT NONE CAME. YET INSTEAD OF BECOMING BITTER, THEY KEPT SERVING AND OBEYING THE LORD. IN HIS TIME, GOD HONORED ZACHARIAS AND ELIZABETH WITH A SON NAMED JOHN, THE ONE WHO WOULD PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE MESSIAH (VVV.13-17).

TO AVOID DEVELOPING A BITTER SPIRIT IN YOUR LIFE, FAITHFULLY SERVE AND OBEY THE LORD IN THE PLACE WHERE HE HAS CALLED YOU. TRUST GOD TO BLESS YOU IN HIS TIME, IN HIS WAY, AND ACCORDING TO HIS PLAN.

LORD, KEEP ME FROM BEING BITTER
WHEN THINGS DON'T GO MY WAY,
AND GRANT ME YOUR GRACE AND WISDOM
TO DO YOUR WILL TODAY.

LET'S BE FAITHFUL-AND LEAVE THE RESULTS WITH GOD. HE LOVES US SO MUCH, HE DESIRES EVERYTHING FROM YOUR HEART, IN HIS OWN TIME. HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT TIME.

HAVE A HAPPY, BLESSED DAY***********
BIBLICAL INFORMATION MINISTRIES - BIMS

A Little Christmas Humor

MARGIES BIMS

WHERE'S THE BABY? ISAIAH 7:10-14********


TWO WOMEN, DRESSED IN THEIR FINEST, WERE HAVING LUNCH TOGETHER IN AN EXCLUSIVE RESTAURANT. A FRIEND SAW THEM AND CAME OVER TO THEIR TABLE TO GREET THEM. WHAT'S THE SPECIAL OCCASION?" SHE ASKED. ONE OF THE WOMEN SAID, "WE'RE HAVING A PARTY FOR THE BABY IN OUR FAMILY. HE'S 2 YEARS OLD TODAY.

"BUT WHERE IS THE BABY?" THE FRIEND ASKED. THE CHILD'S MOTHER ANSWERED, "OH, I DROPPED HIM OFF AT MY MOTHER'S HOUSE. SHE'S TAKING CARE OF HIM UNTIL THE PARTY'S OVER. IT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ANY FUN WITH HIM ALONG."

HOW RIDICULOUS-A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR A CHILD WHO WASN'T WELCOME AT HIS OWN PARTY! YET, WHEN YOU STOP TO THINK ABOUT IT, THAT'S NO MORE FOOLISH THAN GOING THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS SEASON, WITH ALL OF ITS FESTIVITIES, WITHOUT REMEMBERING THE ONE WHOSE BIRTH WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HONORING.

AND THAT'S THE WAY MANY PEOPLE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS. IN ALL THE BUSYNESS-THE PARTY-GOING, GIFT-SHOPPING, AND FAMILY GATHERINGS-THE ONE WHOSE BIRTHDAY THEY ARE COMMEMORATIING IS ALMOST COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN.

DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, IN ALL OF YOUR GOOD TIMES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LEAVE OUT THE LORD JESUS. GIVE HIM THE HONOR HE DESERVES.

AS PART OF YOUR FAMILY CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES, PLAN A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS. BAKE A CAKE, SING "HAPPY BIRTHDAY," AND ENCOURAGE FAMILY MEMBERS TO GIVE A SPECIAL GIFT TO THE SAVIOR. ALL OUR FAITH.

BEWARE OF KEEPING CHRISTMAS BUT LOSING CHRIST. LET'S GIVE HIM ALL THE GRACE. GLORY, AND THANKSGIVING HE DESERVES. HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT TIME.

HAVE A HAPPY, BLESSED DAY************
BIBLICAL INFORMATION MINISTRIES - BIMS

Warriors Creed

I did not write this but I did think it was a powerful message and something to aspire to and I wanted to share it with you.

Warriors Creed

I Am a Soldier
Author unknown


I am a soldier in the army of God.
The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.
The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, Prayer, and the Word are my weapons of Warfare.
I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity.
I will either retire in this Army or die in this Army;
but, I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out.
I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable.
If my God needs me, I am there.


I am a soldier. I am not a baby.
I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up,
pumped up, picked up, or pepped up.
I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me.


I am a soldier. I am not a wimp.
I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders,
praising His name, and building His kingdom!
No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts.
I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to.
I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around.


I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside.
I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.
When Jesus called me into this Army, I had nothing.
If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even. I will win.
My God will supply all my needs. I am more than a conqueror.
I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ.
Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me.
Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me.
Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me.
Governments cannot silence me, and hell cannot handle me!

I am a soldier.
Even death cannot destroy me.
For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield,
He will promote me to a captain.
I am a soldier, in the Army, I'm marching, claiming victory.
I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier, marching Heaven bound.





There are four kinds of soldiers:
1. Active Duty: Serving the Lord faithfully, daily, and on duty 24-7-365.
2. Reserve Status: Serving only when called upon,
or twice a year: Christmas and Easter.
3. Guard Status: Backing up the Active Duty group.
4. AWOL! Absent With Out the Lord.


Which kind are you? Be an army of one for an audience of One.

Snowing in Seattle

Andrew sent us these photos from outside his home in Seattle. The "Girls" he is referring in his message are his nieces Mariah and Maddie. Isn't this a great photo?

At Work - McDonnell Douglas and Boeing

The following photos are of aircraft I have worked on over the years at Boeing Aircraft Co. in Long Beach. It was McDonnell Douglas when I hired in, and I make this distinction on the photos of the aircrafts. The last two photos, the A-10 and the F-15 were worked at Sargent Fletcher Co. in El Monte, California 1978 prior to coming to McDonnell Douglas.

This photo was taken in mid 1979 on the DC-10 line in Long Beach, California in Building 80, Department 513.

The photo below was taken in Long beach in 1988 on the MD-80 line in Building 13, Department 509.

The C-17 Globemaster III. Still in production in Long Beach, California

Air Force KC-10 Extender. A derivative of the DC-10 built in Long Beach, California

Boeing 737

McDonnell Douglas Md-80

McDonnell Douglas DC-10

McDonnell Douglas MD-11

MD-11 Production line at McDonnell Douglas plant Long Beach, California 1990

A-10 Thunderbolt II

McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle