Hubbard

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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...

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

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...

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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...

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.

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!

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...

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

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.

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...

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...

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

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.