You Are Invited

This upcoming weekend, our church is hosting a drama featuring Gaylen Cantrell, Terry Vik, and Howie Tiller. All three of these men are excellent actors, producers, and writers. Joining the cast, is Gaylen Cantrell's sons, Weston and Landry. Weston is an excellent actor, graphic artist, and operates a studio where he has produced and engineered several projects. Landry is a solo artist who will soon release his second CD and writes all his songs. The Cantrell boys are also part of the dramatic sign team, Signs and Wonders. It is guaranteed we will have an awesome time this Saturday night. If you are in the area, please drop by.

Love And Time

While in a place of business a few days ago, the lyrics of a song caught my attention. The words were, "You can spend all your time making love, or spend all your love making time." I do not know the songwriter or what was the basic thought behind the song but those words did cause me to think about balance. If all my time was spent making love (not meaning this as a sexual act), I would never accomplish the daily tasks needed for survival. On the other hand, if I spent all my love making time, I would become the typical workaholic. The fact is, I need to spend time making (creating, sharing, giving) love to everyone I daily encounter and not spending all my love on making time. Time is critical to our careers and daily duties but there must be a balance of love and time. I must find the right balance. Enough time to work, and enough time to love.

As A Man Thinketh

The greatest discovery of my generation

is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind.

- William James

This quote makes me think of some old phrases such as:

Can't never did do anything.

Is the glass half full or half empty?

or

I can, I can, I think I can...

No Secrets to Success

There are no secrets to success.

It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure.

- Colin Powell

Repentance

Tonight my husband taught a fabulous lesson on repentance. He mentioned there are three aspects to repentance.
1. Intellectual Change (changing your mindset)
2. Emotional Change (no longer seeking wrong desires)
3. Voluntary Change of Goals (accepting God's will)

He also mentioned "Belief is proactive; repentance is reactive." (Reacting to your belief.) Another comment was, "Too many are sorry they got caught instead of being sorry for their sin." I couldn't write fast enough to keep up with all the good thoughts! I pray I will always bring forth fruit worthy of repentance. Luke 3:8

Brian, if you read this, thank you for the great lesson.

Brag Time

This past weekend was the 2009 Kern County Chess Championships (TCAMA) for K-12. Blake's team won the tournament taking home first place trophy. Not bad for a group of 6th graders, eh? They also received individual scores and we don't yet know where this places Blake on the national level. We are proud of Blake.

Blake with his individual trophy
The team rejoicing with their champion, division, and individual trophies

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Last month, Bryn was chosen Student-of-the-Month. Bryn is an excellent student and as well behaved as she is smart. On their recent benchmark testing, she scored the highest and is in the 98 percentile of the nation. She also qualifies to be a GATE student. Her teacher, Mr. Pantoja, has told us he has never had a brighter student. We are very proud of her. This morning, she was up early to practice her song for the upcoming talent show. I felt sorry for her because allergies has caused congestion and she sounded like a little bullfrog. Hopefully, she will feel better before the rehearsal this afternoon.

Bryn receiving her award. (Mr. Pantoja pictured on right.)

So happy!

Congratulations, Jonathan Arevalo

The Delano Union Elementary School District has nearly 8,000 students but only one can be selected as "Student of The Year." This year's recipient is Jonathan Arevalo. Let me tell you a little about nine year old Jonathan. He was born and raised in our church and is the sweetest boy I have ever met. When someone mentions him, the words that first come to my mind are: polite, mannerly, sweet, gentle-spirit, kind, brilliant, loving, caring, respectful. This young man always takes time to greet the elderly, admire babies, and never fusses or fights with his peers. He is loved by all. As Student of the Year, Jonathan received a laptop computer from the school district. Last Sunday night, we surprised Jonathan with a small reception with cake and punch along with an award from the church. We are so proud of Jonathan's accomplishments. He scores high academically and socially.

Love you, Jonathan!

Practice What You Preach

One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than 50 preaching it.

- Knute Rockne

And everyone said, "Amen."

MYSPACE In Heaven?

Our family is often entertained by reading various church signs. Some are great, others are pitiful, and the favorites are funny. Recently, we passed the above sign and Bryn quickly questioned, "There will be MySpace in heaven?" Too funny! Just maybe we will all have our laptops and continue our blogs "on the other side." I admit, the very thought makes me laugh out loud.
P.S. This post does not mean any disrespect to First United Methodist Church.

WDLC and Stuff :)

Donna Linville speaking at WDLC

Debbie Foster Saiz & family

It seems a long time has passed since I last had time to just write about life. The Western District Ladies Conference in Sacramento, California was a huge success with record attendance and the speakers were, as some say, "Over-the-top." Last August, due to health reasons, my friend Kim Hanks resigned "mid-stream" as master coordinator and I was asked to assume the position. I have been a member of the Western District Ladies Committee for many years (I think approximately 15 years) and, knowing it is the biggest job in the department, I have always swore to Brian I would quit before taking the position of master coordinator. It was another friend of mine who asked me to take the position. This friend had never been involved in the department, was put into the position of president when California became two districts, and, even though I took three days to make my decision, I just couldn't tell her, "No." Now that the 2009 conference is behind me, I have learned the key to surviving as master coordinator hinges on having team members who efficiently handle their assigned tasks. A successful conference is proof of excellent teamwork. Because of such a great team, I will tackle this job again.

Donna Linville and Debbie Foster Saiz were the speakers for our conference this year. To read more about Donna, click here: http://www.s-g-m.net/donnalinville.htm. Donna is a comedian with a message. She has a comedy DVD, recently released a CD singing her old favorites, and has been instrumental in starting "Esther" conferences designed specifically for young girls seven years of age to 15. Debbie is originally from Louisiana, was a youth pastor for many years, and is a world-wide speaker. She has authored several "help" books for youth ministry. These two women make a dynamic team and our conference was greatly blessed by their ministry.

WDLC Praise Team

Here's a short segment of the praise team and band at the Western District Ladies Conference in Sacramento under the direction of fellow blogger Ronda Hurst. The drummer is Ronda's son Than and he is also a fellow blogger with a great sense of humor. If you need a laugh, visit his blog.

Thank You So Much...

Western District Ladies Conference was a HUGE success and I want to give a shout out of thanks to our committee and first-year president, Laquita Mullings. (I hope to post pictures later.) Their team efforts paid off with a record attendance of nearly 700 and a greatly blessed conference. As master coordinator (and music coordinator), the team work made my job much easier. Everyone followed through with their assigned duties and I am forever grateful.

GREAT, BIG THANKS TO:
Registration: Cindy Berrier & Cindy Ziegenbein
Brunch Decor: Susan Hill
Vendors: Regina Lopez
Concierge: Amber Gilliam
Badge Checkers: Amber Gilliam
Stage: Darla Young
Theme Presentation: Summer Schexnayder
Hostesses: Summer Schexnayder
Hospitality: Deena Krantz
Praise & Worship: Ronda Hurst
Promotions: Anita Harding
Publicity: Dr. Donna Fearnside


Thanks to our departing secretary, Gayla Baughman for hosting the VIP receptions in her suite each night. We will certainly miss her. Although not part of our committee, I would like to say thank you to Katrina Whorton and Amy Sullivan for the evening VIP receptions. Last, thanks to Megan Chappell of DoubleTree Hotel.

A Good Heart and A Strong Mind

To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love, are the two greatest proofs, not only of goodness of heart, but of strength of mind.
- William Hazlitt

There is no such thing as a perfect relationship because it is a continual work in progress. Cherish those around you and on the days you feel frustrated, evaluate yourself. It takes a good heart and a strong mind to never give up on a relationship. Continue to build, continue to love, continue to give.

Imperative Or Disatrous?

The most important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one's work seriously and taking one's self seriously. The first is imperative, and the second disastrous.
- Margot Fonteyn

Now isn't that the truth?!

Chick-fil-A Is Here!

More than 24 hours before the doors opened, people camped out in a race to be one of the first 100 people to enter Chick-fil-A on opening day. You see, the first 100 people are given a year's worth of food. Regardless of the pouring rain, folks from across the nation came to be part of this grand event in Bakersfield, California. One man, traveled from a southern state to attend his 14th Chick-fil-A opening. He does not keep the free food coupons but rather gives them to missionaries on furlough. As for my family - they LOVE Chick-fil-A. Chicken nuggets, waffle fries, sweet tea and, of course, ice-dream (yes, it is dream not cream) with chocolate sauce.

Happy 70th Birthday, Mom Allard

Bryn & Grandma Allard
Mom Allard and me

For the past 34 years (nearly half of her life and almost two-thirds of mine), this great lady has been a main character in my life. There have been many mother-in-law jokes told, but you haven't heard one from me. I have been blessed with a great mother-in-law who has always loved me, supported my efforts, and never said a critical word to me. I love her dearly and wish her, Amelia Allard, the happiest birthday ever.

100,000 Hits

Thank you to everyone who visits my blog.

Who Is The Happiest

Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though t'were his own.
- Johann von Goethe

If this quote is true, I would want the happiest person on my team.

Spare The Rod, Spoil The Child

Below is a link to an article concerning spanking. When I was in elementary school, the teachers had paddles and could spank a child who misbehaved. Now, the teacher is the one who gets in trouble for disciplinary action. My first response to this article was, "There sure was a lot less crime when I was in elementary school." Is the elimination of spankings partly responsible for the higher crime rate today?
http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/709521.html

AGC KIDZ Choir - Part III

AGC KIDZ Choir - Part II

Bryn and some of her friends have blogs so I wanted to post these clips for their bragging rights. Lately, Bryn has been very lazy about posting on her blog but she reads mine all the time. Then, I get e-mails from her. That seems to be her new thing - e-mailing me everyday.

AGC KIDZ Choir

Below is a small clip of our KIDZ Choir singing. They were missing a view voices, the video is shaky, but it is still cute. Can you tell which kids are mine? LOL

Jonathan Contreras

I realize it is past the season, but Brian finally uploaded to YouTube the video of Jonathan Contreras playing "Carol of the Bells" at our 2008 Christmas Concert. What you must know, Jonathan is completely self-taught. His fingering is impeccable and his desire to play is great.