What more can I ask for?

Hello!

It has been almost a year since I have blogged. Forgive me! I have actually signed on today thinking to delete my entire blog and here I am, posting!! With the church, the family (a soon to be 5 year old), district duties, etc, I have just been neglectful here!

I decided to go ahead and post because I feel extremely blessed right now! I am sitting in my home, nice and cozy! Cherish napping, which is very rare, my sweetheart is here working on the computer, which is very common, and the two dogs are snoring! I am well, warm and loved! There is a lot to be said right there! I could elaborate about people who are not so blessed in any one or all of those areas!

So, as you think to complain or despair.............count your blessings!

Africa

Well, my sweet husband and son-in-law are leaving for Ghana, Africa! They are going on a missions trip and I am so excited for them. This is a chance in a lifetime! They will be preaching at two different crusades! One in Accra and one in Cape Coast. It is so interesting because there is another denomination, trinity, that many of their pastors have seen the truth of "one God" and have asked for teaching, several have been baptized in Jesus' name already. The first crusade will be with their pastors teaching them the importance of baptism in Jesus' name and the fallacies of the trinity. Then a UPCI crusade that is an outdoor event supported by the UPCI headquarters church that will reach out to the un-church people!

I want to thank everyone that has been such a support in prayers and finances. God has truly supplied for them. I know that several who sent love offerings struggle to make end meet, then again that is just about all of us these days, isn't it? God will surely bless you for your desire to be a part of this life changing event!

They leave my house at 12 midnight on Sunday night. I am completely DREADING it! Anyone who knows Stephen and I very well, knows that we are always together. He doesn't travel without me, I go very few places without him, ugghh! We have been married 25 years and the longs stretch apart has been 5 days for ladies conferences, or his 1-3 day preaching events out of state. He will be gone 11 days. That is a very long time!

Cherish just made her daddy a bag of goodies for on the plane. In one bag, there are sour gummy worms, licorice, frosted animal cookies, and Cheezits!! Yummy, he will be thrilled.

Please keep them in your prayers, and for my sanity! LOL!

Walking through Obstacles

15-16 The wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul. It had taken fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard the news and all the surrounding nations saw it, our enemies totally lost their nerve. They knew that God was behind this work. (The Message)
Nehemiah 6:15

When Nehemiah rebuilt the walls around Jerusalem, it was no small feat. There wasn't any heavy construction equipment to carve the rocks or to move and place them. . . the distance around the walls modestly measured about 1 1/2 to 2 miles in circumference. The people had attempted to rebuild the walls, 90 years and 13 years prior, only to succumb to defeat - now they were discouraged. And yet, under Nehemiah's leadership, the wall was completed in 52 days!

Why was Nehemiah successful, when others had failed? In reading through the book of Nehemiah, I found that he did the following:
He prayed. . .
He planned. . .
And He depended on God.

What tremendous task are you facing? Have you prayed? Have you heard from God? Do you know His plan? If not, get down on your knees and don't get up until you've heard from Him! But, once you know His plan, get going! Make the necessary arrangements, do what you can do . . . but as you work, depend on God. . . believing that no matter the obstacles, if it is from Him, nothing in the world will stop it from being completed! Written by Marji "Mike" Kruger

This was a daily devotional that I felt impressed to send to someone that is looking at rebuilding their life! I thought that I would share!!!

So Blessed!

I had a lady that I highly respect ask me last night how my daughter, Misti is doing! I just remarked that she is doing great and that her and Adam are really happy and very busy with the church! She just smiled really sweetly and said, "Misti is a very special young lady!"

I know that myself, I take it for granted. She is very godly and has a very sweet spirit about her! What an awesome soal winner she is and a great mentor! However, it just all came to my mind again at how blessed I am that she is grown, almost 22 years old and she has been such a joy to us!

Misti, I love you much and am so very godly proud of you! You are beautiful and don't ever lose the sweet spirit of the Lord that you have. Without Him, we are nothing! Love you much!

It's Fall!!!

I love it when the weather begins too cool, the leaves begin to change and you can just feel the change in the air! I notice that everyone begins to talk about the Holiday Season, speak of family traditions, and bring out the sweaters and shop for new boots! I've heard several mention that they are a bit nervous for Christmas because of the financial situations this year. Maybe we all need to reconsider the way that we have always done things. Maybe we should focus a little more on quality time then on quantity or abundance of "things!" I have yet to talk to one person, even in the ministry that has not felt the effects of our economy! So, we really need to think about what we will do this year. I think, "But Misti and Adam will be so disappointed if they don't get as much as usual!" Then I hear her say, "Mom, I think we all need to be careful this year!" I also remember each year that Adam says, "You guys always buy too much!" I just wonder, would our love for our children or their love for us change any if we show our love in acts, in deeds, maybe in mom's cooking? I know the answer to this, now, can I actually do it? I'm not saying that we won't buy anything, I'm saying that the stress on all of us would be a lot less if we could learn to have moderation in our buying! Everyone that we usually buy gifts for are in the same situation...............hmmmm, I think we could truly make this a special holiday by enjoying one another and concentrate on what truly matters!

Think upon these things!!!

We have all heard the following scripture all of our lives! I was recently trying to encourage someone in learning to walk with God, that I know that there will be times that the "old life" or the "dark things" try to creep their way back into minds and hearts. Of this we are all certain. The devil will not ever leave us alone and we know that "an idle mind is the devil's workshop!" I have quoted this sooooo many times and have heard it over and over. But it finally dawned on me that it is actually a way to ward off the thoughts and that if we do these things, we will find as it says in verse 9 "God's peace shall be with you!" KJV In The Message version of the same scripture it says that, "God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."

I really don't know why I felt to post this, however, I do know that there are "silent" watchers of my blog that have told me in the past of troubles, circumstances and things that may drag you down. I'm hoping that you will find the strength and courage to carry on. To do exactly as these scriptures instruct and that you may find "God's peace...." and "God..................will work you into his most escellent harmonies."

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. KJV

The Message version
Philippians 4:8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Too Many Calories??

For several months now, I have counted calories! First to lose a few pounds, then the last couple have been just to maintain! Last night after a late night with friends, we noticed that, again, our flower beds have snails. I DO NOT LIKE SNAILS. They give me the "Heebeegeebees!" This morning, Cherish put on her rain boots, her daddy got himself dressed and geared to attack the snails! Out they went! Ready for battle! Snail bait in tow! They were strategically planning their course of action! As the war raged, very one side I might add, he wielded his "sword" (cups of snail bait)! Cherish said to her daddy, "Ok, that's 7 calories for those snails!" I've created a monster!!

Cherish is too much!!

We have been in Texas for a few days. Our niece, Maddie, wanted to be baptized and her parents wanted my husband to have the honor baptizing her! So, we flew out on Thursday morning and back her Tuesday morning very early. It was a hurried trip, but we had a fabulous time with family! It is always so wonderful to visit, but as we all know, it is so nice to be home. We all woke up today feeling human again! Yesterday was crazy, everyone was exhausted and just a little bit cranky!

Cherish has not had the opportunity to ever spend a lot of time with my husband's brother, Kevin. He works out of state and is rarely there when we are. So, since Maddie is his daughter, he was home for the weekend. Cherish went to his house for several hours with Maddie. They had a blast. Maddie even fixed Cherish her own "whole" sprite. She never gets that much!!

Well, later that evening, when they brought her back to my mother-in-law's, she and Uncle Kevin had made fast friends! Misti always loved to hang out with him when she was little because he is "one of the kids!" We were all visiting and he got down and became her horse! He walked on hands and knees all through the house and they visited the barn, the mall, the store and anywhere else that Cherish could think to make the different rooms of the house. That was good and fine! When it was time for Kevin to leave, she went to him and while she was hugging him, she had the biggest whining voice and said, "Mom, I'm gonna miss.............." at this point we were all set for this nice sweet moment that was going to make Kevin feel special for life, and she finished her sentence, ".............my FAT horsey!" It was too much! We were all crying we were laughing so hard. So, Kevin is officially Cherish's "Fat Horsey!"

I'll add a few pictures of the trip. Stephen baptized Maddie's cousins Meghan Cunningham, Lauren Cunninghame, and Ryan Lopez. It was very sweet! We got to see our niece, Becca and her darling baby boy, Bryson! Oh, I could sure steal that child, well both of them. Becca has always been special. We ate at all of the favorite places including Kingwood Catfish House, Pappasitos, Pappadeaux, and Pappa's BBQ! Granny had fixed us her famous roast, my favorite carrots and banana pudding! I just knew that I would have gained weight, but I didn't! We were eating one meal at about 2:00 and then snacking later. So I guess I kept calories down!

Thank you to all of the family for having us! It was a great time!! We love you all!

Campmeeting 2009 Slideshow

What shoe are you?

Last year, we were at a friends 50th birthday party! I usually listen in a setting such as this. So, I had my ears on and was chasing Cherish around since we know that most 50 year old people do not have a 2.5 year old running around. Maybe grandchildren, but surely not theirs. So, if you know me very well, you know that I was nervous that she would get in someones way.

While sitting there, I listened to a conversation between two ladies that are in their late 50's. They were showing each other their shoes. They were obviously well made, very comfortable nice leather FLATS, well, they might have had about a 1/2 inch block heel. I looked down at my 3 - 3 1/2 inch heels (that I even wear to the mall) and couldn't help but ponder!

I am 42, it hit me right then and there that I don't know anyone over the age of 50 that wears high heels anymore! I began to think about the fact that when I am at our home church and I know that I am going to be praise singing, that I wear my "most comfortable" Sunday night shoes. Now, those still have heels, but they aren't the toe squeezer type.

I love the gorgeous strappy things like my 21 year old, Misti, wears! I think that Carlos Santana shoes are fabulous. However, I bought a pair, wore them once and gave them away. I try them on every time I see a new pair out, and hurriedly take them off to put them back on the shelf! They kill my feet!

Then today, I mentioned of Facebook that I am packing for camp and the comment was made that we all need the matching shoes to each outfit. That is so true, however, it is amazing how many outfits that I can make the "more comfortable" ones match! Then another dear friend mentioned stretchy waistbands. Now that is another subject altogether, but girlfirends, how often to you opt for the stretchy over the zipper, button...................etc. Me? Stretchy all the way! LOL

Cherish is 3.5 now and has high heel play shoes. When she is home playing, she is in those shoes and has to make a pass by the tile floor in whatever room she is in to hear them "clomp!" Remember those days? Longing for the high heels? Hmmmm, I am real happy in a 3 inch now as long as it passes all of the comfy stretchy flex soft sole............and on and on!

I'm going to add a few pictures of shoes, I wonder which one you are? Which ones you want to be? Which ones you long for or want to throw away? The first ones are my choice! But how much longer?

Why you haven't heard from me.........

Well, there is really no excuse! I have been extremely busy for what feels like 6 months! But to be really honest, I haven't had an inspiration to write about!! I could probably make one up, but what good will that do? I will say again, though, that I am so thankful for what God is doing in Kerman! We have got so many new people that it is overwhelming! I am taking 6 children to Jr. Camp on Sunday! They are all new convert children! I am like a little mother hen. I am worrying to death about them! They are new and in various stages of "apostolic" growth! I keep worrying how they will be treated, of course I know they will be fine. They are all very good, sweet children and they won't get into any trouble, I know that! I just want them to have a great time and be accepted!

My whole family has had this rotten summer cold! My husband is starting to get better, Cherish is in the very grumpy stage of it, and mine is hitting now. I woke up this morning with a froggy throat! I DO NOT HAVE TIME TO BE SICK!!

Campmeeting starts a week from Sunday! I cannot wait! That is always the highlight of our year! The weather is so wonderful there in Santa Maria and we just get away and relax! Planning Cherish's outfits, much to my husbands dismay! No not really, he like her to have cute things. I just need a whole lot more money than I have to really dress her the way I would like! HA HA! Wouldn't we all?

Ok, this is my first post to just jabber, so I'll take my jabber elsewhere, now! Maybe Facebook!

He speaks to us in different ways!

My lesson in Sunday School (seesee school as Cherish calls it) was about Partners in Prayer. Teaching my pre-teen class that it always helps to have someone else praying with us for our needs. That God inhabits (or lives in) the praise (or prayers) of His people. That He "hearkens" to our cry, and He hears and cares and is faithful to answer our prayers. We were talking about Jehoshaphat and his enemies the Ammonites, Moabites, and and the others that came against him. II Chronicles 20 About how he was "afraid" of what they were going to do to him and the tribe of Judah. But the Lord sent a prophet, Jahaziel, to speak to him and he sent a word that I know the Lord wanted me to hear today. II Chron. 20:15

"Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."

What do I not understand about that?

Cherish on the 4th

Even though I didn't get to spend much time with Cherish on the 4th, I did get a few pictures. We were selling fireworks, so my mother watched her for me. She even got to help with fireworks at Misti and Adam's house. She was a little afraid of them, but had a great time! If one scared her, she would scream, "Don't do this to me, Adam!" Too funny! Just thought I'd share! She's turning into a little girl, there is no baby left! Sad in ways but a lot of fun, too!

Freedom.............

Today I keep thinking of the song, Freedom. We as Christians are so blessed to know so many types of freedom! Freedom from the vices that can attach themselves to lives when one does not have the strength of God to help them live overcoming lives. Along with the freedom that we all enjoy by living in the United States of America! Living here gives us the freedom to worship as we wish, and I for one am so thankful that I know the one true God and am free to "sing a little louder than before!!" (so the song says)

Happy 4th to you all! (And now I am free to go back to our fireworks stand and work another 6 hours! Lord, feel free to send us lots of customers!)

Ever carry a heavy load?

Ever feel like that? Ever carried a load that heavy? Oh, I have!!

I really do not know what people who do not know the Lord do without Him! There is a situation that I have carried for 6 months now that could surely overwhelm and drag me down! At times, I have been known to let it become more than I can carry! I am so thankful that I remember to turn it over to the one who is big enough to carry it! Just Sunday night and yesterday morning, I picked it all up myself.................I have to tell you, I cannot do it! Only in Him do I find the peace and strength to make it another day! I do know that He is in control, He works all things to His good! What more can I ask for? I so love turning things over to Him! So my prayer today is,

Lord, I know that I am not big enough to carry it, nor do I want to! Thank you for reminding me that You are in control. Help me to have the strength and peace that you promise and to remind all of those today who are trying to do it on their own, that it will sure turn out a lot better if they just let you have it!! Thank You for listening and taking over one more time!

Happy Birthday to "The Love Of My Life!"

Babe, I cannot believe that you are 45! That hair makes you look closer to..............................LOL!! I hope you have a wonderful day! I love you dearly and I'm sure that you know that you mean to world to our girls and church! So glad you aren't working today with the fireworks stands and we get to spend time with you! Let's Party!!

Happy Anniversary, Misti & Adam!

I cannot believe that my little girl grew up! Misti you are a beautiful young lady and married a wonderful stable man! I'm so happy that God blessed you both with such a wonderful marriage! Have a wonderful day! Two whole years!!!

Scones and Tea

I just saw this picture of scones with Devonshire cream and jam. It does so make me want to go to my favorite tea house. I do believe that I will take the time this week and take Cherish to tea. We've gone a couple of time with others, but since my husband and our church men are setting up 70 firewords stands this week, I think I will just indulge! Maybe! I have to check to calorie content first!!! Diets take the fun out of everything! If I'm really careful, I could possibly do it, legally! Oh, I do so love hot tea and scones!

Who are we? What do we believe?

I am so excited. We have so many new converts and trying to figure out bible studies for them all has been interesting. So after much talk, our Wednesday nights for quite a while will be new converts classes for our entire church! I have been so burdened recently by friends of ours who have always upheld truth in doctrine and holiness have put them all down for numbers. It has caused us to examine our own hearts. Then after talking to a young lady that has been in our church the entire 9 years we have been here, and she asked if we could possibly get information to her on what and why we believe, we are seeing the necessity of teaching all over again. Even for myself, I am so excited because we can all use a refresher now and then. We are apostolic and intend to stay just that! Not rule driven, but relationship driven. If we love the Lord, KNOW His Word, and truly desire to serve Him, rules will not matter, but what He wants does. I truly love my husband and because He loves my hair curled and healthy, I wear it in ways that I know he likes. He loves pork rinds and white powdered donuts, even though I detest both, I joy in seeing him and Cherish indulging in both. I may not think that this or that is important when living for the Lord, however, if He loves it, and took the time to tell us in His Word, then because I love Him and desire to make Him happy and definitely want to see Him, I "joy in seeing Him indulge!" I am so looking forward to seeing the understanding on the faces of our new babies as they see the sweetness of the "white powdered donuts!"

It won't work, Mommy!

Cherish really does play with her stuffed animals. They are her class at school that she teaches, they are her babies that are sick and she puts to bed, they are whatever she is playing at the time. She has two large drawers full of them and yesterday she had them all pulled out in in her floor. This is fine while she is playing. So there were about 50 large and small animals strung across her room at bedtime. I told her to go put them all back in the drawers. She left for a while and came back to me saying, "It won't work, Mommy. It won't work!" I wasn't paying attention and she kept saying it. I finally walked to her room to get her ready for bed and this is what I found.

She forgot that they all went in 2 drawers not just 1. She had tried really hard and had them all picked up. I just opened the other drawer that was empty right beside it and she started giggling and said, "Oh!" I took the picture with my iPhone and it was pretty dark in there.

Keep Smiling Right Through The "Stuff!"

That smiley is even waving, hmmmm, maybe not just smile, but encourage others right through the dirt. You know, encouraging others has given me the right perspective when I wasn't too sure about what I was going through!!! Try it, it might just feel good!!

Have A Blessed Memorial Day

The cutest thing Cherish has done!!!

Ok, this is what happened! My car is a Cadillac STS, Pearl White.......I love my car, well it is in the shop just having warranty work done, the Cadillac dealer always gives us a Cadillac loaner car, so we have a pearl white SRX which is an SUV. Tonight was the first time that Cherish has seen it, her daddy parked it in the garage, she went out there and saw the front of it, which has the exact same grill as my car, and she said, "Daddy, did our car grow up?"

It was so cute, she thought our car grew up! I'm putting pictures of the two kinds of cars, however, they are not mine or the loaner.

Like mine

like the loaner!!!

It's Hot in Sunny California

Ok, it is still May and it is HOT! We have had 3 days over 100 already!! I am just not ready for it! I am thankful, though, that we have no humidity! Cherish loves to play outside, so I have to let her go in the morning and then after dark. It's gonna be a long summer!!!

Thankful!!!

I just feel totally blessed!! I have the most caring husband ever, two gorgeous daughters who love their mom, and a pretty descent son-in-law!! (JK he's a great guy). Great extended family, a fabulous church and friends!! A beautiful home and cars, But most of all, I know the Lord!! What more can a woman desire? Thank you, God!! I am truly blessed!!

Mother's Day Dinner With Our Moms

We took our mother's out for dinner yesterday at Japanese Kitchen! It was such a wonderful day! Stephen is spending the day with his mom, the first Mother's Day in about 15 years! We are so happy to have her!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A day at the park with Cherish

Is that praise?

Our son-in-law, Adam and two of his friends from Bro. Rick Keyes' church in Santa Maria! Enjoy!!

Working together!!

I know, I know, most people think that making peanut brittle is archaic!! But when we came to this church 9 years ago, it was a routine thing! People had set clients who all wanted it. It was an awesome fund raiser! We haven't made it in over a year. However, we took the opportunity last week to try our hand at it again. Believe it or not, people have been begging for it! We have a commercial kitchen in our annex and the perfect space to make it!

We took orders the week before and had 240 bags ordered!! We asked for people to volunteer, and had a great turn out! I was amazed and felt so blessed at the new converts that came to learn to make peanut brittle! It was so refreshing and we realized just the quality of people who God has sent us! They were so sweet and hard workers!! We make 27 batches even trained a new pourer, which for those of you who make it, know that it is tough on the shoulders!! We laughed, visited, worked, laughed, acted crazy, and just worked for God!

On top of all of the great fellowship, we will clear over $700 on that fundraiser! Bring it on, that much fun and that much money, I'll give a few hours of my time!!

I forgot to get pictures, but I will next time! Thank you Pentecostal Tabernacle for showing up and helping in this endeavor! I'm counting on you all next week at our Spring Tri-Tip Dinner!!! Sell those tickets!!! Let's have another good time!!