RESIDENTE PERMANTE

PART A begins at the Mexican Consulate in Sacramento, or in the town that issues passports near you in the States.  You must bring BANK stamped copies of 3 months bank statements. Marriage License. Passport. Drivers License, Copy of deed, Copies of any IRA's or other investments. Mexican Consulate takes your photo, takes fingerprints and electronically dispatches to Mexico. They also issue you a 6 month visa, which is a special stamp inside your passport. Once you enter Mexico, you have 90 days to begin the application process.  CALL immigration attorney Spencer in Chapala 376-765-7553. His office is on Hidlago on the lakeside of the street, NEXT DOOR to the Lake Chapala Inn sign on Hidalgo. A fee of 5,500 pesos ($400 USA) will ensure a quick turn around. Give your passport and airline Visa to Spencer and he will complete all ever changing required forms.

IF you are NOT a pensioner with automatic monthly deposits of at least $1,500 per month, you can only file for temporary status.  IF you already own a home in Mexico, the application process for a Residente Permanente, or a Residente Temporal is faster. Applicants will now need two appointments at INM offices to finish the immigration process. Using a local attorney HELPS because they have established relationships at the INM office. One appointment is required to have your fingerprints taken, to sign papers and to deliver your (6) photos. You will need to return for a second appointment to receive your wallet GREEN colored (PR) immigration card. The day you pick up your GREEN Residente Permanente (RP) card, drop off a photocopy of your PASSPORT and a copy of FRONT and BACK of GREEN (RP) card at INM office and request a CURP card.  A curp card is necessary to obtain State of Jalisco Health Insurance at Seguro Popular.  The INM is responsible for accepting and/or rejecting visa applications from foreigners who wish to live in Mexico. Another agency, the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (Secretary of Exterior Relations or SRE, sometimes also called the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) is responsible for monitoring immigrants within its borders. Specific information about the laws can be obtained by individuals who hire attorneys to expedite the process and avoid long delays. BELOW a picture of GREEN (RP) Residente Permanente wallet sized card.  MAKE a color copy and get it laminated to carry with you.  The laminated copy is sufficient at banks etc. Keep the original at home in a safe place.  IF it gets lost or stolen, it is a huge process to get replacement.  Spencer makes this process a breeze.  Expect it to take 2 months to get GREEN card, and TWO weeks to get CURP card.

Connected as One

"Walk this way" and follow Me, into My word and be blessed by what God shall reveal unto you. LOVE is a verb! God is Love and He is active and moving. His love is the seed that He placed in us when we were conceived. His plans for us are predestined. His love for us is evident in all the miraculous beauty that surrounds us. We are His wide varietal bouquet, each person a unique flower, delicate, and beautiful to behold! We shine, we sparkle because of the Light of Jesus within. Jesus gave us the charge to go and LIGHT UP THE WORLD. We are His and He is our unlimited Source of power! Our sparkle is polished to a radiant shine as we gather together regularly to be honest, to be transparent, and love one another as we are loved. As His chosen people, comitt to remaining accountable to the following: SPARKLE AT HOME in His holy Presence. Remain in Him, as He remains in Thee. In complete UNITY embrace these truths:

1) God's Word is active
2) Salavation is by grace
3) The Diety of Jesus
4) Jesus will return
5) Resurrection reality
6) Jesus born of a virgin
7) The Holy Trinity exists

Our Father, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, as One, we call on the Name above all names, we call on Jesus, and we speak His name with reverence, for He is holy, He is God and we worship Him because He alone is worthy. As the church is His, not man's creation, not man's building, not man's monument, as His people we agree to disagree about the non-essential things that may cause His children to divide and therefore fall from His grace.

1) Method of baptism - fully immersed, sprinkled, pool, ocean
2) Kinds of worship music - songs - instruments
3) The role of a woman serving Christ in the church
4) Wearing make-up or believers dancing
5) Whether drinking a glass of wine is a sin
6) What date or time Jesus is coming back
7) What version of the Word of God should be studied

Imagine the people of Stockton, Lodi, Manteca (and beyond) coming together weekly to discuss the Holy Bible while developing new transparent friendships. Imagine people of Ajijic, Chapala and Guadalaraja being changed as a result of regular participation. As we sparkle at home, and invite others to gather in an atmosphere of beauty and worship, to partake in the living and active Word of God, let us delight in our personal Jesus and in the astounding ways He blesses us, cares for us, equips us, restores us, and uses us, individually as we tell others of what He has done in us and through us. AMEN! Let us BE REAL about our faith, our walk, and our growth in Him, by Him and for His glory. Let us come together with the same Holy Bible, in differenct communities, neighborhoods and continents ~ to be connected by the same Saviour, who loves all, redeems all, and provides for all our needs. Let us learn from the experience of other gardeners in the field of Jesus followers. This is an awesome vision! A church of Jesus Christ that outgrew a home, because He attracted so many by our Joy in Him! Our homes overflowed and so a simple midtown structure was built to provide a place for a growing number of people, all who admit a desire to share in the Joy of the Lord that we carry. The first Chapala church will be held in Unit #7 at Villa Santa Paula in 2014. Jesus gave me this vision and I trust that He will prepare me, and the way for this vision to be a reality. If you live in Jalisco, hold this vision in your prayer and know that God will spread His Message of Salvation, Restoration and Revelation in you, and in your home too. No need to wait upon Barbara, just open your doors, invite Jesus and others and He will make it happen. Women in positions of leadership at other churches, or local businesses, please join me in a prayer for preparation and provision. Let us be willing servants for our Lord Jesus longs to bless us in unimaginable ways. "I will not leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5 -- As we go through life, we are encapsulated in God's love, secured by His covenant, and guided by His Word. Notes from the sermon given by Pastor Ken at Little Chapel on Sunday February 4, 2018. The words we mumble, sing or pray do NOT sway God to act on our behalf.....the Holy Spirit thankfully intercedes for us, and His will, NOT ours is consistently done. "Living in Him" means that we are His chosen Ambassadors and we are to represent Who He is through us, the mercy, grace, love, compassion and kindness we extend...we first received from Jesus.  By taking His name, His word...we are clothed in His righteousness, and His way becomes our best response to all people, in every situation. We call ourselves Christians, NOT in vain for our gain, but with humility and gratitude for all He has done "in" us and for us. Like in marriage we become One and take His name, for His purposes and glory. AMEN

The American Legion

There is so much GOOD we can do in Mexico.  It is a wide open mission field which enables "retired" folks to stay busy doing something that builds the kingdom, while giving us peace about how we can help. There are many worthy organizations.  The Hope House is an orphange for boys. For more information click this link:  HOPE HOUSE

The American Legion post #7 is located on the corner of Morelos and Guerrero in Chapala. The Legion also raises money to assist those who are less fortunate.  Whether you are visiting Lakeside, or living at Lakeside full time, your donations of clothing and food will be distributed by the Legion in Chapala. The annual renewal fee for membership at the Legion is only 300 pesos. With that membership you get a 10% discount of food at their American cafe.  Comfort foods, a lending library and monthly events gives you ample opportunity to fellowship with folks amazing folks from around the globe.

Mexican Baseball is GREAT

Mike and I were thrilled to ride to Guad with "Zed" the man from the Lake Chapala Society in Ajijic who organized our van trip to the game.  We departed from the artistic rendering of the TRAIN WRECK in La Floresta at 9:45 am on a Sunday morning. We arrived at the fabulous Charros stadium

in time to watch the batters warm up. The 2014 season was Zed's first experience with the Charro team, and for this final Winter game in December, we were seated in the VIP section along with the family of the team members. Two van loads of rootin tootin baseball fans from all over the USA stood and cheered "Si Senor" with every base hit!  Vamanos Charros

Vamanos is another frequent shout!  Zed pointed out many items of interest along the one hour drive and he expects to get better seats with perhaps a pass through the dug out prior to the games of 2015. As a member of the Lake Chapala Society you get the benefit of discounts on the tickets as well as access to their online newsletter.  It is a wonderfull experience so check your calendar and plan on catching a few games this year and check out the bronze statue of Fernando Valenzuela.  He was a Charro before he became a Dodger!  Wear your teams hat and have FUN!!!

Mothers day 2017

Mothers Day 2012 Tower Park Cabin vacation on the delta. Remembering Jason on Mothers Day 2017.  He was so excited for our annual reunion on Mother's Day 2016, but God interrupted our plans with His.  Jason went to be with Jesus on April 20, 2016.  I miss his hugs and laughter so much.
We are growing and blooming in His time! Elton John in concert outdoors, candle in the wind! When Barb lived in Houston, Texas - My son 2008 Christmas show at Teen Challenge

Living with Aunt Sue in Acampo 2013

Jason got baptized at LifeSong in Stockton

Modesto, California playing golf, riding go-carts 2014

Grandma Maria RIP March 2016 + Jason RIP April 2016

CHAPALA Annual Tax/Fees

In Chapala, we get to PAY taxes in person, before Feb 28th each year and receive a 15 % discount.  We do NOT have to wait to get a bill in the mail, we simply bring last years receipt to City Hall to pay our Property Tax.   Pull a numbered ficha from the ticket dispenser and wait for that number to light up.  City Hall, the Simapa, and DMV offices are open from 9:00AM to 3:00 PM Mon - Fri.  The Numero de Cuenta is your account number.  The Chapala Water Bill office "Chapala Simapa" is located next to City hall.  The Chapala DMV for vehicle registration office address: Degollado 306. The DMV cashier only requires the car license plate number to access account documents. You pay in cash, pesos and receive car registration receipt and sticker for car immediately. PAY fee in January or February and get 400 peso discount.

LOVING LIFE

Driving through life with a song in my heart, a skip in my step, a reason to smile wide and a good word for those who cross my path. "Yet I will show you a more excellent way" A wise daily practice is to praise God for at least 5 things each morning. Thank you Lord for color, adventure, a variety of people, freedom, and opportunity! Keeping the Word of God my preferred Source of GOOD news, I indeed profit by remaining "in Him" as He is in me. Listening to what the spirit maybe hearing....I listen and hear giggles of the horse riding nino's, and the hum of a sweet innocent girl seeking to sell some green beans today.  When I choose to look and notice God in action, I will catch the flash of "hope in God" gleaming through the eyes of those He sends across my path. Thanksgiving is not unnoticed by God. Awakening to the ceaseless love of our Father is found in all things.

A grateful heart explodes through the lips of a person compelled from within...to speak words of appreciation. Gratitude is the highest form of thought and happiness is indeed doubled by our fascinations.  Our world needs less complaining and more proclaiming of all that is glorious! God reveals His invisible thunder, His eternal power in countless ways so that we are left naked without excuse. "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor did they give thanks to Him...so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done." Romans 1:18-28  Oh Lord, let not the

root sin of ingratitude be found in me. What is the worst sin of all? God's word seems to point to our thanklessness!  Consider Eve in the garden of Eden, she had it all, yet she resented God warning her about a particular tree, and one bite of an apple. "For although she knew God, she neither glorified Him as God, nor gave Him thanks.  Her thinking became futile, and her foolish heart was darkened. A heart full of ingatitude is wicked. A simple refusal to thank and glorify God is the real beginning of wickedness.  Many believe that wickedness is found in the

ghetto, in a drug deal, in a prostitute's heart, however, Roman's 1 gives us insight into why God gave them over to a depraved mind. "Their" thanklessness was His reason to send them into madness! Great artists and deep thinkers are riveted to the many wonders and mysteries of God and they glorify Him in their work. Abba Father, awaken the spirit of thanksgiving in me.  Give me eyes to see what You see, engage me in the highest of thinking. Forgive me for forgetting to take time to give thanks in all things. Change my heart so that I may

think of whatever is noble, or praise worthy in all place You lead me today this day. Thank You Lord for making Your will known so clearly. The living Word of God splits my heart wide open with the plain truth. Paul writes in Romans 1 "First I thank my God..." I praise You for the smallest hummingbird, the tallest tree, the purple blooms, the dark clouds, the rain, my good days and even what pain may come.  "Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth (in me) as it is in heaven"  AMEN -  then God said "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, (challenges we all face) 'GO, throw yourself in the sea,' and does NOT doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done unto him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." IF the least bit of ingratitude, bitterness, jealousy, resentment,
ill will, or animosity toward anyone TRIES to creep in and take root --- convict me so that I may choose to speak "PRAISE be to GOD" and trust that God will be glorified. To all perceived resistance, or danger I shout with immense authority "GO in the name of Jesus!"  I cast OUT the destroying power of evil, with the very holy power that God infused me with. As careful as I am to NOT drink poison or handle a rattlesnake, I am also quick to avoid harboring ingratitude, envy, jealousy, or any wrong feelings towards others.  "FINALLY, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with BLESSING, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing!" "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

A COUNTRY SPA

For many, there is nothing better for the body, mind, and spirit than to take a drive in the country to de-stress.  There is plenty of parking at the "Body Solutions Spa" in San Nicolas! On January 26, 2017 we moved to San Nicolas de Ibarra, Jalisco. Within our new small town we have met so many wonderful people. We hosted an open house and our German architect and his lovely bride Rosa Ena graced

us with their sweet attendance.  Rosa Ena had a SPA in Ajijic on Cologne before she moved to San Nicolas.  Rosa Ena speaks very good English and she gave me the best massage I have had at Lakeside. She is a marvelous masseuse and she is training a local girl to work with her to do pedicures and manicures.  She does gel and acrylic. She works out of her garden home in San Nicolas.  Take a country drive towards Mezcala and before the Country Club golf course you turn LEFT onto Ignacio Madero, the first exit into San Nicolas. (WHITE TIRE)  Call Rosa for an appointment (52) 331-240-3997 and embrace the JOY of being touched by an angel.

Hormone Therapy

Dr Juan Aceves in Ajijic is a microbiologist who speaks English.  Dr Aceves can help women who have night sweats, the inability to sleep, hair loss, mood swings and memory loss.  If a woman is low in testosterone it could be the cause of her inability to lose weight! After your first visit he will have you get a blood test to measure your testosterone and estrogen levels. I have had three pellet implants since living at Lakeside. Dr Aceves is assisted by a nurse while inserting the pellet which takes about 10 minutes in his office. Four of my friends have also raved about the improvement of their sleep and their moods.  The use of this hormone replacement therapy has been around since the late 1930's.  For years I used oral hormone pills, and I have also used the patch, however, because cancer runs in my family I stopped all forms and just suffered with insomnia and mood swings. After your initial visit, Dr Aceves will order a blood test so that he can order a customized hormone pellet that suits your symptoms.  The cost is 5,000 pesos and because of having had a complete hysterectomy, my body no longer produces any hormones so I require a pellet every 6 months and for me and my husband, IT IS WORTH every cent.  CLICK into his website: Dr Juan Aceves

Lakeside Medicare

Medicare is accepted at Lakeside Medical Group which is located on the Careterra in Riberas.  The Department of Health and Human Services – 7500 Security Blvd – Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850 sends out a Medicare health insurance booklet for USA citizens who are soon to be 65 years

old.  The Social Security Depart auto enrolls every person into Medicare Part A ( Hospital Ins) and Part B.  Part A is FREE, and Part B for a monthly premium.  In 2016 the monthly premium $121.80 for Part B will be automatically deducted from my social security check in the month that I turn age 65.  After

reading the WELCOME booklet and speaking to full time residents at Lakeside, I opted to KEEP the Medicare Card that was mailed with the welcome packet.  Supplemental care and benefits is explained on the Medicare website.  Lakeside Medical Group accepts Medicare Advantage programs. AARP offers the best Medicare Premium prices. NOTE:  Be sure and update your USA mailing address with the Social Security Administration –  California residents can make address changes on the Social Security website or mail correct address to: PO BOX 2000  Richmond, CA 94802-9902
MEDICARE PHONE: 800-633-4227 - AARP PHONE: 844-745-1355 LINK to AARP Advantage programs for your zipcode: AARP ADVANTAGE PLANS

FEATHERS

After a forest fire in a National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Sickened by the eerie sight, the ranger knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. The mother bird could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. The fire blazed and the heat had scorched her small body. The mother remained the loyal protector. She willingly died so those under the cover of her wings would live......We are under His wings. 'He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.'(Psalm 91:4) We are all loved this much! Knowing this makes a BIG difference in my life. Knowing that I am valuable to God, trusting that He goes before me, that I am covered, that I am protected, that I have nothing to fear...this is the Source of my confidence. Remember the One who loves you and walk tall, be set apart, be different because of His Word, His promises, His faithfulness and His purpose for your life. REJOICE in the decade ahead! AMEN