Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

I always enjoy this song when they sing it at church. It is such a pick me up song and a great way to just say Thank You Lord.

You gotta love Hawaii

For this. When the kids are home and are sick of spring break you can pack up and head a couple miles down the road to the beach. The same beach where all of my kids friends go for spring break. Yesterday we decided to go to the beach. At 1 o'clock I said "who wants to go to the beach?" The rest is history. So instead of hearing "I'm bored" all day, I sat and read 3 magazines and the rest of my book. And ate buffalo flavored Doritos, of course I could of done without the Doritos. So today I decided to go again. Spring break is over on Monday and since this beach is right on Hickam air force base, we might as well take advantage of it. This is basically what we do all summer and all of Fall break and all of Christmas break and of course all of spring break. This is basically why you gotta love Hawaii.

You gotta love the crockpot too. So you can sit at the beach, all of summer and all of Fall break and all of.....well you know what I mean.

MIRACLE MONDAY

When you ask God for something, He really gives you more then something. In 1996 I was driving home from my parents house in NJ to where we were stationed Ft. Sill, OK. I usually drive straight through. Somewhere in Virginia right on the interstate I got a flat tire. Luckily there was a shoulder and grass to pull over on. It was about 9 o'clock at night. With me and 4 kids in the car this was not the situation I wanted to be in. It just so happened that we were hooked on the Alabama song "Angels Among Us" at the time and the kids and I had been playing and singing this song for about an hour by then and when my kids asked me "what should we do?" I said "pray to God to send us some angels." And he did, in about 2 minutes. 2 strangers pulled over, a couple in their 50's probably. They were so nice, the lady told us to come on in her truck while her husband changed the tire. She gave us a snack of cookies and juice and we sat in a heated truck for about 20 minutes. When her husband was done he told us where a Walmart was. Just up the road to the next exit and go left. We thanked the angels God had sent to help us and proceeded to go to the Walmart. Well the Walmart was closed, this was when they used to actually close stores before 10 at night. We then went back down the road for about 1 mile and pulled into a hotel. I told the kids we would go to Walmart in the morning. They gave us a room on the end. When we got our suitcase in I went to close the curtains and right in front of my face was a Kelly Tire store. Ok "thanks again God." I then said to my son "go over there and see what time it opens." Probably around 9 am. I really wanted to get on the road early, but didn't think that would be possible. My son returned to tell me that the tire place opens at 6 am. I said "are you sure?" He was sure and sure enough the next morning It was open at 6 am. I then thought they probably don't accept American Express, in 1996 Visa and Discovery were very popular, but not so with American Express. Of course they accept American Express I found out. "Thanks again God." So I was on the road by 6:30 am once again. What can I say, when you ask God for some help, he gives you help....in abundance.

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays...Welcome Reilyn

This song has a lot of meaning and I really like the way it is sung. I especially like this video. Happy Easter!

On another note my daughter gave birth to a baby girl on March 2oth. Her name is Reilyn Isabella. She weighed 6 lbs. and is only 16 inches long. She is a premie and in the NICU, but is doing well. Welcome Reilyn.

Praying for mom

Well soon my mom will start a very intensive round of induction therapy which is very dangerous in her condition and with the complications she has. Please pray for her healing and for a miracle for my mom.

Whom than shall I fear

fear (fîr)

n.

1.

a. A feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger.

b. A state or condition marked by this feeling: living in fear.

2. A feeling of disquiet or apprehension: a fear of looking foolish.

3. Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power.

4. A reason for dread or apprehension: Being alone is my greatest fear.

v. feared, fear·ing, fears

Yesterday my dad asked my about fear. I honestly answered I have no fear. I am not sure when this came to be but I suspect it was many years ago ate age 20 when I stepped into my first Pentecostal church. I started off in a Catholic church. Not saying anything bad about this, but the first time I went to a church that told me Jesus was my friend and that I alone could have a personal relationship with Him. I was hooked. Years later I attended a Baptist church in Oklahoma called Cameron Baptist. I also loved this church. I now attend a First Assembly of God. I suspect that how I lost my fear was involved with my prayer life. Anyone who knows me knows I talk to Jesus all the time. Out loud, in my head, with my kids, ALL THE TIME and somewhere along the line I just got used to Him being there. I basically live in a total state of peace. Occasionally I get a little agitated, like when the satellite tv dish goes down, but other than these stupid things, I am pretty much calm. I will admit to being hyperactive, but calm at the same time. I have been told by many that I am a positive person, that I am lucky, that I am like a cat who has nine lives and always lands on it's feet. Again not so. I just talk to Jesus and He always answers. That is why I love the song down below. My favorite part is this one: and I will fear no evil, for my God is with me, and if my God is with me, Whom then shall I fear, Whom then shall I fear. I guess that is just how it is for me. I know a lot of people who have this same experience. My daughter Vanessa has a close relationship and prays all the time too. She has no fear of going to East Timor. Even though it will be dangerous. I pray a lot, like I said. I prayer in the morning before my kids rise, I pray in my van with my kids at the road in front of the school, I pray with my hubby, I pray with my friends, I even pray when I loose my car keys, although I am not expecting this to be taken too seriously by God. I also talk to God. For instance I will say something mean or inappropriate and then I look up and say sorry. Everyone knows who I am talking to. I was just talking to God the other day while folding laundry and I was saying Jesus I really think You must have a great sense of humor. I hope so since I am always saying funny things and looking up to say just kidding. I think if God created me in His image, and since I am a very humerus person, I can assume God has a great sense of humor. In fact sometimes my kids will say "mom maybe only God thinks your funny." What does that mean? I think It means I am not as funny as I think. I still think God thinks so. Sometimes I think God is the only one listening to me. My kids will say who are you talking to or my hubby will say the same and I will say "not you, I am talking to God dummy!" I apologize for the dummy, it kind of just slips out. It's like thinking doesn't everyone talk to God out loud, duh. My prayer for you all today is that you all find peace and calm in talking to our Lord Jesus.

Thank You Jesus for allowing me to have a personal relationship with You and thank You for blessing me with the ability to share this with everyone I know. May all reading this blog be blessed by You with peace and calm. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

PS and Please, Please, Please let Sams have my French vanilla creamer in stock today. (I feel Him smiling right now at me). And Thank You Lord for this sense of humor that makes all my friends laugh with me, or maybe it's at me. I love You and Thank You for your angels who follow me every day. Oh and thanks for the angels you sent to surround my mom. Amen

PSS Did I tell you all that God also made me one who talk too much? Obviously He knows as you can tell by the above run on prayer. Like who PS's God? That would be me.

Miracle Monday below

You Never Let Go - song by Matt Redman

Today my mom found out she has a donor for a stem cell transplant. She is blessed. They are passing flyer's out here for someone who doesn't have a donor yet. They will fly a person who matches to Walter Reed for 5 days. Please pray for this person and others on the list that donor's will be found.

Oh that book!

Yesterday I bought the dvd Evan Almighty from Walmart. I had always wanted to see it. We really enjoyed this movie. It was about a guy who is told by God to build an ark. It is a comedy and a great family movie. When the part came for the animals to board the yacht, Evan just held up his arms and the animals began to board 2 by 2 and my 8 year old Damian got all excited and said "look mom that really happened." I said "yes." and he said "No it really happened that way, we have the book."

Hey you. I'm into Jesus

Okay this song pretty much tells it like it is for me. Anyone who knows me knows I'm into Jesus. I have been on to this song all week and I can't get enough of it. It starts off a little slow for me but when he gets to the chorus "Hey you, I'm into Jesus," well I guess that about says it all.

What planet does this kid live on?

My husband is a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Everyone who knows him knows this. Especially my kids. (I'm the Dallas fan). Evey year around the time the pro-bowl comes to Hawaii the teen center has some of the players come out to the post and hold a football clinic. Every year my son goes. Every year he says one of the Steelers was here, some old guy I don't know who he was. This year he went and told my husband a couple of Steelers guys were there. Who? He doesn't know their names. Not unusual, he never knows their names A few days ago I am reading the AMR newsletter and it has an article about the clinic. I say "Brandon did you know Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala was at the football clinic?" "Oh you mean Mr. Chris?" I said "Mr. Chris?" "Who is Mr. Chris?" He said "He's the athletic Director here at AMR since Mr. Brandon retired." "You mean Mr. Chris is Fu from the Steelers?" Brandon said "Yah, if you go up to the center to sign up the kids for sports that's who you will see." "Gee and you didn't think to tell your dad." "About who?' "Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala that's who." "No you can see him anytime you want, just ask for Mr. Chris." "Okay just don't forget to tell me if Mr. Terrell ever shows up at the teen center." You know Terrell Owens, pro-bowler, Dallas Cowboys.

Casting Crowns - Who Am I

My mom is still in the hospital and will be starting treatment for her MDS soon. Please pray for her remission. Another song to remind us how God cares for us especially in our time of need.

Smoothie issues

Can you actually have smoothie issues? In my house you can. We love smoothies,we love them so much I am surprised I haven't gotten a job at Jamba Juice yet. In fact so far today I have made 7 smoothies. Yesterday I made 15. My daughter loves mango, I love strawberry, Jr. loves banana, Damian will eat any kind and so will Brandon. We rely on smoothies all too much. Last night I had a town meeting. I was running late. My 4 year old was hungry. What do you think I said? "Do you want me to make you a smoothie for dinner?" Of course the others came running and that is how 1 smoothie turned into 15. Today I have to go to Sam's Club to invest in 3 -5 lb. bags of fruit. Why do you think? Because 2 minutes before leaving for school Vanessa says "can you make me a smoothie?" and everyone else said "I want one too." So once again a round of smoothies for breakfast. What do you think I am having right now as I type this? You guessed it "A Smoothie!"

Anyone got any great smoothie recipes to share?

The picture up top is of Vanessa with Brenner the nice guy from church who took the pictures of her for me. That is last year at the church Christmas party. I just put it up to show my dad who took Vanessa's picture down below.

MIRACLE MONDAY

It's Miracle Monday once again and I am so excited. I can't wait to read the other miracles people have posted about. Go on over to Beth's blog and read them. These ladies have some very inspiring miracles they are writing about and I can't tell you how uplifting these are to read. So go ahead give it a try. Today I am going to write about a miracle that happened to two of my daughters friends last year. These two friends, missionaries, went to Cuba. The day before they were to return home they were stopped on the road. A van was called to pick them up and transport them to the station. A van came out, they got in, and about 20 minutes into the ride the driver asked them if they were missionaries. They said yes and he stopped and let them out in the middle of nowhere. They found out he was a Christian. Thank God he let them out or who knows what could of happened. They said they were really scared, but amazed that an angel picked them up and delivered them to safety.

PRAYER REQUEST. Please go on over to Beth's blog and read her prayer request. It is for a baby named Grace who was born with half a heart. Please read about and pray for Grace.

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

When I found this post about Then Sings My Soul Saturdays over here, I just knew I had to participate in it. I love Christian music and play it every day. In my van, at home, outside, anywhere. We sung this at church today and it is one of my favorites. So this will be the first song I post for Then Sings My Soul Saturdays.

Only in Honolulu

Only in Honolulu can you go to Cake Couture and get the best cupcakes in Hawaii. There's only one thing wrong with the cupcakes, they sell out. You have to call ahead to find out if there are any left or to reserve a few. Then you can go to Hawaii Adventure Boot Camp for Woman or Camp Bennett to learn how to burn off the calories you eat when you get the best cupcakes only in Honolulu. And if book camp works out you can go for a jog with retired Honolulu businessman Charles Strang who at age 75 still runs marathons, Only in Honolulu.

I think I will just stick to trying out the book store that I just found only in Honolulu.

Vanessa

Vanessa had her senior pictures taken a few months ago. They were taken by a studio here and they were ok, but we both thought not too great. Vanessa's friend Brenner who does all the youth group video and photography took this picture and others. This picture is a lot nicer I think. Vanessa thinks so too. I am going to make copies of this in 8X10 and wallets costing me just pennies. The package from the studio would of been about $350. I am so glad he took these. The others he took were nice too.

What planet do I live on?

I visit the Borders book store at least once a month. I know where every Borders on the island is. I know where all the Barnes and Nobles on the island are too. I know where the used book store "The Book Nook," is and I knew where the "Cheapos" used book store was even when it changed locations for a second time and closed once again. I am a book freak. I read everything and anything. I actually have stock in Amazon.com. So how the heck, after 6 years, do I not know where this is? I asked my daughter and she said "Oh, it's right down the street from Lanai Kai juice." There's a Lanai Kai juice in Kailua? Who knew.

MIRACLE MONDAY

Today is Miracle Monday. Beth at "A Mom's Life" has come up with this awesome idea. I just recently found her blog and loved it so go on over and check it out and if you want participate in Miracle Monday.

I have had so many miracles in my life I don't even know where to begin, but for some reason God has compelled me to start with this one.

A few years ago, almost 5 to be exact, we wanted to have another baby even though we already have 6 and even though I was no longer a spring chicken (almost 40) to be exact. As usual I got pregnant right away, (you know a woman with 6 children just has to be looked at to get pregnant don't you?). Then about 13 weeks later I went to the doctors and they found out there was no heartbeat. Anyway I was a little taken aback since I had never even thought of this possibility. When I got to Hawaii I found myself pregnant again. About 8 weeks in I was bleeding and went to Tripler and had again conceived a child but there was no heartbeat. I miscarried soon after. My husband asked me what I wanted to do and I said I would pray about it and see if it was God's will. So I decided to pray and I told God I was going to play roulette. I know this sounds funny to some, but God gave me this weird sense of humor so now he's stuck with it. I said I would use birth control every month except December and If I was meant to have another baby then he would have to make it December so I knew if it was up to him or just wishful thinking on his part. Anyway It happened to be December so I told my husband what the heck let's just start using birth control in January. Anyway I conceived this first time and 9 months later through the easiest and most uneventful pregnancy I ever had I delivered Darrian. It was funny because in January the OB ran a trans vaginal ultrasound just to see where we were at and my husband said "what if it is the same as last time, no heartbeat?" I said "There will be one." A tech came in (one who was in training) and couldn't find one. He went to get the doctor and my husband said "Here we go again." Anyway the doctor came in, took about 30 seconds with the probe and said "there" to the tech. What was there was a healthy beginning to a baby, a beating heart, The heart that now belongs to Darrian.