Posts Tagged ‘Marriage’

Love Changes Lives!

Posted: March 5, 2020 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer
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Celebrating 31 years!
I give thanks for my wife, Dawn!

Today is a special day. Dawn and I celebrate our 31st anniversary today! As Proverbs 31 says, “an excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels” (Proverbs 31:10). I do give thanks for Dawn and the wonderful journey that we have been on together. Our love for one another has grown through the good and the difficult times.

We have endured more trials than most. I was kidnapped in Mexico City and our car was stolen at gun point. Our daughter Hannah struggled with some tremendously difficult demons for close to three years. The hardest thing for us to endure was when Hannah moved to heaven. We are still dealing with that, which is hard because most don’t understand that grief doesn’t have an end point.

When I think about an excellent wife and this passage, the first two people who come to mind are Dawn and Hannah. I do give thanks for my beautiful wife, Dawn. Our love has grown over the years and she is truly my better half and far more precious than jewels.

Hannah – Our Virtuous Daughter
Our Beautiful Virtuous Daughter, Hannah

I think of Hannah as well. Hannah longed to find a man and be married before she moved to heaven. As one friend, Susanna Schuemann said at Hannah’s funeral that Hannah now is the bride to the perfect Husband.

When Hannah was younger she posted a video about the virtuous woman as described in Proverbs 31. She always wanted to be a positive influence on young women. She hoped to one day write and give encouraging talks. Now that I think about it, this is interesting, because the Lord has brought another beautiful young woman into our lives who was born on the same day as Hannah who does have a powerful ministry to young women. I believe it’s one of the ways the Lord is redeeming our pain and suffering. It’s like a kiss from our loving Father. A reminder that He loves us and that He will not leave us or forsake us. Our loving Papa, God!

Hannah’s video on the virtuous woman

Love Makes a Difference in Mexicali
The happy couples at the Valentine’s dinner

It seems appropriate on our anniversary to talk about love and how the Lord is using the theme of love in marriage to bring transformation to young couples in Mexicali.

One example of friends being touched by the love of Christ happened this past weekend in our church plant in Mexicali. Our church planters Federico and Blanca Muñoz wanted to take advantage of the month of love and friendship, the month of February. They invited some of their new friends that they’ve met over the last few months to a fun meal celebrating love and friendship. It was an event for couples with an eye towards strengthening marriages through the love of Christ.

Federico and Blanca did an excellent job organizing the event, and all the people who came had a great experience. Marriage isn’t easy, and many couples struggle to maintain their love for one another. There are so many things that mitigate against families today. Our friends need encouragement and help to grow in their marriage relationship.

Wonderful Testimonies of God’s Grace
All smiles – One of the young married couples enjoying the evening

Federico and Blanca shared that as part of the evening activities they encouraged the couples to forgive one another for past faults. The couples took advantage of the opportunity. It’s not an easy thing to admit you made a mistake and to ask someone to forgive you, but Jesus broke through!

One of the couples that came has been living together for 14 years. They expressed a desire to commit to the covenant of marriage before God! Wow! It’s heartwarming to see how the love of Christ and the good news of the gospel brings about change and transformation. It gives all of us hope!

I enjoy seeing people encounter Christ for the first time. It’s so good watching the Lord work in their hearts to bring about change. The gospel is truly good news! These gospel encounters happen frequently in the churches that we are planting. It’s one of the principle reasons we are so committed to starting new churches.

We know that Jesus makes all the difference! As the Spirit works in our lives and teaches us to love like Jesus relationships begin to change for the better.

Join Us in Prayer for Federico & Blanca and the Ministry in Mexicali
Federico & Blanco with their children, Junior, Damaris, David & Daniel (from left to right)

For many of the couples that came to the Valentine’s themed event, it was their first exposure to the gospel. It was a step in the right direction for them to see life transformation. We lift these couples up along with Federico and Blanca as they reach out to their friends. We join them in praying that they will come to Christ and grow in their faith. Lord, do continue your good work!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Breaking the Mold – The Newlyweds

Posted: June 1, 2019 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer
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The Newlyweds – Mr. & Mrs. David Anthony Diaso

The Newlyweds – David & Emily by emoorephotography

We celebrated the marriage of our son, David jr. to Emily (Tenison) Diaso this past weekend. It was an amazing experience in many ways. The Lord blessed us with many family members and friends joining us for the grand event. My dad, Ron, who is almost 84 years young flew out to celebrate with us. My mom can’t travel, because of her health, and we missed her, although I know she was praying for us from California.

It’s a miracle that Grandpa Diaso was able to join us for this wedding, and he also came out for Jonathan’s wedding last December. Two and a half years ago my dad was told that he had mesothelioma, which is cancer in the lungs caused by asbestos. The doctor at the time said that he only had six months to a year to live. We began to pray, and the Lord healed my dad, Grandpa Diaso. Thank Jesus, for giving Grandpa strength and healing him!

Thankful to have Grandpa Diaso with us to celebrate David & Emily’s wedding

Dawn’s mom, Alice, who is 81 traveled with Dawn and me for the wedding. The Lord came through in a big way regarding grandma Alice. The night before we were supposed to fly out for the wedding we had to take Alice to the emergency room, because of some health concerns related to her neck and back. We spent the whole night in the hospital and we didn’t get home until almost 3 AM. For a while Dawn and I were wondering whether Dawn’s mom would be able to fly out with us. Unfortunately, we did miss our flight, and we had to reschedule for the next day, but we finally made it to Pennsylvania and Alice is feeling better now.

Yay God!

Grandma Alice is all smiles as she’s escorted by Grant Currey and Jonathan Diaso

The Lord also blessed us with the weather. The forecast was for potential rain the afternoon of the wedding. It actually did rain just about the time we were ready to start the wedding, but it was only a short downpour. Once the storm passed through, the sun came out, as if God were smiling down upon us, and we had blue skies for a beautiful outdoor wedding.

Believe it or not I officiated the wedding, which I did for Jonathan and Hannah’s wedding as well. It was a wonderful privilege that I’ll never forget and it made the ceremony more personal.

A Wonderful Day of Celebration

It was fun to see Emily’s excitement!

One of the highlights for me of this extra special day was seeing how excited Emily was. She was literally bouncing with excitement as I performed the ceremony. She could not hold in her excitement, which was refreshing to see my son marrying someone who loves him so much. David was more composed, but I could tell he was trying to hold back the tears. This was especially true when he saw Emily for the first time walking down the aisle. It was a tender moment, and it made me feel sentimental as well.

I’m believing for and praying for a marriage and a family that will be a vibrant testimony of the love of Christ. This is my hope for both of my sons and their families. Our churches and our communities desperately need families that exhibit Christ’s love. I trust the Lord is going to raise up a generation that is going to be used to transform the world!

The Lord Has Blessed David & Jonathan and Our Family

Hannah sent this picture to me and said, “The faces we made when we realize we get to marry Diaso men ❤️”. We are truly blessed to have Hannah & Emily join our family!!!

I believe that the Lord is using the gift of Hannah and Emily to bring joy and healing to our family. While we realize that no one can ever replace our daughter, Hannah, yet our Papa is kind and he redeems our pain and our loss. That’s what our Father does he loves to bring healing to his children. He is a God of redemption.

I also wonder at times about the thin veil between heaven and earth. Our daughter, Hannah may be more involved than we realized. Those are some of the pleasant mysteries of life.

David walking Dawn down the aisle as we began the wedding ceremony

Thank you Lord for bringing Emily into our son, David’s life and for the great gift that she is to him and to our family. Thank you as well for bringing Hannah into Jonathan’s life. What a huge blessing and gift, each of these young beautiful women are to our boys and to our family. Thank you, Jesus! Hallelujah!!!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

2018 An Amazing Year!

Posted: December 31, 2018 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, Missions, Prayer
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Looking back on God’s good work

When I think back on 2018 I give thanks for all that the Lord did this last year. The highlights this year were building a new church plant in our daughter, Hannah’s memory. That was a huge event and all that went into it. I’m so thankful to the Lord for allowing us to honor Hannah’s memory in this way. Dawn and I are thankful for the pastor that is leading the church plant. Pastor Mere and his wife, Edna have become like family to us, and we’ve grown to love them.

The church in near Mexicali. Pastor Mere & Edna during the inaugural service with Pastor Daniel Nuñez who leads Ministerios Transformación.
The church is near Mexicali. Pastor Mere & Edna during the inaugural service on May 6, with Pastor Daniel Nuñez who leads Ministerios Transformación.

We love their passion to reach the lost for Christ and to see the community transformed by the gospel. Dawn and I have enjoyed getting to know them, and being able to coach and encourage them in their ministry.

Cheering on from Heaven
One of our goals for 2018 is to build a church in memory of our daughter, Hannah.
Our daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Diaso. Thankful to be able to build a church honoring her life & memory

There’s so much mystery surrounding heaven and the interaction between heaven and earth. Hebrews speaks of a cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 12.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭ESV

We believe if there is any way possible Hannah is in heaven cheering on the work of this church, and even interceding on behalf of Mere and Edna as they serve in Mexicali.

One thing we do know is that Hannah loved Mexico, and she loved the people we work with in Mexico. She was born in Mexico City, and just two weeks before she moved to heaven she told us how she’d love to live in Mexico.

Jonathan & David working hard on the church
Jonathan & David working hard helping to build the church

We miss Hannah so much, our heart aches for her, but we are thankful that our grief is not without hope. Our whole family, David jr., Jonathan, Dawn and I give thanks for all the people that gave towards this project and participated in building the church.

Dawn and I are encouraged by the progress that Pastor Mere and Edna have made as they reach out into the community. We also look forward to seeing all that the Lord has in store for them and this special church.

Celebrating Jonathan & Hannah’s Marriage
Excited for this young couple, Jonathan & Hannah as they start their lives together!
Excited for this young couple, Jonathan & Hannah as they start their lives together!

The other special highlight for us in 2018 just happened the first day of December when our son, Jonathan married Hannah Blanco. Now they are Mr. & Mrs. Jonthan Diaso. Both of them love Jesus, and they desire to serve the Lord and to be involved in ministry. They have tremendous gifts, and as they come together we know that the Lord is going to do a great work through them. We are so excited for them and cheering them on as they start their lives together.

I wrote more about their wedding and marriage in my last post.

Looking forward to 2019
Hannah & Jonathan with David & Emily
Hannah & Jonathan with David & Emily

We already know that 2019 holds something special for us as well. We know this because of God’s promises in Jeremiah 29:11 that his plans for us are for good and not for evil. We also know this, because our son David just got engaged to Emily Tenison and they are planning on getting married in May of 2019. The Lord continues to redeem and expand our family and ministry!

Thanks so much for praying for us and encouraging us through this past year. We know that we would not have been as effective or successful without a team of faithful friends standing with us. People who pray for us, encourage us and who give financially to support the ministry. Thank you, Jesus! Thank you for your goodness and that all of your promises are yes and amen in Christ!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

P.S. If you’d like to give a year-end gift you can give to the ministry online through this link:

Click to make a donation

A Momentous Event: Wedding Bells

Posted: December 13, 2018 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Prayer
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Wedding Bells for Jonathan and Hannah

Jonathan & Hannah Diaso

In my last post I mentioned two momentous events that took place on December 1. Our son, Jonathan’s wedding, uniting Jonathan to Hannah Blanco and the inauguration of the president of Mexico, Andres Manual Obrador Lopez (AMLO). Jonathan was born in Mexico so it was fitting that these two events occurred on the same day. Today I’d like to focus on the more significant event in our immediate world, our son’s marriage.

The Joy of Marriage!

Grandpa Ron Diaso, David Diaso, Dawn Diaso, Grandma Alice Moore, Hannah and Jonathan, and David Diaso, Jr.

After two years of grieving our daughter, Hannah’s move to heaven the Lord gave us a glorious event to celebrate. The Lord gifted us with another daughter named, Hannah. I believe this is not mere coincidence, but it’s part of the Lord’s redeeming work in the life of our family. I must admit it takes some getting used to seeing the name Hannah Diaso again. I do believe that Hannah is not only a gift to Jonathan, but to our whole family.

I thank the Lord for his love and graciousness to our family! Great is Thy faithfulness.

For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalms 30:5 ESV

One of the many things that excites me about Jonathan and Hannah’s marriage is that they both love Jesus and they have a desire to serve him. The Lord has gifted them, and together they make a great team that the Lord will use to see lives transformed for his glory.

After the ceremony many of our friends encouraged us and told us that it was the most enjoyable wedding they had been to, and that it was deeply spiritual. Thank you, Jesus, because we prayed for the Lord’s presence and he heard and answered our prayers. It was a great privilege for me to officiate the wedding ceremony for my son and his bride.

I must admit it was an emotional day for me, seeing my son get married and officiating the wedding. There were times during the service where I had to hold back the tears. It was a joyous and sentimental day. Right before we began the wedding ceremony Hannah called me up to where she and the other women had been getting ready and she gave me a gift. She gave me a tie clip that said, “Father of the Groom,” and she gave me a picture of Jonathan and me fishing from a few years back. Hannah wrote some beautiful words on the back the picture frame. When she gave me the gifts and I saw the picture I lost it, and I couldn’t talk for a little bit while I cried. After I gathered myself I told her how much I loved her. I think that special moment prepared me for the service!

Join us in Prayer!

David giving an awesome speech for his brother and new sister

Join us in praying for Jonathan and Hannah as they start their lives together. We are so excited for them! Hannah comes from a wonderful family and we’ve grown to love them as well. We look forward to getting to know them better.

The Lord is so good to love us and to continue to redeem and restore what was taken.

Thank you friends for cheering for my family and me. It makes it all the more special to have friends who love us and share this journey with us, both the good and the bad. Keep rooting for us, and pleading to the Heavenly Father on our behalf.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

In Praise of My Wife: A Celebration!

Posted: March 6, 2014 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Reflections & Musings
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Dave & Dawn celebrating on March 5th

Dave & Dawn celebrating on March 5th

A Celebration of 25 Years!

Dawn and I celebrated 25 years of marriage yesterday, Wednesday, March 5th. Wow! It’s hard to believe! I can still remember when my parents celebrated their 25th.

It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been good. I have to praise my wife for making my life better. She doesn’t let me settle for just taking the easy way. She desires to take the road less traveled. The Lord uses her to push me in a good way to explore places that I might otherwise be reluctant to pursue.

I Give Thanks for My Wife

My wife, Dawn on our 25th wedding anniversary

Dawn on our 25th wedding anniversary

I know that because of her I’m a better man. It maybe somewhat of a cliché to say that behind every great man, there is a great woman. Yet in my case I realize that I am who I am today in large part, because of my wife.

We’ve endured together many of life’s storms, and even when we think we’ve had enough the Lord brings more. God has used the difficulties of life, even some of the recent ones that I’ve written about to cause us to grow. The suffering and trials have been used by the Lord to mature us, and to make us more like Christ.

Our children are one of greatest testimonies of Dawn’s hard work to raise them up. We’ve done it together, but I know that a lot of the burden has fallen on her. Since we work in missions I have traveled and been gone a fair amount, but Dawn has been faithful to love on our kids.

Now that our children have become young adults, it’s so wonderful to see how they are following Christ. I love watching them grow and learn how to use the gifts and talents that the Lord has given them.

An Excellent Wife Who Can Find?

Dawn & Dawn with one of the children, Hannah

Dawn & Dawn with one of the three children, Hannah

Dawn often likes to tell other women that they are Proverbs 31 women, and that she is a Proverbs 31 wannabe.

In Proverbs 31:28, 29 it says,

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.

My kids and I do love her and we do praise her. We are forever thankful to all she has done, and continues to do for our family.

At the beginning of Proverbs 31 in verses 10 & 11 the writer asks,

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

Why did King Lemuel ask this question? I suppose it’s because it is not easy to find an excellent wife. In my ESV Bible at the start of Proverbs 31 there is a note stating that King Lemuel learned these lessons from his mom. He wants to pass theses lessons on to us.

In an earlier chapter in Proverbs Solomon pens something similar. Solomon writes,

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. —Proverbs 18:22, ESV

I recognize that I am blessed, and I give thanks to the Lord for his favor. It’s another demonstration of his love and his grace.

I give thanks for Dawn and I praise God for the good gifts that he has given to me.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org 

A Celebration: Thank You For a Good Wife and Friends!

Posted: April 5, 2013 in Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Reflections & Musings
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Dawn and Vicente after the mordida

Dawn and Vicente after the mordida – you might say they enjoyed their cake!

Surprise! That’s what our family and a friends yelled out as my wife walked into the door last night. We celebrated Dawn’s birthday with people we love here on the border. God has blessed us with a number of wonderful relationships!

One of the families that we’ve gotten close to is the Salinas family. Vicente and I go out every week to evangelize and promote our ESL class. His son, Vicente Jr. recently reached a milestone as he just turned 20. We celebrated Dawn and Vicente’s birthday together.

What a great time we enjoyed with everyone that joined us for the festivities. The festive occasion reminded me of how privileged I am to have just a good wife, and so many wonderful friends.

We love what we do here, and a lot of that has to do with the people we are ministering with. We are on a journey with Jesus, but this journey is not one of solitude. Thank you Lord that you’ve surrounded us with such a wonderful family and friends!

Our celebration was extra special, because Dawn’s parents and Jonathan were also able to be here. They joined in the festivities!

I think to of the many friends we have in other places who love us, and hold us up in prayer. The Lord is giving us some wonderful opportunities as he opens doors for us, and we are so thankful that we are not going it alone!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Celebrating a Virtuous Wife! We are on a Mission Together

Posted: March 8, 2012 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Missions, Reflections & Musings
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Our Celebratory Meal

I noticed that I have received more comments and likes on my Facebook page about the picture (upper right) I posted a from our anniversary dinner than I every have. My friends are definitely interested in what is going on with my family.

On this blog I mostly focus on our ministry, but I realize that we would not have a ministry if it was not for Dawn. So today I will write in celebration of our marriage, our relationship and the wonderful job she has done in our home.

On Monday, March 5th Dawn and I celebrated 23 years of marital bliss. Well, it hasn’t all been bliss, but it has been good. I’d be lying if I said that we’ve had the ideal marriage. Dawn and I are both strong, and we’ve fought more than I would have liked. Yet the Lord has used even our missteps. We have grown and matured as we have walked on the this journey of life, faith and mission.

I thank the Lord for my wife. I realize the success and blessings we have had are in large part due to her. Our three children all love Jesus, and have turned out well. While this is a team effort, I realize the lion’s share of the work has fallen on Dawn.

We home schooled our kids, and although I’m not sure we knew what we were doing they have excelled as they’ve advanced to college. Over the last 10 years I have traveled a lot for our ministry, and Dawn has faithfully loved and cared for our now grown children.

Dawn is more sensitive than I am to the Spirit’s leading. She has kept me from making some poor decisions. I haven’t always listened to her, but I am usually thankful when I have.

Celebrating 23 years

Celebrating 23 years!

So here’s to my wife, Dawn. I praise the Lord that He has given us the privilege to serve Him together. She stood by me in Mexico while we ministered there. Even while I was kidnapped, and held up at gunpoint she didn’t give up. When a friend heard that we were going to be serving on the border after our experiences in Mexico City they said, “Either Dave is crazy, or he loves Jesus.” I’m hoping it’s the latter, but even in our latest endeavor Dawn is all in.

Thank you, Jesus for loving me enough to give me a good and godly wife!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org