In God I Trust

A lot to think about...

2008-11-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

A friend forwarded this to me... it is a great explination of what I have been at a loss to discribe... a concern for our nation...

Subject: America asks for a king
By: Laura Hollis, Esq. - Sunday, October 26, 2008

I am an attorney and professor of law and entrepreneurship, so I usually confine my commentary to matters of public policy, and leave theology to those who have chosen that field of study. But since today is Sunday, I will take the liberty of making an observation with a more Biblical bent. As one who has taught entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking for nearly ten years, I am distressed by the apparently overwhelming sentiment sweeping Americans that they must now be taken care of. I know from years of studying the matter that a society in which most members are – or can be – entrepreneurial, is a society where upward mobility is the rule; where wealth is created – not just “spread around”; where hope is common currency; where the inevitable problems are viewed as opportunities to find sustainable solutions, and where those solutions are typically new industries, new companies, and new jobs.

An entrepreneurial society is a society where most people wish to, and know they can, take care of themselves, their families, and even others in need. Where charity and philanthropy are fellow-travelers with success. Joe the Plumber’s exposure of Obama’s “spread the wealth” philosophy exploded like a flash fire, not only because that philosophy is utterly anti-American, but because it is shortsighted, and immoral. It is short-sighted, because in an economy that is a bit battered and fragile, what we need are more businesses, more workers, and more wealth creation in the private sector, not more government programs and more people depend ent upon them. It is short-sighted because it is a failed business model. And, as we saw with the collapse of major lending institutions a few weeks ago, a failed business model, made larger (or “spread around,” if you prefer) by government, is not just a failure, but a catastrophic failure. So it was with the irresponsible lending practices foisted on American banks by the government, and so it will be with the irresponsible spending and doomed reliance on government largesse that Obama and the Democrats are peddling as salvation. And the inevitability of its failure is why Obama’s philosophies are not just foolhardy, but immoral.

It is immoral to deceive well-meaning people about what you intend to do with their money. It is immoral to take by force from those who produce, give to others who do not, and call it “charity.” It is staggeringly immoral to create an ever- larger class of dependent, helpless people who will be doomed to starve when the unsustainable system you have created collapses. And most of all, it is profoundly immoral to set yourself up as a secular messiah of sorts, assuring people that you will take care of them, eliminate hardship, heal the planet, and hold enemies at bay by the sheer force of your own hypnotic rhetoric.

Obama’s economic and social theories have been debunked and disproven (at great human cost) so many times over the past 100 years that it’s laughable anyone still believes in them. But at least his designs on the country are understandable. Those who crave power will use any tactic, as long as it works. It’s the fact that it’s working that is inscrutable to me. And this is where the Biblical references come in.

Americans’ attitude toward this posturing, self-important, po litical zealot remind me of the Israelites’ demand for a king, as recounted in the Book of Samuel:

When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges for Israel. The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, 'You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.' But when they said, 'Give us a king to lead us,' this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: 'Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. As they have done from th e day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.' Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots … He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. He will take a t enth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.' But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.' When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. The LORD answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king.'
(1 Samuel 8:1-22)

The comparisons are telling: Americans are understandably fed up with corruption, greed, and perversion of justice in our leaders. But till now, we have asked for no king, because we could take care of ourselves, and because we have always been a godly people. But look around now – our children languish in failing, crumbling, unsafe, and undisciplined schools, many of which are merely bastions of social experimentation. Our cities are riddled with crime. Our families are devastated by divorce, abuse, illegitimacy, absent fathers, and definitions of “marriage” that fluctuate with the sexual predilections du jour. Our culture – books, films, music – is saturated with violence and perversion that even the smallest child is exposed to. And of course, one cannot forget – the high watermark of freedom and femininity, and the litmus test of liberty for the Left is the unfettered right to kill our own children in our wombs (or leave them to die outside of them). This is what we, as a nation, have brought ourselves to.

These are problems that no amount of social spending will cure, and any promise to do so is a lie, because no amount of money will change people’s hearts. And yet, instead of reaching deep within ourselves to find the solutions, we now whine and mewl for someone to save us. And here he comes, Barack Obama, on a “righteous wind.” As with anyone who would be king, Obama will take our money and our property in ever-larger amounts.

Our children will be saddled with debt and beholden to a bloated government that will enslave the very people it promised to help. We will be at the mercy of our enemies. And no matter how bleak or desperate our own lives becomes, the leaders in Obama’s government will always thrive; such people always do. Nor is any of this is unique to Obama; it is in the nature of every king, and every government, which is why our government was originally set up to be limited, both to protect us, and to ensure our own self-reliance.

John McCain will not be a perfect President. But it is not necessary for the leader of a free, righteous, and entrepreneurial people to be perfect. I can support John McCain because he asks only that I vote for him, not that I worship him. And I will vote for John McCain on November 4th, not because he would be a better king, but because he does not claim to be one at all.

Neither McCain nor Obama is a king who will save us; we must turn instead to the only One who can.

Copyright © 2008 Salem Web Network. All Rights Reserved.

Election 2008

2008-10-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have a very inspired friend and she sent me this email at the beginning of the week. I just wanted you guys to read it. I thought you may be as inspired as I was.

Hi friends,
I recently attended a debate at Fresno State for propositions 4 & 8. This morning as I was reading my Bible something steered my mind back to what the woman said who was representing the "No on 4" side. She told the story of Solomon and the 2 women who were fighting over the one live baby because one of the women had suffocated her baby in her sleep. Then the representative began to discuss how that story reminded her of proposition 4, and continued to stand up for the women's - children's - rights to abort their babies without telling their parents. Trust me, she didn't tie it in at all, but appeared to have the desire to show people of faith that she too read the Bible. I'll put this in other words: this woman quoted scripture to support her abortion proposition. She quoted pieces of the holy Word from the mouth of God. This same Bible discusses in depth how God is intimately acquainted with my thoughts, and that His eyes saw and planned those babies' UNFORMED bodies...before they were knitted together in their mothers' wombs, He KNEW them. Those were PEOPLE with purposes who were slaughtered for convenience and she's reading a Bible story?

I hate what they do. I hate the lies about the "faith based" organizations, as if that's a bad word.
As I ask myself how it came to this and who let this happen, I am reminded of Daniel. I am nothing great like the man he was, or a person of high esteem in any way. But I am going to get on my face, fast and pray, and beg God...the ONLY God, to forgive me and the sins of my country and my people and heal our land, and to shine His light on the truth. I'm asking some friends to consider doing this with me on November 3rd, the day before the election. Maybe, just MAYBE He will intervene for His people.
2 Chron 7:14-1514 if my people , who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
In Christ,
Alisa

Betsy... moving right along...

2008-10-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

She didn't think this week was so fun.

Our little Zach... They could be in a catalog!

Yeah... we're in the bathroom at Macaroni Grill... so what. :)

Family Tree Project

2008-10-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

So for Titus, I have been working on a family tree... so he can see all those people who we love, but are far away. I hope you guys like it! There are a few more pictures I need to get to finish it up... if you want to send me some, that would be great!

Here it is

Joplin!

2008-10-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

Photobook
I just spent a super fun week in Joplin with Emily and my family and Lito and Tiffany! So much fun! I love my family!

Jury Duty

2008-09-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

Whats happening...

2008-08-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

This is where we started...

This is where we are as of yesterday... August 6, 2008. He is moving around a lot! I think I got to feel him on Friday night for the first time... which was fun... I was poking at him to get him to come play with me!

Emily and I are leaving this Saturday for Ozark. Keep us in your prayers as we travel. I am so excited to see my family and I am excited for the road trip, and I am excited for Emily!

So many good things are happening!

Emily's going to Ozark

2008-07-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

Joplin here we come! So Emily got her loan and everything worked out. So we are coming!
August 9th is when we are leaving. We are going to try to stay with Jake in Oklahoma City. As far as the rest of our stops, we are not really sure. We should be there on Monday or Tuesday. I can't wait to visit!

If you have any suggestions as far as where to stop and where to stay let me know!
YEAH!

Little Miss Stella

2008-07-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

So Stella is the daughter of some good friends of mine... She is so picken cute... I got the priveldge of taking some 4 month old pictures of her today! And... I got to make two of the "accessories"... the tutu and the flower in her hair. Kids are so cute!

She wasn't buying this today...

The baby is a BOY!

2008-07-23T15:46:00.001-07:00

3D... so cool

Well... we are all very excited... especially Darren and my Dad... we are even now... 3 girls... 3 boys...
I made so much stuff for a girl that I gave away some of it and I had people ask me to make stuff for them... so I made a blog for it... if you want to look. I'll be posting items that I am selling. It's on the list of people I love... aly's articles.

P.S. still probably going to Joplin in a few weeks. We are waiting to see if Emily gets a loan... if she does... we are going... if she doesn't... we aren't going... please pray!

Fun 4th!

2008-07-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

A. I made the cutest baby pants of all times... I am so thankful for my crafty friend!

We had a block party... which went really well! Some pictures are from that and some are from our fourth of July. We went swimming and played tennis... I watched 3 nights of fireworks! I love them!

Betsy is Pregnant

2008-06-11T15:06:00.001-07:00

Ok, so this is Betsy... Barely pregnant... She is due January 1st!

These are the two blankets I've made so far for the baby.... sock monkey and black & white... I know... I am a master seemstress! I have many skills!

And for those of you wondering... Its a girl according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar. And from my reasearch... it is a highly accurate tool. So we are going with girl... thinking Grace Abigail. So cute!

Words of wisdom

2008-06-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

Lessons in Life
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it but it is really not his fault when things go wrong.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion ~ Today is it!
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone, everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. Remember nothing lasts forever!
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life ~ Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield when necessary.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Tracy Reinemeyer

2008-06-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately Tracy passed away yesterday morning. Friday she started to turn, when she got an infection and it spread through different parts of her body. It is shocking that two weeks ago she was fine and now she is gone. I can't even really wrap my mind around it.

She is young and beautiful and one of the most amazing women God put on this earth. In all the ways I know, she is the embodiment of what God asks us as women to be. She guarded her heart and the hearts of her children, she was diligent, responsible, respectful, honored her husband and God, she was sincere, kind, generous, thoughtful, and loving. She was not extravagant, but when she did something for you it was from her heart and her sincerity made her gesture extravagant. She spoke with kindness, grace, and gentleness. She was encouraging and a teacher to her children, friends, and church family. I love her and will miss her greatly. It was my pleasure to know her. She left a huge mark on my life. I hope to pay forward the gifts she gave to me.

Please keep her family in your prayers. Joey (the little boy they just adopted) has only been in the United States for a few weeks and I'm sure this is confusing for him. Jake (her 9 year old) is obviously going to miss his Mom, and will need all the prayer we can give him. Her husband, Scott, will also need prayer as he sorts out all the things before him. She has an amazing network of family and friends, pray that they can know what to say or not say and when to help. Pray for strength, wisdom and discernment for all of them. God's plan is made perfect through weakness, I know He will be glorified through this situation, just as He was through Tracy's life.

Tracy

2008-05-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

Tracy's Care Page

We had some news this week that really shocked our world. Tracy Reinemeyer, who not only has worked for us for the last 5 or so years, also goes to church with us, found out that she has acute lukuemia. She got back 2 weeks ago from picking up a little boy they adopted from China. His name is Joey and he is three. Super cute little guy! Anyhow... if you could keep Tracy in your prayers I would appreciate it. She is trying to get better, bond with her new son, and keep up with her 9 year old. She is an amazing woman, but there is only so much you can do from the hospital. Above is her care page. You can sign up to see pictures and updates for how she is. You can also post messages for her to read. She actually just got to meet Marissa from dancing with the stars.

Emily's senior pictures

2008-05-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

This one with the face on the brick is my favorite!

So Tuesday I got the priveldge of taking Emily's senior pictures. Here are a few of the final choices! I was really excited to get the change to try out my photography skills!

Melissa look here!

2008-04-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hopper said he uploaded some pictures to his myspace... I went to look at them and this picture was there... I started laughing!

P.S. Michele... is Silas getting his own page?

Extreme Bulls!

2008-04-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

Ok... so last night was the start of the Clovis Rodeo... every year, my dad and I go on the first night, which is Extreme Bulls. It is when the guys of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) come and have a show. There is also roping... anyhow... One of my favorite parts every year is the rodeo clown. His name is Flint ... He isn't super hot, but he IS super funny!

Anyhow, Jordan (one of the girls from the youth group) happened to be sitting behind me. I was telling her how wonderful I think he is... she ended up sitting in the front row when Flint ... jumped over the railing and came up in the crowd. She told him about me (which is what the top picture is). So she is pointing at me, I am standing up trying to take a picture (with my camera phone, cause me regular camera ran out of battery right before he jumped the railing... figures!). HE BLEW ME A KISS!

A great day! I'm telling you... GREAT!
Video One
Video Two
Video Three

I miss everyone!

2008-04-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

Mexico Pictures
It's been so long! I've been reading Melissa's blog. The pics of Silas are SO CUTE! What a beautiful family!

Well I've been to Mexico (for a missions trip), hired a new staff person, joined a small group, started work on an Event's Committee for the City of Clovis, went to monster truck jam, sent my mom and dad off to Mexico (for a vacation in Cancun, I'm so excited for them!), and learned that I actually like sushi... who knew!

It's been a super busy couple of months. Lots of exciting stuff going on, but I miss keeping up with everyone.

Melissa, we need to get Tyler a blog is he is gonna be in Florida, that way I can keep up!

Love you all!

My cousin Tyler...

2008-02-27T18:30:00.000-08:00

So my cousin Rachel posted a super funny picture of my cousin Tyler (her brother) from this incident with the donkey in Las Vegas. P.S. That car is moving... and yes... he is hanging out of it.

I have to say that Tyler is one of the funniest people I know (actually their whole family is pretty funny)... and I have a lot of funny pictures of him even though I don't spend much time with him. I can't imagine how many there must really be. But anyhow... my favorite I have to say is the one below... This is the children's castle at the church my Grandma goes to in Iowa... At a wedding rehearsal. Tyler I love you! Thanks for making me laugh.

Spring is here in California

2008-02-25T18:24:00.000-08:00

Since the blossoms are out... I decided to go take some pictures before they all fell off. It really is beautiful. One of the benefits of the area I live... not only California... but specifically the Central Valley. It's funny... cause the picture is so beautiful to me... and I think... God made that! His imagination is astounding!

Interesting Reading...

2008-02-06T15:21:00.000-08:00

So lately I've been reading through 1 Corinthians, 1 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Jude, 2nd and 3rd John... and it has been interesting reading to me. So many things happen in a church and I didn't realize how much time God spends warning us about the teaching of the people who come into the church... church members. If you have the time, I would encourage you to read through these and see what He points out to you.

These are a few pics from moving Brandy to Yreka, where we got stuck... because the sky fell apparently and we had to turn around and come back to Fresno... leaving Brandy by herself in a hotel for 4 days until someone from Yreka could come get her. It was one of the worst storms I have been in!

P.S. Aunt Judie, I may be coming with Emily to visit Ozark... in April. I told her I have some really funny family there! She is excited to meet you.

Love you all! P.S. I miss you Melissa and Michelle... we really need to work on the cousins reunion!~

New Years 2008

2008-01-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

So we wanted to have a girls night for New Years... it was the last few days of Brandy being in Fresno and Brittany came to help us move her to Yreka... so we took the opportunity to have a party!

So we went to Claim Jumper for dinner! Yummy!
Then we went back to my house and made Sugar Plums... yes, they are real things... and they are actually quite good.
And Grandmas Carmel's...
Then we played Hoopla... which if you've never played... you should it is super funny and it gets funnier the more people you have!
By that time it was time to watch the count down....
Have a toast.... and hit the road!

I am so glad I got to bring in the New Year with the people I love. I am going to miss Brandy greatly... but I am excited for her new adventure... Growing up is so hard and fun and interesting... If you can just keep the mindset that it is a journey... just enjoy the ride!

Life is good.

What I've been up to...

2007-12-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

So I know I haven't blogged for a while so here is a synopsis of some of what I have been doing...

Went to Trunk or Treat for Halloween... we were the Incredibles.

Went to Serve Fresno... Our church did a community wide service day. Me and a couple of the girls went to make Thanksgiving dinners for families in our community. We had the highest of compliments when one of the guys working with us looked at the girls and said that their attitude had made his day better. He had buried his brother the day before and was really not looking forward to doing this... but our joking around and laughing with them had made him feel better! What a blessing to learn the lesson of what serving with Joy in your hearts can do for someone else!
Went ice skating in Yosemite with my dad, Betsy and Darren. That was so fun. First time I have ice skated since I was fat... couldn't do it before... but you can just call me Dorthy Hamel now!

I got a puppy... her name is Colby Jack... yes... like the cheese. She is 7 weeks old now. I have had her for a week. She is a shepherd mix. I actually got another puppy and it died being spayed... so I had to pick out a new one. This one is actually not old enough to be adopted yet so I am fostering her until she has had all her shots and has been spayed. She can't go outside for another couple months because of Parvo and Distemper. So she is quite a handful. But she is super cute when she is sleeping!
I went to Alcatraz! I love that place... there is something new to see and learn every time you go. This time there was much more of the island open for us to walk around and see. It was great!
We made Carmel's.... Grandma Shivers recipe. They are amazing and every year people ask us for them.... we made 7 batches. I cooked, my dad and Brandy helped stir and put in pans, my mom, Betsy and Darren and the rest of us cut and wrapped them. It is a fun family time!

And we went to Christmas Tree Lane. It was freezing, and I almost got taken out by about three dog leashes... but I survived and the light were beautiful. I love the Holidays! And Brandy.... p.s. this is NOT going to be a tradition!

I'll try to post more now that things have slowed down a little. Hope everyone had a great holiday season.

And happy wedding to Levi and Eden. I am so sorry I couldn't be there. I hope you guys all have tons of fun and a blessed life! I love you!

Encounter "Ceremonial" Bonfire

2007-10-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

So last night was the last night of Encounter Service... at least as it has been. While it was sad, it was exciting to see what this group of people are going to accomplish. We really are such a family and I am looking forward to the monthly (first Sunday night of each month, for those that are interested) services at the Penir's home. So here are some of the pictures I took from the night.

A few things God's shown me lately...

2007-10-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

Ok... I've got a couple of suggestions for those of you looking to challenge yourself a little. First is this book... Thinkertoys... Great book! It teaches how to be creative in your life. Especially if you don't think you are creative. Good book! Great Book! Very practical examples to use to grow.

Second is... Valley Bible Fellowship (which has a campus in Las Vegas... Melissa) is the church that Jeff goes to in Bakersfield. I have gone with him a few times and the SPIRIT is definitely there. It is an amazing place to go and worship. First... they have pod casts of the speakers (http://www.vbf.org/) and so far I have listened to most of the ones that are available. They are great... God is really moving there and I would suggest you go check it out if you have the opportunity. 3500 people in one service (4 services throughout the week)!

Second is that someone from that church has shown us mychurch.org. It's like myspace but for churches (Melissa, I thought the people in your church would love this). If you get a chance go check it out. Mine is www.mychurch.org/alyssaburr. Hopefully this will replace myspace.

Betsy & Darren's Anniversary

2007-10-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

My sister and her husband have been married a year as of the 13th. So for their anniversary... I took these photos to spell out their last name and am framing them for their house. I saw this idea in a magazine, but thought it would be so much more fun if they were pictures we'd taken. So... here they are.

Common Sense

2007-10-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

One of my friends posted this on myspace and I thought it was interesting... so I am passing it on.

Obituary of our friend, the late, Mr. Common Sense:Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

a. Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
b. Why the early bird gets the worm;
c. Life isn't always fair;
d. Maybe it was my fault; and
e. I'm sorry.

Mr. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies like don't spend more than you can earn and reliable strategies like adults, not children, are in charge.His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing government regulations were set in place. Reports of:

1) a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate;
2) teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch;
3) and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student that only worsened his condition.

"Common" lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. His health declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Tylenol, sun lotion or a band-aid to a student, but were forbidden to inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense finally lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims.Already down, Common Sense took another beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault if you did.

Mr. Sense literally gave-up after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled some in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Mr. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his twin sons, Logic and Reason.He is survived by his 3 evil stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was even gone.

My birthday

2007-10-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

I celebrated all weekend. Friday night I went to the Hoppers and we had a little dinner party which was so much fun. And delicious! Saturday I went to dinner with Michele. Sunday I went to lunch with my family and dinner with Mandy. Monday I went to Yosemite Ranch (which I've really been wanting to try) with my family and had an amazing cake! My parents figured out how to make the good cakes they make for themselves with the gluten free cake mix. So I got actual good cake! Best birthday present!

Cheesy Pictures, isn't Brandy cute! Betsy and I, still cheesy
All of us taking self portraits... really is there any other way to take a picture than of yourself?
My mom... I opened the present (which was Bare Minerals. which I love and is usually too expensive for me) I was totally excited... and she missed the picture. So she goes, do it again... and this is how it turned out... kinda retarded. What can I say?And of course, Michele sent me flowers... cause that's what she does. I knew there was a master plan for having her run the shop this week... I get flowers... twice in three days... she's good.
God has blessed me with a ton of people who support and love me and who make me laugh and feel special. I am truly blessed. God is good.

Reading for today

2007-10-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

Psalm 11-15

I am so excited... I get to watch the Hopper kids tonight. And tomorrow night I am having dinner with friends for my birthday. Which will be so much fun. While it is not really how I thought I would be spending my birthday... I am very blessed to have friends who step in to cheer me up and make me feel special. Funny how God works things out... maybe not funny... but He works them out. That's for sure!

A psalm and some notes...

2007-10-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

Psalm 6-10

So there are the Psalms for today. The last couple weeks have been the strangest. Do you ever feel so certain God wants you to do something? You do it. You feel peaceful. That is when I think the devil creeps in. You still feel like you did the right thing, but your crazy emotions play tricks on you.

I have to keep these verses in the front of my mind and posted on everything I can think of to keep my sanity sometimes. James 3:17 "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." and 1 Corinthians 13:4 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." So anything that I am feeling that is outside of how this explains love and wisdom, must not be love or wise. Sometimes I am so glad that God gave us TRUTH to follow so that I don't have to trust my emotions. I think they play tricks on me sometimes. Pray that in all things we are wise, glorifying, loving and submissive.

This is for you Jena...

2007-10-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Psalm 1-5

So each day I am reading 5 Psalms. It is really interesting. Kind of funny how God uses them to be so articulate about exactly what I need Him to hear.

Lifehouse Video... You have to watch this.

2007-09-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Check out this video

I went with Jeff to his church a few weeks ago and they did this skit. It is amazingly thought provoking. I loved it!

Valley Bible Fellowship

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

2007-09-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

ARGH MATEY!

Happy International Talk Like a Pirate DAY!

1. What does a pirate and a gangster have in common?

2. Have you seen that new pirate movie?

3. What does a pirate with a steering wheel down his pants say?

4. Knock, knock... who's there... Interrupting Pirate... interrupting pirate (AARRRRRGGGHHHHH) who (Get it... the pirate interrupted)

1. They both say "Yo Ho"

2. The one rated RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

3. Argh... you're drivin me nuts

Hubbard

2007-08-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

Click here to read the News Story.

This morning on my way to work I was stopped in my tracks by the site of an entire community rallying around a local family that has lost two sons in the war in Iraq. The second is to be buried today in Clovis. Yesterday several families spent the afternoon in 100+ degree weather to tie red, white, and blue ribbons around each pole at every intersection the processional will go through. From the funeral home, to the church, to the grave site. That in and of itself is a sight to see. But on my way in I noticed an elderly woman who had clearly gotten up early and was outside in her nightgown. She was putting flags in her planters that line the street where this soldier will be driven to be laid to rest. As I drove I noticed that there were several people up and putting out flags. Along with other business and homes that had already put up their flags and ribbons in support.

I'm not exactly sure why this makes me so emotional. There is something reminiscent of 9/11 when everyone pulled together... looked to God and for a short moment in time. Relied on Him for strength and hope. It is an amazing site to see thousands of people working for the same goal... at this moment it happens to be giving honor to a young man who gave his life (along with 18 others) one day to protect us and our freedoms.

To God be the glory and honor and praise.

Marriage advice...

2007-08-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

A while ago... like two or three years ago... I read this book that had a list of questions you should talk about before you get married. Since recently... the issues has come up... I remembered them and pulled them out to review. I realized how good they were... so I am going to post them here.

1. Socioeconomic background:
2. Intelligence:
3. Formal education:
4. Verbal Skills:
5. Expected roles for both persons within the marriage:
6. Views about power distribution withing the family:
7. Desired number of children:
8. When a family should be started:
9. Child rearing views:
10. Political philosophy:
11. Views about smoking, alcohol, & drugs:
12. Amount of involvement with in-laws:
13. Sense of humor:
14. Punctuality:
15. Dependability:
16. Desire for verbal intimacy and ability to be intimate:
17. The role of conflict and how to resolve it:
18. The way you handle anger:
19. How friendships of the opposite sex should be handled:
20. Expected amount of privacy and how it should be handled:
21. Level of ambition:
22. Life goals:
23. Attitudes about weight:
24. Religious and spiritual beliefs and preferences:
25. Amount of church involvement:
26. Family's spiritual involvement:
27. Hobbies & Interests:
28. Types of music enjoyed:
29. Energy level for physical activities:
30. Sexual drive & sexual interests:
31. Amount on income to be spent or saved:
32. How money should be allocated:
33. Amount of money to be given away and to whom:
34. Degree of risks to be taken with investments:
35. Attitudes about cleanliness:
36. Ways of handling sickness:
37. Health standards:
38. Interpersonal and social skills:
39. Amount & type of social involvement:
40. Geographical area in which to live:
41. Size & Style of house:
42. Type of furniture & decor:
43. Amount & type of travel:
44. How to spend vacations:
45. How to celebrate major holidays:
46. How much time to spend together:
47. When to go to sleep and when to get up:
48. Temperature of home:
49: Activity during meals:
50. Television programs preferred:

So this is the list...
And on this note... for the family who wants to know... (p.s. John did a really good job of asking questions to take back to Michelle and Melissa)... best job by a guy I've seen. Usually they ask questions like... "Do you like him?" and if you say yes.... that's the end of it. Anyhow... Jeff (my boyfriend) is amazing. I can't wait for all of you to meet him. He loves God, he's funny, he thinks I am amazing... which is funny to me... but wonderful, he has raised a funny, God loving son who has a good head on his shoulders. The kids all seem to like him... along with everyone who has met him so far. Impressing the kids is a big deal. They are hard to win over... especially Brandy. He's just all around a blessing and I am enjoying the adventure God has us on. So... that's it... pretty much. God is GOOD and definitely in control.

Happy Birthday John

2007-08-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well, today is John's birthday... he is married to my cousin Michelle. And he is the dad of the cutest kid EVER... ATTICUS! I'm sure God is doing big things in your life and I hope God moves in big ways this year for you and your family! I love you guys!
P.S. This is the only picture I have of him.... I think he's doing the robot.

Two things...

2007-08-15T09:04:00.001-07:00

One... Proverbs 13:12 "Hope deferred makes the heart sick. But desire fulfilled is the tree of life." I would like to hear some opinions on what this means. Is it as simple as it sounds? Does anyone have a thought, if so please leave me a comment.

Second... my new favorite artist Sara Bareilles... check her out! Or here sarabmusic.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!

2007-08-13T09:59:00.001-07:00

I thought I would say happy birthday through RUBEN! Because honestly... there's nothing like a little Ruben! And us... laughing in the background! I hope you have a great year! You are an amazing cousin and I'm so glad I'm related to you. You make me look good! I love you! MOVE TO FRESNO!!!!!!

P.S. Her birthday is August 14th, I'm posting it today so everyone can get a head start on leaving her birthday comments on her blog!

Empowering Lives International

2007-08-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Our Africa team made it safe and sound. If you want to keep up to date, they are going to be posting updates on the eliteams.blogspot.com (Which I have set as a link on the right). Keep them in your prayers!

Quote of the day

2007-08-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

For our employees I sometimes find quotes I like and post them around the office to inspire our staff. This morning I was looking for a quote and I came upon this one by Herm Albright.

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort."

How funny is that???? God quickly reminded me of the verse Romans 12:20-21 20

"On the contrary:'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Ryann's Trip Photo Book!

2007-08-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

Photo Book... ok here it is... the photo book of our trip. P.S. Some of you that read this need to come out here for a visit so we can take an adventure of our own! Love you!

Ms. Brandy Lynne

2007-08-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

Brandy has gotten the opportunity to go to Brazil this fall on a missions trip. She is so excited about this opportunity. She will need financial and spiritual support. For this... I thought the best place to go is those of you who love me and her! I know many of you have done missions work and know what it takes. Any support you would like to commit to would be a blessing. She is looking for financial support and more importantly 10 prayer partners who will keep her constantly in prayer as she has committed to go. You know how the devil can work when you commit to doing big things for God. I love you all! God is GOOD!

Bridal Shower

2007-08-06T09:41:00.001-07:00

Saturday was one of Michele's Briday Showers. Mike's mom had a personal chef come and try to teach us to cook. It was funny... I think he had a little crush on Katie... who tried as hard a she could to not get stuck behind the counter.

Ah, the sisters... Michele is obviously so happy! Megan & the baby... cut a zillion tomatoes.

Ryann's California Adventure

2007-08-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ryann is my cousin from Michigan who comes out every summer to have an adventure. We usually go to the coast (Montery/ Carmel area)... but this time we decided to see something different. So I took her down south. We started out with the most important item on any trip... A HUGE DIET COKE! Pretty much anything is possible from then on...

We went down to Laguna... checked out the beach and shopped a little. We are too cheap... so we left...

We climbed some trees near Balboa (which we actually went to but didn't really stop and take pictures).
For dinner we went to Downtown Disney and met Derek. Ryann got her make up done at Sephora, you know me and pirates... so we had to dress up when the opportunity presented itself. Then when we were tired... we rode the parking tram for 20 minutes or so before we walked back to the hotel. Day one... DONE!

Day two... we headed out for Santa Monica Pier to ride the rides and hang out at the beach. And yes... I did it... I went on the rides... I almost threw up... but I did it. P.S. They have the best spinny ride EVER there. Maybe better than Knott's Berry Farm.

Next... and last stop of the day was Hollywood. Mann's Chinese Theater... where all the stars are and the hand & foot prints. These are the Harry Potter people's.

So much fun!

God has a funny sense of timing...

2007-08-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else noticed that? When things unfold in your life do you ever think... "WHAT? NOW?" He is so good and so confusing all at the same time. "Lean not on your own understanding" is so core to moving through life. Life is right now is full of anticipation, hope, adventure, and patience.

I am getting ready to take Ryann... my cousin... on a little adventure to show her some of the fun there is to have in California. Tide pools in Laguna, shopping in Huntington Beach, Dinner & Fireworks in Downtown Disney, Rides at the Santa Monica Pier, and then... to top it off... HOLLYWOOD! Which isn't really what non-Californians think it is... but it will be fun for her to see.

P.S. if you get a chance visit Alisa's myspace... she put some of her new songs on there and they are AMAZING! www.myspace.com/alisahopper. She writes, composes, and sings all her own music. Truly a blessing! Let's help her get famous!

July 24th Cousins Day...so it's a day late.

2007-07-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

So I know I missed it...but yesterday was cousins day. And since I have so many I thought it was a great day to celebrate how wonderful each of them are.

Mom's Side:
Alex - Wonderful Boy Scout
Ryann- Amazing soccer player and all around music lover
Nick- Magician Extraordinaire as well as athlete
Cari- Soon to be Marine Biologist.

Dad's Side:
Ashlyn- Teacher in Bolivia
Eden (Levi...at least soon to be Levi)- Next wedding! In December
Bracken- Musician
Travis (Aymee, Will & Izzy)- Mechanic and car expert
Paige- Paige... can do anything... you need it done... Paige will do it!
Brooke - Athlete and graduate
Stephanie- In London...living the dream!
Heidi- Soccer player and 4H
Briar- Funniest kid I know ( can drive a car... WHAT? He's like 12)
Shawn (Amy)- All around good guy!
Jake - Well, what can you say about Jake... He thinks he's ghetto! But I like that about him... and his big diamond earrings!
Luke (Melissa)- Most recently married
Melissa (Miah)- Funniest! Melissa and I are so much a like sometimes it's frightening. She is also a ASL Translator
Michelle (John & Atticus)- Most amazing mommy and youth pastors wife I know!
Tyler- Can draw things you'd never imagine!
Rachel (Ryan)- Just married the love of her life!

Basically God gave me some amazing family! They love the Lord, serve him everyday (a lot of them in ministry or married a pastor). I am so blessed to have family like them! Thanks for everything you do and are! God is GOOD!

Aaron's New Show!

2007-07-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

Aaron Hill is part of the cast of the new show "GREEK" airing on ABC this Friday night at 9:00! It will also show on ABC family channel. Watch the premire and keep your eye out for our home town star! Good Luck Aaron!

I have a question for all of you who read this...

2007-06-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

Will you please leave a comment and let me know...
1. What you believe church is for?
2. Why do you go to church?
3. What makes up a church?

This is something I have been thinking a lot about lately and I'd just like to know what other people think.

P.S. go to www.arkalmighty.com!

Evan Almighty

2007-06-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

We have a new opportunity through the movie Evan Almighty to meet the needs of our church family and our community.

In the movie they talk about Acts of Random Kindness (ARK).

This website is something our church has joined up with. Go here and post a skill you have. Even if it seems small (maybe your a good cook or good with computers...maybe your good with kids or you can help with home improvements or gardening...maybe you are an amazing basketball player)...whatever your skills are...list them. That way people can go on and if they have a need they can find someone to fill it. Also, if you have a need...you can post it and our church family can go on and figure out how we can help fill it. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate... it can be a very simple need.

I think this is a really exciting idea! I am praying for it diligently. Please be in prayer also and more than that... PLEASE BE INVOLVED!

GOD GAVE YOU GIFTS!

USE THEM!

So I lied when I said the last one was the last one.

2007-06-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Melissa posted this and I thought is was funny. Please leave me a comment with your 5 names.

1. My Gangsta Name is Alyizzle (first 3 letters of your name, plus izzle)
2. My Detective Name is Orange Sea Turtle (favorite color and animal)
3. My Soap Opera Name is Dea Nees (Middle name and current street)...kinda sounds like deez neez...I don't know...I just thought that was funny.
4. My Star Wars name is Shiasorn (first 3 of last name, first 2 of first name, last 3 of mom's maiden name)
5. My Superhero Name: Pink Diet Coke (2nd favorite color and favorite drink) SERIOUSLY!

Side note: Do this one too
A: gorgeous
L: BEST SMILE
Y: loved by every one
S: good in bed
S: good in bed
A: gorgeous

S: good in bed
H: Easy to fall in love with
I : Loves to laugh
V: Not judgmental
E: Freakin Beautiful eyes
R: good bf/gf Husband/Wife
S: good in bed

A: gorgeous
B: Loves people
C: Really easy to fall in love with
D: Is a freak in bed
E: Freakin Beautiful eyes
F: People wild and crazy adore you
G: Never let people tell you what to do
H: Easy to fall in love with
I : Loves to laugh
J: makes people laugh
K: Really silly+
L: BEST SMILE
M: makes dating fun
N: Can kick ur Ass
O: Has one of the best personalities ever
P: Popular with all types of people
Q: A hypocrite
R: good bf/gf Husband/Wife
S: good in bed
T: great kisser
U: gets blamed for everything
V: Not judgmental
W: Very broad minded
X: Never let people tell you what to do
Y: loved by every one
Z: Lives life for fun

One last thing...

2007-06-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

My cousin Stephanie is doing a summer abroad...IN LONDON! She is keeping a travel blog with pics and I have put a link to it on the left of this page. So check it out! She's cute!

Hopper's Last Supper...

2007-06-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Last night was David Hopper (our youth minister)'s last night as our youth pastor. He has moved on to be the missions and men's pastor at our church. So he's not gone forever...just relocated. However, he will be missed much. It was a fun night! I hope that he realizes how much of an impact he has had on lives in the 7 years he's been our youth pastor and the 13 years he's been in youth ministry. I know he'll bring the same passion to missions. You better watch out...because if you don't know Jesus...NORTHSIDE IS COMING FOR YOU!

Karen joyfully participated in the evening my stickering her tongue out...not really sure how that's encouraging or where she learned that from????

Daddy's little girl! And Joce showed up! I was so excited. She's a hot mama! I want to be as cute as her!

We all pitched in in different ways to show our appreciation for everything Hopper has done. Everyone wrote notes, Shannon made a banner, Marcos planned, Scottie did the video montage. It was a lot of fun seeing how one person has affected the world. Makes me want to affect and inspire that many people.

ALL PUNS INTENDED

2007-06-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

My uncle sent this to me this morning and I thought of Chlesea! Hope you all enjoy. I thought it was pretty funny.

1. Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was excellent.

2. A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, "I'll serve you, but don't start anything."
3. Two peanuts walk into a bar, and one was a salted.

4. A dyslexic man walks into a bra.

5. A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm, and says "A beer please, and one for the road."

6. Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: "Does this taste funny to you?"

7. "Doc, I can't stop singing 'The Green, Green Grass of Home.' That sounds like Tom Jones Syndrome." "Is it common?" Well, "It's Not Unusual."

8. Two cows are standing next to each other in a field. Daisy says to Dolly, "I was artificially inseminated this morning." "I don't believe you," says Dolly. "It's true; no bull!" exclaims Daisy.

9. An invisible man marries an invisible woman. Their kids were nothing to look at either.

10. Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.

11. I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day, but I couldn't find any.

12. A man woke up in a hospital after a serious accident. He shouted, "Doctor, doctor, I can't feel my legs!" The doctor replied, "I know you can't because I've cut off your arms!"

13. I went to a seafood disco last week . . . And pulled a mussel.

14. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.

15. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. The one turns to the other and says, "Dam!"

16. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.

17. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel, and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office, and asked them to disperse. "But why?" they asked, as they moved off. "Because," he said, "I can't stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer."

18. A woman has twins, and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt, and is named "Ahmal." The other goes to a family in Spain; they name him "Juan." Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Ahmal. Her husband responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahmal."

19. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him. (Oh, man, this is so bad, it's good) . . . a super-calloused fragile mystic vexed by halitosis.

20. And finally, there was the person who sent twenty different puns to his friends, with the hope that at least ten of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.

Brandy's Graduation

2007-06-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

So let's start backwards...we had a wasabi eating contest before Hopper and I got on the plane to go home...I think there is a hole in my stomach now!

Graduation was beautiful! Brandy was BEAUTIFUL! Such a huge accomplishment! So happy!

Projects

2007-05-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

I have made two projects that I love through shutterfly.com. The first is the Mother's Day gift my sister and I made. It is pictures that each of us have taken from all over the world. Mom's Gift

The second is the pictures that I've taken over the year of the girls in the youth group.
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/project/0AZNGzdy4cNWLjA/landing

Girls Lunch

2007-05-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

It has been my pleasure to bring lunch to the BEAUTIFUL girls of Buchanan this year. The pictures above are just some of the many girls who come hang out and have lunch with us on Thrusdays. I was looking through the pictures I took yesterday at lunch and was just realizing how absolutly beautiful each girl is in their own way. They are so individual... unique! I just love them! I will be sad to not spend time with the girls who do not come to our church. We'll have to have a party or something during the summer! I love you guys!

High School

2007-05-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

I found on myspace some friends from High School...which is really weird and a lot of fun all at the same time. Since I don't talk to anyone from high school except those that go to our church (Ryan Penir and Stephanie Fuller/Pruner) It has been so exciting to see how everyone is doing. In case some of you don't know high school was defiantly not my glory days. God has blessed and changed my life in a lot of ways since then. I love that He continually teaches me and shows me new things everyday...please let my eyes always be open to the lessons and blessings He has for me. Thank you for growth!

On the right side of the screen you'll see a new addition to my list. That is Melissa Braun/Brown's blog...she is one of those old friends and takes some amazing pictures. Check it out...she has a special gift for capturing the beauty of God's creation!

Pics From Prom

2007-05-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

Jena and Karen asked me to help them get ready for their SENIOR PROM! I am really blessed to be asked to be a part of such a huge occasion in their life. It's one of those things that they will remember. I know I remember my senior prom. Anyhow...here are some of my favorite pics from the night.

I love Farmer's Market

2007-05-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night...and every Friday night through the summer...there is the Old Town Clovis Farmers Market. There is something so refreshing about buying groceries from local people. Stuff that was just picked from the ground or the trees. It tastes better I swear!

5:30 - 9:00

COME!

God is GOOD!

2007-05-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

This morning I had one of those times where I just knew God was answering my prayer loud and clearly! Which is SO exciting. I love that He is so big and so creative! A couple weeks ago David talked about the lady who collected all the jars and filled them with oil, and the oil just kept flowing until all the jars were full. When she was asked to collect jars, it wasn't just a few...she was supposed to collect ALL that she could find. So God could move in a BIG way! That resonated with me because sometimes I get caught up in my perspective and just ask about the little (for just a few jars), and God wants me to ask big so He can provide BIG! He used everyone in the community...so that everyone could see, how their little part played a big part in the PLAN. And that is really exciting. A lot of the things that I have been thinking about in the last six - eight months are coming about...the lessons, ideas, plans, future, purpose...it's really exciting. Scary...but thrilling. I can't wait! I LOVE HIM!

Thank you

2007-05-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

So last night it was 6:35 and no girls were at my house...which started to get alarming at 5:45 when no one was there...since they are usually almost beat me to my house at 5:00. All of the sudden all the girls walk in with Rocky Mountain, diet coke, water, flowers, gluten free pizza, Carmel apples, and a huge poster. I was so surprised! And I just want to say

THANK YOU

to them. They are amazing girls! I love to see how God uses each one of them daily. I am so blessed to have them in my life! Thank you girls! I love you more than you could ever know! I am SO blessed!

Notes on Proverbs

2007-05-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

These are some of the notes I took on Proverbs from www.khouse.org - Proverbs study by Chuck Missler. It has helped me to know these things as I am reading through Proverbs. Hopefully it will help you to keep this stuff in the back of your mind as you read.

1. Look for the characteristics that remind you of other people in the bible.

2. Proverbs is very black and white.

3. The whole idea in Hebrew poetry is parallelism in ideas/concepts.
Synonymous- second clause restates first clause (19:29)
Antithetic- truth stated in first clause made stronger in the second clause by the reversal
Synthetic- second clause develops the truth in the first clause (continues the thought, describes the thought) proverbs 20:2

4. Picture Solomon at home with his sons. He is talking to his sons, trying to teach them how to be wise. Trying to find a way to sum up his years of experience in short sentences that his boys can remember and a way to make them interested in what he wants to pass along to them. What is most on a young guy’s mind…but girls…so Solomon uses two opposite women to describe to his sons the difference between what is wise and what is foolish. And there are basically four ways to respond to these women…as a fool, scorner, mocker or with wisdom.

5. Scott the Scorner mocks at God’s wisdom because it is too high for him, it’s out of reach, he is very educated, and will not admit the truth because he knows everything. He is blinded by the persuasion that he has all knowledge... almost as if when he dies, knowledge goes with him. The Hebrew word for scorner means to make a mouth. Can you picture Scott the Scorner sneering and curling his lips in scorn.

6. Foolish Fred is a person who is dense, sluggish, careless and self-satisfying. (Nabal- foolish in Hebrew /Abigail 1 Samuel 25 (minute 12 in lesson 2). He hates instruction! He is self-confident… his pride gets in the way. The barrier to truth for him is the presumption that he has it. He talks without thinking and mocks at sin.

7. Simple Simon believes everything and everybody…lack discernment. He is easily lead astray, can’t see ahead, and repeatedly walks into trouble.

8. Wise Walker listens to instruction and obeys what he hears. He stores up what he learns, leads others to the Lord, flees from sin, diligently works daily, and watches his tongue

9. Wisdom calls us to God, wealth, and life, Folly calls us to sin, poverty and death.

19 ways to maintain a healthy level of insanity

2007-05-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair
Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with
that.
4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label it "In".
5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten Over
Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.
6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Smuggling Diamonds".
7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy".
8. Don't use any punctuation.
9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.
10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.
11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go".
12. Sing Along At The Opera.
13. Go To A Poetry Recital. And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme?
14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All
Day.
15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party
Because You're Not In The Mood.
16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.
17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won! I Won!"
18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling "Run
For Your Lives! They're Loose!"
19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To
Have To Let One Of You Go."

International Respect for Chickens Day

2007-05-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

Today is INTERNATIONAL Respect for Chickens Day... seriously.

Let's take a moment of silence...

What are you going to do?

If you'd like to read up on the cause, you can visit: http://www.upc-online.org/respect/50207irfcdnews.html

Pics for Hopper

2007-05-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hopper kids...

2007-05-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I got to watch the Hopper kids on Tuesday night...They are the cutest! (Except for Atticus!) So here are a few pics.

I'm trying to think if there is anything else I want to say...

Oh...Today is Justin's Birthday...SO HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HIM!

We actually have a couple big BIRTHDAY's coming up...Danica will be 16, Jena will be 18 and Michele will be 21. I LIKE BIRTHDAY's!

Alyssa-Loves-Me-Day

2007-05-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

So for Christmas I made Brandy a calendar...and on it I put a bunch of made up holidays and some real ones too. One of the made up ones was Alyssa-Loves-Me-Day... Because I do love her! So this is the dedication to the May 2, 2007 Alyssa-Loves-Me-Day!

Brandy,

There are so many reasons that I love you. Let me count the ways...
1.I think the look in this picture is the first one...one of a kind you are!
2. You love God in a way that is curious...committed to knowing every part of Him and His creation.
3. You are a loyal friend, sister, daughter, granddaughter, niece, girlfriend...person.
4. You are funny...your sense of humor can not be compared with any other person I know...It is truly unique.
5. You are one of the smartest people I know...you absorb knowledge like your brain has no limit to it's capacity.
6. Your process for decision making is so fun to be a part of...the way you think amazes me!
7. You made it through High School! Do you remember the first day at Buchanan?
8. You are kind and thoughtful to those you really trust. Which makes it even more special!
9. You try to be just and not make rash, emotion filled decisions...you really think it out and try to see how everyone is going to feel. And you don't choose to do just what you want to do...you do what is best for the whole.
10. YOU ARE MOVING BACK TO FRESNO!
11. Your strength, hope, faith and patience is astounding to me.

You truly inspire me! I love you!

Proverbs 1

2007-04-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

So last night we covered Proverbs 1 in girls bible study. In my opinion it was one of the best nights we've had in a long time. I felt like the Lord really gave everyone some insight and something to say. He spoke to everyone in a different way and I love to hear what He brings to the girls hearts. I also felt like it was special because I feel like we had such an honest conversation and time together.

That is one thing I really think God has blessed this group with...honesty...a safe place to be honest...about who YOU are, what you struggle with, how you view things, what we need to work on and encouragement to work on them. It is OK to not be perfect with this group. They love you because of and in spite of those things which you may or may not like about yourself. Now...on the other hand...if you come into the group and are not ready to be honest about yourself and what is going on inside...this can be painful. The truth hurts sometimes...but I was telling the girls last night that I am so glad that God gave me them. I would rather hear from them, out of love, that I was doing something that may need to be worked on, than from someone who wanted to hurt me with my faults or use them to defeat me. I love this group! I love their honesty, love, hearts, and sincere hope for the greatest God has for each person.

Also, last Wednesday night at church Hopper asked the question "What stands in the way of you hearing God's still small voice?"... I believe His voice is becoming more and more clear to these girls and me every day. They hear Him gently telling them to work on this or go talk to this person. I believe they are becoming more peaceful (and confident) so they can hear the quite gentle whispers of His will for them, as opposed to Him having to knock them off their feet before they would listen. It has been my privilege to watch that happen. To see them find their confidence in who they are as God's children. It really is beautiful to watch! What a blessing!

We also came up with an amazing idea for a shirt based on Proverbs 1: 17... Basically it is a bird, with a net in it's beak... on the back it would say "I've got mine"...
Read it and let us know what you think.

ok...alright...fine...

2007-04-18T11:18:00.001-07:00

You want an update...here it is...

I don't know what to write.

Let's say Happy Birthday to Hopper and Aaron...I am so thankful God has given them to us. They are great examples of Godly men and that is a gift!

Uhhh...what next...I am very thankful for our discussion on spiritual gifts. I hope it provoked you guys to think and learn. I have gotten a few opportunities for us to serve in different areas...so I am excited.

I am super excited about a couple of prayers that I have seen answered this week. Karen got her fairytale...which I am so happy about. For those of you who don't know Karen very well...get to know her. She is amazing as a friend, a daughter, a cousin, a sister, a person..A GIRLFRIEND! And I am so happy that her and Justin FINALLY realized that what matters is that you love God and make each other laugh. 50 years from now...you better think each other's funny...If you don't...HOW BORING! And trust me...even when no one else thinks either one of them is funny... they are cracking up at each other (tell them to do the lip pulling thing... they think that's hysterical...it's really not that funny). I am also happy that Emily's back. I missed her smiling face and laughter...Sarah fell off a ladder last night...Emily didn't offer to help at all...as Sarah was getting ready to DIE...Karen and Emily were on the floor laughing...they couldn't even open their eyes they were laughing so hard.

Uhhh... I can't think of anything else...at least that might be interesting to you...so I'm OUT!

Shutterfly

2007-04-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

So I found this website (actually I can't really take credit, one of the ladies that helped with my cousins wedding uses it and so I looked it up.) and you can basically scrapbook online. You can upload your pages to them and they will print and bind a book for you. Pretty cool...So last night I worked on a few pages in between talking with Michele and Brian.

These are kids from the service project we do with the bible club in downtown Fresno.
This is for Sarah...the kids act out bible stories and Sarah and I talked about taking pictures of them acting out the story and making a book of the story for them. So this is one of the pictures then the story would go on the side... pretty cool huh!
I love pictures! They make me happy!

Ahhhh....Girls Bible Study

2007-04-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

Last night was so much fun. I was feeling like not everyone understood how much they were loved and what about them was so likable by other people. So we wrote down characteristics of God and Jesus. Then we did the cheesy take-a-paper-and-write-something-nice-about-everyone game. But not cheesy. They wrote real things, real personality traits that they admired about each other. I hope it was as encouraging for everyone else as it was for me!

Anyhow...we also as usual ate...

prayed...at least was supposed to be praying....

and played around...

MELISSA!!!!!!

2007-04-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

So Melissa...yes...the pics are on the blog...I tried to leave out the bad ones...and just put on the funny ones...I am so GLAD you came!
Saturday we helped Michele and Katie deliver flowers...so we are taking credit for these beautiful tulips!
So this is Melissa mocking my mom's watercolor she's working on...(just kidding...they were finished and I made them go back so I could take a picture...so she was really mocking me...not my mom)
We can't seem to not make stupid faces when the camera comes out...but this is Easter dinner with stupid faces (actually...only I have a stupid face)
and this is Easter dinner pretending like we don't see the camera.

And this is just funny...and basically what we did all afternoon.

This is Easter Sunday Morning...Betsy...

and my Dad...sang on praise team.
Melissa and I pretended like we were helping in the children's program...but they had about 3 adults per child...so we left.
I had a lot of fun! I am so glad you came out and I can't wait for our next girls weekend!

P.S. where's Dublin????

Uhhh...I almost forgot the most important part...RUBEN!~

IT'S TODAY!

2007-04-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

It's the big day! Melissa is coming!!!!!

P.s. Thanks to Jena for cleaning my house for me! You'll never know how much that means to me! I love you!

Friends...

2007-04-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

So last night bible study was a lot of fun. It was one of those nights where we just played around. We played Butros, which is super fun and super funny! Michele and Katie were a fun addition. Katie is one of those people that make you laugh no matter what she is doing.
This is Katie's "I've arrived" pose!

This is after a day of shopping for wedding dresses for Michele. They make me laugh! Katie doesn't smile after she has made a comment so you are not sure if she is joking or really rude. I love her and I'm glad she came last night.

I missed all you guys that are out on Spring Break Adventures though! A LOT! You were greatly missed!

I don't know really what else to say...Danica says my blogs are so organized...which I think is funny. I am especially scattered today for some reason. Lots of things in my brain...not sure if I want to write about them or how to even if I did. Not bad...so don't worry Danica and Jena...just not feeling particularly verbal.

I am SUPER PUMPED that my Melissa is coming though! I think I've told everyone I know.

Yesterday

2007-03-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

I didn't feel good... and it was kind of a crazy evening.

But good news today! My cousin Melissa is coming to visit for Easter. She is an interpreter in Las Vegas (American Sign Language)! And so much fun! I am pumped!

Happy Birthday Sister!

2007-03-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

To my beautiful sister!
I love you so much. I am so blessed that God gave me a sister as wonderful, loving, funny, unique, God-loving, ambitious, and smart as you! You have taught me patience, humor (even though you weren't funny until Erin Warkentin came around!), and so many more things, I couldn't even name them. When we were younger it was hard to imagine a time when we would want to be friends. I am so thankful that God gave us a chance to find a new respect for the women God made each of us uniquely. You are amazing!

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there. ~Amy Li

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. ~Marion C. Garretty

Is solace anywhere more comforting than in the arms of a sister. ~Alice Walker

Big sisters are the crab grass in the lawn of life. ~Charles M. Schulz

If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child. ~Linda Sunshine

You can kid the world. But not your sister. ~Charlotte Gray

I would like more sisters, that the taking out of one, might not leave such stillness. ~Emily Dickinson

Help one another, is part of the religion of sisterhood. ~Louisa May Alcott

A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double. ~Toni Morrison

What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it? ~Jenny DeVries

Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship. ~Margaret Mead

March 27th

2007-03-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was so much fun. Jena, Brandy and I went on a "Road Trip" to Hollister, where Brandy's boyfriend lives. It was quite an adventure. Hollister is before Gilroy. We left at 9:30 and got there at 3...That tells you how much of an adventure we had. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

This is Brandy's old house in Los Banos, her neighbor Hilda (who is amazing) and Jena and Brandy in their usually pose!

This is me trying to climb on top of this really weird farm animal statue that is in the middle of Los Banos. What can I say...we had to stop...who builds a super nice statue with fountain and all for farm animals? So we stopped! Got out! And Got ON!

I ran across 152 to take some really pretty pictures. This is one...but Brandy and Jena apparently thought that this was crazy. They stood up out of the sunroof to take pictures of me. So I took more pictures of them!

Did a little stop at Casa de Fruta...always entertaining!
Stopped along the side of the road to take some really pretty blossom pictures! Have I mentioned I love California!

Then we surprised Ryan and picked him up from school! He was pretty shocked! Then we made him go with us to take a picture under the "SPUDNUT" sign, because we thought it was funny.

So then we went to The Garlic Shoppe! Ryan and I bonded! He moved a shelf and got me some free Habenaro and Peach Mustard! I was pretty excited.

Overall we had a great time! I always tell them it's about the journey, not the destination and this trip proved it. I really like Ryan...I am glad Brandy found a Godly young man to date. And his family is super nice and loves Brandy to death!

God is GOOD!

I had an amazing weekend!

2007-03-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

I love it when God opens my eyes to His movement!
Friday was a California classic! It was warm and sunny and BEAUTIFUL! So I finished work around 12:30 and headed home to change my clothes and run a couple of errands. I went to the Takahashi Farm Stand, which has to be one of my new favorite places. There is something about a sunny beautiful day and eating all the fresh ingredients God gave us to grow. So I got some veggies and fruit. I made the little lady mad though...apparently there is "Bagging" rules, which I didn't follow properly...mainly because I was unaware of the unspoken rule... but I can tell you I will never make that mistake again! I spent 8 dollars and got so much stuff. So then I headed to the grocery store and I had a few more stops. It was great to sit and eat such a fresh lunch that I made myself (cooking makes me happy!). The girls came over Friday night for a movie night. We watched Madea goes to jail, which is a super funny movie. Lots of one-liners from it. "I know you can't read...but the sign says..."DON'T FEED THE MONKEYS"...

Saturday I had lunch with another great friend God has given me. I just love the leisurely flow of a beautiful spring day! I think that is what makes each little thing seem so picturesque...like its from a movie. Then I had some of the older girls come over to try to find an alternative to going out. Aaron was kind enough to come over and try to teach us how to play Texas Hold 'em. Try...because it didn't go over so well...but we had fun! Lots of fun. I don't know why we don't play games more often.

Sunday was such a good day. Becca got baptized during first service. Liz stood up for herself and was obedient to God. Chelsea had a few victories of her own. Jena supported her friends and encouraged the people God put on her heart. Danica led amazing worship (that song from Leeland is amazing when you do it alone especially!). I got to take a nap. Encounter went great...did something a little different and I really liked it. Brandy and Suzie came to Encounter. Brandy's HERE! Everyone helps at Encounter to put stuff away (I love to see everyone pitch in). Katie might use her BEAUTIFUL voice for the worship team (when God gives you a talent...use it!) It was just really amazing!

I am so thankful for all the gifts He gives us. Read Psalm 139...Really think about it and meditate on it. It is beautiful!
May God bless your day!

March 22nd & 23rd!

2007-03-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

So yesterday a friend of mine and I went out to dinner and then to a movie. Premonition...anybody seen it. DON'T! The ending is terrible...we laughed though. The whole movie was good...we were liking it, but not quite figuring out what was going on. And then the end came and we were left hanging! Anyhow...

It was fun. I love that God has given me a friend for life.

We have been friends since about 1981. Which is a super long time! We've been through so many ups and downs we can't even count them anymore. She is a true friend. Tyler Perry said "You know who your true friends are when God really starts blessing you"...and boy is that true. There have been times in my life where God blessed me so much I could never have imagined what He gave me. The only friend that was there through it all is her. Now I have high schoolers and she has two beautiful girls and a wonderful husband...and we are still friends! GOD IS GOOD!

As for today...we are having a girls party tonight at my house. I think we are going to watch Madea goes to jail...which is the best movie/play I've ever seen. Good morals, funny humor, clean, and has a point! I would recommend it very highly. Tyler Perry makes some amazing things. You should check him out. So 7:00 at my house...be there!

March 21, 2007

2007-03-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Was yesterday...

And it went pretty good. I am using this pedometer thing...you are supposed to do 6000 steps to maintain health, 10,000 to loose weight. I did 6295. So that was pretty good. I was excited. It makes me feel healthier. I get up throughout the day and jog for a few minutes. It is really giving me more energy.

Anyhow...Then I went over to church for Wednesday night youth service. We pray at 5 and then hang out till we start service at 6:30. So while we were hanging out...Danica made up a song for Psalm 23. Which I love! I can't wait to hear the finished version! She is so amazing. To be able to sit down, pick out a melody and then put words to it...AMAZING! That was a lot of fun.

I talked with Brandy, which is always a joy. The way God moves in her life is so funny. It seriously makes me see the sense of humor God has. He is so creative!

We talked about Song of Solomon 4-5, so you can imagine how mature that conversation was...Basically the only thing I think the kids remembered is "Protect your rose"...which is a super cheesy cliche but Good point and illustration that came with it. Hopefully they will really get more out of it than that.

So that's it...that was my day in a nut shell...

Spiritual Gifts

2007-03-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

This is what we are going to start in Girls Bible Study next week. Be PRAYING!
Week one-
Answer questions:
What would you guess your spiritual gifts are?
What are you passionate about? What do you like to do?
Take Spiritual Gifts test
Next week instruction: Research your top three this week…see what you come up with.

Week two-
Answer questions:
What are spiritual gifts?
What is their purpose?
What are mine?
What does this mean for me?
Next week instruction: find some biblical examples of people who you think had one of your spiritual gifts.

Week three-
Answer questions:
What do I do now?
How do I use them? Generally and Specifically
Next week instruction: Pray for ways to use your gifts.

Week four-
Answer questions:
What can happen when I start using them?
How, why, when, and defense for spiritual attacks
Next week instruction: pick one way you are going to use one of your spiritual gifts and do it this week.

Daily happenings...

2007-03-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Nothing particularly fascinating has happened since my last post...but since the girls complain that I don't post enough on here...I'll ramble about the daily happenings.

I had a great weekend. Michele and I got the material for some of the projects for her wedding. It is funny to plan this with her because you can't deny that God works in the little things. We basically told the lady at the fabric store how much we wanted to pay for the fabric we got and she said OK and charged us that...then we got up to the counter and the lady there took another 50% off. Crazy! I know! God does work in the little things...(P.S. I can hear Miah...right now...going "Melissa...she's one of THOSE!")

Anyhow...Saturday we went to do a Bible Club in downtown Fresno, which was a lot of fun! Kids are so cute!

Church was so good on Sunday...David talked about saving souls and how we should look at each person and see them as a soul God wants. And how differently we would treat people if that's how we saw them...interesting!

Oh...I have a props for Jimmy and the Jr. High Group! So Sunday at Encounter I thought I was going to have to set up by myself, since Aaron wasn't there. So I showed up a little early to get a head start and the Jr. Highers were having a dodge ball tournament. So I went in the little side closet where the stuff for Encounter is and just started doing what I could. A few minutes later the doors to the closet open and Jimmy said "What do you need us to do? You tell them where to put what and they will." So I did... and they did. They set up all the tables, table cloths, the stuff that goes on the tables. It was GREAT! I just had to do the more specific booth stuff. I WAS PUMPED! God is amazing when He takes care of the little things! (Yeah I know!)

Monday night bible studies have been going good, at least in my opinion. We got into a discussion on baptism and we read through Psalm 23. I love it when the girls speak up and ask questions that people actually have opinions about and will discuss them. I LOVE THAT. And After Channelle and I got to talk, with Jena and Becca...so that was good too. I like when I can have one on one conversations.

I guess what it comes down to is that GOD IS MOVING. There are somethings I know He is working in and on and that is difficult and great all at the same time.

Discipleship Groups

2007-03-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

The second thing I am really excited about is the Girls Discipleship groups. I have put together some information that God put on my heart and created some Discipleship groups for the high school girls in our bible study that really want to go deeper...to the next level.

These groups are going to concentrate specifically on Spiritual Growth. I feel like the groups that we have are going to be amazing! They have been prayed over and I feel confident that this is where these girls are supposed to be.

The part that hasn't been made clear yet is the leaders for these groups. We need some adult women that have a passion for young women. To train and encourage them to be (not in the future...RIGHT NOW) the women of God that they are designed to be. They are powerful young women RIGHT NOW. They have opportunities RIGHT NOW that they will never have again and we as adult women need to give them the encouragement and tools to take a hold of their opportunities that God is giving to them today! We need women to take time out of our immensely busy schedules and put the youth first, if we don't, who will? They are searching to be taught...I don't want someone else to get them! God's got them! It is our job to teach the young. And this group of girls in particular are ready today to do amazing things...in fact most of them already are! I can't even imagine what they can do with our encouragement. So if you would pray for women to lead these groups, that would be so helpful.

Pray...because most of you that read this don't even live in California, so leading a group yourself isn't really possible...unless of course God is calling you to MOVE TO CALIFORNIA and help! God has blessed me with some amazing women of God in my family, as well as men of God. I have Grandparents who love and serve God, who raised kids who love and serve God (most of them are actually pastors at churches throughout the country), who raised kids who love and serve God (again, who are serving at churches or studying in college to become pastors at churches across the United States and even further...I have a cousin who teaches in Bolivia!) Any input, prayer or assistance you could offer would be much appreciated. I know God has blessed you, so the wisdom He has given you is greatly needed here!

I love you! And I love HIM!

Living Hope

2007-03-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.livinghopechurch.com/index2.php

I went to this church a few weeks ago when I was in Washington visiting Brandy. It was amazing! God really inspired me through this experience! First, it was amazing to be part of a church that clearly FELT so ALIVE! I walked in and I felt GOD there!

They are doing some exciting things and there is a lot to learn from a church where God is definitely moving in a BIG WAY!

I would encourage you to look at what they are doing.

Read some of their blog entries...Listen to some of their sermons... Look at some of the things they do with their youth programs...and then...pray!

Pray about what God wants you to do with what you just read...What He is inspiring you to do...What He wants you to learn or take with you...!

GOD IS MOVING!

Are YOU going to be a part of it?

I AM!

Kevin & Amanda Johnson

2007-02-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

A while ago I posted a prayer request for Kevin and Amanda Johnson. I really hope that those of you that have read this blog have kept up to date with their life. I can't even begin to tell you the amazing individuals God has produced in them. God's kingdom has been so glorified by their lives and examples. I was reading through the post and was caught up in Amanda's (Kevin's wife) interpretation of the situation. What a Godly woman! I thought I would paste it here for you to read. They are young and in love and "for better or worse" they are together loving God and each other. What a BEAUTIFUL example of a Godly marriage. I pray for a relationship like this!

"1-23-07…Written by Amanda throughout the day, uploading @ 2am on the 24th Another blog entry from Amanda… I can testify with wonder stricken awe and joy that God answers prayer. I read a quote the other day by Teresa of Avila that said, “You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him.” It is true that He loves to show up in our times of need. A strong walk with God can carry us through unthinkable circumstances. He has given me what I need day by day.
God is already bringing beauty from this pain. I am sure that from pain, He also creates a platform. I know this blog has been a voice around the world speaking of God’s goodness. I truly believe this is just the beginning. I am so proud of Jeff for allowing God to use him. Jeff has been a rock for me out here. I have treasured our conversations…he has been a shoulder to cry on and one to celebrate each victory with. Not only that, but this morning I woke up to a cafe’ mocha and a massage awaiting that was all Jeff’s doing. He is taking amazing care of me! He is such an incredible man, friend, and brother….but then that doesn’t surprise me, he IS Kevin’s brother : ). It’s 2:00 a.m. and I am sitting here watching Kevin sleep. How far he has come! I love the fact that his scar WILL show…it’s kind of like in the Bible when God moved, the people would build an alter or monument to remember what the Lord had done. His scar will forever remind us all of the miracles God has performed! That scar is absolutely beautiful to me. Last week I was wearing his wedding band because his body was holding fluids and he had quite a bit of swelling. Keep in mind he was on heavy doses of pain medication and as Jeff likes to put it rather “foggy.” When he saw that his ring was off, he told me, “When I get better I will re-marry you.” It melted me and God knew it was just what I needed that day. This morning when I arrived at the hospital, Jeff looked at Kevin and said, “Are you ready to do what we talked about?” Kevin responded, “Yes.” Before I knew it, Jeff was helping Kevin stand up to give me a hug! That was the first hug we have had since before this ordeal. I can not even put into words the effect it had on me…what a gift. I knew it took every bit of strength and energy, focus and determination to give me that hug. I would not trade this experience….I would not turn back time. I like to say it this way, we have seen God’s glory and we will never be the same. I am experiencing God in a much more intimate way….you are forced to when there is no other place to turn. But through each seemingly impossible obstacle, GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL! Again, I can not thank everyone enough for the love, support, and prayers! Kevin and I are so richly blessed with the relationships and individuals God has brought into our life. Please continue to “ask great things of God” on Kevin’s behalf. "

May God bless them! Keep their hope in Him! And keep their eyes and ears open to His ABUNDANT BLESSINGS! Thank you for them!

Rachel & Ryan's Wedding

2007-02-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

So first we went to see Ken and Carol...who are some of the funniest people I have met. I want to be like them when I grow up.

So then we went to the Church to help decorate for the reception. And I think I found the new love of my life. My cousin Michelle and her husband John who is a Youth Minister in Illinois, have a son. His name is Atticus Lincoln and he is amazing! Beautiful...funny...watch out girls...in a few years...he's gonna be a heart breaker!

Ryan's mom was kind enough to invite us all to dinner...which sounds simple until you realize how many of us there are. From Grandma to Atticus there are 39 (I think). So by my count I think she added 18 people to the guest list. So...thank you! I appreciate your kindness and hospitality. Sooo.... It gave us one more chance to hang out and enjoy each other. P.S. This is one of my favorite pictures of Atticus...he's like gimme some of that!

And while this picture is side ways... this is in the hall coming out of my Aunt's office at Ozark... None other than our very own...very famous... Lito! In the hallowed halls of Ozark!

So I would show you pictures from the rest of the trip...but I accidentally deleted them from the camera...so that's it. If anyone has pictures they would like to send that would be really appreciated (I'm pretty sure my mom almost shot me for that!).

Anyhow...Rachel and Ryan...I hope you are having a blast rockin the treehouse and have many more happy, fun, fullfilling years with each other!

My Valentine!

2007-02-19T08:58:00.000-08:00

So I wanted to say thank you to my wonderful Valentine! Wednesday I came home to a house that had been taken over! There were signs and chocolate and sparkle and DIET COKE every where. It was amazing! Thank you Mrs. Emily for making Valentines a wonderful day. I am so blessed to be a part of your life. You are a strong, wise, funny young woman and you make such a difference in this world! I love you!

This is just fun!

2007-02-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.behindthename.com/random/

Brandy's Brilliant mind at work...inspiring me once again!

2007-02-12T09:28:00.000-08:00

This is Brandy's answer to a question she had in school. She never ceases to amaze or inspire me. If this doesn't make you want to know more about who is making decisions in this country...nothing will.

"Though extremely necessary and important to American citizens, offering protection from unconstitutional and unprecedented laws, the Supreme Court has gone way too far. First of all who are these people serving on the Supreme Court? They’re unelected, they’re virtually unaccountable, they’re largely unknown to most Americans, and they serve for life. Here are just a few (though I could go on): John Rutledge- This was a man, chief justice by the way, who was so deep in depression he made two failed suicide attempts and it has been said that “his mind was frequently so much deranged, as to be in a great measure deprived of his senses.” Henry Baldwin, appointed by Andrew Jackson in 1830, was hospitalized for what was refer to as ‘incurable lunacy” and missed one term on the Court before returning to service for eleven more years until his death. There is no official photograph for the Court of 1924 because Justice James C. McReynolds refused to stand next to the Court’s first Jewish justice, Lewis Brandeis. McReynolds stated he didn’t want the Court to be “plagued with another Jew.” He would leave the room whenever Brandeis would speak and was also openly hostile toward the second Jewish justice. Justice Hugo Black was a member of the Ku Klux Klan… enough said. It is only necessary for five of these justices to dictate economic, cultural, criminal, and security policy for the entire nation, striking down those polices created by elected governing officials. I’m not sure about you, but I wouldn’t even want these people in charge of my dry cleaning."

My Space

2007-02-12T09:14:00.000-08:00

And... I gave in... Karen made me a myspace this week. You can see it at www.myspace.com/alyssaburr

Disconnection

2007-02-12T09:05:00.000-08:00

James 3:17 says “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” This has been heavy on my heart that there is a disconnection between the youth and us as “adults”. This is an effort to make a sincere, peaceful and considerate understanding between us. I want to explain why we are here, what we do, what our motive is behind what we do. Now I know that our motives are not always clear to you. You can not always see or understand where we are coming from or why we make the decisions we do. I know that there are a lot of adults in your life that have set poor examples and that the things that you have been through and seen have built walls between you and adults around you. It is one of the reasons Hopper is always saying that the best people to reach the youth is YOUTH, which is YOU. The choices we make here are out of love for you, even if we fall short of making that point. Even when you don’t understand…it’s still out of love for you! Hopper spends a great amount of time, prayer and thought about the direction he follows and the choices he makes because we love you!

Why are we here?
1. To love you. I choose to be up here because I love you. I believe that you guys have the power to change the world. I want to help, teach and encourage you in anyway I can. God has something to say to each one of you, He has a plan for you that is specific…it is just for you…only you were created to do it. I want to help you figure out how to listen to what God wants for your life. I want you to find Him now.

2. To be used. Romans 8:28; “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I have made some really stupid choices in life so far. I’m sure I will make many more. But part of the reason I am here is because I believe that helping you guys is how God is working to use me…for good… stupid choices and all.

3. To help you focus. I know that in my life I have gotten in my own way a lot. I have been very foolish, thinking I knew everything and if I didn’t understand something, then in someway it was not truth. I had people who helped me get out of my own way. They helped clear both the physical and mental things that were distracting me from HEARING God. They taught me how to listen and see God when I was focused on other things…my friends…basically my life and the life I wanted to live. They showed me versus like:
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 18:2 “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but delights in airing his own opinions.”
Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”
Proverbs 12:16 “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man over looks and insult.”
I want you to think about what happen on a weekly basis. What kind of things are getting in your way of hearing God? I think that some of you are getting in your own way as well as other people’s way. Part of what I am here for is to help you get out of your own way, to cut down on the foolishness for a few minutes so you can HEAR and SEE.

What are we as youth coaches supposed to be doing?
1. Loving: John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” I just want to show you love. Sometimes that is shown in discipline, encouragement, time, thought, actions, etc. There are a lot of ways that we do and want to show you that we love you.

2. Listening: Jeremiah 7:24 “But they did not listen or pay attention; instead they followed the stubborn inclination of their evil hearts. They went backward, not forward.” I don’t want this to be us. I want us to listen and hear each other, and then we as adults should be able to respond to your needs and move forward.

3. Teaching: Proverbs 4:1 “Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction, pay attention and gain understanding.” Psalms 119:66 “Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.” He wants us all to learn…to continue to learn all our lives. From the older generation…from Him and from each other.

4. Encouraging/ Helping / Guiding: Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.” Ephesians 5:16 “Make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good.” Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We all need help sometimes. Help can be found in us as adults and in each other. I love seeing someone’s face when they get something new or when they pick themselves up from a poor choice or choices and move on. It is so inspiring! We want to encourage you and sometimes push you to be and see what God has for you.

You are each so special and unique. You each bring a unique perspective to the group and to each others lives, but you are not really all that different from the person next to you…no matter how you see the person sitting next to you. A few weeks ago I had someone say to me that they thought they were different from most of the people in the group. Everyone else “had it together” and they felt like they didn’t. So at girl’s bible study we did an exercise that showed us that we are not that different. We all (including "adults") struggled with the same things!

No matter what you think is going on with the person next to you, you really never know unless you get to know that person. We all need to work on understanding where each other is coming from. And if you have to assume someone’s motives…assume that they are doing what they are doing for good, even when we don’t understand.

One more post for today!

2007-01-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

So last night we had such a good night at Girls Bible Study! You guys always amaze me! You are so smart and insightful and I love hearing what you have to say. This week remember... you're not in life alone. God has given you girl friends to talk to, laugh with, ask for advice from, check you when you need it, and love you always! So use each other! Study Peter's life and the things he saw and the things he did. He is a wonderful example of a good person who God used to do amazing things still being human and sometimes a moron! Just like us! Make better decisions tomorrow than you did today and LOVE EACH OTHER!

P.S. I am so glad that Nicole has joined us! I look forward to getting to know you better!

Girls Bible Study Formal!

2007-01-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

So the Girls Bible Study decided on the night of the formal to have a little dinner and fun! We had such a good time! We had appetizers, made dinner, chilled, had foofoo drinks, went to visit Channelle for dessert! (which was quite and outing!).

Basically... We just enjoyed each other's company! God is so good to give us these kind of friends! Love you guys!

Prayer request

2007-01-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

I met Kevin and Amanda Johnson through my sister. Kevin was the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Fresno Pacific. They are amazing couple. Recently Kevin has been hospitalized due to an aneurysm. They are a young, wonderful, joyful, Godly couple who needs our prayers. If you get a chance there is a blog that I think Kevin's brother is keeping. I read through it and was so amazed by their strength, dedication, and perseverance. Please keep Kevin in your prayers and please read through the blog. I think there is a lot to learn from their insight and wisdom.
http://www.pbase.com/coachjohnson/kj

Thanks!

Ditto

2007-01-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

Justin being gross.

So this is Brandy's cousin who was the funniest ring bearer I've ever seen. He could have definitely won us money on America's Funniest Home Videos! In this picture he was under the dresses of the flower girls, "swimming" through the flower petals on the ground and tossing them in the air! I love him!

Just for you Brandy!

2007-01-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

The party's over here

2006-12-27T09:56:00.000-08:00

My sister, Dad and Darren were lucky enough to go to Las Vegas to visit some family there. I heard you guys had a lot of fun! I'm a little jealous! Melissa and Miah I am definitely coming to play SOON! They said Atticus was the life of the party... scooting and pointing all over the place!

So Christmas Eve and Day were so much fun! We did our traditional dinner! Which is more and more fun the older Drew and Zach get!

Betsy and I basically just took stupid pictures of each other all day. We took 214 total! Most of them looked like this...

We did have a family juggling time.... It was pretty funny... Were hoping Drew or Nick can show us their magic skills and help us out with some tips! P.S. Nick, trying to juggle gave us a new appreciation for your skills!

Anyhow... I we are very blessed!

MISSING

2006-12-22T13:33:00.000-08:00

Who: Sarah Fingerer

Last known sighting: Girls Bible Study Monday December 11th

Presumed to be: Stolen by Brazilian chicken farmers

May be located: By the statue of the goat. It's one of her favorite hang outs.

Seriously if you can see this from Brazil...Or if they have electricity.

DON'T get married in Brazil! We miss you! I miss you! Come back! P.S. Thanks for letting us know your safe!

Seriously Netu...She can't get married there...send her back! You have to learn English and move here. We can't take a 78 hour bus ride with chickens...

Hope you're having fun! LOL... good clean fun!

But seriously...come back... unmarried!

How it all began...

2006-12-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

I saw The Nativity Story a few weeks ago and it gave me different or broader perspective on the Christmas story. I went back and read through the story again and again... and was really provoked to think about the big picture...the reality. Each time I read it I get goose bumps thinking about the reality of that moment and what was happening. Read this... see what comes to mind...

Luke 1: 5-56

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."

The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time."

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

And Mary said:"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

God is amazing! He has a plan for EVERYTHING!

And it is really beautiful as it unfolds.

Thank you for this life and the hope

and love you bring to my life.