I just realized I haven't blogged in a while... so what's been going on?
Well, I have started a new business - I am a Pampered Chef Consultant. I was very scared at first to start - but like a wise woman told me this weekend - that is what stops most people from doing anything - they don't start. So, I jumped in with both feet first and invited my entire block to a party at my house!! 2 neighbors showed up - but my awesome friends where there to support me. I needed $600 in sales to qualify and my total sales for that one show were $764.00. The month I signed up they were offering new consultants extra spending money if we qualified in our first 30 days. Since I qualified - I not only am getting a commission check - but I received $200 in shopping credit!!!! Talk about excited!!! Since then I have had 2 more shows and have 3 officially on the calendar. Several others are saying they will book - but I need to get the dates down. It has been a lot easier than I thought... I guess it really helps that I actually do believe in the product. Wanna check it out? Here's a link to my website!!
I have also been practicing for our upcoming play at The Bay. We are doing a 3 act play called "Family Outings." I play a 40(ish)wife and mother of 2 boys. I had to do a lot of research for this one - let me tell ya!!! I'm nothing like the character at all - really. One of my lines: "So what if I'm busy? I LIKE being busy!" Production will be the last weekend of September... and it will be dinner theatre! Plan those date nights now!!! (I don't recommend bringing the kiddos due to some of the real life subject matter.)
I have recently learned how to run the sound board for our church. This has opened up a new ministry to me - Funerals. I have done 2 now... the last one was soooo incredibly moving... It was the wife/mom who had died. Poetry that she and her husband had written to each other was read aloud... major tear jerker. I have decided that I don't want to be dead for my funeral. No - I want to be alive and present. It may be the last (and only) time I get to hear some people say nice things about me!!
Christopher is still in Texas ... he doesn't come home until the 21st of August. He got a tattoo the other day. I have had lots of people ask me what I think about it. My answer: I would rather he not - BUT, he's 18 & and he's in Texas - there's not much I can do about it. Yes, I can throw a fit and be mad about it - but I would rather him be home with a tattoo then in Texas with a tattoo. I don't think it's worth losing our relationship over. I had asked 2 things of him: don't get anything that can possibly be considered demonic or have any demonic ties to it - and get it where you can cover it up if you want/need to. He did both those things - so I'm happy. He respected my wishes - so I will respect his.
San Pedro is working on bettering their image - here's a little video of what is new down at the entrance to the Cruise Ship Terminal. (don't know why I decided to turn my camera on the side - sorry but I do think you will enjoy the 1 min clip)
My sister, mom and I are planning a trip to the East Coast in October. My mom's sister is getting pretty up there in age - and my mom is fearful that she might not ever get to see her again... and she wants to be able to take her girls around her old stomping grounds. Her biggest fear is "what about Jake???" Geez mom - I guess his dad will have to figure that out!!
I have recently come back into contact with an old friend. It was a bit awkward - the day and evening happened like it was just last week that we had talked instead of a year and a 1/2 ago. I'm not sure how far it will go or if it will ever be like it was. Actually I don't think that it will ever be EXACTLY the same since I don't think I'm exactly the same person I was then.... but I am happy that our boys have been able to reconnect (young and old) ... they were the best of friends. In fact, they are going fishing tomorrow.
We had an earthquake today. 5.4 or 5.8 on the scale. This was the first one that I actually felt. Kinda freaky. I was on the 2nd floor of our church.... you could totally see things rocking on the bookcase!! I was with our youth pastor - who had never felt one before either. We were like, "Wow-that was big." But of course all the natives were saying that it was nothing. Oh well.
I've probably missed something since it has been a while. But that's all that I can think of right now. Hope I haven't lost all my readers....
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Taking Jesus to Backyards everywhere!
Our 5 Day Clubs have come to an end... here's some pics and video of the great time we had this week!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
5 Day Clubs
We have been blessed to have been put in contact with a group from Oregon who are doing 5 Day Clubs. These kids are really great... Our leader was telling me about one of the girls - who joined this group without knowing one person. She decided that she wanted to do something for Jesus so she gave up her summer and stepped out into the unknown - and has been blessed beyond measure. I love that that is how our amazing God works...
We had 10 kids the first night and 8 last night. Two of the boys took all the flyers and said they will be handing them out today at summer school!!! I won't be able to be with them tonight (play practice) but I look forward to hearing about another great turnout!!
I really wish I could show you pictures of the kids playing the games or singing the silly songs... but I still can't find the extra battery or battery charger for my camera... :-(
EDIT: Tuesday: 10 boys tonight and 1 little girl who was having nothing to do with those boys.... but 2 of the boys were saved tonight!!! WOOHOO!!!
We had 10 kids the first night and 8 last night. Two of the boys took all the flyers and said they will be handing them out today at summer school!!! I won't be able to be with them tonight (play practice) but I look forward to hearing about another great turnout!!
I really wish I could show you pictures of the kids playing the games or singing the silly songs... but I still can't find the extra battery or battery charger for my camera... :-(
EDIT: Tuesday: 10 boys tonight and 1 little girl who was having nothing to do with those boys.... but 2 of the boys were saved tonight!!! WOOHOO!!!
Monday, July 7, 2008
I FINISHED!!!
Yay!! I finished the entire Stepping Up study.... even going back and doing the ones I had missed. Wow what an incredible study it has been...
We are asked on the last day of study what our fear is now that this journey comes to an end... mine? - That I will eat the seeds and not sow them - or allow them to be sowed into my furrowed back.
I so want to believe the prosperity preachers that say that God will give you everything you ask for. But diving into this study I am reminded that that is not true. God's giving is conditional.
That takes some people by surprise and they say, "How can that be? God is giving by nature... if He loves us then He wants to give us good things and make us happy."
Well, that is true - BUT... again it is all conditional.
"Wait. I thought we were not saved by our deeds but by grace. You're saying that we have to work for his love?"
Oh no... don't get me wrong - we are loved unconditionally... and are in fact saved by grace.... but His blessing - that is conditional.
"Oh jeez... so how many hours of service do I have to give? What do I have to sacrifice to be blessed?"
What we have to give is so small that it could never be called a sacrifice. But hours? He doesn't ask for hours - he asks for a lifetime.
"What could we possibly possess that could be of any value to the Creator of Heaven and earth?"
Your right... that seems impossible. But it's really simple actually - all He asks us for is our praise.
""Dynamic power is given to those who sincerely acknowledge God's power. God generously shares resources of omnipotence with devoted followers so that abundant life may be theirs.""
Dynamic power? Resources of omnipotence?? I have a hard time getting my feeble mind around what that would look like - but sure sounds like something I want. But you see - both of those statements have a catch - sincerely acknowledge God's power and become a devoted follower. Too often we forget our part and just stand there like a greedy child with our hands out - expecting something from Him while offering nothing in return.
So what is my part? Sincerely acknowledge... be a devoted follower. I'm afraid that is harder than it sounds.... But I have also learned that when we step towards Him - He runs to us ... He is waiting to help us... I know me. I know that I don't have it all together and will often stumble. But I know my God, my Abba Father, the Alpha and Omega, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Lover of my Soul, the Great I Am - is waiting to pick me up - and carry me if He has to - to see the work He has started in me to completion. "To bless God is to acknowledge gratefully what He is; but to bless men, God must make of him what he is not and give him what he has not."
"The more we learn about God, the more we understand the primary reason He asks us to surrender everything to Him is to make room to receive what He wants to give. Try as we may, we will never bring anything to God and leave empty handed - unless we forget to take His gifts home."
My blessing for you:
May you see, feel and know how truly and deeply loved you are - not only by others - but by your God, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. Trust in Him and He will be faithful to save you. Praise Him and you will be blessed. May God keep your heart set on pilgrimage until we reach our final destination - Home with Him for eternity.
We are asked on the last day of study what our fear is now that this journey comes to an end... mine? - That I will eat the seeds and not sow them - or allow them to be sowed into my furrowed back.
I so want to believe the prosperity preachers that say that God will give you everything you ask for. But diving into this study I am reminded that that is not true. God's giving is conditional.
That takes some people by surprise and they say, "How can that be? God is giving by nature... if He loves us then He wants to give us good things and make us happy."
Well, that is true - BUT... again it is all conditional.
"Wait. I thought we were not saved by our deeds but by grace. You're saying that we have to work for his love?"
Oh no... don't get me wrong - we are loved unconditionally... and are in fact saved by grace.... but His blessing - that is conditional.
"Oh jeez... so how many hours of service do I have to give? What do I have to sacrifice to be blessed?"
What we have to give is so small that it could never be called a sacrifice. But hours? He doesn't ask for hours - he asks for a lifetime.
"What could we possibly possess that could be of any value to the Creator of Heaven and earth?"
Your right... that seems impossible. But it's really simple actually - all He asks us for is our praise.
""Dynamic power is given to those who sincerely acknowledge God's power. God generously shares resources of omnipotence with devoted followers so that abundant life may be theirs.""
Dynamic power? Resources of omnipotence?? I have a hard time getting my feeble mind around what that would look like - but sure sounds like something I want. But you see - both of those statements have a catch - sincerely acknowledge God's power and become a devoted follower. Too often we forget our part and just stand there like a greedy child with our hands out - expecting something from Him while offering nothing in return.
So what is my part? Sincerely acknowledge... be a devoted follower. I'm afraid that is harder than it sounds.... But I have also learned that when we step towards Him - He runs to us ... He is waiting to help us... I know me. I know that I don't have it all together and will often stumble. But I know my God, my Abba Father, the Alpha and Omega, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Lover of my Soul, the Great I Am - is waiting to pick me up - and carry me if He has to - to see the work He has started in me to completion. "To bless God is to acknowledge gratefully what He is; but to bless men, God must make of him what he is not and give him what he has not."
"The more we learn about God, the more we understand the primary reason He asks us to surrender everything to Him is to make room to receive what He wants to give. Try as we may, we will never bring anything to God and leave empty handed - unless we forget to take His gifts home."
My blessing for you:
May you see, feel and know how truly and deeply loved you are - not only by others - but by your God, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. Trust in Him and He will be faithful to save you. Praise Him and you will be blessed. May God keep your heart set on pilgrimage until we reach our final destination - Home with Him for eternity.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Lessons I'm Learning
Catching up on my weekly Bible study. Man I love Beth Moore. She is able to put things in a way that is so understandable. Thank you Lord for blessing her with that gift.
Several things really stood out to me on this weeks study.
Psalm 131: Referring to ourselves as a weaned child. Weaning back in that time usually happened around age 3. So a child of this age was able to walk on their own... taking steps into a direction they choose... but was also one who would return to the safety of their parent when it was time for rest. God's goal is not children scared into silence but those who trust their parent even with unanswered questions. Psalm 131 reminds us that the word of God is not primarily for seminaries, dissertations, and theological treatments. They are primarily for everyday living on the third rock from the sun. Her conclusion: Scripture is not for how you do church - it is for how you do life.
Lord, I am not you or like you. I am not great nor can I perform miracles. Instead I am like a young child beginning to make my way and taking my own steps but always returning to you for safety and love. I am at peace in your arms.
Psalm 132: David messed up big time. He relied on his own understanding instead of seeking God's divine wisdom. And he (well, his friend) paid for it. Suddenly God didn't "behave" like David thought He should. God did something that seemed out of character. Even terrifying. But through this and the decision that David made following this - David learned a big lesson. Obedience pays off. David then decided that he will not always understand God or his behavior - but he does not want to be apart from Him. David sought after God and asked Him to reside with him. David then learned that God cannot abide near you without blessing you.
Dear Lord, remember me and all of my suffering. I desire for you to dwell here - in my house - in my heart. I can not rest until you do. Allow this place to be a place that you rest and pour out your blessings but also a place where you show your strength. Let us do what is right. Let us sing for joy.
I pray that these are not lessons I have to learn the hard way.... that I can be smart enough to read the scripture and learn from the mistakes of the past.... and not destined to repeat them.
Anything you have learned lately that you would like to share?
Several things really stood out to me on this weeks study.
Psalm 131: Referring to ourselves as a weaned child. Weaning back in that time usually happened around age 3. So a child of this age was able to walk on their own... taking steps into a direction they choose... but was also one who would return to the safety of their parent when it was time for rest. God's goal is not children scared into silence but those who trust their parent even with unanswered questions. Psalm 131 reminds us that the word of God is not primarily for seminaries, dissertations, and theological treatments. They are primarily for everyday living on the third rock from the sun. Her conclusion: Scripture is not for how you do church - it is for how you do life.
Lord, I am not you or like you. I am not great nor can I perform miracles. Instead I am like a young child beginning to make my way and taking my own steps but always returning to you for safety and love. I am at peace in your arms.
Psalm 132: David messed up big time. He relied on his own understanding instead of seeking God's divine wisdom. And he (well, his friend) paid for it. Suddenly God didn't "behave" like David thought He should. God did something that seemed out of character. Even terrifying. But through this and the decision that David made following this - David learned a big lesson. Obedience pays off. David then decided that he will not always understand God or his behavior - but he does not want to be apart from Him. David sought after God and asked Him to reside with him. David then learned that God cannot abide near you without blessing you.
Dear Lord, remember me and all of my suffering. I desire for you to dwell here - in my house - in my heart. I can not rest until you do. Allow this place to be a place that you rest and pour out your blessings but also a place where you show your strength. Let us do what is right. Let us sing for joy.
I pray that these are not lessons I have to learn the hard way.... that I can be smart enough to read the scripture and learn from the mistakes of the past.... and not destined to repeat them.
Anything you have learned lately that you would like to share?
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