Have You Ever Seen Such A Thing?!?

Yesterday, while at therapy, the therapist put the above contraption on my foot/ankle while she had the brace off. The texture is much like a fabric band-aid. The large portion was placed on my leg and the "arms" stretched down my leg to my foot. Supposedly, this is to reduce swelling. Huh? This combined with the brace makes for some funny stares and comments. Oh, well! Whatever it takes to get this foot/ankle well. Only in the life of Jana! I live drama-to-drama.

Words From A Friend

#1 TIP TO MOVE YOUR MINISTRY FORWARD

by Mark Condon

Around the country I am often approached by people in my conferences and seminars who have a desire to move their ministry, music or life in a forward motion. I want to help you today do that very thing with this one idea! This morning I was in the airport and I needed to get to the other side of the airport in a hurry. So, I took advantage of the people mover (it is like a flat escalator) and was walking at a normal speed when I quickly passed up some people who were expending the exact amount of energy as I was but they were not going anywhere near the speed that I was going. You see, they were walking on the floor next to the people mover. They were so close to success but yet so far! I am not sure why anyone would take the regular floor route when you could get there twice as fast with the same amount of energy. The thought quickly came to mind that this is how life is for so many people. Some people seem to be doing the same thing as you are but for some reason they are getting to their destiny quicker than you are. I want to give you a "people mover" idea that will allow you to move your ministry and life in a forward direction quicker than 90% of everyone you know! This may sound elementary but it really is the base for which EVERYTHING needs to be channeled through. Excellence! Yes, I am asking you to be a person of excellence and a person of character. This may seem common but I really feel that it is something that many of us do not apply often enough on a consistent basis. Diligence is where it is at!!! Hint: DEVOUR Proverbs. I am referring to all of the small things like:

1. Picking up papers that are laying on the floor that you maybe didn't put there. How about when you go into a grocery store and pick up an item but later realize that you do not need it so you just put it down anywhere instead of putting it back where it belongs. How about making your bed every morning or cleaning up the kitchen after you use it. How about making sure your paper towel actually goes into the wastebasket in public restrooms. Do the things that most people will not do and you will quickly find yourself receiving the things and opportunities that most people do not receive.

2. Keeping very good care of what you have. For example: cars, house, apartment, closets, garage, and bills. How do we ever expect God to give us more when we do not adequately honor and respect what He has already given to us. How often do we try to get a little more out of someone, store or friend because we are just downright cheap. What would happen if we would go overboard and bless someone or some business. How often do we go off on some fast food attendant because they made a mistake or are slow? Why not be an example of excellence and go overboard with kindness. How about being cheap on tipping? How about being honest on copyright, discounts or things that you just may get away with but yet you know it is not right?

3. How about paying your bills on time and not spending more than you know is right for your family budget. How about being early and stop coming in at the last minute or worse, arriving late! I really think that 90% or more of people do just what it takes to get by and that is why the majority of people live a very average life. The people who go overboard are the ones who get to enjoy the true blessings and the finer things of God! I really want to encourage you to step onto the "People Mover" of God's plan and position yourself to move faster than ever. Pay attention to the details and always say it is unto God that I do this. Do what almost no one else will do. Step out and enjoy the kind of life that is so rewarding!

Hmmm, Hmmmm, Hmmmm.....

Had a song going through my head...

...You can't knock me down,

when I'm already on my knees...

Walk In Truth

Ten Commandments or Ten Suggestions?

Convictions or Preferences?

Morality or Immorality?

Truth or Lies?

Honesty or Deceit?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buy the truth, and sell it not;

also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

- Proverbs 23:23 KJV

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Direct my footsteps according to your word;

let no sin rule over me.

Psalm 119:133 NIV

Courage and Critics

Whatever you do, you need courage.

Whatever course you decide upon,

there is always someone to tell you you are wrong.

There are always difficulties arising

which tempt you to believe that your critics are right.

To map out a course of action and follow it to the end,

requires some of the same courage which a soldier needs.

Peace has its victories,

but it takes brave men to win them.

- Emerson

Have enough courage to live above your critics.

Trials Only Make Us Stronger

The gem cannot be polished without friction,

nor man perfected without trials.

- Chinese proverb

More Camp Pics

My favorite redhead - Bryn-Anika
Another darling redhead - Chloe Tredway riding with her daddy on his golf cart
Jr. Campers playing ball

There were jean skirts, and more jean skirts and more jean skirts

One of the exhibits was this tantalizing bakery.

This booth specialized in girls clothing and accessories.

While on exhibit, they custom wrapped this van with extreme graphics. Quite an interesting way to "paint" your vehicle.

Brian Kinsey speaking at an evening service

Although half of W.A.Y. Choir was in Nashville at Youth Congress, the remaining members brought the house down Thursday evening.

Apostolic Tabernacle of Merced - Need I say more??? There's nobody like 'em. They tore the roof off!!!

Part of the crowd. (The blue carpet is the middle aisle so this pic represents about half the crowd.)

Now that the Western District has now become two separate districts (SoCal and Western), we felt as if we were starting over and not sure what to expect. Our expectations were exceeded! The Camp Meeting had an outstanding attendance and was able to function "in the black" with monies already in reserve for next year. Gaylen Cantrell was the Camp Meeting director and Brian was his adminstrator. They are overjoyed with the success of this Camp Meeting. This year's exhibit hall featured a great variety of products. Pentecostal Publishing House of St. Louis, Missouri set up a large book store, there were several booths of ladies clothing, purses, shoes, tapestry wall hangings, various artists with their CD's, a bakery, and a booth that had fried pies, homemade ice cream, cookies, etc. I suggested they make half the exhibit hall into a food court next year. The daily Bible teacher was Dr. James Hughes and the evening speaker was Rev. Brian Kinsey. What an incredible team!!! The CD's can be ordered through www.wdcampmeeting.com. Putting whip cream and a cherry on this camp was the gorgeous weather. I love camp time.

Time

Dost thou love life?

Then do not squander time,

for that's the stuff life is made of.

- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

Ever wish there was a way to buy more time or slow it down?

Motorhomes, Tents and Trailers

Pictured above is our rig and Bryce's tent. Bryce has a queen size air mattress with a mummy sleeping bag and he loves it. He told us he stays warm in the bag but loves having a cold face and breathing the cool air. As for me, I like being inside. Camping is part of the fun at Camp Meeting.

Shopping at Walgreens

I had to make a quick trip to Walgreens for some hydrogen peroxide to clean Bryn's scraped knee and came across these silly hats. Of course, Bryce and Brian struck poses for me. LOL

Honda? Toyota? I'm Confused!

While driving to the famous Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach, we came upon this truck. What??? It is a Toyota truck that is an apparent company vehicle for Honda. Does Honda not trust their own truck?

The Tent

Work began on Monday and now the tent is up and ready for Camp Meeting to begin. It was a good week with minimal mishaps. When the three main poles (which are four stories high) were going up, they fell once and gave everyone a good scare. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the poles were finally in place. I have enjoyed relaxing in the cool weather. This is truly my vacation week. My Internet is limited but I hope to post more this coming week. Hope you are having a blessed summer.

Get Up! Make It Happen!

People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are.

I don't believe in circumstances.

The people who get on in this world are the people who get up

and look for the circumstances they want, and,

if they can't find them, make them.

- George Bernard Shaw

It's Camp Time

Summer is always hectic for us and quite busy with various church activities but camp time is the favored time. We took our RV to the camp on Friday and got it all set up then returned home Saturday to attend our weekend services. Sunday morning, "Grandpa" Sam White will be speaking for us. He may not have many to speak to but those who do come will enjoy it. We have many kids attending Jr. Camp this year and they will all leave early this morning before church to make the trip to camp. The parents enjoy taking their kids to camp because they can enjoy the California Central Coast on their way home. The weather at the coast was in the 50's when we left to come back to the San Joaquin Valley where the temps have been over 100 for several days. Brian and his crew will be setting up the Camp Meeting tent during this week while Jr. Camp is going on. The second week, people from all over the state will come to Camp Meeting. After Camp Meeting, Sr. Camp takes place. Camp, camp, and more camp. I love it! My kids love it! Pictures coming soon.

THE Brace

The brace (pictured above) is the contraption I am wearing for two months. I had an injury to my foot before Christmas last year and I thought it would get better but, it did not. I went to the doctor in March and it has taken until now to get the referrals and correct doctors, thanks to having and HMO. The orthopaedic surgeon I saw here, Dr. Amirpour, wanted me sent to a "teaching" school where I could see a doctor that specializes in foot/ankle problems. Dr. Soohoo from UCLA is who I was then referred to and he optimistically hopes the problem will heal itself while wearing the brace. I have a tendon that is at the point of rupturing and it is causing my foot to "fall off" my ankle. I have had six doctors tell me this is a very complicated problem and one that is not easily resolved. When I was casted to form a mold for the brace, the doctor handed me a sheet and said, "Pick a color." It had every color under the sun and several prints. I decided I may as well put some fun into this miserable situation and I chose "Zulu."

Also, say a prayer for Brian. He will see an orthopaedic surgeon tomorrow to determine what do to do for his shoulder. The shoulder was injured in the wreck in January but it continues to cause him great discomfort. Brian hopes he will not need surgery.

What's Your Destination

The various religions are like different roads converging on the same point.

What difference does it make if we follow different routes,

provided we arrive at the same destination.

- Mahatma Gandhi

Hmmmm.......I think the above quote is confusing. Let's see - if we were all planning a trip to Denver, Colorado, we would travel many different routes to get there but in the realm of the religious world, the quote doesn't make sense because many religions are not seeking the same destination. Some desire heaven and meeting Jesus face to face but others do not believe in Christ. Their religion has them praying to idols, false prophets, and some believe their destination will be reincarnation as a cow in the field or rat in the alley. Sorry, Mahatma Gandhi, but you missed it on this one. As for me, my desired final destination will have me entering gates of pearl, walking streets of gold, and worshipping Jesus forever.

Life Lesson

Hard things are put in our way,

not to stop us,

but to call out our courage and strength.

- Anonymous

Our rough spots form our character.

I Loved You Enough...

I received this poem in a forwarded e-mail. I don't know who wrote it, but wanted to share it.

I loved you enough...

to ask where you were going,

with whom,and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough...

to insist that you save your money and buy a bike for yourself
even though we could afford to buy one for you.
I loved you enough...

to help you discover that your new friend was a creep.
I loved you enough...

to make you go pay for the bubble gum
you had taken and tell the clerk,
"I stole this yesterday and want to pay for it."
I loved you enough...

to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room,
a job that should have taken 15 minutes.
I loved you enough...

to let you see anger, disappointment, and tears in my eyes.
Children must learn that their parents aren't perfect.
I loved you enough...

to let you assume the responsibility for your actions
even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.
But most of all,
I loved you enough...

to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.

Priceless Friends

Sheldon, Bryn & Blake
The kids laughed at Sparkles stuffing her whole face
in a cup to lick up the last drops of a strawberry icee.

Recently, I was sent to UCLA to meet with an orthopaedic specialist for a situation with my foot. To boost my morale, my dear friends Mark and Debbie and their son Sheldon met us following my doctor visit. We had dinner and then sat at Starbucks till nearly 11 pm laughing and enjoying our time together. The kids played Scrabble, walked Sparkles, and chased a ball around the place after nearly everyone was gone except us. Friends like these are priceless. I thank God for giving me such great friends and I cherish their encouragement, support and love. One thing I know is true, a friend loveth at all times.

Shout Out for Luis

Just in case you didn't take the time to read my "Weekend In Review," I want to give another shout out for Luis Lenzi. He is an excellent saxophonist and keyboardist. Please check out his website at www.luislenzi.com to hear clips of his recently released CD. (Cover photo above)

Weekend In Review

Patriotic girls: Devanae, Daria, Kaitlyn, & Bryn
free to be silly ~~SMILE~~

Brian and saxophonist Luis Lenzi

Independence Day, Independence weekend. Let me tell you about it. Saturday was a very hot day in the San Joaquin Valley with temperatures over 100 but, as expected, the evening was beautiful and breezy. We went to the church park at sundown loaded with fireworks and an ice chest full of water and popsicles. The kids were busy lighting sparklers, snapping Wolfpacks, and running around the park. Us adults, sat in our comfy chairs and watched the display of fireworks. We finally went home and had the kids in bed before midnight. It was a great Independence Day celebrating our freedom we so cherish in America.

Sunday came and with it, more celebration of independence. This time, we celebrated spiritual freedom. We had a special guest musician, Luis Lenzi, who ministered to our church with his testimony and saxophone. Luis received his degree in music from Cal State University Bakersfield and has dedicated his talents to God. Please check out his website at www.luislenzi.com to hear clips of his newly released CD and read more of his accomplishments. Before Luis played his last song, he told us how he decided on the title of his composition, "My Past Is Behind Me." This piece of music was played with great passion and it was evident many were touched by what they heard. Following this last song, everyone was encouraged to come to the front of the sanctuary for a time of prayer. It was then, that a great spirit of independence swept through the place. Now I will admit these names I am fixing to tell you may sound like a Disney story, but I want you to know Tiger and Rascal received the gift of God's spirit. Willie Lopez, better known as "Tiger," has been astray from God for more than 30 years but, when the power of God hit him, he was a changed man. It looked like he was boxing the devil in the air and the smile on his face was certainly from ear to ear. Last week I posted a picture of Brian with Tiger following Tiger's baptism. Rascal, who was born Delores Lopez and not related to Tiger, is a tiny, petite girl who is mother to (I believe) eight children. Rascal decided to leave her "past behind" and was filled with the joy of the Lord. Yes, it was an independence weekend. I celebrate America and I celebrate God. I celebrate the new life for Tiger and Rascal.

Snapshots from 2009 WAY Choir Tour

Choir on stage in Hollister

Bryn & Sparkles captured the captain's seat in the motorhome
Blake (Alcatraz is shrouded in fog in the background)
Kaitlyn, Bryn & Mychail
(Mychail Haney is Bryn's new best friend.
Something about those redheads. They stick together.)
Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

Traveling on Hwy. 101 in Northern California

Bryn singing a-long

WAY members ministering at Santa Rosa

The Band

On stage in Hanford

Again, in Hanford

Brian and Tiger following Tiger's baptism.

In the back of our sanctuary, there are beautiful, etched glass windows which were designed and created by Tiger Lopez sometime in the 80's. Tiger was raised in our church as a very young child but had never established a relationship with God. His life has taken him many places but, after years of a mother's prayer, Tiger has come "home." Tonight he was baptized and life feels brand new again. Congratulations, Tiger, on your baptism. May God's blessings flow abundantly to you.

WAY Choir Update

Accept my apologies for not posting, but I have had very limited access to the internet. WAY Choir has done a fabulous job this week and each concert has been outstanding. I hope to have pictures to post soon. Tonight we will be at a performing arts center in Hanford. These kids sure do make me proud. More soon - (Do you see my fingers crossed or hear me knocking on wood?)

Tired?!?!?

The weekend was hurried, hectic, and I didn't have a spare minute to post. Currently, I am in Stockton, California working with WAY Choir as they rehearse for this year's tour. I hope to have some pictures to post tomorrow. Yes, I am tired but it's all good. Be back later! ~~ SMILE~~

Introducing Virginia

Today I found out my friend Virginia, now that she has retired, has joined the blogging world at http://nowthatimretired.blogspot.com. She is wife to fellow blogger Mervi. If you have a chance, visit her new blog and make a new friend.

Value Principles, Not Privileges

"A people that values its privileges above its principles,

soon loses both."
- Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969)

Inaugural Address, January 20, 1953

More New Pics of freeWAY

Congratulations, Son

Today is the big day as you graduate with the class of 2009 and it is okay to be proud. Your dad and I are very proud of your accomplishments. From the moment you were born, you stole my heart and I have only wanted the very best for you. To see you excel and achieve your academic goals, brings me great pride but that pales in comparison to the warmth I feel when I see you attain higher heights and deeper depths in your spiritual life. You have become a fine young man but there is much more to do, see, and learn. Son, Proverbs 4:7 states it best. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." KJV

Bryce, daddy and I dedicated you to God when you were just an infant. We did our best to guide your life down the paths of righteousness and instruct you in the ways of the Lord. As a young boy, you gave your heart to God, was filled with His spirit, and made the decision to be baptized in Jesus' name. That was only the beginning. Realizing the hand of God was upon your life, we have done our best to stand guard over your reputation and protect your character. Yet, along this road, it is important to get understanding. Some kids never get understanding and suffer the consequences. The day will come when you will look back over your life and understand the decisions dad and I made in regards to your life. Solomon's parents loved him and therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank in society, agree that true wisdom consists in obedience, and is united to happiness. Get wisdom, even if it pains you. Take command over any corruptions or impurities; take more pains to get this than the wealth of this world. A soul without true wisdom and grace is a dead soul. How poor, contemptible, and wretched are those, who, with all their wealth and power, die without getting understanding, without Christ, without hope, and without God!

I love you, Son, more than life itself. You are my pride and joy, my baby-boy-grown-man, and every sacrifice I have made in life for you was done willingly and with pride. There is nothing I would not do for you and I would give you everything I possibly can but the best gift I can give you is Jesus and His word. You only have one life - - - live it for Christ.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. 2000.
The Proverbs 4 The Beneficence of Wisdom
1
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
2
For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
3
For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4
He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words:
keep my commandments, and live.
5
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6
Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
8
Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her.
9
She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
10
Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
11
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
12
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
13
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
14
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
15
Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
16
For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
17
For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
19
The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
20
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21
Let them not depart from thine eyes, keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22
For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
24
Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
25
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Wonderful Weekend With freeWAY

freeWAY had a great weekend singing in Dinuba, Goshen, and Hanford. Each congregation was so friendly and extended generous hospitality. CD sales were a record high but, best of all, was the wonderful presence of God that filled each concert and the many people who were touched by His power. On Saturday afternoon, we took some casual snapshots of the quartet and finished with some dressed up shots on Sunday. I've only posted one but will add more later. My pillow is calling my name and that pull is greater than posting more pics. ~~SMILE~~