The Days Flew By...

It was my intention to post all the happenings of Christmas but I was so caught up in the actions, my blog was forgotten. OOPS! My bad! Maybe, I'll find time in the next few days to post a few more pics. In the meantime, Bryn and Blake are playing Ninja's and Sparkles is enjoying her new blanket, most especially, when she gets to cuddle with it in my chair.

Pics from Christmas Sunday

Many years ago, my father started a tradition of making Christmas sacks for everyone who attended the Christmas Service. An apple and an orange were the first items selected, then candy canes, and Christmas candy. The above pictured oranges were donated by Paramont Farms. Can you smell them? :)
Helping prepare the sacks, was Brian, Bryn, Blake, and Zack Ojeda. The kids love to help because they know they will always get some of the leftover candy. :)
The base of the sack begins with a red, delicious apple and orange. Then, we add a package of CornNuts, a Rice Krispy, Tootsie sucker, Candy Cane, and mixed hard candies.
Bryn and her friend Daria singing solo parts on "Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child" with the KIDZ Choir. Those kids rocked the house.

The little girl on the left is a new girl who comes to church on our Sunday School bus. She loved singing with the choir and was not a bit shy to sing out. Love those kids.

Apostolic Gospel Church of Delano KIDZ Choir. These kids surprise me sometimes with the songs they sing and how well they perform.

Bryn wanted to sing for the Christmas Concert and wanted me to help her. "What Did You Say Was the Baby's Name?" Bryn LOVES to sing.

Charlene Wilson singing, "New Kid in Town."

Coy Anders performing an instrumental on his trumpet. "Angels We Have Heard on High."

Kelving Furgerson singing, "Greatest Story Ever Told"

Ernie Aguilar playing and singing, "White Christmas."

This is just a few of the 20 something songs performed at our Annual Christmas Concert. It was a great night. (The children performed at the am service.) I hope all of you are having a great Christmas season - the most wonderful time of year.

The Friendly Squirrel

Yesterday, while entering a business, Bryn saw this little squirrel romping in the landscape and so we paused to watch it. The little critter looked up at us and came straight towards us, paused and raised up on his hind legs as if to say, "Hi," or "Do you have any snacks?" Bryn was so happy I captured his picture. All God's creatures, great or small, are such a wonder.

Another Brag Moment

Bryn acting
Bryn and castmates singing
The Wildcats Basketball Team

Wildcat Cheerleaders

Bryn and her 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Lancaster

Choreographer, Ms. Arciaga and Bryn

Ms. Campos, play director, and Bryn

Bryn and her best friend Shailynn

Can you handle another brag moment? Bryn is a GATE student and involved her school choir, Chess Club, and Theatre and Arts. Last week, a cast of 40, third through fifth grade students, put on four shows of an hour and half production, "High School Musical." Bryn was one of the Thespians (Susan) and did a great job. Kudos to the department for a job well done.

You Go, Girl!!!

There is in every true woman's heart a spark of heavenly fire,

which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity;

but which kindles up,

and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.

- Washington Irving

There's just something about adversity or that feeling of "can't," that makes a woman say, "I can." Makes me wanna say, "You go, gurl."

Bound

I am not bound to win,

but I am bound to be true.

I am not bound to succeed,

but I am bound to live by the light that I have.

I must stand with anybody that stands right,

stand with him while he is right,

and part with him when he goes wrong.

- Abraham Lincoln

Hmmm.....sounds like President Lincoln read his Bible.

Brian and Jana's Christmas Salad

Saturday night was our Christmas banquet. The menu was shredded beef, green beans, rice pilaf, salad, roll, sweet tea, and dessert from The Cheescake Factory. Brian and I made the salad this year. It is a recipe we created a couple years ago and has been a huge "hit" with our church family. I thought I would share our secret since it is such a simple salad yet delicious.

Ingredients: spring salad mix, green salad mix, Sesame dressing (from Costco), fresh blueberries, fresh strawberries, fresh red, seedless grapes, dried cranberries, apples, candied or glazed walnuts. (In the summer, add tangerines.)

At Costco, we purchase the large bags of salad mix that has iceberg, purple cabbage and carrots, and the boxes of spring salad mix. Use a box of spring salad mix for every two bags of the other salad mix and blend all the greens. Then add the blueberries, sliced strawberries, halved grapes, dried cranberries, chopped apples, and candied walnuts. Once you have all of this mixed, add the Sesame dressing and toss the salad well.

(If you want to make salad for 200 people, use 8 bags of the regular salad mix, 4 boxes of spring salad mix, three bottles of Sesame dressing, three pounds of fresh blueberries, three pounds of red seedless grapes, two pounds of strawberries, approximately four pounds of dried cranberries, 4 chopped red delicious apples, 3-4 pounds of glazed walnuts.)

A "Good Lookin'"Brag Moment

Pictured above, is Blake with his principal, Jennifer Townson. On Wednesday of this week, we were invited to a luncheon where Blake was honored. Blake is now in 7th grade and was chosen as "Student of the Trimester" to receive the "Academic Excellence Award." He is in the top 1% of his grade. I am so proud of him! One of his teachers spoke of Blake's enthusiasm to learn and said many kind things about him. Blake is now taller than me and, when I looked at the above picture, I couldn't help but wonder where my little boy has gone?!?! Fortunately, he is just growing as he should and he has not yet reached a stage where he is too proud to hug his mommy. That's my "Good Lookin'."

Regrets?

If I had my life to live over again,

I would have made a rule

to read some poetry

and listen to some music

at least once a week.

- Charles Darwin

Regret - a sense of loss, disappointment, dissatisfaction. Most people probably have some regrets in their life, but I pray yours are few.

Merry Christmas!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Twas the month before Christmas

When all through our land,

Not a Christian was praying

Nor taking a stand.

See the PC Police had taken away,

The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say

December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod

Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa

In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down

At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny 's and Sears

You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty

Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Obama, Now Biden, Now Sharpton, and Jackson

On Boxer, on Rather, on Ried, and Pelosi!

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter

To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'

Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,not Happy Holiday!

Courage

Courage

is what it takes to stand up and speak;

courage

is also what it takes to sit down and listen.

- Sir Winston Churchill

Take courage.

Make the World A Better Place

No man or woman

of the humblest sort

can really be strong,

gentle and good,

without the world being better for it,

without somebody being helped

and comforted

by the very existence

of that goodness.

- Phillips Brooks

XM Radio - WARNING!!!

I am SOOOO disgusted with XM Radio. We have XM radio in our home and there are several channels we enjoy. My husband loves the southern gospel station, I like FOX News, intsrumental jazz, and at the holiday time we frequently play #23 easy listening holiday music in the background. Today I heard "The Thanksgiving Song" by Adam Sandler and I immediately looked up the XM Satellite website and filed a complaint. If you enjoy holiday music on XM 23, be careful because they are currently playing this song that is not for Christians and most especially little ears. My husband has also filed a complaint.

Bakersfield/Delano Tea Party

Chris Cassone, recording artist

Kevin Jackson, author, talk show host, columnist
Jana Allard, local girl singing for Jesus :)

Ed Valov and me

Inga Barks, talk show host and me

Me and former senator Phil Wyman

(He is running for senator again in 2010)

Last evening, I was honored to sing at the Patriot Political Tea Party. It was quite an interesting evening! There were special speakers from across the nation. A few were, Kevin Blackford, Bill Lind, talk show host Inga Barks, talk show host Jim Franklin, author Kevin Jackson, Ken Mettler, Mario Santoyo, Judy Holloway, and more. Chris Cassone was a featured artist who sang his original song, "Taking Our Country Back" (which he recently performed at the mall in Washington, D.C. before an audience of nearly 2 million) and a Christian rock band called Set In Stone. This event was hosted and organized by John Pandol of Pandol and Sons and Ed Valov owner of Irrigation Concepts. The hot topic was getting water turned on in the Central Valley of California. It is a shame that politicians value a two inch fish more than human life! Farmers and farm workers came together to fight the politics that are causing their jobs to disappear. It was a great night highlighted by visiting with high school friends that I have not seen in years.

Respect

Seek respect mainly from thyself,

for it comes first from within.

- Steven H. Coogler

Now, isn't that a novel idea? Let respect first come from within! Hopefully, you are catching my sarcasm. There have been many times when someone was demanding respect and I heard another respond with, "Respect is earned." If you desire respect, let respect ooze from you. Guaranteed you will then earn respect.

Congratulations, Chaplain Allard

Delano Chief of Police
Taking his oath
Blake pinning on the badge

Blake feeling quite proud with his dad

Chief DeRossia & Jillian Palacpac (Bryce's childhood sweetheart)

Chief DeRossia and Brian

(notice our city hall still proudly displays,

In God We Trust)

For several years, Brian has been a chaplain for the Kern County Sheriff Department. On Monday, Brian was also sworn in as a chaplain for the Delano Police. We allowed Bryn and Blake to go with us for the ceremony (they were an hour late to school) and Blake had the honor of pinning on his dad's new badge. One thing is certain, Brian is a giving person and is willing to help not only the church organization with which he is affiliated, his local assembly, but also his community. Part of his duties include notifying family of a death, helping small children who are taken into protective services, and more. Brian always has his gear bag stocked with a few plush animals he can give children who are involved in tragic circumstances. I'm proud of my dear husband.

Congrats, Brian!

Also, we were surprised to see Jillian Palacpac. She went to elementary school with Bryce and she was his "sweetheart" for many years. Jillian was sworn in and is now starting her new job of taking calls and working with dispatch. Congrats to Jill.

Man Up - Be Responsible

It is easy to dodge our responsibilities,

but we cannot dodge the consequences

of dodging our responsibilities.

- unknown

Ol Fashioned Manners

Thoughtfulness for others,

generosity, modesty and self-respect,

are the qualities which make

a real gentleman or lady.

- Thomas H. Huxley

It seems the above mentioned qualities are now considered "old-fashioned" and disrespect, selfishness, and immodesty has become the "norm." In spite of the new "norm", impeccable manners will quickly attract attention and great admiration. I have made it a point to use manners with my children from the time they were babies. If I step in front of them, I say, "Excuse me." By making a habit to display good manners, I found my first child using the same mannerly expression at just 18 months old. It may strike you funny, but I will even use manners when I step past my little doggie. What will it take to bring a revival of courtesy? Manners is a parental responsibility and it is never too early to start using them.

Harvest Party '09

Finally, I uploaded my pics and thought I would share a few with you. Go ahead and laugh. It's good for you. LOL

The Nerd - Bryn
Pink Poodle - Devanae

Chinese Girl - Alize

Winners of the Apple Bobbing Contest

Little Minnie Mouse and Cambria

Dr. Katelyn, the local veterinarian

This should remain, "Guess who?"

David Beckham aka Blake

The perfect Irish Nerd - Bryn

Right Apologies = Right Actions

Right actions for the future

are the best apologies

for wrong ones in the past.

- Tyron Edwards

There is not much as insulting as a hypocritical apology. You know, the ones that are seemingly coerced words. We have often heard, "Actions speak louder than words." Character counts so good words should become good actions.

Please Pray for My Friend...

...Janiver Brown

Prayers for her husband and family are appreciated, too.

What Did Your Child Say?

There are many ways to measure success;

not the least of which is the way

your child describes you when talking to a friend.

Many years ago, an elder minister would often say, "If you want to know what your congregation thinks about you, just talk to their kids." Young children radiate innocence and honesty. This can provoke us, as adults, to a time of searching our souls. Thank God for our children and reminding us of what we should yet become if we are to find true success.

Face Reality

We can't always live by feelings alone,

sometimes we need to live by reality.

- borrowed from Tena Valente

Feelings can mask truth. Follow truth.

Adversity: Trial of Principle

Adversity is the trial of principle.

Without it, a man hardly knows whether he is honest or not.

- Henry Fielding

Isn't it amazing how adversity brings out true character? Throughout my years of being involved with pastoral ministry, I have seen the good and the bad. When calamity strikes, I have witnessed a weak person suddenly possess resolute strength and, yet, another give in to dishonesty and a loss of integrity. The next time adversity comes through your door, be determined to prove your character is impeccable.

Psalm 25:21 "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me." (NKJV)

As A Little Child

"...Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:3

The above picture is of a darling little boy named Malachi. I thought it was so cute and asked his auntie if I could borrow it. The innocence and sincerity of a child is so precious. I wonder, if we took the above scripture to heart and allowed our spirit to become as a child, how much easier life would become?

Huh? Work It Out

Do not falter or shrink;

but just think out your work,

and just work out your think.

- Nixon Waterman

Self Centered or Christ Centered

Self-centered people are easily offended. They find ways to get upset over the simplest and silliest things. Then, they proceed down that well-traveled road of discouragement, depression, and defeat. The reason? They are totally consumed with self! My advise is very simple. Discover the power of a "Christ Centered Life." It is lasting, fulfilling, and you'll never be the same again. - unknown

Happy Halloween!

First, before you condemn me for saying, "Happy Halloween," hear my opinion of this day. It stems from Genesis 1:1. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth..." He also created night and day, man and woman, tears and laughter. I have heard people condemn God saying, "If He was such a good, loving God, why are there murderers and rapist?" Well, God did not create a murderer or a rapist. He gave man and woman the freedom to choose. Eve chose to partake of a tree she knew was not for her consumption. Likewise, God created day and night but it was humanity that chose to pervert days by celebrating paganism. As for me, I have not chosen to celebrate a day that has been perverted by evildoers. Rather, I have chosen to celebrate the day because it is the day the Lord hath made. So, if my little girl dresses up like Sarah Palin, knocks on grandma's door and gets free candy, I don't think we have perverted the day. Since we also agree with the scripture that instructs us to shun the appearance of evil, I will not allow my child to represent a character that stems from paganism, the occult, sorcery or witchcraft. I know my opinion is controversial but, this is my story and I'm sticking to it. :)