I'm Praying for Rain

Too often good news is left out of our daily feed from the media and I was actually surprised the article below made it to mainstream news without a negative twist. Regardless of your religious position, I believe Governor Perdue should have the right to pray. That is truly allowing "freedom of religion." If you do not believe in prayer, no one will force you to join this time of prayer. Your freedom to choose not to pray is the same freedom that allows me to pray. Personally, I feel prayer is powerful and should not be stifled. It would make me feel very happy to know the windows of heaven opened and poured rain onto Georgia today. Maybe I will even start singing, "Rain on us, Holy Spirit, rain on us..."

By SHANNON McCAFFREY

(AP) Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue speaks to reporters at the Interior Department in Washington.
ATLANTA (AP) The governor will host a prayer service next week to ask for relief from the drought gripping the Southeast. "The only solution is rain, and the only place we get that is from a higher power," Perdue spokesman Bert Brantley said on Wednesday. Perdue's office has sent out invitations to leaders from several faiths for the service, set for Tuesday. Perdue has several times mentioned the need for prayer - along with water conservation - as the state's drought crisis has worsened. Over the summer, he participated in day of prayer for agriculture at a gathering of the Georgia Farm Bureau in Macon, Ga. Perdue, a Baptist, has enjoyed strong support from Georgia's Christian conservatives. The Southeast has been suffering from an intense drought in recent months that has threatened supplies of drinking water. Georgia has been locked in a battle with Alabama and Florida over how much water should be sent downstream from the state's dwindling reservoirs. Governors from the three states reached a temporary agreement after meeting with Bush administration officials in Washington. The prayer service will be held outside the state Capitol on Tuesday. Unless, of course, it rains.
"Then we'll move it inside, thankfully," Brantley said.

Too Busy to Post

This past week-end was busy, hectic, and nerve-wracking. Friday, we took Bryce to Sacramento to be there for an early Saturday morning practice. The WAY Quartet spent the day rehearsing and sang that evening in Citrus Heights for their missions conference. We traveled back home Saturday night and arrived home close to 2 a.m. Following our Sunday morning service, we took our kids to Disney On Ice then returned home for our evening service. The service was one of those extra special times and our spirits were strengthened. Monday morning, Bryce was scheduled to return to Sacramento for another rehearsal. Although we were all exhausted, we got up at 4:30 a.m. and sleepily took off. Bryce spent several hours practicing and we then drove to San Francisco to see our very dear friends, the Bishops, and give them our love. Their 24 year old daughter, Bethani, had acute liver failure and had transplant surgery yesterday. We arrived back home shortly before 3 a.m. and we began this day at 7:30 a.m. Please join us in prayer as we continue to pray for Bethani and her recovery. A blog has been started to keep everyone informed of her progress. Drop by and leave an encouraging word. www.bethaniroam.blogspot.com We have been privileged to travel with Bethani on Youth On Missions and Brian and I sang at Bethani's wedding a few years ago. She is a darling wife and now mother to seven month old Wyatt. We consider her family to be close friends and are praying for their strength.

Hopefully, I will get back on my posting track soon.

Finally, The Award

A few months ago I wrote about my childhood Sunday School teacher, Jane Johnson, and how she had received a letter stating she was chosen teacher of the year for the Western Region. Well, it took us a while, but we finally pulled off a great surprise service in which she was honored. Although the award was given for this year, she has been teaching at our church for 50 years. Hey, she is not only a great teacher, but she is a classy lady, too. The recently retired district education director, Stephen Allard, brought the award (a beautiful crystal apple on a pedestal that had her name engraved on it and "Teacher of the Year") and presented it to her. We also had a young man, Monte Albalos, who was one of her students during the 70's. He gave a beautiful speech in which he told his life story of being a foster child and how much Sis. Jane influenced his life. He now works with The Lollar Foundation and they have established a "Jane Johnson Birthday Day" that provides birthday parties to underprivileged children each month. These children are selected by school teachers. This young man was inspired to do this because Jane always remembered his birthday and baked him a cake when he was a child. He presented her with roses and also awarded her with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from congressman Jim Costa, certificate of recognition from Senator Dean Flores, and another from the California Legislature Assembly signed by assembly woman, Nicole Parra. The church added a beautiful scrapbook that contained numerous letters of appreciation and pictures from small children, teenagers, adults, and senior citizens. This was all topped off with a $200 gift card to her favorite specialty store, Olcotts. Jane has influenced thousands of people and is such an inspiration to many. Following the service, there was a reception and Jane insisted on serving the cake and greeting each person. What a woman! Words are not sufficient to describe how much she has impacted my life.

Perfect Attendance

Bryn, and Blake too, came home from school showing off certificates of Perfect Attendance for the first quarter of the school year. Hip, Hip, Hooray! Bryn rushed into her room, quickly changed into a skirt she just received for her birthday and announced I needed to take her picture. She then ran up a few stairs and struck a pose. After I snapped the picture, she hurried into the living room and sat in a chair for a "different" pose. Oh, my! She is hilarious, but so much fun!

What's Your Flavor?

A couple weekends ago, my husband performed a wedding ceremony for a young couple and we had to leave before the wedding cake was cut and served. Just before we left, I snapped a picture of the cake and my mind started whirling as I wondered if every layer was a different flavor, did the layers have fillings, and if so what kind. Have any of you been to weddings in the last few years and had "wedding cake" as in white cake? Everyone seems to want specialty flavors and fillings. Do you ever miss white wedding cake? The top picture is my wedding cake in 1979 and it was white decorated with fresh flowers. The second picture is the cake at the wedding I recently attended. I will have to admit that some of the specialty flavors and fillings are quite delicious, but there is just something special about white wedding cake. A thing of the past and something I miss.

Thank God and GPS

About five this morning, Bryce was leaving to drive to the bay area and I had a huge wave of fear and nervousness come over me as he walked out the door to his car. Although the sky was clear, I had been apprehensive the night before because we have had some foggy weather. (If you are not familiar with the central valley fog in California, let me assure you it is one of the most dangerous seasons.) I expressed my nervous feelings to my husband and he said, "Well, let's pray." We begin to pray and after a while we decided to return to bed and catch another hour or two of sleep. Later, we traveled south to take care of some errands and we got the news that there had been an enormous wreck on the 99 north of our town near Fresno with over 100 vehicles involved, dozens injured, and a few fatalities all due to the fog. (story here: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20071104/D8SMJIJ01.html) One of the main thoroughfares in California was now closed and looked like a littered junk yard. Here's what I am really trying to say - the last time Bryce traveled to the bay area we gave him directions that took him north of Fresno on the 99 and crossed through Highway 152 to get to Interstate 5. Since that last trip, we bought Bryce a GPS for his car. The GPS unit instructed Bryce to take Highway 198 which is about 30 miles south of Fresno. Therefore, he took off the 99 before reaching the huge wreck that he most likely would have been involved. When I realized this must have been why I felt so nervous, I quickly said, "Thank you, Lord, for directing him out of the path of danger." And thank you GPS for choosing the alternate route.

P.S. Another friend has joined the blogging world. Check out her page at www.khopper.blogspot.com

WAY Quartet

A couple weeks ago, WAY Quartet sang at Section 11 Prayer and Bible Conference in Citrus Heights, California. They decided to try out an accapella version of "Jesus Loves Me." They asked Brian to record them so they could hear their mistakes to help make corrections. The song still needs some polishing on a few spots, but I thought you would enjoy it anyway. Hopefully, they won't be too upset with me for posting this video. :)

Beautiful Roses, Beautiful Girl

Couldn't resist adding this snapshot. Bryn loves roses, especially pink. I saw these at Costco and got them for her birthday party. I love this girl!

That's Practically All I Have To Say

Last week-end, Blake (my 10-year old) was invited to speak at a KIDZ rally. The theme was Jesus, The Light of The World. This rally featured young children singing, doing dramatic sign language, instruments solos, and speaking. Blake was one of two speakers and I thought it was cute enough to share. We all got a huge kick out of his last line.

Happy Birthday, Bryn-Anika!

Today, my princess is a big SIX years old. She has been so much joy to our home. Constant dancing, singing, and talking to her imaginary friends keeps me entertained. Some of the conversations are too cute. Her spirit is sweet and gentle. Time has flown so fast! She is now in first grade, at the top of her class, sang her first solo with Kidz Choir last Saturday night, and so beautiful she takes my breath away. I still have a difficult time trying to understand how Brian and I created such beautiful children.

To Bryn- Anika......

Happy Birthday, my doll! I love you more than chocolate!

Hearers or Doers

King James Version - But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
New International Version - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Have you ever heard a parent say something such as, "Don't just stand there. Get busy." I wonder if God ever looks at people sitting in the house of "worship" and wants to say, "Hey, don't just sit there. If you came to the house of worship then worship me!" Next time you are in a church service, consider if you are just listening or if you are acting. I'll let you in on a secret - it is so fun to be a doer.

P.S. As soon as my husband can figure out how to get YouTube to upload some video clips, I will post the WAY Quartet singing and Blake speaking at a recent Kidz Rally. Blake was too cute! And, Bryn sang her first solo with Kidz Choir. Maybe he can get that one to upload, too.

Small Moments, Great Moments

Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones.- Phillips Brooks

Just maybe someday, if I always grant attention in the small, minute, day-to-day activities, I will develop a good character and it will blossom into a really great moment. Regardless of whether I have a "great" moment, the important thing is to make right choices and have good character in every detail of my life. I'm working on it.

Life Is Fragile

Recently, my dear friend went into premature labor from complications brought about by Preeclampsia. It was a very traumatic experience with mom and baby boy nearly dying. I paced the floor for days consumed with worry because my friend was far away on the east coast and I could not get there. God answered the many prayers and mom and baby are now home and doing well. The picture is of him while in hospital.

Last week I received news that another friend who went to high school with Bryce, delivered her baby nearly three months early. The two pound baby seemed to be progressing quite well until yesterday when it developed a severe bleed in the brain. It breaks my heart to see infants hooked to so many wires and machines because I know that the parents are not being allowed to hold their baby close and their minds are troubled. Thankfully, the baby will not remember this stressful time. We know that babies are resilient little fighters for life, yet life is so fragile. Will you join me in prayer for this new mom and dad and their tiny daughter?

To Infinity and Beyond

Okay, I hate to see a sad baby, but something about this face cracked me up. After reading the quote, I really had a good chuckle. What an oxymoron to have a picture of a baby complaining about a length of time! Of course, the picture then got my brain to spinning. I got to thinking how we get so impatient with ourselves trying to achieve certain goals, but in the scheme of the "big picture" we have only been working a "few seconds" on our life. I wonder if God laughs at us when we are so silly? We need to reach for things that are beyond making ourselves successful, but rather strive to leave something of a greater value. All the things I personally achieve come to ought upon my death unless I have done things to help those tagging along behind me. Maybe I won't be so impatient with how long it is taking me to become. Of most importance, is the direction I am leading my soul. I think I will just work on things that I know will last beyond me. To infinity and beyond.

Is Failure An Opportunity?

Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.- Henry Ford

Ten to 15 years ago, my husband preached a message at our district youth camp titled, "Your Failures Are Not Fatal." It was a tremendous message in which he shared some of his failures as a young person while living in France and how he got drawn into the "wrong" crowd. This sermon was presented in an era where it was not popular for ministers to admit to any failures and it was quite a vulnerable thing for my husband to do, but the results were surprisingly positive. Even after all these years, he has young people approach him and tell how that message changed their life. Then yesterday, we had Larry Carter in service with us and he told a story of a minister who told him, "Larry, God doesn't remember the last time you fell, He only remembers the last time you got up." Too many times people believe a failure in their life is the end and turn to a life of distruction, but in reality failures are an opportunity. The next time you are disappointed with yourself, just tackle the task again. You will find the negative experience will have taught you and the entire scenario can make a positive change. In fact, the whole thing will probably end up better than you ever imagined.

20,000

Thank you to all my blogger friends for helping make my blog a success. The counter has now exceeded 20,000 hits in less than 10 months. It has been fun and I look forward to many more conversations with you.

My Shout Out to Apostolic Tabernacle of Merced

Sunday before last (Oct. 7), I was invited, along with several other guests which included the WAY Quartet and Nancy Grandquist, to sing at Apostolic Tabernacle in Merced, California for their "Sunday Singsation." This is a "happenin'" church and the congregation is quite culturally diverse. I couldn't help but think how wonderful the world would be if all churches, communities, cities, states, and governments, would embrace one another with such love and respect as the church family in Merced. If anyone would like an example of a place free of racism and prejudice, Apostolic Tabernacle is the place to look. Please take time to visit their website http://www.upcmerced.org/ and view some of their video clips. I might add, their choir sings the "Star Spangled Banner" better than any other performers I have heard. (On the home page of their website, there is an ad for video clips of Praise On The Mountain. Click there to view their performance of the "Star Spangled Banner.")

Before Sam Emory became the pastor of the church in Merced, he was a frequent guest speaker at our church. One of our fun memories was on a New Year's celebration when Blake was less than a year old and we were doing our traditional thing by going out to eat at 1 a.m. Blake was so mesmerized with Bro. Emory that he fought sleep to be able to watch Bro. Emory. Little Blake's eyes would shut, his head would roll sideways, and then he would suddenly jerk up and look straight at Bro. Emory. Blake is now ten years old, and Sam Emory is one of his heroes. Our family is greatly honored to count Sam and Shirley Emory as some of our dearest friends. We love them and we love the church they are now pastoring.

P.S. The genius behind their music is Mark Yandris, a highly sought after musician and director.

Have Faith With Me

My dear friends - I am inviting you to expand your faith and join me in prayer for my very dear friend, Jolene. She has been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Please visit her blog and leave her an encouraging word. She has posted some thoughts about living with a brain tumor. Actually, I think you will be encouraged by reading many of her thoughts. Her blog is at www.jolenejmendoza.blogspot.com

Just Ordinary People

The virtues which keep this world sweet and the faithfulness which keeps it steadfast are chiefly those of the average man.- -- W. Russell Bowie

How often do people suffer low self worth thinking only people above them can make a difference in the world or attain important positions in life? This quote truly brings to perspective that it is the common man/woman who makes up the character of the world we live in. There is a minority of "bad apples" that receive so much media attention we sometimes think our entire world is terrible when, in fact, the majority is ordinary people just like you and me who put the sugar in our communities. There is a song written by Danniebelle Hall that I would love to share with you the lyrics.

ORDINARY PEOPLE
Just ordinary people, God uses ordinary people,

He chooses people just like me and you,

Who are willing to do as He commands,

God uses people that will give Him all,

No matter how small your all may seem to you,

Because little becomes much as you place it in the Master's hand

Just like that little lad Who gave Jesus all he had,

How the multitude was fed with the fish and the loaves of bread,

What you have may not seem much,

But when you yield it to the touch,

Of the Master's loving hand, yes,

Then you'll understand how your life could never be the same

Just ordinary people,

My God uses plain, old, ordinary people,

He chooses people just like me and you,

Who are willing to do everything that He commands,

God uses people that will give Him all,

It doesn't matter,

It doesn't matter how small your all may seem to you,

Because little becomes much ,

As you place it in the Master's hand.

Satan, You're A Liar

If there is one thing upon this earth that mankind love and admire better than another, it is a brave man, -- it is the man who dares to look the devil in the face and tell him he is a devil.- -- James A. Garfield

When I read this quote, I immediately had a smile as I envisioned people yelling at the devil. Several years ago I came across a song that I have sung to the devil. The chorus goes like this, "Satan, you're a liar. You should know by now I know, you're a liar. There's one thing you can't deny, you're the father of every lie. You're a liar." My favorite verse is, "I know you're everything in this world except my friend. Still you have the courage, the nerve to come around again, you tell me I'm not born again, heaven's not a reality, that Jesus Christ is not the son of God, Satan, listen good to me.......you're a liar!" Don't be afraid to speak to the devil. Let him know he is a devil and not welcome to spread his smack talk to you. The only thing the devil and I agree on is this - I hate the devil and he hates me.

P.S. Now this made me think of the country song, "I Hate Her." Did I mention, I hate the devil?

To The Fair

We took time from working on the house to take the kids to the county fair. They got to ride an elephant, see pygmy pigs race, the turkey stampede, a Llama, the goats play, three newborn calves, a 13 foot alligator, a 1,000 pound pig, and a little lamb and many sheep. Seeing the animals has always been their favorite part of the fair. Bryn got enough nerve to pet the goats, calf, and elephant. Of course we couldn't resist the cotton candy and carmel corn.

An Amazing Woman

The one resolution, which was in my mind long before it took the form of a resolution, is the key-note of my life. It is this, always to regard as mere impertinences of fate the handicaps which were placed upon my life almost at the beginning. I resolved that they should not crush or dwarf my soul, but rather be made to blossom, like Aaron's rod, with flowers.- Helen Keller

I don't need to add anything. This woman was absolutely incredible, and what a statement!

EDIT - Monday evening, Sept. 24. I actually did add a thought to this in my comment section with my response to Carol and Karen. Check it out to give me your thoughts on applying this quote to your spiritual life.

Got Tile? I Do Now

His name is Javier, and I do believe he is the best tile layer I have ever seen. He worked fast and with perfection. It is a porcelain tile that resembles stone and the grout is not porous and will not stain. I think I am loving it. For all of you who have said prayers, lit candles, and crossed your fingers, I say thank you. There is now what seems like miles of tile in my house and carpet layers are here as I speak. I think I feel a shout comin' on!! Maybe by tomorrow I will have a picture of carpet. Carpet should be finished this weekend and then the contractor's team will return Monday to install new baseboards, replace vent covers, and touch-up any needed areas. If my feet weren't so tired, I think I would feel like dancing!

Balancing Service And Love

Recently, I was speaking to someone who has encountered some struggles in their spiritual life. During this conversation I felt impressed to share a thought and I want to pass it along to you. Our relationship with the Lord should be much like a happy marriage but, what makes a marriage provide happiness? Two things that one must give in a marriage, is service and love. Normally, service does not bring the greatest happiness, but rather love. I serve my husband when I make his bed, do his laundry, and serve him a home-cooked meal. This service is appreciated, but my husband desires my love more. Often times we serve God, but forget to love Him. We offer service to Him when we teach a Sunday School class, drive a bus, clean the church, play an instrument, and the list can go on and on. Yet, more than all the service we willingly and cheerfully give, He desires our love even more. How do I love Him? When I enter into His presence, I pour my love and adoration to Him through worship. I brag about Him to others and make known He is the love of my life. Many have learned how to serve, but love seems to be something foreign. For others, their time to love is eaten by their service. To strengthen your relationship with the Lord, evaluate your time of service and love and make sure it has a healthy balance.

Praise On The Mountain

Saturday was Praise On The Mountain at Six Flags in Valencia, California which is an annual concert sponsored by the Western District Youth Department. The venue seats nearly 3500 people, and long lines form early to get a seat close to the stage. Featured performers were the Merced Choir, Holy Hands of Tulare, the WAY Quartet and WAY Choir. Opening with the "Star Spangled Banner," Merced Sanctuary Choir displayed talent superior to any I have ever seen. Their band was tight, the harmony, diction, style of the vocals superb, and the energy of the anointing was strong. WAY Quartet was missing one of their quartet, but the director of WAY Choir stepped in and filled in the blank. Of course, everyone did a fantastic job.

This was my first time to take Bryn and she had her first roller coaster ride. If you look real close, you can see a speck of flying, red hair in the 4th car. (Click on photos to enlarge.) She also met some characters including Porky and Petunia. Blake, now tall enough to ride the big rides, disappeared with friends and I didn't see him nearly all day. When the concert was over, Blake and Bryn were ready to get to the car, put on their p.j.'s and fall asleep while we drove the two hours to home. Bright and early the next morning, Bryn awoke and said, "Mommy, are we going to Magic Mountain today?" I think we will wait until next year. :)

Another House Update

Finally, we received 1/3 of our insurance monies to help further the progress on the repairs of our house. It has now been four months and a week since the house flooded, and frustrated can't really begin to describe how we are feeling. This past Friday, tile was installed in the two upstairs bathrooms and painting began in the kitchen. Hopefully, we will have some carpet being installed by the end of this week. The pictures above show a portion of the living room. Why don't you pull up a chair and sit on the floor with us. :) Bryn decided to strike a pose and you can also see the plastic sheeting covering things they don't want to get paint over-spray. Thankfully, the light is getting brighter at the end of this dark tunnel.

My Girl, Talking 'Bout My Girl

A favorite time at camp, is hearing the children while they are playing throughout the day. Laughter, squeals, skates clanking, bikes squeaking, and the high pitch of glee. Bryn loves being at camp more than anything else. My challenge, is to keep her hair out of her eyes. Believe me, I really do try. There are ponytail holders, scrunchies, barrettes, but alas, they disappear and the hair is in her face once again. My friend, Mervi, snapped some pictures while she was playing and, oh, well, you know where I'm going - - - another brag moment. I think she is beautiful even with hair in her eyes. :)

P.S. Thanks, Mervi, for taking this pic and giving it to me.

Take Courage

The direst foe of courage is the fear itself, not the object of it, and the man who can overcome his own terror is a hero and more.- -- George MacDonald

Today, many remember the tragic events of 9/11 with solemn tears, grief, and fear of a reoccurence. In the face of terrorism and evil, it is of utmost importance that we remain the courageous, strong people our reputation has earned. Fear will steal courage from our very being, but to overcome our own terror is heroic. Let this day serve as a reminder we are a strong nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and speak and act courageously - speak and act truth, speak and act love, speak and act peace.

Fear - Not Of God

You are all so sweet to think of me and my situation, that none of you answered the question I posted at the bottom of "Say 'No' to Countrywide." So, I am going to try again and see if any of you want to share a moment of fear you may have had in your life. Have any of you ever looked fear in the face? Scripture tells us that God has not given us the spirit of fear, yet there are times in life we face fear. How do you react? Do you face fear with confidence and bravery? Is there a certain fear you have difficulty putting behind you? Did you have a fearful situation that made you stronger, more courageous, or confident? Below is the quote that caused me to think about fear.

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.- -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Pursue Purpose

A life without purpose is a languid, drifting thing; Every day we ought to review our purpose, saying to ourselves: This day let me make a sound beginning, for what we have hitherto done is naught!- -- Thomas A. Kempis

When I read the above quote, I was immediately challenged to pursue purpose and reminded that I cannot be comfortable with past accomplishments. Have you ever known someone who set out to achieve a certain goal and after reaching it, they lost interest in maintaining the achievement? I know people who have reached the "top" and then did not strive to reach for more. Jane, the lady who I consider to be one of the greatest influences in my life, has three sons who are all successful in their individual ways. One of her sons, has performed so many different jobs and followed so many dreams it would take pages (literally) to list them all. Yet, at pushing 60 years old, he continues to seek knowledge and chase more dreams. If I need information on any subject, I can talk to him and it is like having a live Internet search engine. He does not live on yesterday, but works hard today and pushes for a better tomorrow. Yesterday's achievements have passed and I must now push forward.