Happy Belated Memorial Day! I love Memorial Day and Labor Day. For some reason I look forward to having a Monday off... maybe I need a new job? Oh boy.
Life
My sister left on Saturday. Boohoo. I felt like my world fell apart on Saturday night. It snuck up on me and I wasn't prepared for the gut wrenching feelings of seeing her room empty and her things gone. All my life she's been there; being eight years older, she is like a second mom and my dearest friend, but now everything has changed. I'm sure it's for the better... just waiting for the "better" to reveal itself, which , of course, I know it will. But, today I am doing better. Much better.
Church
On Sunday we had our first service in our new building! If you've followed my blog for a while you'll remember that this has been a long journey... but it's over! Our building is in the heart of Southern California and it's an empty shell that is be worked on practically every minute of every day. So exciting to see it unfold.
Money
I am having my first yard sale this weekend. Very first. I have to buy a plane ticket for my sister's wedding. An expensive plane ticket. So, I am gathering everything for my first yard sale... hopefully it goes well because if it doesn't I may be hitchhiking my way across America.
Books
I am itching to read a good book! I'm even going so far as thinking, thinking, of reading a friends copy of the teeny bob book - Twi*light. Yep. I said it and I may just do it. I want to see what all the fuss is about. How can teens be so swept away with a love story that even mom's are gushing about?
Reality
You all know that I am a huge fan of the Goss*elins... I was so upset to hear the junk that's been said the past few months. I know it's TV and media, and I know I don't know them from Adam, but I really do enjoy, or enjoyed, watching this show. I loved the kids and the interaction between Ka*te, Jo*n and the kids. But it looks like it's all over. I am sad and wondering if I'll bother watching the rest of the season. Looks like it's going to be a tabloid mess.
Pictures
Last but not least, my camera is bulging with pictures that need to be uploaded. I have so many pictures to share from my weekend, bridal shower, and a new puppy (not mine)! So be on the lookout.
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thursday, January 08, 2009
God Saves
This past weekend we had a special speaker at our church, we'll call him Bro. L. He was incredibly funny and a powerful preacher.
Most of my long time blog readers know of my bible study that has serious addictions and issues. She has been struggling so much recently and I've been getting, gasp, frustrated, wondering if I was supposed to be reaching out to her or if I wasn't doing what God wanted me to do. She says she wants to come to church with me but when it comes time for church something always comes up. I've been pulling for her to come and calling and praying, but nothing seems to happen...
This past Sunday our special speaker told a story from when he was a youth and was in a car with his youth leader. A woman, thin and frail and apparently a prostitute knocked on the car window and asked for money. "My kids are dying, they haven't eaten for 3 days.", she said. The youth leader told her that he didn't want to give her money because she would abuse it. She pleaded with him to just buy food for her kids. They followed her to an alley where a cardboard box was covering 3 kids that could barely hold their heads up. They bought them food and watched as the kids hungrily ate.
They begin to tell the woman about Jesus. She said, "I've tried everything. Nothing works." She showed them her arms, they were covered and scabbed from needles. She told them she didn't want her kids taken away, she had no where else to go.
The youth leader and Bro. L gave her their church business card and told her to come.
Weeks went by, no sign of the woman. One service, Bro.L's father was preaching and the back doors flew open and in comes a woman yelling, "JESUS!" The ushers tried to sit her down but Bro. L recognized her and told his dad who she was. They led her to the front and she begin speaking in tongues as God filled her with the Holy Ghost!
She came to church with her children for a few months but then disappeared... no where to be found.
Years later Bro. L was in another country preaching and a man came up to him and said, "Bro, your the man that witnessed to my wife." The women came to him and asked him if he remembered her and he said no. She said, "I'm that women." and she pointed over to where her three kids were praising God, "and those are my kids..."
God can do incredible things in ones life! I was so overwhelmed and stung at the thought that I was feeling frustrated and about to give up. God works form the inside out. He knows the heart, when you work in His kingdom it is not in vain. I know that He will save my bible study and He's working on her.
It's all in His timing... just wait on Him.
Most of my long time blog readers know of my bible study that has serious addictions and issues. She has been struggling so much recently and I've been getting, gasp, frustrated, wondering if I was supposed to be reaching out to her or if I wasn't doing what God wanted me to do. She says she wants to come to church with me but when it comes time for church something always comes up. I've been pulling for her to come and calling and praying, but nothing seems to happen...
This past Sunday our special speaker told a story from when he was a youth and was in a car with his youth leader. A woman, thin and frail and apparently a prostitute knocked on the car window and asked for money. "My kids are dying, they haven't eaten for 3 days.", she said. The youth leader told her that he didn't want to give her money because she would abuse it. She pleaded with him to just buy food for her kids. They followed her to an alley where a cardboard box was covering 3 kids that could barely hold their heads up. They bought them food and watched as the kids hungrily ate.
They begin to tell the woman about Jesus. She said, "I've tried everything. Nothing works." She showed them her arms, they were covered and scabbed from needles. She told them she didn't want her kids taken away, she had no where else to go.
The youth leader and Bro. L gave her their church business card and told her to come.
Weeks went by, no sign of the woman. One service, Bro.L's father was preaching and the back doors flew open and in comes a woman yelling, "JESUS!" The ushers tried to sit her down but Bro. L recognized her and told his dad who she was. They led her to the front and she begin speaking in tongues as God filled her with the Holy Ghost!
She came to church with her children for a few months but then disappeared... no where to be found.
Years later Bro. L was in another country preaching and a man came up to him and said, "Bro, your the man that witnessed to my wife." The women came to him and asked him if he remembered her and he said no. She said, "I'm that women." and she pointed over to where her three kids were praising God, "and those are my kids..."
God can do incredible things in ones life! I was so overwhelmed and stung at the thought that I was feeling frustrated and about to give up. God works form the inside out. He knows the heart, when you work in His kingdom it is not in vain. I know that He will save my bible study and He's working on her.
It's all in His timing... just wait on Him.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Funny Faces Always Bring a SMILE
Phone in hand, I was sitting behind these kids in church on Sunday night.
Monday, November 10, 2008
A Weekend Rundown and Blog Headers
I've officially started my Christmas shopping! I went shopping on Friday night with my sisters and there was something for the Mom that I couldn't resist buying. I now have a plan to buy a couple of things each week prior to Christmas in order to afford the mass amount of gifts that will be purchased with my teeny tiny paycheck. Oh my.
I kinked my back a couple of weeks ago and things just got progressively worse from sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day. I got into the chiropractor on Saturday and prayed and asked everyone else to pray, dramatic, that it wouldn't be too bad. I must say, I dislike the chiropractor more than the dentist! My body is so sensitive and bruises easily, so I am guaranteed to leave with finger and elbow bruises. Sure enough, my back and bum were bruised and hurt-ing. This called for 1/2 a painkiller that I do not like taking. I end up talking so fast about nothing and wear myself out. I was drained by the time Saturday night showed up.
Sunday morning I woke up and bundled myself in front of the TV only to be startled by huge military planes flying over, very low. That always makes me a little jumpy. I spent some time at the park with my nephew on a perfect Fall day and watched as more planes flew over. Interesting...
On Sunday night, we had an unbelievable, make you feel goooood, service. I love it when God speaks directly to your situation and provides answers! If I could put words to the feeling, I would love to share, but I can't. It's just something that everyone should feel in their lifetime.
I woke up this morning with sore stomach muscles from all those sit ups I did yesterday. Okay, who am I kidding, sit ups? Me? No. A Friend of my sister and I took us out to eat after church. We chatted and laughed so much that I must have sucked in too much air! Just like a baby. Ha ha. I had hiccups for a good 20-30 minutes. Who knew hiccups could be so painful! Hence the sore stomach muscles.
::
My cousin asked me to change up her blog layout and make it more her style. This is the outcome...
You can see the rest of her blog here - Say What?!It's time for Christmas, according to me! I love changing my blog for the Christmas season. This year I wanted a classic, not cute, Christmas layout. Let me know what you think!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Coming Back
There's been a different feeling in the air these last few weeks... a feeling of preparedness. Getting ready for the fall, sending the kids back to school, getting back into a routine, no more prolonged vacations, no more beach outings, no more swims... things are changin'.
I've often felt the change in my own life when God begins to stir things up. His voice is so soft at first that I sometimes miss it. Okay, not sometimes, let's be truthful here, 95% of the time. There's just way too much noise today. Too many distractions, too many of life's loads to carry. We often go throughout our day with no ear to hear, no clear mind to comprehend, no focus to see.
My brother and his band, Down to Earth, performed this past weekend at an amusement park and they did an incredible job. He wrote this beautiful song with some help from my sister called "Coming Back". My brother is a minister, an accomplished drummer, guitar player, and singer. My sister has been writing songs for years and it seems that my brother is picking up that skill as well.
This song is anointed and ministers to me right now, the need to come back to the basics of living for God. We spend so much time trying to change the methods and improve, yet we lose the basics.
I'm sure this video will touch you as much as it's touched me. Enjoy!
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd... I Peter 2:25
I've often felt the change in my own life when God begins to stir things up. His voice is so soft at first that I sometimes miss it. Okay, not sometimes, let's be truthful here, 95% of the time. There's just way too much noise today. Too many distractions, too many of life's loads to carry. We often go throughout our day with no ear to hear, no clear mind to comprehend, no focus to see.
My brother and his band, Down to Earth, performed this past weekend at an amusement park and they did an incredible job. He wrote this beautiful song with some help from my sister called "Coming Back". My brother is a minister, an accomplished drummer, guitar player, and singer. My sister has been writing songs for years and it seems that my brother is picking up that skill as well.
This song is anointed and ministers to me right now, the need to come back to the basics of living for God. We spend so much time trying to change the methods and improve, yet we lose the basics.
I'm sure this video will touch you as much as it's touched me. Enjoy!
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd... I Peter 2:25
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Another long week...
Let me start by saying, you ARE at The Daily B. I've changed my background so many times that I've learned to accept the fact that I am a compulsive background changer. The black was depressing and that's is the last thing I needed to look at when I signed on.
For some reason, I can't seem to catch up on sleep, maybe it's due to watching the Olympics and not being able to pull myself away when the swimming is on late at night. Or it could be that I am just exhausted from life. eh, either or.
My mom started back on her shots for her tumor this morning and it just unnerves me. She is getting ready to make a decision since the shots have pretty much done all they can do which was not very much. She is supposed to see a specialist at Cedar Sinai, one of the top hospitals in the nation and home to all the overindulged celebrities. My conscious just told me to be nice. lol.
This specialist is the head of Neurosurgery and supposed to world renown. I told my sister-in-law that maybe, just maybe God was conditioning the surgeon for such a time as this. My mom is pretty special to me and that much more to God, so I can see Him doing something like this.
I will be glad when this hurdle is behind us and we can look back and say, "Mom remember when you had a tumor the size of a golf ball and God took care of everything...". Now to just tackle this little fear whispering in my ear...
::
We started Community Groups at our church and our area comes to our home. Very cool way to meet the community and to invite others that are a little hesitant about stepping into a church building. We are holding off on buying another building at this time, God's taking us into another place and of course, we follow. We are going to reach the OC one way or another, this is the right place to start, getting to know the people and showing them a side of God that maybe they never knew existed.
::
My sister did her screen test on Saturday, those of you that follow her blog will know what I'm referring to. I was asked to come along to do her makeup and hair... lol. Funny thing is I don't know anything about makeup and neither does she. So there we were in the makeup aisle at Walgreen's, looking for things that we'd seen on What Not To Wear. I told her to keep her voice down after she said, "NO! That's eyeliner!". We looked like makeup idiots. I think I did a pretty good job of giving her a camera face.
::
This weekend/week has been long so far, I'm looking forward to the weekend...
For some reason, I can't seem to catch up on sleep, maybe it's due to watching the Olympics and not being able to pull myself away when the swimming is on late at night. Or it could be that I am just exhausted from life. eh, either or.
My mom started back on her shots for her tumor this morning and it just unnerves me. She is getting ready to make a decision since the shots have pretty much done all they can do which was not very much. She is supposed to see a specialist at Cedar Sinai, one of the top hospitals in the nation and home to all the overindulged celebrities. My conscious just told me to be nice. lol.
This specialist is the head of Neurosurgery and supposed to world renown. I told my sister-in-law that maybe, just maybe God was conditioning the surgeon for such a time as this. My mom is pretty special to me and that much more to God, so I can see Him doing something like this.
I will be glad when this hurdle is behind us and we can look back and say, "Mom remember when you had a tumor the size of a golf ball and God took care of everything...". Now to just tackle this little fear whispering in my ear...
::
We started Community Groups at our church and our area comes to our home. Very cool way to meet the community and to invite others that are a little hesitant about stepping into a church building. We are holding off on buying another building at this time, God's taking us into another place and of course, we follow. We are going to reach the OC one way or another, this is the right place to start, getting to know the people and showing them a side of God that maybe they never knew existed.
::
My sister did her screen test on Saturday, those of you that follow her blog will know what I'm referring to. I was asked to come along to do her makeup and hair... lol. Funny thing is I don't know anything about makeup and neither does she. So there we were in the makeup aisle at Walgreen's, looking for things that we'd seen on What Not To Wear. I told her to keep her voice down after she said, "NO! That's eyeliner!". We looked like makeup idiots. I think I did a pretty good job of giving her a camera face.
::
This weekend/week has been long so far, I'm looking forward to the weekend...
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Memorial Day Picnic
We had our 10th Annual Memorial Day Picnic on Sunday. I spent the whole day trying to keep warm. The temperature dropped on Saturday and Sunday and the wind was blowing and the sky was covered with dark clouds.
I went on a walk with a group into the hills. I was ready to turn back when the warning signs for Mountain Lions begin to appear. Every little crack and chirp got my nerves to stand up and pay attention. I didn't want to admit how much of a chicken I was so I just made sure I was at the front and near the open spaces. Once we came around to the picnic site I was warmed up and achy.
(My nephew, Cristian)
Not long after I went with my cousin to the kiddie train that looped one side of the park. I somehow got it in my head to invite my sister-in-laws 3 year old nephew. Word spread and I found myself going with a large group.We headed off to the train, halfway there we realized it wasn't as close as we thought. We walked and walked and walked and finally reached the train.
(cutest kiddies on the train)
We got on, looped around, laughed at some poor guy on a bike that was falling in the lake, waved at strangers, made several "choo choo" sounds and then came back to take pictures with the train.On the way back we stopped to look at the ponies. One pony was... to put it nicely, exposed. We were back to ushering the kids along. No "curious little boy" questions came up, thank God.
My little charge, the mini hulk, was so sleepy so I offered my old lady back. Over long grassy areas and up hills until we were back at the picnic site.
By then, I was done. I sprawled out in my chair and bundled up. I chatted with my friends until we had to move our chairs to a hill for the outdoor service.
By then my teeth were chattering so bad that I bit my tongue. Here comes our music director, "you up for singing?" Sure. Try carrying a tune while your teeth are chattering. Not great.
Once we were on the hill and singing in the open air I begin to warm up. It was so beautiful and peaceful.
God seemed closer there. Surrounded by his creation, everyone bundled up and singing as cars passed by, stopping to see what was happening.
What a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. Today my muscles are still screaming but I wouldn't have done anything different.
-Daily B-
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Without a Doubt, I'm Disturbed
My sister sent me this article today in response to a friend sending a campaign video about Senator Obama. This article is disturbing to say the least. Do you want this man as your president? I am beyond upset and prayerful that this man does not make his way into the position as leader of this country.
I realize now that I don't care if I step on toes, I believe what I believe to be absolute truth grounded on the Bible. Not on some belief or some religion. I believe what the Bible clearly says and obviously that is not what Obama believes.
Obama: Sermon on Mount Justifies Same-Sex Unions
By Terence P. Jeffrey
CNSNews.com Editor in Chief
March 03, 2008(CNSNews.com) - Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) told a crowd at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio, Sunday that he believes the Sermon on the Mount justifies his support for legal recognition of same-sex unions. He also told the crowd that his position in favor of legalized abortion does not make him "less Christian." "I don't think it [a same-sex union] should be called marriage, but I think that it is a legal right that they should have that is recognized by the state," said Obama. "If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans." ((Hear audio from WTAP-TV)) St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans condemns homosexual acts as unnatural and sinful. Obama's mention of the Sermon on the Mount in justifying legal recognition of same-sex unions may have been a reference to the Golden Rule: "Do to others what you would have them do to you." Or it may have been a reference to another famous line: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."
"The Sermon, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, includes the Lord's Prayer, the Beatitudes, an endorsement of scriptural moral commandments ("anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven"), and condemnations of murder, divorce and adultery. It also includes a warning: "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."The passage from St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans, which Obama dismissed as "obscure," discusses people who knew God but turned against him.
"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised," wrote St. Paul. "Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."On the topic of abortion, Obama said his support for keeping it legal does not trespass on his Christian faith."I think that the bottom line is that in the end, I think women, in consultation with their pastors, and their doctors, and their family, are in a better position to make these decisions than some bureaucrat in Washington. That's my view,"
Obama said about abortion. "Again, I respect people who may disagree, but I certainly don't think it makes me less Christian. Okay."
"As your President, I will use the bully pulpit to urge states to treat same-sex couples with full equality in their family and adoption laws," Obama said in the letter. "I personally believe that civil unions represent the best way to secure that equal treatment. But I also believe that the federal government should not stand in the way of states that want to decide on their own how best to pursue equality for gay and lesbian couples--whether that means a domestic partnership, a civil union, or a civil marriage."
In Ohio on Sunday, before mentioning the Sermon on the Mount, Obama insisted he was against "gay marriage" and did not mention his support for allowing same-sex couples to adopt children and have the same "family" status as heterosexual couples."I will tell you that I don't believe in gay marriage, but I do think that people who are gay and lesbian should be treated with dignity and respect and that the state should not discriminate against them," said Obama on Sunday. "So, I believe in civil unions that allow a same-sex couple to visit each other in a hospital or transfer property to each other. I don't think it should be called marriage, but I think that it is a legal right that they should have that is recognized by the state. If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans. That's my view."
Obama also has been more aggressive in framing his pro-abortion position previously than he was on Sunday. When he was in the Illinois Senate, for example, he repeatedly opposed a bill that would have defined as a "person" a baby who had survived an induced-labor abortion and was born alive.
Yet, in Ohio on Sunday, Obama depicted abortion as a tragedy to be avoided, while being kept legal. "On the issue of abortion, that is always a tragic and painful issue," he said. "I think it is always tragic, and we should prevent it as much as possible .... But I think that the bottom line is that in the end, I think women, in consultation with their pastors, and their doctors, and their family, are in a better position to make these decisions than some bureaucrat in Washington. That's my view. Again, I respect people who may disagree, but I certainly don't think it makes me less Christian. Okay."
Before discussing his views on same-sex unions and abortion, Obama told the crowd he was a "devout Christian." "In terms of my faith, there has been so much confusion that has been deliberately perpetrated through emails and so forth, so here are the simple facts," he said. "I am a Christian. I am a devout Christian. I have been a member of the same church for 20 years, pray to Jesus every night, and try to go to church as much as I can when they are not working me. Used to go quite often."These days, we haven't been at the home church--I haven't been home on Sunday--for several months now. So, my faith is important to me. It is not something that I try to push on other people. But it is something that helps to guide my life and my values."
Who gave us the right to determine life or death? Who gave us the right to change the plan of God? Marriage, conception, life, death... God controls these, yet America is taking it into their own hands and look where it has gotten us. We are setting ourselves and our children and our children's children up for disaster.
I realize now that I don't care if I step on toes, I believe what I believe to be absolute truth grounded on the Bible. Not on some belief or some religion. I believe what the Bible clearly says and obviously that is not what Obama believes.
Obama: Sermon on Mount Justifies Same-Sex Unions
By Terence P. Jeffrey
CNSNews.com Editor in Chief
March 03, 2008(CNSNews.com) - Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) told a crowd at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio, Sunday that he believes the Sermon on the Mount justifies his support for legal recognition of same-sex unions. He also told the crowd that his position in favor of legalized abortion does not make him "less Christian." "I don't think it [a same-sex union] should be called marriage, but I think that it is a legal right that they should have that is recognized by the state," said Obama. "If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans." ((Hear audio from WTAP-TV)) St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans condemns homosexual acts as unnatural and sinful. Obama's mention of the Sermon on the Mount in justifying legal recognition of same-sex unions may have been a reference to the Golden Rule: "Do to others what you would have them do to you." Or it may have been a reference to another famous line: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."
"The Sermon, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, includes the Lord's Prayer, the Beatitudes, an endorsement of scriptural moral commandments ("anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven"), and condemnations of murder, divorce and adultery. It also includes a warning: "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."The passage from St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans, which Obama dismissed as "obscure," discusses people who knew God but turned against him.
"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised," wrote St. Paul. "Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."On the topic of abortion, Obama said his support for keeping it legal does not trespass on his Christian faith."I think that the bottom line is that in the end, I think women, in consultation with their pastors, and their doctors, and their family, are in a better position to make these decisions than some bureaucrat in Washington. That's my view,"
Obama said about abortion. "Again, I respect people who may disagree, but I certainly don't think it makes me less Christian. Okay."
"As your President, I will use the bully pulpit to urge states to treat same-sex couples with full equality in their family and adoption laws," Obama said in the letter. "I personally believe that civil unions represent the best way to secure that equal treatment. But I also believe that the federal government should not stand in the way of states that want to decide on their own how best to pursue equality for gay and lesbian couples--whether that means a domestic partnership, a civil union, or a civil marriage."
In Ohio on Sunday, before mentioning the Sermon on the Mount, Obama insisted he was against "gay marriage" and did not mention his support for allowing same-sex couples to adopt children and have the same "family" status as heterosexual couples."I will tell you that I don't believe in gay marriage, but I do think that people who are gay and lesbian should be treated with dignity and respect and that the state should not discriminate against them," said Obama on Sunday. "So, I believe in civil unions that allow a same-sex couple to visit each other in a hospital or transfer property to each other. I don't think it should be called marriage, but I think that it is a legal right that they should have that is recognized by the state. If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans. That's my view."
Obama also has been more aggressive in framing his pro-abortion position previously than he was on Sunday. When he was in the Illinois Senate, for example, he repeatedly opposed a bill that would have defined as a "person" a baby who had survived an induced-labor abortion and was born alive.
Yet, in Ohio on Sunday, Obama depicted abortion as a tragedy to be avoided, while being kept legal. "On the issue of abortion, that is always a tragic and painful issue," he said. "I think it is always tragic, and we should prevent it as much as possible .... But I think that the bottom line is that in the end, I think women, in consultation with their pastors, and their doctors, and their family, are in a better position to make these decisions than some bureaucrat in Washington. That's my view. Again, I respect people who may disagree, but I certainly don't think it makes me less Christian. Okay."
Before discussing his views on same-sex unions and abortion, Obama told the crowd he was a "devout Christian." "In terms of my faith, there has been so much confusion that has been deliberately perpetrated through emails and so forth, so here are the simple facts," he said. "I am a Christian. I am a devout Christian. I have been a member of the same church for 20 years, pray to Jesus every night, and try to go to church as much as I can when they are not working me. Used to go quite often."These days, we haven't been at the home church--I haven't been home on Sunday--for several months now. So, my faith is important to me. It is not something that I try to push on other people. But it is something that helps to guide my life and my values."
Who gave us the right to determine life or death? Who gave us the right to change the plan of God? Marriage, conception, life, death... God controls these, yet America is taking it into their own hands and look where it has gotten us. We are setting ourselves and our children and our children's children up for disaster.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Down 2 Earth aka D2E
I am going to brag for a minute or two... My brother, Peter, is in an awesome band, Down to Earth. He's always loved music and tried to get a band started more than once. I remember in high school he had a band called the Puffs. All the guys wore Afro wigs, why? I have no idea but it was popular with the girls, I guess that's what they were aiming for.
Now he has the real deal. He sings very good, sometimes it boggles my mind. He is an outstanding song writer and musician. He has been playing the drums since he was four and the acoustic guitar since he was... 20 or somewhere around there. Never professionally trained yet he has won several drum contest.
On Friday night he was in charge of the music for a crusade that we have for our local churches in Los Angeles County and Orange County. I was scared to death for him, not knowing how it was going to turn out. Our first practice, I sang with the group, was a few days before the actual event. Hearing the music and singing you would think we sang together before, but this was the first time. God had his hand on us and the band and I knew that something great was going to come of it.
Friday night rolled around and service begin with the band singing and playing first then the singers joining in. We sang, Rescue by Desperation Band, Say So and I Know Who I Am by Israel and New Breed, Blessed Be Your Name by Newsboys, and Word of God Speak by Mercy Me.
God moved in that place and touched so many people and opened the door for the preaching by Rev. Lee Stoneking. It was so awesome. The spirit of unity that was in that place was so thick. It all goes hand in hand, the prayer before service opens the door for worship, worship opens the hearts for the word of God. It was a night when everything came together.
The band will be recording for their demo this weekend, I can't wait to share the sound of their playing and singing. Keep on the lookout for D2E!
Friday, April 04, 2008
My Wonderful Random Week
It's been a really great week... If Sunday was any idea of how the week was going to be, I was ready to stay in bed and cover my head until it was over. But, it has been wonderful! Very random, but great! The one thing that would have made it better... reading. That always lifts my spirits. But then again, maybe it was such a good week because I wasn't reading... who knows.
::
This post is going to be a full of pictures today. I walked outside the Saturday before Easter and saw these poinsettias in full bloom... from Christmas! In my backyard! I don't know how it is anywhere else, but we don't see poinsettias around here until late November.
Enchanted *sigh*
I had the itch to see Enchanted (click for trailer) after my Sister and Becky said that they saw this twice already. I have now seen it twice and wouldn't mind seeing it again. Such a great movie! I loved it! Family friendly, great music, funny, and sweet.
::
Faith, Hope, and Love...
I came home late on Wednesday night, I go straight from work to the hotel where my church is temporarily at while we are in the process of buying our building, and there was a box waiting for me. I opened it, expecting Wives & Daughters DVDs that I purchased forever ago. This is what I found...
BOOKS! I had forgotten that I sent in an application to be a Judge for The Eighth Annual Faith, Hope and Love, RWA Chapter’inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest. I received four books, all signed by the authors! Best of all, I can keep them!
This is going to be very different for me, I don't usually read books like this, I tend to be drawn to the Christian Romance. We shall see...
Keep an eye open for a book giveaway this month... My bookcases are getting too full at this point.
::
No Books for two weeks...
I can pick up a book and READ on Saturday! I thought that I would be able to read today, but I calculated wrong. When I wake up on Saturday morning, Deep In The Heart of Trouble and I have a date!
::
This post is going to be a full of pictures today. I walked outside the Saturday before Easter and saw these poinsettias in full bloom... from Christmas! In my backyard! I don't know how it is anywhere else, but we don't see poinsettias around here until late November.
::
Kids and Cell Phones
On Wednesday nights I work with the kids, ages 2 - 13 at my church. Every Wednesday we have to make an announcement, "Please turn off your cell phones.". Not just for the older kids, the little kids too! Here are two of our 11 year old boys texting away before class starts. Next thing you know the toddlers will have cell phones!
Enchanted *sigh*
I had the itch to see Enchanted (click for trailer) after my Sister and Becky said that they saw this twice already. I have now seen it twice and wouldn't mind seeing it again. Such a great movie! I loved it! Family friendly, great music, funny, and sweet.
::
Faith, Hope, and Love...
I came home late on Wednesday night, I go straight from work to the hotel where my church is temporarily at while we are in the process of buying our building, and there was a box waiting for me. I opened it, expecting Wives & Daughters DVDs that I purchased forever ago. This is what I found...
BOOKS! I had forgotten that I sent in an application to be a Judge for The Eighth Annual Faith, Hope and Love, RWA Chapter’inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest. I received four books, all signed by the authors! Best of all, I can keep them!
- Summer by Karen Kingsbury
- Black Ice by Linda Hall
- The Will of Wisteria by Denise Hildreth
- The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling by Neta Jackson
This is going to be very different for me, I don't usually read books like this, I tend to be drawn to the Christian Romance. We shall see...
Keep an eye open for a book giveaway this month... My bookcases are getting too full at this point.
::
No Books for two weeks...
I can pick up a book and READ on Saturday! I thought that I would be able to read today, but I calculated wrong. When I wake up on Saturday morning, Deep In The Heart of Trouble and I have a date!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
My Heads Full of Blah
** Whining Begins Here**Blah. That is how I feel. I am one of the few people I know that rarely gets a headache. I could go months without feeling a twinge in the head. When I do get a twinge, it's just that, a twinge. It last for no more than an hour or so and it's done and over with for another few months. Not the case today. See this picture? This is what I see everywhere!
I've had a headache for over 36 hours... and it doesn't look like it's going to let up anytime soon.
I had a whole story about how my headache made it's way into town, but I would so much rather not bore you with the details... lol
** Whining Ends Here**
::
On a much lighter note, I finished Chateau of Echoes by Siri L. Mitchell. Great book. If you love France, food, history and romance, you'll love this book. I can't compare it to any other Siri Mitchell book. It has it's own feel, not like any others except for the fact that it brings another country to you. The story is told between nowadays and the 15th century. You become a tourist and historian. I'm onto Lady of Milkweed Manor by Jane Klassen.... That is once I can get this headache/migraine to disappear.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Food for the Body & Soul
On Friday night, my dad treated us to a fine restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel, Steakhouse 55. We live five minutes from Disneyland and try to spend time in that area once in a while. Lately it has been over run with tourist and business men and women attending conferences, not much fun trying to walk with the crowd and getting run over by strollers.
My dad is always spoiling us when we are on vacation; taking us to fine restaurants that we
cannot afford with our own measly wallets. This was a nice treat. In 2006 all the brides maids took my sister-in-law to this restaurant for her bachelorette party, so much fun talking and chatting as only girls can do. So much in fact that I couldn't seem to remember how good the food was.
The interior is dimly lit with candle chandeliers and little lamps on the tables. Booths with striped purple velvet fabric. The walls are covered in black and white photos of old time Hollywood stars.
Below is the menu that we feasted on:
Appetizer
Broiled Portobello Mushroom - With Humboldt Fog cheese, port wine reduction.
Dungeness Crab with Saffron Sauce
Chilled Shrimp - With cocktail sauce.
Starter
Caesar Salad - With olive tapenade crouton.
Entree
Filet Mignon
Side
Forest Mushroom - Sauteed with Madeira.
Dessert (ooh la la)
Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee - With Demerara sugar and chocolate orange-lace cookie.
On Monday night I had a bible study with a woman that I met at a Target a few months back, her name is Martha. My brother and I teach this study together.
My brother is one of the best teachers I have ever heard. Few know how good he is. As we know, it's not him only that is good but God who is great. Our study was on the tabernacle plan and how it relates to God's plan for our lives now. God moved right into Martha's home and took over. It was so awesome! I asked her what she felt and she said "It feels warm" (as she wrapped her arms around herself and smiled). Nothing like feeling God's presence. She has been battling with certian addictions in her life; thinking that these are the only things that can give her relief from her troubles, even if the relief only last but a moment in time. I can't wait for next week to see what happens...
My dad is always spoiling us when we are on vacation; taking us to fine restaurants that we
cannot afford with our own measly wallets. This was a nice treat. In 2006 all the brides maids took my sister-in-law to this restaurant for her bachelorette party, so much fun talking and chatting as only girls can do. So much in fact that I couldn't seem to remember how good the food was.The interior is dimly lit with candle chandeliers and little lamps on the tables. Booths with striped purple velvet fabric. The walls are covered in black and white photos of old time Hollywood stars.
Below is the menu that we feasted on:
Appetizer
Broiled Portobello Mushroom - With Humboldt Fog cheese, port wine reduction.
Dungeness Crab with Saffron Sauce
Chilled Shrimp - With cocktail sauce.
Starter
Caesar Salad - With olive tapenade crouton.
Entree
Filet Mignon
Side
Forest Mushroom - Sauteed with Madeira.
Dessert (ooh la la)
Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee - With Demerara sugar and chocolate orange-lace cookie.
This is what was left on my plate...=0
::::
On Monday night I had a bible study with a woman that I met at a Target a few months back, her name is Martha. My brother and I teach this study together.
My brother is one of the best teachers I have ever heard. Few know how good he is. As we know, it's not him only that is good but God who is great. Our study was on the tabernacle plan and how it relates to God's plan for our lives now. God moved right into Martha's home and took over. It was so awesome! I asked her what she felt and she said "It feels warm" (as she wrapped her arms around herself and smiled). Nothing like feeling God's presence. She has been battling with certian addictions in her life; thinking that these are the only things that can give her relief from her troubles, even if the relief only last but a moment in time. I can't wait for next week to see what happens...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Saving Grace
In 1994 I was ten years old, very hard headed and extremely stubborn. The picture to the left shows me smiling, rare thing in those days, =). My mother told me that when I was born my pastor knew that I was stubborn and gave my parents a book about The Stubborn Child. I remember evangelist would come to our church and try to pray with me and I would out right tell them "Leave me alone, I don't want to!" (Can you see what kind of a little girl I was? lol)February 13th was a Sunday night in 1994 and we were in a children's revival with a missionary by the name of Richardson. I remember stubbornly staying in my seat when the kids were asked to come to the front to pray. Somehow God got through in my little head and I decided to pray too, in my sit that is. At one point I went down to the front and raised my little hands and received the Holy Ghost. I vividly remember the feeling to this day. I told my dad minutes after that I felt like I was floating on a cloud. Nothing comes close this feeling, knowing that your life has been changed forever. All the weight that my little heart was carrying was gone.
I was so fortunate to be brought up, surrounded by the grace of God and knowing the truth. I have never left God and never had a desire to. No matter how intresting people made life outside of living for God, I always knew better. I often ask myself why He would keep me. Why, after so many young people that I grew up with left the church and are living lives that are a complete mess.
"Thanks" seems so insignificant, yet the only thing I can come up with.
From my heart, thank you, Lord.
UPDATED: My sister posted almost the same time I did. Guess what she posted about? Look here. LOL!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Random, Random, and More Random
I don't have anything interesting to post about... Just thought I'd throw something out there so as not to bore all you wonderful blog readers.
We had a family dinner for my sister-in-law and her mother on Saturday at her sisters house in Corona. Each of us brought a potluck dish that Sonia liked. I made her favorite pizza, Pesto Pizza, I shared the recipe during the Christmas season here.
We headed home, the drive back to good ol' Orange County was long and full of traffic. My sister and I decided to rent a movie to relax, we haven't done this in ages. We rented a recommended movie that I had been interested in seeing since it had to do with Jane Austen. Of course. The Jane Austen Book Club. I admit, I am a movie prude. Seriously. I forward scenes that I wouldn't let a ten year old see and words that spill out of the mouths of people who at the moment have a desire to become a sailor for second.
This movie had so much potential. I just didn't like some parts of it. Romantic, funny and a little dramatic. Too bad they ruined it with things that I just can't stomach. Are you calling me a prude? Fine. I already admitted it myself.
I must say though that I am anxiously awaiting Becoming Jane! It comes out tomorrow on DVD and I will be renting this.
Enough about the girly stuff, we did not have church on Sunday morning. I woke up at 6:40 and could not sleep so I pulled out Stealing Adda and read until about 9:20. By then my eyes decided that it was time for a snooze. I startled awake at 11:20 and jumped out of bed, panicking that I had missed our churches online service (temporary while in escrow). Come to find out, my clock was about 50 minutes ahead! I didn't wake up at 6:40 that morning, I woke up at 5:50! Just the thought of waking up before 6:30 makes me tired. I don't have kids and I don't have a husband, so why can't I enjoy sleeping in and only think about me? That's how I see it.
We had church on Sunday night at a hotel in Newport Beach, again, while were in escrow. Very different and fun. We sang on this wobbly platform that felt like it was going to give way if you moved too much. All in all, it was so great to be back with the family and listen to my pastor preach. Life was good this weekend.
We had a family dinner for my sister-in-law and her mother on Saturday at her sisters house in Corona. Each of us brought a potluck dish that Sonia liked. I made her favorite pizza, Pesto Pizza, I shared the recipe during the Christmas season here.
We headed home, the drive back to good ol' Orange County was long and full of traffic. My sister and I decided to rent a movie to relax, we haven't done this in ages. We rented a recommended movie that I had been interested in seeing since it had to do with Jane Austen. Of course. The Jane Austen Book Club. I admit, I am a movie prude. Seriously. I forward scenes that I wouldn't let a ten year old see and words that spill out of the mouths of people who at the moment have a desire to become a sailor for second.
This movie had so much potential. I just didn't like some parts of it. Romantic, funny and a little dramatic. Too bad they ruined it with things that I just can't stomach. Are you calling me a prude? Fine. I already admitted it myself.
I must say though that I am anxiously awaiting Becoming Jane! It comes out tomorrow on DVD and I will be renting this.
Enough about the girly stuff, we did not have church on Sunday morning. I woke up at 6:40 and could not sleep so I pulled out Stealing Adda and read until about 9:20. By then my eyes decided that it was time for a snooze. I startled awake at 11:20 and jumped out of bed, panicking that I had missed our churches online service (temporary while in escrow). Come to find out, my clock was about 50 minutes ahead! I didn't wake up at 6:40 that morning, I woke up at 5:50! Just the thought of waking up before 6:30 makes me tired. I don't have kids and I don't have a husband, so why can't I enjoy sleeping in and only think about me? That's how I see it.
We had church on Sunday night at a hotel in Newport Beach, again, while were in escrow. Very different and fun. We sang on this wobbly platform that felt like it was going to give way if you moved too much. All in all, it was so great to be back with the family and listen to my pastor preach. Life was good this weekend.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Moves All Around
Let me start by saying I've become a blog slacker. I will admit it and I don't have a great excuse so I won't give you one. =)
A lot of changes are happening around me this week. Our church has not moved into our new building, but we will soon. God's got it all in control. We're just waiting to see how He plays this one. We had an online service last night and it was great, but I miss my church family so very much. My Pastor talked about vision and encouraged the church family to just sit tight because God's got a plan. He said, "If we understood it, it wouldn't be a God thing". This is a God thing. My Pastor read this awesome poem last night...
I’m Getting Up, Getting Right And Getting Going
I May Not See The Entire Picture, But I Do See The Picture
I Can’t Try Everything, But I Might As Well Try Something
I May Fail Trying, But I Won’t Fail To Try
I May Not Make Much Of My Investment, But I Won’t Bury My Talents In The Ground
I Will Act, Though I Receive No Thanks In Return
I Will Pray And Leave The Answer To God
I Will Witness And Leave The Response Up To The Person
I Will Smile Even Though No One Smiles Back
I Will Give Because It’s Right, Not Because I Expect Something In Exchange For What I Give
I’m Blood Bought, Word Taught, Miraculously Wrought
I Am Divinely Created, Spirit Filled, God Called And Heaven Sent
I’m Saved By Grace, Programmed To Succeed, Wired For Power And Mission Oriented
God Is My Commander-In-Chief, Christ Is My Savior, The Pastor’s My Coach, The Bible’s My Blueprint, The Holy Ghost Is My Guide, The World Is My Mission
I Will Be Immune To Criticism
Unbowed By Critics, Unmoved By Suffering, Unashamed Of The Gospel
I Will Obey Like Noah
Sacrifice Like Abraham
Fight Like David
Pray Like Daniel
Be Patient Like Job
And See God’s Greatness Like Isaiah
I’ll Even Weep Like Jeremiah
But I’ll Preach Like Peter
And I’ll Reach Out Like Paul
I Have Nothing Greater To Live For, And Nothing Better To Die For
For I Am A Person Of Vision!
My job is expanding. They installed a doorway in my office this past weekend and I came in this morning, with a black sweater I might add, and found my desk covered. After cleaning and looking at myself covered in grime, I wanted to head back home and take another shower. Ugh.
A lot of changes are happening around me this week. Our church has not moved into our new building, but we will soon. God's got it all in control. We're just waiting to see how He plays this one. We had an online service last night and it was great, but I miss my church family so very much. My Pastor talked about vision and encouraged the church family to just sit tight because God's got a plan. He said, "If we understood it, it wouldn't be a God thing". This is a God thing. My Pastor read this awesome poem last night...
I Am A Person Of Vision By Mark Jordan
I’ve Been A Pew Warmer, A Fence Walker, A Spectator For Too Long I’m Getting Up, Getting Right And Getting Going
I May Not See The Entire Picture, But I Do See The Picture
I Can’t Try Everything, But I Might As Well Try Something
I May Fail Trying, But I Won’t Fail To Try
I May Not Make Much Of My Investment, But I Won’t Bury My Talents In The Ground
I Will Act, Though I Receive No Thanks In Return
I Will Pray And Leave The Answer To God
I Will Witness And Leave The Response Up To The Person
I Will Smile Even Though No One Smiles Back
I Will Give Because It’s Right, Not Because I Expect Something In Exchange For What I Give
I’m Blood Bought, Word Taught, Miraculously Wrought
I Am Divinely Created, Spirit Filled, God Called And Heaven Sent
I’m Saved By Grace, Programmed To Succeed, Wired For Power And Mission Oriented
God Is My Commander-In-Chief, Christ Is My Savior, The Pastor’s My Coach, The Bible’s My Blueprint, The Holy Ghost Is My Guide, The World Is My Mission
I Will Be Immune To Criticism
Unbowed By Critics, Unmoved By Suffering, Unashamed Of The Gospel
I Will Obey Like Noah
Sacrifice Like Abraham
Fight Like David
Pray Like Daniel
Be Patient Like Job
And See God’s Greatness Like Isaiah
I’ll Even Weep Like Jeremiah
But I’ll Preach Like Peter
And I’ll Reach Out Like Paul
I Have Nothing Greater To Live For, And Nothing Better To Die For
For I Am A Person Of Vision!
This is what I feel like at this moment...
My job is expanding. They installed a doorway in my office this past weekend and I came in this morning, with a black sweater I might add, and found my desk covered. After cleaning and looking at myself covered in grime, I wanted to head back home and take another shower. Ugh.It's all for the good though, so my only complain is the dust issues. I am moving offices. A large office in the back, yah!! I am so excited. Less noise and more privacy means more work done and less stress! Exactly what I need.
I won't stay away as long as I did last week...
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Busy Bee
It's the beginning of a very busy week in my part of the world. We had awesome church on Sunday night, our last service before we move into our new building, Yah!
I am so excited! Change is always good, sometimes scary, but in this case exciting. I am ecstatic about what God has planned for my church.
Our first service in the new building was supposed to be the weekend before Christmas but things fell through. Our first service *fingers crossed* will be this Thursday. I will take some pictures to share.
**
Onto the weather... It has poured buckets the last couple of days. We don't normally get rain like this in Orange County. It rained so bad on Saturday night that we went out to eat and came right home and sat by the fire, no point in getting soaked. Sunday was coooooooold! I am sure my cold is warm for everyone that has snow on their ground right now.
Since we don't usually have oodles of rain, the drivers do not seem to know how to maneuver a vehicle. Lots of accidents and spin outs. Oh yes, and slow pokes. It takes forever to get somewhere
I am so excited! Change is always good, sometimes scary, but in this case exciting. I am ecstatic about what God has planned for my church.
Our first service in the new building was supposed to be the weekend before Christmas but things fell through. Our first service *fingers crossed* will be this Thursday. I will take some pictures to share.
**
Onto the weather... It has poured buckets the last couple of days. We don't normally get rain like this in Orange County. It rained so bad on Saturday night that we went out to eat and came right home and sat by the fire, no point in getting soaked. Sunday was coooooooold! I am sure my cold is warm for everyone that has snow on their ground right now.
Since we don't usually have oodles of rain, the drivers do not seem to know how to maneuver a vehicle. Lots of accidents and spin outs. Oh yes, and slow pokes. It takes forever to get somewhere
**
Funny kid antics happened again this past weekend. Since we are still in the middle of the move, we blocked in the kids again and did a lesson on How Important Your Brothers & Sisters Are. We split them into groups of two and had them join together to come up with a talent such as singing, acting, making a joke, ect.
The little boy known here as the Robot Kid sang a song that I did not expect him to know... Also in this video montage, one group decided to do a catwalk. I believe the Robot Kid did not get the fact that girls and boys walk differently... My pastors son did not show by example. lol!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)