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