Pearl Harbor

Boys at wrestling match on Pearl Harbor


Damian watching wrestling from race car game
Hawaii wrestlers

Pearl Harbor

69 Camaro
Last ride

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

This isn't really a song, but it is a clip from The Eternity Play. Has anyone seen this? We had seen it two years in a row and it was amazing. So amazing in fact that my 10 and 11 year old's sat through it with their mouths hanging open for 2 and 1/2 hours. If anyone gets the chance to see it, do it. It is an awesome experience.

For more Then Sings My Soul Saturdays go on over to Amy's blog at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

Backyard camp

Jr. went camping with Royal Rangers and when he got home he put up the tent so they all could play in it.

Lazy days of summer

Leaving VBS

Pastor Mel gets a board over the head (funny)

Damian VBS Jr camping (apparently on the church hill)

A taste of Vacation Bible School

Hillsong

Q: Why do we lift our hands?

More than fifty times in the Psalms the word Towdah or Yadah is translated “praise” which means to extend the hands in praise. The raising of hands is done to express adoration and worship to God, and is also a sign of surrender to His will.

Reference: Psalm 63:4 :: 1 Timothy 2:8

VBS

The kids have started Vacation Bible School and so far they are really enjoying it. They get to go to the one at our church and to another one in July at our chapel. They are both different programs so they won't be getting the same thing over. I am glad they have this to do for the summer. Other then that it has mostly been the pool. What are you all up to this summer?

Unbelievable

I can only imagine what the new Dallas Cowobys stadium in Arlington is like. I found this video of their LCD tv which is apparently bigger then 4 tennis courts. I hope some day to see this myself.
New stadium tv

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

For more Then Sings My Soul Saturdays go to Amy's blog Signs,Miracles, and Wonders

Friday Funnies

Died in Service

ne Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Johnny standing in the foyer of the church, looking at a large plaque that hung there.

After the young man of seven had stood there for some time, the pastor walked up beside him and said quietly, "Good morning, son."

"Good morning, Pastor," replied the youngster, not taking his eyes off the plaque. "Can I ask you, Sir, why are all these names listed on here?"

"Well, son, these are all the people who have died in the service," replied the pastor. Soberly, they stood together, staring up at the large plaque.

Little Johnny's voice barely broke the silence when he asked quietly, "Which one, Sir, the 8:30 or the 10?

For more Friday Funnies go on over to Homesteaders Heart

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

I am sharing this song today just because it was the song that I felt led to post. For more Then Sings My Soul Saturdays go to Amy's blog Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Friday Funnies

Heavenly Voice Mail

Category : Heaven and Hell Jokes

Most of us have now learned to live with voice mail as a necessary part of our lives. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if God decided to install voice mail? Imagine praying and hearing the following:

Thank you for calling heaven.

For English press 1
For Spanish press 2
For all other languages, press 3

Please select one of the following options:
Press 1 for request
Press 2 for thanksgiving
Press 3 for complaints
Press 4 for all others

I am sorry, all our Angels and Saints are busy helping other sinners right now. However, your prayer is important to us and we will answer it in the order it was received. Please stay on the line.

If you would like to speak to:

God, press 1
Jesus, press 2
Holy spirit, press 3

To find a loved one that has been assigned to heaven press 5, then enter his social security # followed by the pound sign.

(If you receive a negative response, please hang up and dial area code 666)

For reservations to heaven, please enter JOHN followed by the numbers, 3 16.

For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, life and other planets, please wait until you arrive in heaven for the specifics.

Our computers show that you have already been prayed for today, please hang up and call again tomorrow.

The office is now closed for the weekend to observe a religious holiday.

If you are calling after hours and need emergency assistance, please contact your local pastor.

Thank you and have a heavenly day.
FOR MORE FRIDAY FUNNIES CHECK OUT HOMESTEADER'S HEART HERE.

Breakfast

Darrian

For babe

Babe I know you'll remember this one from Ft. Sill
Click Here

New Bistro set and Jr's deployment doll

kids

Jr.'s war wound-4 stitches

graduation

graduation

graduation

graduation

graduation

graduation

A little of this and a little of that

Vanessa is doing well and learning to live with her shunt. She has had many appointments. So far so good. While she was staying with my friends in San Diego she was lucky that my friends dad was staying too. He had done many missions and gone places similar to where Vanessa has gone on missions so they have a lot in common. I think it was great that she got spend time with an adult who has taken missions seriously like she does.

Today is Darrian's Kindergarten graduation at 8:30 am and then he is having a class party. After this I have an ENT appt. I have had some ear trouble in recent years and my doctor has referred me up here finally. So I will be gone all day just as I have been gone all day most of the week.

My daughter is going to do much volunteer work at our church this summer and we may be doing some together so it looks like the summer got even busier.

Me and a few of my friends are going to join another Bible study so that should be fun. It never hurts to have these groups in abundance. I think one is going to be on Beth Moore's Esther Bible study. This one I have heard from many of you in blogland is an awesome study.

On top of all this I have 2 kids starting pre football work and one kid sailing and bowling lessons. Also the two boys are going to camp defy which is like a Dare program for the summer.

Back to school by July 31.

Great message

"And anyone who is ashamed of Me and My message in these days of unbelief and sin, I, the Messiah, will be ashamed of Him when I return in the glory of My Father, with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38 LB).

The Motions

Matthew West's song "The Motions" is a huge hit as well as it should be. He also has a website dedicated to this movement. It's pretty obvious by the lyrics what he is talking about.

When there is a world of people out there who profess to be Christian's but barely even open their Bibles and even more who attend church not even bringing the book they say they live by this song has more then hit the mark.

Starbase Atlantis

Today Jr. graduated from Starbase Atlantis. A program designed by the US Navy for students in the fifth grade. Jr. got a graduation certificate and award for flying the Cessna (simulator) from Ford Island to Ewa and and flying at 1000 feet and landing safely.

Here is some video from our day:

Song for the day

Something I read in a magazine

A generic form of evangelicalism is emerging as the normative form of non-Catholic Christianity in the United States.
Mark Silk,
Director of public values program at Trinity college. The number of Americans identifying as "non-denominational Christians" has increased from less than 200,000 in 1990 to over 8 million today.
Amen.

Evil Knievel

Enough Said

Kris Allen

I was pleasantly surprised to find this video clip of Kris Allen (winner of American Idol) singing one of my favorite praise and worship songs. It reminds me of our church band. Young, enthusiastic, uninhibited. You go Kris.

Tim Hawkins-Comedy

I think this is hysterical. I love Tim Hawkins and this is a funny clip on worship songs.

Even funnier

Vanessa

My daughter has a pineal cyst. The size of the cyst is 2.0 X 1.4 X 1.4. To have a pineal cyst of this size is rare. There are few pediatric neurosurgeons or even neurosurgeons who will even attempt to take a cyst like this out of the head. In other words we are hopeful that this doesn't grow much bigger causing more damage. I have read the story of an amazing woman and her search for someone who would remove the cyst. She found that someone at Skull Base Institute in LA. I am going to have my daughter evaluated there for future reference. This womans website is filled with all the information on pineal cyst so if you want to find out about it or if you ever hear of anyone else who has this type of cyst. Please check our her website.
Kelsy Matterson
Do not forget to check out
Kelsy's links, this is where most
of the info can be found.
Here is another story of a woman's fight for pineal cyst removal.

Happy Birthday Damian

Happy Birthday to our sweet, funny, crazy boy. I'd like you to meet our new pet "Niko Tamayo" Damian's birthday gift.

Update on Vanessa

Vanessa had surgery this morning. She was supposed to have ventriculostomy, but the fluid would not come off the brain without a plunger so they decided a shunt would be best. So after 5 1/2 hours of surgery she is doing fine in ICU. She was able to call me and let me know how she was feeling. The only thing was she had to have one side of her head shaved. She knew this may have to happen so it wasn't a big shock. She is lucky, her hair grows so fast. We once cut it short and it was down her back in about 6 months. The lady at the salon always comments on how fast it grows for her. Anyway she is happy that she can come home soon and all went well. Thank you for all the prayers you sent her way.

Praying for you

Vanessa left today for surgery at Balboa.

Happy Mother's Day to all. The hubby wanted to get me Kindle 2, but I told him not yet. I think this may be more of a liability then an asset. Imagine giving this to someone who averages spending $100 on any given trip to Borders.

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

This is one of my favorite songs. Sung by Hillsong United, one of my favorite groups. We sung this one at church last week. It's amazing, the same God that conquered the grave lives in me.

Pearl Harbor Kai May Day celebration

Darrian, red Hawaiian shirt, black shorts, right in front.

Damian, left corner, black sneakers. He's a little hard to see until the middle of the song

Jr. back, dressed all in black.

We had an awesome speaker at church on Sunday and she spoke a little bit about what kids these days clothe their bodies in. I was glad to hear this. I never let my daughter wear tight clothes, short skirts, belly showing shirts, and other assorted clothing worn by the stars that day. I am glad. Like this speaker said, "when we give our bodies to Christ, they belong to Him, so we are no longer allowed to clothe them any old way we please." What a great way to put this to our young people.

kids

Safari

Tyco RC

So you think you can juggle

The beauty of God is that he will always love you by Vanessa

I was happy to see that my job of raising Vanessa to be a child of God has been accomplished. When I looked at her myspace yesterday she wrote "Going to San Diego" status: In God's hands. My goal was to raise my children to be able to trust in the Lord at all costs, no matter what the trial, no matter what the outcome. I have seen by reading her space that this is where she is at. Right where I want her to be. So I am putting up one of her favorite songs, sung live, by Barlowgirl.

Update on Vanessa

We got to see a comparison of her MRI's 4 years ago and the one on Monday. The pinneal cyst went from the size of a pea to the size of a grape. The fluid has leaked onto the brain causing hydrocephalus. The doctor told us it is at the life threatening point as we could see how swollen the veins were. They looked like threads 4 years ago and now look like the size of little not dogs. She is being medivaced to Balboa Navy Medical Center with a private nurse as soon as the trip is coordinated. Balboa is expecting her and they will admit her immediately and get the surgery done and within days she will travel back to Oahu. My good friends are stationed in Oahu and I will be calling them so they can offer her support. All your prayers would be appreciated. Vanessa was actually relieved because she said she knew something serious was going on by the symptoms she was having.

Another prayer request

My daughter, Vanessa, who is 18 has had a cyst on her pituitary gland for years. They discovered that the cyst has refilled on her MRI last night and she now has hydrocephali, water on the brain. She needs to see the neurosurgeon tomorrow so please pray that the right desicions are made for her next step.

prayers

Please say a prayer for my sister Stephanie who is having her surgery this week. She is almost all done with her cancer treatment and nearing the end of her surgeries. If you want you can see her over at her blog The Written Word.

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

I am posting this song for my son Josh.

Friday Funnies

Where's God

Two little boys were best friends at church, but they both had a reputation for getting into trouble.
One Sunday, one of the boys was home sick, but the other boy, not wanting to let his friend down,
was twice as bad as normal.


As he was running through the sanctuary after church, the pastor grabbed him and angrily said,
"Where's God?!"


The little boy was frightened and didn't know what to say.


The pastor continued, "I want you to go home and think about it and I don't want you to come back
until you can tell me where God is."


The boy went home and called his sick friend on the telephone.
"Guess what," he said. "They've lost God, and they're trying to blame that one on us, too."
Author is Unknown
For more Friday Funnies go to Homesteader's heart.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my niece Leah who is 7 years old today. Also congratulations to Jenny of Addison Road on the birth of her daughter Anniston Cate Simmons.

Just a little Hillsong

We sung this in church on Sunday and it stuck with me so I thought I would post it. Besides who doesn't love Hillsong.

A little study on Baptism in preperation for my 9 year old

We have been studying baptism and have come across some interesting points.
Baptism is a burial in water (immersion).
The Greek word "baptizo" means immersion. It cannot be translated in any other way and give the meaning of the original language. baptizo {bap-tid'-zo} - Translated in the KJV - baptize (76),wash 2, baptist 1, baptized + 2258 1; 80

1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)
2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe
3) to overwhelm

Not to be confused with "bapto." The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be 'dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then 'baptized' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change. When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. e.g. Mark 16:16. 'He that believes and is baptized shall be saved'. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle!

All of the examples in the New Testament indicate immersion. Consider for example the baptism of Jesus:

Joh 3:23 "John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized--"

John would not need "much water" to baptize any other way.

source

Happy Easter

Book winner and great song video

Congratulations to Jennifer over at dustbunnyhostage, she won my book. I'm sorry I did not have more to give away. My son picked her name out of a bowl I shook up real good. I know not real scientific, but I think fair.

I leave you all with this song today. It is one that I love and we sang it last Sunday at church so it has been on my mind all week. No one does it better then this guy.

Darrian home from school field trip to Sea Life Park

Frittles and give-a-way

My 5 year old was describing a girl at school to me and he said she had frittles. I said "what are frittles?" He said "you know girls have them." My first thought was "that's what there calling them now." I said to Darrian "where are frittles?" He said "on their face all over." I said "Oh you mean freckles." He said "Ya freckles." Who knew.

Tomorrow I am picking the winner for my friend Nadine's book. I posted about it 8 posts down but if you want to get in on it you can leave a comment here too. It was an awesome Christian read and whoever gets it will really enjoy it. Click on the link and you can read about it and see the reviews over at Amazon.

Easter at school

Tripler

I did not know that the Tripler chemo corner received this award in 2007. It is an amazing place that allows you to combine all kinds of care, physical, mental, natural, etc. My friend was cured of advanced colon cancer and leukemia here, now I can see why. I remember her journey not being all that bad although it lasted a few years. She has been cancer free for at least 3. Here is a clip from awhile back this link takes about 20 seconds to load :LINK

God is in the Small stuff by Bruce & Stan

If you don't have a Bible, get one.
If you've got a Bible, read it.
If you read the Bible, believe it.
If you believe the Bible, live it.

Books, books, books

My sister who has a really cool book blog is having a give a way. 2 books. Go on over to her blog and leave a comment if you are interested, just click here.

For this week I am posting a song that I have always loved for more then 20 years. A girl I once worked introduced me to this guy and all the awesome songs he does. It is an awesome song for Easter.

Friday Funnies

Lesson in Lying

A minister told his congregation, "Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark 17."

The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17. Every hand went up. The minister smiled and said, "Mark has only sixteen chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying."
For more Friday Funnies go on over to Homesteader's Heart.
For a great Christian book give-a-way go down two posts and see the Review I wrote on Nadine's book. She is a blogger over at Just Being Me and the book was so good. I will keep the give-a-way open until Friday and then pick a name. Leave a comment and I am sure the winner will really enjoy this book.

Darrian riding his bike

Worry

Worry is a strange thing. I was telling my dad that my daughter was needing another brain MRI (many of which she has had over the last 6 years) and he said "aren't you worried?" Truthfully I am not. I new many years ago when I raised her to depend on Jesus, and when she grew up to have a heart for God, and when I knew she was in the palm of his hand, that I no longer had to worry about her. It was just like when my mom was sick with MDS and she told me she had a vision of Jesus, I knew right away she was His. No I didn't want her to die, but I was not worried because I believed that Jesus came to her to give her the gift of not having to worry so that she could pass it along to us. Knowing she passed away into my saviors arms was enough for me. Knowing that Vanessa has a heart for her savior and knows him is enough for me. Along time ago I gave Vanessa to my savior and I have not a moments fear that he has kept His promise and she is His. I trust that whatever happens to her that she is His, I keep the versus below close by. Yes I read them and yes I trust them completely. No I do not let the evil one cause me to doubt. He can't have me and he can't have her for we belong to someone else.

Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest. (Luke 12:25-26)

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (Psalm 61:1-4)

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2)

Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord. They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord. Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid. (Psalm 112: 1a, 7-8a)

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)

Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26: 3-4)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1b-3a)

Your father knows what you need before you ask him. So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today's trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:8b, 31-34)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:6-8)

Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.' So we can say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?' (Hebrews 13: 5-6)

Prisoner of Circumstance - Give a way

I read this book, written by a Nadine, whom I know from her blog Just Being Me. recently. This book was such a good book. It had it all. I was hooked from page one and fell in love with the characters immediately. I absolutely loved Regina (the main character) and her parents. I did not love Anthony, and my feelings were mixed for poppy. I can honestly say this book was so good I hope Nadine plans on writing another. She has what it takes to be a wonderful addition to the Christian writers out there. I read the book fast, but was sad to see it end. I have my copy and would love to give it away to someone who would really appreciate it. I know I don't get a whole lot of blog traffic, but if you make a comment I will put the names in a bag and let the kids pick one out and the name they pick will be the one who gets the book. I promise you you won't be disappointed in Prisoner of Circumstance

First lost tooth for Darrian

Easter egg hunt

Easter egg hunt

Easter egg hunt

Easter egg hunt

Easter egg hunt

Funny guy

As I was looking for some clips of our church to show my dad (posted below) I came across a clip that shows our pastor Pastor Ko introducing pastor Kim a guest we had last year. I thought this guy was pretty funny. He is on after my pastor introduces him.

First Assembly of God Red Hill

My dad has never been to our church but is coming with us in the Fall. Here is a little taste of what Sunday is like at our church. This is the evening so don't let it get you too nervous, it isn't all this wild at the morning service (although I can't promise it won't be) but it will be this packed as are all the services. Also the adult young adult band performs in morning service. It's pretty obvious why I attend the night service also, not only is my daughter and son involved in the evening, but my inner rocker has got to have a place to go. Here is the Sanctuary at Red Hill.

Our dancers

youth

Like I said I am bringing my dad in the morning where the youth won't be screaming, but I still need my night time fix.

Youth band

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays (don't forget to mute my music player)

I love Hillsong United and I really love when we get to sing their songs on Sunday at church, and once I saw this cartoon I fell in love with it too.

The Prom

Monday night was Brandon's prom. Here he is on the left with his best bud Mark. The couples, Brandon's date is 4th person in.
The Girls
The "croissant"

prom

At the prom
The Boys
The couples

Lazy day

Today we spent the day at the pool. Here is Damian enjoying the water.
Darrian thought the beach at the pool was a cool idea.
Jr. and his friend Bradley are having fun on Spring Break.
Damian is having fun on his Spring Break too.

Darrian likes the cool Rocks. What more could they ask for.

today

Pool
Community Center
Rock
Mountain

New pool at Ft. Shafter

Park
Pool



We are lucky this year that Ft. Shafter has built a new pool just for kids. The round part is no more than 18 inches deep and contains sand and is surrounded by a sandy beach. The rectangular part goes from 3Ft. to 4Ft. This is great for the kids and it doesn't really interest the teens so it is not very crowded. I can see we will visit here often this summer. There is also a big park. And the best part is it is free. Now that is a nice, easy, inexpensive summer.

New pool

New pool

swimming

sprinklers

Spring break

getting ready for the prom