Man I hate thieves.... and it is especially bad when someone you know and trusts robs you....
Christopher met someone a few years ago who had - let's say, I questionable life. We believed that he wanted to get it together and was on the right path so we welcomed him into our home and offered him love and support.
He was living with a foster parent when we met him.... somewhere along the path they had it out and he left the home. He was of age - and there was nothing anyone could do about it. So, he chose a life living on the streets and doing whatever he had to do to get by. When he made this choice, Christopher and he grew apart but we have heard from him now and then and if anyone of us see him walking, we stop and offer him a ride.
The last few weeks he has been seen walking down our street.... and Sunday evening, Christopher received a call from him saying he was on the block and wanted to stop by. Christopher was out for a walk with a neighbor... he told him that he would be home in a few. Well, when Christopher got home, his "friend" was not here - and neither was Christopher's car.
So, we called and reported it stolen... and basically thought it was a done deal. The next morning, his "friend" showed up at our house with an old wallet Christopher had in the car... saying he knew where the car was and FOR $800 WE COULD BUY BACK OUR OWN CAR!!!!
Yep, you read right... he said he was being a good friend to Christopher and stayed up all night looking for the car and talked to someone who knew someone and found the car in a chop shop about to be taken apart - but since he is such a good friend, he had them stop and can take them money and they will release the car.
Well, Christopher thought that maybe he could get more out of this boy if they were alone - so they went for a walk. I called the police. In about 10 minutes time, 7 police cars and a helicopter were at my house. They had both the boys stopped and handcuffed down the street.
About 20 minutes later, they released them... yes - BOTH of them... and the cops left. Left without telling me anything!!! So, right after that John arrived at home....
John confronted the boy (even though he is 19 I can't bring myself to call him a man)... and asked him if he by chance had told the cops that he brought back the wallet and and had shared with us the exact details of what is inside the trunk of the car. "Uh... no... ", was his reply. So, John called the police back.
One car arrived - and we added that info to the story... still they didn't take him in... The only reason we can think of why they didn't was because they are wanting to watch him. Since he said it's at a chop shop, they informed us that it is now a federal offense... and a much bigger deal than just a punk kid stealing a car for a joy ride.
So, now we wait til we can get in contact with a Auto Detective... to make sure they know the whole story... and see what they do from there.
I did find out that the car was fully insured.... so if it is not recovered, we will be offered something... but of course, not enough to buy another car.
You know, at one time in my life that kind of drama would have been ok... but now, I am soooo over it.... sorry kid - you need to go to jail.
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Anyone Out There?
Today's the 15th... time for a new scripture... How did you do on the last one? Honestly - I think I got about 90% of it... I know that I got the meat of it and the meaning behind it... I THINK that is what is the most important part... ??
Here's mine:
Romans 5: 3-5
We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out His love to fill our hearts. He gave us His love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.
A few reminders from Beth:
1. Choose a Scripture you yourself really need. If you don’t have one picked out and you feel like you could really use the one I’m memorizing, please feel free to join me and don’t feel lame. That’s what mentors in Christ are for.
2. Limit your comment to your Scripture (entirely written out even if you’re joining me with mine) and your name and city. Remember to add your translation abbreviation because many of your sisters may want to look up your verse and won’t know where to find it otherwise. I know it’s hard not to leave further comments but it’s so much cooler to read one Scripture after another as we go through the post. You did such a great job following this instruction last time. Truly it was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever seen on the blog.
3. Add your verse to your spiral index cards as your second Scripture then begin the same process of memorization/meditation that you did with the first one. Once you get a bit of a handle on the second one, you will then begin doing them BOTH over and over in succession. Don’t get intimidated by this! You can do it. In fact, you’re going to thrive on it! To me, this is when it really starts getting fun and POWERFUL. I love the process of saying a number of Scriptures in a row. You’ll find that the victory is not only won in the spiritual war around us. It’s also won in that very personal war raging within us. Even if you read your two Scriptures over and over and don’t memorize them word for word, remember the primary goal is still accomplished: You are getting the Truth in your brain and holding your thoughts captive to Christ!
OK - post yours in the comments... let's get to memorizing!!
Here's mine:
Romans 5: 3-5
We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out His love to fill our hearts. He gave us His love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.
A few reminders from Beth:
1. Choose a Scripture you yourself really need. If you don’t have one picked out and you feel like you could really use the one I’m memorizing, please feel free to join me and don’t feel lame. That’s what mentors in Christ are for.
2. Limit your comment to your Scripture (entirely written out even if you’re joining me with mine) and your name and city. Remember to add your translation abbreviation because many of your sisters may want to look up your verse and won’t know where to find it otherwise. I know it’s hard not to leave further comments but it’s so much cooler to read one Scripture after another as we go through the post. You did such a great job following this instruction last time. Truly it was one of the most powerful things I’ve ever seen on the blog.
3. Add your verse to your spiral index cards as your second Scripture then begin the same process of memorization/meditation that you did with the first one. Once you get a bit of a handle on the second one, you will then begin doing them BOTH over and over in succession. Don’t get intimidated by this! You can do it. In fact, you’re going to thrive on it! To me, this is when it really starts getting fun and POWERFUL. I love the process of saying a number of Scriptures in a row. You’ll find that the victory is not only won in the spiritual war around us. It’s also won in that very personal war raging within us. Even if you read your two Scriptures over and over and don’t memorize them word for word, remember the primary goal is still accomplished: You are getting the Truth in your brain and holding your thoughts captive to Christ!
OK - post yours in the comments... let's get to memorizing!!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
A New Land
As I read and reread the scripture that I picked for the first 2 weeks of memorization... I am trying to really look at each line ... not just memorizing words... but taking in the nourishment from My Daily Bread...
It struck me that in this verse there is a comparison in lines 10 and 12... (something else we learned from a previous Beth Moore study - how to look at scripture)
Deuteronomy 11: 10-12
10"For the land, into which you are entering to possess it, is not like the land of Egypt from which you came, where you used to sow your seed and water it with your foot like a vegetable garden.
11"But the land into which you are about to cross to possess it, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven,
12a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year.
I know that too many times, I have told God, "that's ok - I've got it..." and I have worked the situation. But I long to enter fully into the land that God cares for. I know that His eye is always on this little sparrow... but this verse implies to me that entering into this land requires me to do something. I have thought many times that I had done this... and maybe it's something I have to do over and over again.... but I have to fully submit to Him. Allow His plan to unfold... His way and in His time. I don't think that He expects me to just sit and do nothing but in the same time I must learn to be more watchful of His hand at work.... close my mouth and get out of His way.
Another comparison is in line 11:
a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven,
The new land won't be void of ups and downs.... but this land (and this line gets me) DRINKS WATER FROM THE RAIN OF HEAVEN... I see myself in an open valley - arms outstretched.... under a downpour of rain.... knowing that it is not a scary thunderstorm but rain sent to nourish and replenish.
Thank you Lord for Your peace, Your grace, Your love and Your Word....
Anyone out there having the same experience with your memorization?
It struck me that in this verse there is a comparison in lines 10 and 12... (something else we learned from a previous Beth Moore study - how to look at scripture)
Deuteronomy 11: 10-12
10"For the land, into which you are entering to possess it, is not like the land of Egypt from which you came, where you used to sow your seed and water it with your foot like a vegetable garden.
11"But the land into which you are about to cross to possess it, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven,
12a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year.
I know that too many times, I have told God, "that's ok - I've got it..." and I have worked the situation. But I long to enter fully into the land that God cares for. I know that His eye is always on this little sparrow... but this verse implies to me that entering into this land requires me to do something. I have thought many times that I had done this... and maybe it's something I have to do over and over again.... but I have to fully submit to Him. Allow His plan to unfold... His way and in His time. I don't think that He expects me to just sit and do nothing but in the same time I must learn to be more watchful of His hand at work.... close my mouth and get out of His way.
Another comparison is in line 11:
a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven,
The new land won't be void of ups and downs.... but this land (and this line gets me) DRINKS WATER FROM THE RAIN OF HEAVEN... I see myself in an open valley - arms outstretched.... under a downpour of rain.... knowing that it is not a scary thunderstorm but rain sent to nourish and replenish.
Thank you Lord for Your peace, Your grace, Your love and Your Word....
Anyone out there having the same experience with your memorization?
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Who's With Me???
On my list of blogs that I read is Beth Moore... yep, Beth Moore has a blog. On her latest blog she has posted a challenge. (If that link doesn't work then look for her blog here on mine (list bottom right of the page)... and find the blog that is titled, "Anyone Game?"
Basically the challenge is: Memorize 2 scriptures a month. On the first and the 15th of each month... you pick a scripture that is calling to you - and you meditate on that scripture for the next 15 days... yes, you choose the scripture (You'll most easily memorize what means most to you.) - I will post a blog and you type the scripture you are led to memorize in the comments...
This looks interesting. I have been saying for a really long time that I need to buckle down and get serious about this ... I *say* I want a relationship with Jesus but really how much effort am I willing to put into that relationship??? Not much lately.... :-(
So, I am calling you to join me... one because it would be more fun with others... and two because I need the help of my sisters to keep me accountable.... (never thought I would say that one)...
From her blog:
The whole purpose of the process is to take our minds captive to the knowledge of Christ and demolish strongholds or nip potential ones in the proverbial bud. As long as those Scriptures are rolling around in your head, your mind is being held captive to Christ-centered thoughts and led away from destructive or carnal thoughts whether or not you're getting the words in the exact right order. At least three huge things happen when we memorize: our brains are bathed. Our brains are sharpened. Our ammunition is loaded.
There are more tips on her blog about how to memorize... and about the challenge...
SO - who's with me???
Basically the challenge is: Memorize 2 scriptures a month. On the first and the 15th of each month... you pick a scripture that is calling to you - and you meditate on that scripture for the next 15 days... yes, you choose the scripture (You'll most easily memorize what means most to you.) - I will post a blog and you type the scripture you are led to memorize in the comments...
This looks interesting. I have been saying for a really long time that I need to buckle down and get serious about this ... I *say* I want a relationship with Jesus but really how much effort am I willing to put into that relationship??? Not much lately.... :-(
So, I am calling you to join me... one because it would be more fun with others... and two because I need the help of my sisters to keep me accountable.... (never thought I would say that one)...
From her blog:
The whole purpose of the process is to take our minds captive to the knowledge of Christ and demolish strongholds or nip potential ones in the proverbial bud. As long as those Scriptures are rolling around in your head, your mind is being held captive to Christ-centered thoughts and led away from destructive or carnal thoughts whether or not you're getting the words in the exact right order. At least three huge things happen when we memorize: our brains are bathed. Our brains are sharpened. Our ammunition is loaded.
There are more tips on her blog about how to memorize... and about the challenge...
SO - who's with me???
Friday, October 31, 2008
TRUNK OR TREAT....
Wow - what an amazing night!!! Everyone came out, decorated their cars - really got into the fun of being around children... handed out tons of candy...gave away free snowcones and burritos from Taco Bell... and SHARED THE GOSPEL!!!
We had 6 stations set up where the Wordless Book was shared one color at a time.... Gold for the streets of Gold in Heaven... then onto the dark page - where you were told, Heaven sounds great but we can't go there because there is sin in our lives... oh but wait, there IS a way - onto the red page.... where they learned of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for their sin....(at this stop there were huge crowds - asking questions and wanting to know more...) down the lane a bit more to the white page where they learned that Jesus rose again on the third day and wants to invite us into His family!!!... (at this stop - they were offered the chance for salvation ... and over 100 accepted!!!!) .... then on to the green page where they learned how to grow in Christ.... then finally on to the blue page where our Helper the Holy Spirit was waiting to wrap it all up....
Again .... what an amazing night... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU - for those of you who came out and was a part of this event.... your participation helped change someone's life.
We had 6 stations set up where the Wordless Book was shared one color at a time.... Gold for the streets of Gold in Heaven... then onto the dark page - where you were told, Heaven sounds great but we can't go there because there is sin in our lives... oh but wait, there IS a way - onto the red page.... where they learned of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for their sin....(at this stop there were huge crowds - asking questions and wanting to know more...) down the lane a bit more to the white page where they learned that Jesus rose again on the third day and wants to invite us into His family!!!... (at this stop - they were offered the chance for salvation ... and over 100 accepted!!!!) .... then on to the green page where they learned how to grow in Christ.... then finally on to the blue page where our Helper the Holy Spirit was waiting to wrap it all up....
Again .... what an amazing night... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU - for those of you who came out and was a part of this event.... your participation helped change someone's life.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Completely Random
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....
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....
Friday, February 1, 2008
Majorly Impressed!!!
I teach a class for our homeschool academy. Well, actually I facilitate a class. The class is called, "What I want to be.." I arrange for different speakers to come in and tell the class about their professions.... hoping that it would encourage the students to start listening to their heart and thinking about their future careers.
My first class of the semester was today and I found out yesterday that my speaker couldn't show... so while talking to my friend Alexis on the computer who was talking to our friend Nicky on the phone... Nicky volunteered to help me out. Nicky and Alexis used to have their own business where they made fabulous jewelry. So - in no time at all - Nicky put together one of the most professional and well laid out presentations that I have ever seen. She was flawless!! She came with a powerpoint show, handouts and examples of product. She told the class all the steps necessary to open their own business and what were the most important aspects for being a business owner and self employed. Really all I could do was stand there with my mouth open...
After that - it was the opening day for Community's Child. www.communityschild.org (one day I will learn how to put those sleak links in .. maybe Nicky will show me?) The house was doubled in size and is absolutely fabulous. The most heard statement today was, "when can I move in?"
I have watched and been a part of the build from day one and have been amazed almost daily of the gifts and people that God has brought to Communitys Child... Today there was probably a 100 or so people in and out of the house ..... but Tara believes that this construction of this house and this new charity have already touched the lives of over 8,000 people!!! And we don't even have anyone living in the house yet!!! No other way to say it... God is awesome!!!
My first class of the semester was today and I found out yesterday that my speaker couldn't show... so while talking to my friend Alexis on the computer who was talking to our friend Nicky on the phone... Nicky volunteered to help me out. Nicky and Alexis used to have their own business where they made fabulous jewelry. So - in no time at all - Nicky put together one of the most professional and well laid out presentations that I have ever seen. She was flawless!! She came with a powerpoint show, handouts and examples of product. She told the class all the steps necessary to open their own business and what were the most important aspects for being a business owner and self employed. Really all I could do was stand there with my mouth open...
After that - it was the opening day for Community's Child. www.communityschild.org (one day I will learn how to put those sleak links in .. maybe Nicky will show me?) The house was doubled in size and is absolutely fabulous. The most heard statement today was, "when can I move in?"
I have watched and been a part of the build from day one and have been amazed almost daily of the gifts and people that God has brought to Communitys Child... Today there was probably a 100 or so people in and out of the house ..... but Tara believes that this construction of this house and this new charity have already touched the lives of over 8,000 people!!! And we don't even have anyone living in the house yet!!! No other way to say it... God is awesome!!!
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