Paula Estela Morales Aldana - MY MOM!

Today mark's the one year anniversary of her passing. Oh how I miss her! I spent some quiet time at the cemetary this week and my heart is still so broken. I still hear her voice....I can feel her soft cheek on my lips. Here are the words of my lovely daughter as she eulogized her a year ago:



On February 16th, 1929 a star came into the world.

It was not an ordinary star. Perhaps it did not shine as bright as others; perhaps this star was not as glorious; but from the moment she took her first breath to her last, this star was constant, steadfast, and faithful.

In 1945, at the age of 16, Paula Estella Morales married Rev. Jaime Aldana in Guatemala City, Guatemala and thus, she began her life as the wife of a minister and evangelist. From the beginning she was called to be the star that would encourage, direct and strengthen her husband and future family.

Jaime and Estella Aldana traveled all throughout Central America spreading the good news of Christ. Many days were filled with hardships and fear, yet her courage and strength always shone bright in the midst of turmoil. When others around them abandoned them and renounced their God, Estella stood firm in her faith and at her husband’s side as they continued on their journey.

In 1963, she sacrificed all that she knew and was familiar with and left her home for the United States. Jaime had been called to plant one of the first Spanish speaking churches in Houston, Texas and so, with her husband and children, they began a new life.

Once in the U.S, life was not easy. Though without family or friends nearby and unable to speak the language, never once did Estella’s spark falter or fade.

Many times she could have given up.
Many times she could have broken faith.
She never did.

She paid many prices and sacrificed much so that her family would learn that no matter what, she was faithful, because her God was always faithful.

So, with ten children of various ages to feed, she took stride and did all she could do for her children’s sake. For years she worked two jobs, cleaning hotel rooms and offices while still assisting her husband at their church and singing in the choir. Through the years she became a prayer warrior and every day, without fail, she unceasingly lifted up prayers for her children and grandchildren.

Time went on. Battles of life continued, but Estella still remained constant, steadfast and faithful.

When her husband suffered various strokes; when he could no longer walk or speak, she became his voice. She became his loyal star that never once left his side until he went to be with their Savior.

And she continued to shine bright for her family, a family that had grown to overflowing for she was blessed to have loved 10 children, 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

To her family she was a light source. She was radiant and bright. She helped guide them when life was dark and made clear their uncertain paths. She was a comfort, and encourager and friend.

It is because of her faithfulness to Christ that her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are also faithful to Him.

She was constant, steadfast and faithful and such beams that shone through her will continue to shine through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren to all the generations after and towards our Heavenly Father.

Written by Andrea Portilla Galdamez

She was my Star....I love you Mama!



Ruth

Why Oh Why do Women Envy?

I attended last night a fashion show at Neiman Marcus! We had lots of fun! My hubby was a great sport. After much prodding he joined me. At first he said "no", then he said "I will wait for you in the car"...then as I am sitting in the store waiting for the show to begin I called him and said "please join me, I don't want to enjoy this by myself"..... He did join me after that! So sweet! Cause you see... He knows I love fashion shows! I've been going to them most of my life....Thank God for the Galleria...cause they have them each year.

Of course, Chris was there with Leah so I wasn't really alone...but then again anytime He is not with me "I am alone"...... He is my best friend and we have lots of fun!

Anyway.....as I stood in line at first to grab my bag of goodies, I watched Women of all sizes, all colors, all nationalities and of all ages! I listened in on many conversations.....one thing we all had in common was the love of fashion.....

I watched as Women sized up every other woman that they came into contact with. By contact, I mean as she walked by..... I noticed that when a Real beautiful woman passed by...how many looked at her and took mental notes.....some smirked at her of course... it was all in the face. Have you noticed that some Women can actually Smirk without making a sound? I had a blast just watching and deciphering looks.....

As we were sitting waiting for the shoe, handbag, jewelry show to begin.....(we had great seats), the models began to arrive.... Talk about beautiful....and what fabulous legs! Some women in the crowd immediately perked up! I'm sure every women in the room was thinking WOW! Wish I looked like her.....!!! I thought "Oh to be young again"! At 49, I just wish I had that flawless face and young looking skin!

My point here is.... there were so many envious looks going on last night. Many women criti-sizing (sizing up). Why do Women do this? Its not very attractive.....Do they not realize that it shows on their faces? When I come across a beautiful women and have an opportunity to speak to her I tell her how beautiful she is....we should always compliment each other. If you notice....most women don't compliment each other. Its very rare. Women that are insecure don't compliment other women....that's the bottom line. Women that are envious tend to be moody and one day greet you and the next day ignore you.

I love Women! I have a desire in my heart to share the Love of God with all Women. I want Women to feel secure in their own skin. To feel loved no matter what. To enhance their inner beauty...to be open and honest with each other. To never be intimidated by another Woman. Let's love one another as God loves us. If you were to walk into a room full of gorgeous Women, how would you feel? What story would your face tell?

Lord, help us to not cut each other down......allow us to always encourage one another and "Show Me How To Love like You have Loved me! Amen!