Hope no one's in a rush to get home (prayer)

This is what the boder looks like in the morning as many Americans commute from Tijuana to San Diego every day to go to work. It is estimated that up to 100.000 Americans work in the US and live in Mexico. Most cross the border here. It can take from 20 minutes up to 2 hours. You can get a fast pass if you want to go through quicker. This is what my daughter may face in the future. Her husband is Mexican and there is a possibility she may end up moving here. There is a possibility she could end up being one of the commuters. Pray for her to make the right decisions in this situation.

Whole Foods Heaven

Finally we got a Whole Foods Market here in Honolulu. It opened last week and I have been there twice already. It carries some items I can't get here except through online purchases, so this will save me quite a bit in shipping costs. I don't buy a whole lot, but I do like Burt's Bees products, and whole wheat pastry flour, and carob malt balls, and tomato paste in a tube...Okay you all get the idea. I love the way the store looks when you walk in the door. All fresh and clean. Today I turned to my daughter and said "where in whole foods heaven," she turned around and picked up a bag and loudly said "$29.99!!!!! for a bag from Bali, you can buy this for a dollar over there." I told her "yeah but you will need to buy a plane ticket first." So some of the items are a little pricey, but for the things I buy it's not too bad. I guess I won't be buying a bag from Bali anytime soon.

a quote and a prayer request and Birthdays. ..

If you admire our faith--strengthen yours. If you admire our sense of commitment--deepen yours. If you admire our community spirit--build your own. If you admire the simple life--cut back. If you admire deep character and enduring values--live them yourself.
--Small Farm journal (Sept. 1993)

My Son in law is going through something huge right now that will affect his entire life and those of his family. Please pray for God's will to be done in this situation and pray that the angels surround and protect him and that Jesus brings him peace throughout this ordeal. Thank you dear friends.

Also I want to say happy birthday to my daughter Kira and son Josh. Today is the day they were born, 2 years apart. A day that me and this country will remember for years to come.

God's promises and prayer request for victims of plane crash

I am reading an adorable little book called God's Promises for every day. Yesterday I was reading Jesus is your Peace. One verse I would like to share with you all today is:
Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking, because you were all called together in one body to have peace. Always be thankful. Colossians 3:15
I pray that all my friends out there are blessed with peace today.

On another note: My sister posted about a family that was involved in a plane crash. This girl Stephanie Nielson is a blogger who impacted lot's of people. So many from the blogging community came out to support them. You can see a piece about this family on The Today Show tomorrow in the first hour. Please pray for this family. They have four children. You can see the nierecovery blog and click on (about Nie), then click on the left where it says CJanerun and this will take you to Stephanie's sister and she is running a blog to keep everyone posted about Stephanie and Christians recovery. You can read about the crash and the amazing family HERE in an article from the New York Times.

Are you ready for some football

Stephanie

As you know my sister has had some testing done to see if she has breast cancer. She does. It is a cancer called IDC Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), The most prevalent one. She has an appointment next week and I know she will make all the right decisions. She always does. I am the one who is more prone to make the wrong ones or to be kind of flighty. Please pray that our Lord Jesus has his hands on these decisions that she needs to make and pray he sends her the peace she needs. Please join me in praying for my sisters correct decisions, her peace, and her healing.

Father God please send your angels to guard Stephanie on this path. Guide her in this new journey, and send her and her family peace. Let her feel your healing touch wash over her and let her know you are in control and through you ALL THINGS are possible. Thank you Lord for blessing my family and thank you for the hope you are able to give us.

Thank you to all my friends out there who are my prayer warriors. Your love and support are much appreciated.

H20

We all know by my previous post about vacuums that I am obsessed with them. This also travels over into carpet cleaners, steamers, and floormops, of which I own each. My daughter was watching an infomercial on this H20 mop the other night and she told me she was saying how much I would love this and then when she went into the closet there it was. She said "you own this too?" What do you think.

On another note I reserved a copy of a book about a week ago at the library. Of course today I went to the library around 10am. When I got home who do you think calls? The library saying my book that I reserved is in. So I guess tomorrow I am off again to the library.

Prayer request for my sister

Today my sister Stephanie has to go in for some testing on the spot they found on her breast. Please pray for her. Please give her family peace at this time in knowing that our Lord knows the plans he has for you. Check out her blog where she has posted about a family involved in a plane crash that needs your prayers also.

Getting to know us

My friend Sandra had this meme on her blog and I thought it was a neat one. Like she said if anyone wants to join in go ahead. Be sure to pop on over to her blog it's really cool.
1. Who is your man?
Dominic, is a SSGT in the United States Army. On the side he plays guitar, so I am sure in his dreams he is a rock star. He works super hard to take care of us and gets me and the kids what we need. He is a great dad, especially to my daughter who has him wrapped around her finger.

2. How long have you been together?
13 years

3. How long dated?
For one year.

4. How old is your man?
He is 39 years old

5. Who eats more? Him

6. Who said "I love you" first?
He did

7. Who is taller?
Him. He is 6' I am only 5'4"

8. Who sings better?
Me. He can't sing at all.

9. Who is smarter?
That would be obvious.

10. Whose temper is worse?
His. I'm an angel.
11. Who does the laundry?
I do

12. Who takes out the garbage?
Him. Unless he isn't home. Sometimes I let it overflow so I can prove a point.

13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
He does

14. Who pays the bills?
I do

15. Who is better with the computer?
Me. But not by a lot. We are not the most computer savvy people.

16. Who mows the lawn?
He does

17. Who cooks dinner?
I do

18. Who drives when you are together?
Me. I think women drive better so I usually take over the wheel. Besides I'm OCD and can't stand to let other people drive me anywhere.

19. Who pays when you go out?
Me, but it all comes from 1 account.

20. Who is most stubborn?
Me. Besides isn't the guy supposed to say I'm sorry since the girls are always right!

21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong?
Him. I'm never wrong.

22. Whose parents do you see the most? Neither, we live in Hawaii and due to our military lifestyle we don't get to see much of anyone.

23. Who kissed who first?
He did, but that's a long story.

24. Who asked who out?
He asked me out

25. Who proposed?
He did

26. Who is the most sensitive?
Him. Although I am not sure he'd admit it.
27. Who has more friends?
Me. I am very social.

28. Who has more siblings?
He does. 1 brother one sister. I have one sister.

29. Who wears the pants in the family?
Who do you think?

30. How did you meet?
At a club called the Impact Zone. My friends talked me into stopping there although I didn't want to but I did just to shut them up and the rest is history. We don't even go to clubs. It must of been fate.

Verminophobia

Definition: Verminophobia - Fear of germs.

Above is a picture of uniform stuff for my son's Pop Warner football. Why is it thrown on the table in a pile? Because his paranoid mom steam cleans his pads and helmet, etc. every night so he doesn't get MRSA. I have the only kid on the team that comes home starving to death and runs to the shower because his mom says he is covered in strep resistant bacteria and that is why he smells bad. I told him not to tell the coach I steam clean his stuff just in case the coach might start thinking his mom is crazy. Thank God I own a steam shark

Sunday

We started off the service today with this song and then Nick spoke and he was everything I thought he would be if not more. He has an awesome testimony and leads a fulfilled blessed life even without limbs. You can check out his website and new home in Los Angeles here: Life without limbs
By the way here is Nick surfing with Bethany who was attacked by a shark a few years ago and still surfs. Pretty good for someone so young.


On a side note: My pastor said the East Timor team was getting a little grief from the Catholic priest over there who runs a church, this is the team my daughter was part of this summer, and the Chief of the village, who became very close to our missionaries told the priest "Leave them alone, I don't tell you how to run your church so don't tell me how to run my village." Anyway our missionaries have built such a huge church and have become so involved with the people (they have been there for a little over 2 years), that this must of upset some of the long term church people. I truly believe the people of East Timor are not looking for a church or a way to worship, but are looking for a personal relationship with Christ. Something with more substance than a service once a week on Sunday. Maybe that is why the Christian churches take a strong hold so quickly. It isn't about bringing people to church but about ministering to their needs and helping them to establish the connection to where they are walking side by side with Jesus and He is walking with them. Please pray for this team and know that the Chief has asked them to stay for as long as they are willing, which my pastor says is forever.

OCD

What or whom do you call a person who owns andand?

Christina

Held

This is one of the songs that I play over and over. I know it's been done for Saturday already, but I was led to put it on my blog for today anyway. I have this on my youtube in many videos, but this one is the one I have chosen to share today.

Mark Hamby

This guy spoke at our church on Sunday and he was awesome. he had a full church alter call. His message was amazing and uplifting and serious all rolled in one. Anyway check out his website here if you get the chance. He is the founder and president of Cornerstone Family Ministries and Lamplighter publishing. Christian classics are what he is involved in publishing. Anyway if you ever get the opportunity to hear him speak don't pass it up. His message was strong and will last a lifetime.

Nick is coming

I've posted about this guy before and just found out on Sunday that he will be coming to do 3 services at our church on August 24. I can't wait. This guy is so inspirational. I believe he will speak to the youth on the Friday before.

My husband had to work yesterday so when he got home I said "you know the guy with no arms and legs who we saw at church? He's coming in August." Hubby looks at me strangely and says that's nice and all that. I was trying to figure out why he basically had no reaction when he loves this guy. About 10 minutes later he says excitedly "Oh the guy we saw on video at church that time?" I looked at him kind of strangely and said "Duh! How many people do we know that have no arms and no legs and preach the word of God." I think he gets it now and is making sure he is off to see Nick on August 24.

Home again

Vanessa is home safe and sound from her mission trip to East Timor and Bali. Here she is with a monkey and with some kids from East Timor. I hope to put some more pictures up soon.

tag....your it

I've been tagged by my friend Sharonb at Quiet Reflections.
Here are the rules of tag
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

So six random things about me?
1. I am what they call Obsessive compulsive personality type. Not disorder, but type. Apparently the difference is if you do something compulsively and you think if you don't do it something bad will happen , you have OCD, but if you do something compulsively and don't know why, but don't think anything bad will come of it if you don't do it, you have the personality type. In other words I am obsessive compulsive for no reason, Gee that sounds great.

2. I love living in Hawaii and absolutely love the heat. I don't care if I sweat. The weird thing is I also like snow skiing. Obviously that hasn't happened in awhile, but I still think I'd like it.

3. I love reality tv. The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Amazing Race, Survivor, The Mole, should I continue.

4. I only drink Gevalia coffee, the kind you order. With French Vanilla creamer from Coffeemate whom I once complained to when I couldn't find it in Ft. Sill. They told me they were introducing a new flavor and that they had cut back temporarily on French Vanilla in that area. I told them that isn't fair, I don't want a new flavor, and I will not be buying Coffeemate again until it is back on the shelf. The next week I walked into the commissary and there was a whole refrigerator case full. Now that's what I call customer service.

5. I love UH football. No other college football but I love UH. I jumped on the Colt Brennan bandwagon last year and never got off.

6. I am a Dallas Cowboys fan. I am totally obsessed with the Cowboys. I someday hope to live by the new Cowboys stadium and in the state of Texas so that every fall I can spend my time rooting for the Cowboys. My hubby is a Steelers fan, he can't help it. He comes from Chicago, but likes the Steelers. When the Cowboys play he isn't allowed to root against them. He can keep quiet, but not root against them. No telling what unforeseeable accident may occur in the event he tries to root against them. For this I cannot be held responsible. And that folks is my disclaimer.

I would like to tag:
Jen at a good cup of coffee
Kelley at Aroma of Joy
Elizabeth at embracing life
Susan at Forever His
Cheryl at Hope for each day
Cheri at Pass the salt, please

I will let these ladies know that I would love to hear six random things about them.

John 16:33

---

International Standard Version (©2008)
"I have told you this so that through me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble, but be courageous-I have overcome the world!"

This is my favorite Bible verse. I have it hanging on my kitchen cabinet so that I never forget it. I look at it every day and know the world will never own me because Jesus is the owner and He has overcome the world, what could be better than knowing this?

The Katinas-Powerful-as my surfing friends would say "I'm totally stoked"

They were amazing today. They sung this song while a new video of our military was playing in the background, it was special to our church since we have so many member who are in the service. There father was a marine and now is a preacher in a church in Samoa. They gave amazing testimony, sung 2 hours worth of songs, and it was the coolest service. Our pastor is nice enough to allow us a concert every once in awhile, especially when the group has such a powerful message to share. I just had to buy the new CD "STILL" to be released on August 19th. I must say "this CD rocks." They said they wrote this song about praying for their kids over the years but were convicted realizing it was a message to share with the world, the one's we are able to be praying for, not just our families, but the rest of the world. What a nice bunch of guys and you can tell they have huge hearts for God. They showed us a clip of their kids and it was really good. Of course I was 4 rows back, I would of had to knock over my pastors kid, the youth group, and Surfing the Nations people if I wanted to get any closer. Check this Cd when it comes out, I guarantee you will be praising and worshiping for years to come.
Same song, lyrics a little bit clearer.

One more for the road:
Of course they did this one. It was one of their big hits. I love this one and it was so cool to hear it live. If you listen to the whole song it gets into their singing as a group instead of just one.

Sunday

I had to post this today since this group, The Katinas, will be performing at our church on Sunday. I can't wait, I am totally pumped. They will sing in English and in Samoan for us so this will be a real treat. They have been to our church before and I am so grateful that they are coming again. What a God given talent they have and I am so happy that they will be sharing it with us on Sunday.

Happy Birthday Darrian

Today Darrian is 5 years old and will be starting Kindergarten on July 28. He graduated from pre-school about 7 weeks ago so he is pretty used to going to school. He is going to have a whole day to enjoy his presents. As you can see to the left of his graduation picture there is a spin art, something he has wanted for a long time so today we will make some spin art. We are also going to the store to pick up a cake, he wants sponge bob. So sponge bob it is. There is a picture of his niece Kai'lie to the left. Yes Darrian is an uncle at 5. He is actually an uncle to 3. I don't think he knows this yet, but someday he will. Anyway Happy 5th Birthday to my precious baby boy.

Thank you Cheryl

Thank you Cheryl my dear friend and sister in Christ. Cheryl has been kind enough to pass along this award Arte y pico (meaning peak of art)to me. Her blog is one that I go to whenever I am on the computer because she always has things to say that encourage me in my daily walk with Christ. She has prayed for my mom and now my sister and I always know that I can count on Cheryl for a kind word. Go on over and check out her awesome blog, Hope for each day.

Now I am supposed to pass this along to 5 blogs who bless me so I have chosen:
Jen at A good cup of coffee
Sandra at Diary of a stay at home mom
Kimberly at A planting of the Lord
Liz at Looney Bin 4 sure
and last but not least Rebecca at The Washington Walkers
3 of these woman, Jen, Sandra, and Liz I have blogged with for a few years now and Kinberly and Rebecca I have met recently online. All of they have always been there for me when I needed prayer for my family and all of their blogs have blessed me in many ways. All of these women are my sisters in Christ and I am grateful for each and every one of them. I hope you enjoy this award, I don't know if any of you have gotten one yet, but if so you deserve that and many more, and ladies please pass this award along to 5 blogs you would like to. Thank you again Cheryl for thinking of me and may God bless you and your family.

Praise and Adore you

This is one of my all time favorite Christian songs. I just found it this year, but I never tire of hearing it. There is a little intro. before the song actually starts so bear with it. I think you will all enjoy this one. For more Then Sings my Soul Saturdays pop on over HERE.

Casting Crowns

I was reading an article in Charisma (a Christian magazine) about Casting Crowns and in the article it said something that really struck me as interesting. The article said "an emphasis of the ministry and music of Casting Crowns is to help young people have their own relationship with Jesus, not a relationship borrowed from their parents and leaders. I was pondering this because I know of a lot of people young and old who go to church and pray and do all the things you are supposed to but don't really have a relationship with Jesus. So this article really brought it home to me that it is so important to teach this to our children and teens. Not just have them saved, but to help them to know the Lord. I teach my kids to pray but encourage them to do the prayer so I can guide them in actually talking to Jesus instead of just copying some prayer they learned at Sunday school or somewhere. I also encourage them to read their Bible daily. My older daughter was saying "mom do you know there are churches where they don't even bring a Bible?" I told her there are churches that don't even teach people you have to read the word daily. It's just some place to go on Sunday and hear a few words out of the Bible. How they exist without actually being able to talk to Jesus all day like he is a friend I will never know. I do know that teaching our children to arm themselves with the power of the sword (their own Bibles) is the way to develop a solid ground to walk with Jesus on. Just my own thoughts on this article.

Prayer request

I am not even sure my sister would want me sharing this with everyone since she is a private person, but I know that you all will want to know to say a little prayer for my family, and of course I have to go with my own judgment, which isn't always the best judgment, but it is mine, so here goes. My sister has found out that she has a little, tiny, spot on her breast and they want her to have MRI since it is so small not even ultrasound was able to pick it up. The doctors are not concerned, but we all know that prayer is always the best way to share of our worries and concerns with our maker. Since my mom only went home to be with the Lord a few weeks ago we are hoping for a quick answer to our prayers. Thank you all and of course I just had to share a little Hillsong with you all. My sister has an awesome blog for people who like to read so she can be seen at this blog if anyone is interested.

Amazing

We went to church last Sunday at Word of Life in Honolulu. There was a huge youth convention this weekend and this guy Jeff Deyo performed this song and the kids were wild and most came to church on Sunday where he performed this and another song and let me tell you it was AWESOME. The whole church, young and old, were rocking out to this. Then we had this speaker:

Again, AMAZING, what can I say. The kids were wild and so were we. He was such a blessing to have at our church. Ron Luce is one cool dude for Jesus.

This happened at the youth rally here and it is happening all over. It amazes me that so many young have tears streaming down their faces and look so lonely that only calling out to Jesus can save them.

The Message

This is my favorite Bible. I have lots of Bible, NIV, KJV, New American Standard, etc. and I refer to this Bible the most. I even bring it to church so I can clarify what the minister is reading. I call it my Bible for dummies. I sometimes get lost in the language of my other Bibles, but this one makes it easier for me. Does anyone else like this Bible? My minister refers to it on occasion at church and I notice more and more people carrying it around on Sunday.

Bible

Does anyone know of a good Bible on CD that I can play in my car? My kids like to hear the Christian radio station, but I was wondering if there was a really good travel Bible out there, one on CD? I have checked Amazon and there are so many I thought I would ask you all for your opinions. Thanks in advance.

Home part 1 (long)

I am just sharing some pictures with family and friends of our new military quarters. First picture living area taken from stair case. 2nd picture upstairs hall taken from my bedroom, 3rd picture my room facing hallway with closets and master bathroom, 4th picture my bed with the quilt my mom made me years ago and of course the Dallas Cowboys quilt she made me hanging on my bed, and 5th my bed taken from my bathroom.

Home (long)

I am only publishing these because I have a few family and friends who want to see our new military housing in Hawaii. You can peak if you like or just skip. 1st picture kitchen with computer area and laundry room. 2nd picture reading area (we call it the library but we haven't gotten around to putting shelving in yet) next to the kitchen, 3rd picture dining room, 4th picture kitchen taken from the dining area, 5th picture living room taken from top floor.

Close

I have this unusual thing about me. When someone passes away I like to be at places they like to be. Last night we went to Dave and Busters. It was a place my mom liked to go on occasion to lunch, where she liked the tempura mushrooms. Then we went to Borders Books in Honolulu. I never go here. I go to the Borders that is now 10 minutes away from my house. But this is the Borders my mom went to. While there I was browsing and came across this book. About a month ago I came across this but thought I don't really like this type of book because the books I like usually have more meat in them, but mom would love this one. So last night I kept picking this book up and putting it down saying to myself "I can't buy this one, I'll probably hate it." Then I read the back, then I read the backs of the other books in this series, then I purchased "The Hungry Girl" Cookbook, then I went back and was so compelled I bought the book. I read the first page and really liked it so all I can say is "thanks mom."

I leave you all with one of my favorite songs and one that I truly thinks describes what Heaven will really be like.

mom (Judy Coleman)

My mom went home to her savior today, June 21, 2008. She will be missed by many. She was the type of person who would do anything for anybody. Even her doctor and nurses fell in love with her at Sloan. I don't have to question why she went home because I rest assured that Jesus wanted to release her from the grasp of the disease she has been fighting for the last 3 months or more. I also know that Jesus brings home many soon who are special to him. Please pray for my family and especially my dad who is having a very hard time. This picture is of one of my mom's happiest times ever. We are in Hawaii and it is my daughters baby shower. It is 2004. Hawaii is a place mom always wanted to go and she came, many times. My dad is the one wearing the football jersey and my mom is next to him. Vanessa (my daughter) is next to her and her sister Kira (the mom to be) is next, and then my son-in-law Cesar is next with Dominic Jr. on the end. That's me in front of my mom with my son Damian. As you can see the pink balloons are for my daughter who is having a daughter. Turns out she had a boy who now has pictures of his girlie baby shower. This was a fun day for my mom and the rest of us.

I know she is walking with my savior at this moment and there is no place I can think of that is better then this.

Pray for mom please

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

This is one of my favorite quotes from the Bible. I pray a lot like I've said before and a day does not go by that I don't think of this quote from James 5:16.

My mom has acute kidney failure due to dehydration. So please pray that she recovers. Every time she tries to come home she has to go right back into the hospital because there is another roadblock. Please pray for her to get better and hopefully make it home eventually.

Leota's Garden

Right now I am reading this book. I a almost finished and I am really enjoying it. I absolutely love Francine Rivers and have read a few of her book over the years. Is anyone else reading anything good right now? Next I am going to read Unafraid by Francine. It is the story of Mary. I know I am going to like it as much as I like the other books she writes. For now that is the extent of my summer reading except for a few magazines. I have been taking the kids to the pool every day and it is nice just to relax and be able to read without thinking of anything else but the moment. The crock pot helps too.

Happy Fathers Day

To my dad, my father-in-law, babe, my sisters husband Joe, and all my friends husband's out there. I thought you would all like this song as much as I do. I think it sums up what fathers feel about their daughters. Hope you all have a blessed Father's Day.

Just a few friends to keep in your prayers

I was very thankful for the many of you who prayed for my mom and continue to pray for the many in need that we have met through the blogs. I just wanted to make you all aware of some of the prayers that are needed out there.
Charla's friends who were in a 4 wheeler accident. Actually one little girl only 2 years old already passed away.
Kim's dad who's having a ballooning/stent procedure on his heart and who also has cancer.
Liz who's husband was recently diagnosed with Chron's.
Cheryl who has a few requests for her family members in need.

This

Not too long ago my husband bought this. The kids never asked for this when it came out, nor did they ask for this when so many of their friends were talking about it, but when mom saw this I just had to have it. Of course we have this but so far mom hasn't gotten off her butt to buy this considering this costs half the price of this.

Anyway the other day my son asked my if I wanted to play dodge ball with him on this system. I said "yah I love dodge ball. Well we start the game and the guy I am has boxing gloves on. I said "why is he wearing boxing" and Damian said "because he throws the ball at you and you have to hit it." That's not dodge ball. Dodge ball is where they throw balls at you and you have to try to avoid them not punch them. Once the game started the ball comes flying at you at 90 miles an hour and I could barely hit one. Damian kept saying "Mom, hit the balls." "I'm trying." Needless to say that was a bust so today I am going to go out looking for this. Something in the mommy skill range. Now lets see them beat me at pilates.

Miracle Monday

I had an awesome chance to hear this guys video at my church a few months ago and thought this was one of the miracles of the Lord that we all need to see. What an amazing guy.For more miracles go to Beth's blog here.

Authority

Whenever I pray for someone I always pray for God to send his angels to guard that person and I let Satan know he has no authority over them. These are some of the scriptures I like to read and meditate on because as believers they basically let Satan know where he stands. He has no authority here and I like him to know it. This is something I clearly let Satan know on a daily basis. We as believers have the authority over Satan, not the other way around and we must never forget it. * Satan cannot harm believers — "...and the evil one cannot harm him" (1 John 5:18).

* Satan must flee when resisted — "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).

* Satan has no authority over Christians — "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves" (Colossians 1:13).

* Satan has been disarmed and defeated — "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" (Colossians 2:15).

* Satan and his works are destroyed — "...so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14), and "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work" (1 John 3:8).

* God protects His own against Satan's attack — "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?" (Job 1:10).

Praise you in this storm

I have put this song on my blog before but not with this video clip. My mom is doing well but has encountered many storms. Through it all we are keeping our eyes on the Lord.

"These things I have spoken to you. So that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
-John 16:33

Held

This is one of my favorite songs. I think this video is self explanatory. Natalie is one of those singers that is able to bring a song to life.

The same dummy who bought Rock Band bought this

Vanessa graduation

Vanessa does a little dance after receiving her diploma. We were pretty close but most of her friends were up top. We all got together after the mad dash out of the stadium seating.

Graduation class of 2008 Radford High School

At the top me, dad, and Vanessa. Middle: Vanessa's friends from Surfing the Nations (tall guy with video cam filming for Surfing the Nations. Bottom: Mr. Stevens congratulating Vanessa after receiving her diploma (Radford's principal who is retiring this year).

All in all the graduation was a success. There is plenty of room since they hold it at Aloha Stadium. The event was at 6:00 pm so by 6:30 it was a cool 70 degrees. Perfect. I told my hubby it must be bad luck if it rains at your graduation in Hawaii. He asked why. "Well Einstein it never rains on the last week in May and it hasn't at the last 20 Radford graduations so if it does what do you think that means?"

About the beach toys? I really don't know. I always say "why are the graduates getting tubes," and my kids ask "well what did you get?" Not beach toys. I told my daughter that Darrian (my 4 year old) is going to really want to graduate when he sees all the beach toys you get. Another funny thing, the lei-ing, as they call it. I asked "why don't you call it presenting of the lei?" The response: too long. I think she ended up with at least 15, some flower, some candy, and some toiletries for Bali which her friend Mel made. These kids make leis out of anything. Who knew you could get a toiletry lei.

Lost

Entitlement

entitlement (plural entitlements)

1. the right to have something
2. something that one is entitled to (or believes that one is entitled to)

I was reading in Newsweek an article titled "The End of Entitlement." I was thinking that the cut backs I will have to make because of souring food and gas prices are really not cut backs at all. The article stated 70% of households have 2 or more cars, and a similar share have satellite or cable tv. 66% have high speed internet. And 42% already have a flat screen tv, Thirty years ago no one's parents had this kind of inventory. I thought "we have all this stuff." "Most of my friends have all this stuff." It's not like we didn't save for it, and it's not like it didn't take a lot of hard work and time, but I realized we really don't need all this stuff. Making sacrifices does not seem all that hard a pill to swallow when I realize that we own many things that were not even possible to own many years ago and in most parts of the world they don't own all of these things. I believe the belief that we are entitled to things is what makes most people fear high gas and food prices. Once we can get over the fact that these possessions are not entitlements then the rest comes easy. I'm thinking that maybe we are a bit spoiled in the US. Maybe this time of high prices is a good lesson from above not to take the things we are given or enabled to purchase for granted. Maybe the country that goes by "In God we Trust," should wake up and smell the coffee."

That's my speech, in case I ever decide to run for president.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

I am a huge American Idol fan and an even huger Chris Daughtry fan (is huger even a word?) I thought I would post this video that Daughtry did in honor of our troops for Memorial Day.

PS Also check out Amy's tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. May God be with them in their time of need. You have to scroll down a few posts, but it is really nice.

Happy Birthday twice

Today is Vanessa's birthday she is 18. Last Saturday Damian turned 9. He is performing in the May Day celebration and has on a red shirt with the bandanna. Vanessa is in the same picture you have already seen, but one I like. If we could just get my easy share set up correctly I could order this from Kodak, but so far no luck. Anyway I just wanted to let them know Happy Birthday....X's 2.

Why would someone buy this?

Because they are a germaphobic, that's why. Can you believe I was thanking God for this the other day? I wonder what God thinks. Probably that something so strange would excite me. Like I said before I pray about a lot of things, mostly for family and friends and a little bit for me, but I also thank God for things during the day and this is one of them. I love the idea that this water smells like rain after it is processed and I love the idea that you can kill almost anything with it (or at least that is the claim), but most of all I love knowing that those little germs around are taking a beating. I own some really strange gadgets, but this by far is one of the strangest. My husband says "it supercharges water?" That's right, that's what I said. He doesn't believe it, but I will tell you that if you spray this on a cut the cut will heal withing 24 hours, and if you spray it on mold the mold will not only disappear, but not come back anytime soon. So maybe it doesn't work, but it sure does a great job of faking it. And yes, I thank God for giving this person the idea to invent this really cool product.

Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!

I found this at Kimberly's blog A planting of the Lord and thought it so amazing that I had to post it for people out there who may have missed it. Please watch the whole 8 minutes or you might miss the awesome ending.

We serve an awesome God

I want to thank all of my prayer warriors out there who prayed for my mom. Mom has come through her surgery better than expected. This is the song I love to play whenever the enemy is defeated once again. My kids will tell you I play it a lot, the neighbors will tell you this also. I always say if the neighborhood didn't know I was a Christian before they do now. This is the song that will be playing loud and clear today. My mom survived stage 4 breast cancer over 14 years ago, then she developed MDS due to damaged DNA from the chemo this past year. She was told it was only a 50% chance she would survive the intense chemo. She did. She went home finally after 60 days and once again returned to the hospital a few hours later, this time she survived an infection and when she was getting ready to come home this week fell and fractured her hip. Again she was told only a 50% chance of surviving surgery. She came through surgery and is recovering. Once again Satan has struck again and once again our God has defeated him. I don't know how long my mom has or how much time our savior is giving her, but I do know that he takes into account the power of prayer and I do know that where we gather together in prayer Jesus is there. So I want to thank all of you who prayed for mom and I want to thank Jesus once again for putting the enemy in his place. As my ministers wife always says "Satan does not stand around saying Oh goodie another blessing that's nice." No he is ready to take our faith away at a moments notice. So I do not expect this will be smooth sailing, but I do know that my savior is here and he is letting everyone know it. So enjoy this song by Hillsong and remember today in many places the enemy has been defeated.

Pray for mom please.

My mom was due to get out of the hospital this week and somehow she fell while getting out of bed and fractured her hip. Not to severe, but severe enough to need surgery. She has been feeling well but due to the fact that she has MDS and has just recovered from chemo and infection and all she is at risk in surgery. Please let our savior know to be with her throughout her surgery and hopefully her quick recovery. I just wanted to put this song up to remind us all that Jesus carries us even when we can't carry ourselves. I know he will be carrying my mom through her surgery when she will be too weak to carry herself.

Happy Mother's Day

I just wanted to say Happy Mother's Day to my mom, my sister, my daughter, and all my blog friends out there. I hope everyone is having a nice day. I thought this was the cutest picture. Even back in the day mothers had to multi task. My mom is still in the hospital but is doing much better and hopefully will come home soon. She can't be here, but she knows we are thinking about her. I pray that Jesus will heal her and bring her home where she belongs. She is an awesome mom and I am lucky to have her. Who else would move furniture at 5 am in the morning so I could paint my room the 10,000 th time?

This song really brings to light the need for Jesus on days when he seems so far away or when times make it seem that he isn't close by. In times of trouble, pain, or need this song reminds me of grabbing on to a piece of the savior and never letting go. Just "one touch" physical or spiritual" and hang on the Lord will not let go and his warmth will surround you. His loving touch can be felt physically if we hang on to him.

Princess kai'lie and winter

Here she is at the zoo with with the proof on her face that she had enjoyed her watermelon.

Winter?

1. The usually coldest season of the year, occurring between autumn and spring, extending in the Northern Hemisphere from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox, and popularly considered to be constituted by December, January, and February.
2. A year as expressed through the recurrence of the winter season.
3. A period of time characterized by coldness, misery, barrenness, or death.

adj.
My daughter was laughing while she was here and when I asked what that was all about she said "every time you say winter it makes me laugh. What do you people call winter?" Okay so maybe it is hot and sunny all year, but we have winter. If you spend 7 months out of the year in 85 degree weather then the other 3-5 months in 70 degrees then that's winter. Just ask my car. When I go out to the bus stop in the morning in Dec. my windows have frost on them. Yah frost. Of course an hour later it's 75 and sunny and every kid dressed in sweatshirts and jackets has now shed them for t-shirts and shorts. Do you all know what 70 degrees feels like when you spend most of your time baking on the beach at a hot 85? Just ask my kids who were at the beach and when the sun went down were saying "I'm freezing," Okay maybe freezing is a bit much, but I had goose bumps. Probably the easiest way to define winter in Hawaii is : when the kids are in school it's winter, when they are out it's summer. There that's it. Winter-Summer, or at least that's what we tell ourselves.

sporadic blogging

This is the reason my blogging has been a little sporadic. My daughter and her family have come to visit. Here are some of the pictures. I will post a few more soon. Top picture Cesar and the boys, Jr. Damian, Julian, and Darrian. Cesar is my son in law. 2 nd picture from the top the boys under a tree at the Honolulu zoo, 3rd picture Jr., Damian and Cesar, 4th picture baby Reilyn, 5th picture Jr. and Reilyn. More to come.

On another note please pray for my mom who after 60 days in the hospital came home for one day and went right back in.

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays - Hillsong

I went to church a few weeks ago and got to hear Christine Caine from Hillsong United speak. All I can say is she was amazing. Most people know she can sing, but many people do not know what an awesome speaker she is. The pastor from one of our churches on The big island knows Hillsong and have people from Australia come and speak for us so we were lucky to have Christine. The music was amazing and Christine sang with our church and that really was something. The church was packed. Well over 1000 people. Me and my daughter had the best time. We met some nice people too. Here is a song from Hillsong that I love and you can see Christine in the shirt that has the flowing sleeves making her look like a bird. That was about the only way to explain who she is. Anyway I hope you all enjoy the song.