Saturday, July 30, 2011

26.2 miles in the making

A week or so ago I signed up for the Honolulu marathon... paid the entrance fee so that I couldn't chicken out... and found someone on island who was also doing it.

Date:  Sunday, December 11th, 2011
Time: 5 am
Goal: To complete it!

Ultimately my goal is just to complete it.  The lady I am doing this with is planning on being done in 5 hours so I set my goal at between 5 and 5.5 hours which is basically a 12 minute mile.  Let the training begin. 

Are you ready for the ride along??? Stay tuned!

My God loves me more than that!

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth... instead of the well intentioned lies from the enemy.

What are some of these well-intentioned lies you may ask???
-if you are single, you are not complete
-You should just marry, the "Christian" part will come later.
-You will never find a husband teaching preschool.
-You need to take matters into your own hands and go introduce yourself. 
-the list could go on but I will stop with the lies and get on with the truth!

Recently after several attempts on the behalf of friends to find me a husband I had a conversation with a mother and daughter pair that was super encouraging.  So many people look at me as less of a person because I am single.  The comments of needing a man flow through almost every conversation.  I was reminded by these two precious sisters in Christ that my cup needs to be filled with Christ alone.  If I am looking to anyone other than Christ to solve the "issues" of my life, they will always fail. 

As I was chatting with one of these dear sisters this morning the song "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns was playing on the radio.  How come it is so much easier to listen to the lies than the "Voice of Truth"?  Over the past week, as I have listened to the "Voice of Truth", I truly feel like I have been able to walk in the freedom of Christ versus the bondage of the expectations of this world.  God is still working on me ... in a lot of areas... and I need to wait on his timing.  Forcing things to happen is manipulative and will only cause heartache.

Last night at the praise concert, a friend was sharing with me something that she had been learning out of Proverbs 7 about the adulterous woman... why do we as women think that me must manipulate, use seductive words or clothing, or nag in order to be noticed???  I challenge you with the mindset... "My God loves me more than that"... He has our best in mind... we shouldn't settle for second best when God has created you to be His Princess... not the world's prostitute!

Friday, July 29, 2011

A weekend of firsts

What happens in __________, stays in ______________!

The old addage is meant for Vegas but truly applys for other places as well.  I will clarify ahead of time that nothing "illegal" went on this weekend.... just some good "clean" fun!

It was truly a weekend full of FIRSTS .... unfortunately nothing that I could check off of my bucket list... however it was a lot of fun and worth noting!

* Bra fitting at Victoria's Secret.  There is a story that goes with this but it really is not suitable for "public viewing"!

* Playing 20 questions Disney movies while stuck in Friday 5 o'clock Honolulu traffic.  Stumped the youngin's with Mary Poppins!

* Pedicures-  AHHHHHHHHHHHHH- mazing!

* Went fancy with the toes and had flowers and rhinestones put on!

* Went to Tiffany's at Ala Moana Mall... browsing for rings... had to try on a couple of rings...  I was surprised to find that my ring size went down from a 9 in high school to an 8 now!  I was also surprised to see the cost of some of these rings.  Wowsers!

*Ok... last but not least... we also went dress looking.  Couldn't pass up taking a picture of these two dresses.  These were just too fun!  Can you imagine an entire wedding party dressed in these!  I am seeing the sequel of 27 dresses!
* Sleeping on the top bunk of bunk beds.
* Waited in line at Border's for an hour and a half to buy 3 books.
*Went to Costco four times in the period of a week.
.... more to come when I am more awake!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Jeepy turns 100!

After owning my 91 Jeep Cherokee for 9 years... it finally hit 100,000 miles on Thursday afternoon.  I was in such a hurry to get home, I didn't quite catch the exact moment but it was monumental.  For a 20 year old jeep that I bought for only $990... I am blessed!  (Plus the AC still works!)

Saturday, July 23, 2011

I'm coming back to the heart of WORSHIP!

Saturday night after celebrating my birthday with the Pou's and Montgomery's, Teva pulls out his guitar and starts struming some worship songs.... a few minutes later Eli is sitting with him and they are singing Jesus loves me.  Too precious for words!  Truly seeing the heart of God when we worship Him with that child-like faith.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Staycation 101: Redecorating

Nothing makes me happier than spending a day at home with worship music blaring throughout the house while cleaning and crafting!  Since I spent most of yesterday cleaning, I thought I would work on a couple of projects that have been waiting patiently for my attention. 

First of all, this lovely yardsale find needed to be hung.  Found it in a pile of very odd artwork... reminded me of a beach we went to several years ago in Moorea, Tahiti.  Paid a total of $8 for this and thought it would look lovely in my dining room.  The other yardsale find was the wicker "table" under the pictures.  Paid $3.00 for this.  Need to work on the decor on top but you get the gist!



 Found this adorable "Monkey Business" display accent paper pack at Creative Memories that I could not resist.  With an extra magnetic frame at the house, I decided to make this cute frame to take to preschool for the parent table and display a few pictures of the children at work.  Still need to put the year on it...
Using the same "Monkey Business" pack, I updated a magnetic frame hanging in my bright yellow craft room.  This picture is of my hanai family in Oahu.  Loved the colors and it really is bright!
Ok... last but not least... I think this is my favorite for the day.  This is a project that Creative Memories sold a couple of years ago... it was supposed to be fall colors with leaves but it just didn't go with the colors of my home decor ... so  I punched out different sizes of circles in different shades of green and added a scripture card.  I think it turned out super cute!
Now oddly enough it has taken me longer to download the pictures and post this then it did to do all of the above mentioned projects combined.  Hopefully I can put together a couple more projects before the day is through but  I will save that for another day of blogging! 

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

"There will be a day..."

with no more dirt or bugs!


It is 1:30pm on the first day of my summer vacation and I have spent the past 4 hours cleaning... you know all those jobs that take a back seat when working full time... ie. laundry, rubbish, sorting cans and bottles for recycling, scrubbing the kitchen and bathroom, cleaning out cupboards and closets...etc.  It is time for a break and a time to reflect. 

A little bit ago I was on my hands and knees eradicating a 6 leg critter and scrubbing the bathroom floor... ... you know baseboards... around the tub and toilet...tile... etc... and the song "There will be a day" was playing on the radio. 

The song basically is about heaven where there will be no more tears or sadness.  To add some humor I started thinking about changing the lyrics to two items that really bother me (especially on cleaning days!)-  Can you guess what bothers me???  Bugs and dirt!

Yes, I realize one of the downfalls of living in paradise is dealing with the critters and the never ending red dirt blowing through the jealousy windows that won't close.  Try as I may to keep things clean... it is a never ending battle.  There are certain things that get the layer of red dirt wiped off daily... the bathroom and kitchen counters.... other things get a weekly wipe down... dresser, coffee table, desk, etc.  I was wiping down the icebox this morning... opened the cupboard above to put some paper products away and found an ant colony... not just a couple but droves.  Ended up taking the container outside... emptying the box and threw away most of the napkins.  Then proceeded to spray.

Really, I am thankful that one day... these will no longer be an issue and until that they get put into the category as part of the curse.  Hi ho hi ho its back to cleaning I go!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Summer reading

As an avid reader, I am always on the lookout for an exceptionally written novel.  Some friends that recently came out to visit asked if I had read the book "Molokai" by Alan Brennert.  Not only had a I not read it... I had not even heard of it.  (Which is funny since it is based on where I live!)

Last weekend, I stumbled across it in a yardsale box of books for 50 cents.  By Wednesday I had finished the almost 400 page novel.  It is a fictional book about one girl's exile to Kalaupapa from Honolulu with leprosy.  The story follows her life as she journey's through this disease.  Even though it is fictional, the research has been done and a lot of what is recorded is historical. 

Living on Molokai, I found that I couldn't put this book down.  It was so spell binding knowing the history of Kalaupapa.  This is a recommended, must read! 

Birthday week

T minus 7 days til the official "big day". 
Someone recently asked me about the upcoming birthday if this was a big one... I jokingly replied they only get bigger!  This one is not monumental nor does it mark the end or beginning of another decade.  So in all actuality it is your common everyday birthday. 

Growing up my mom did an excellent job of making sure our birthday's were always celebrated... spend the night parties with lots of friends... trips to chucky cheese... special dinners...pool parties... etc.  In her mind it was a day set aside to celebrate the birthday of one special person.  As I have gotten older, I realize how out of the ordinary this was.  Not everyone's birthday was celebrated growing up.  Thanks mom for always making birthday's so special!

So why am I blogging about my birthday... well after church today I stopped at the post office to pick up my mail and got a card in the mail from Starbuck's for a free birthday drink of choice.  It made me smile to get something for my birthday! 

Summer Prayer letter

Summer 2011

As I was sitting down to do a prayer update, I realized that it has been a while.  Seven weeks of summer care is finished... my one week of vacation starts in a few hours... and then the official 2011-2012 school year starts.  Wow... time just needs to slow down!

This has been a summer filled with highs and lows... praises and prayer requests... blessings and those things that make you go "hmmm???".  Friday afternoon I came home from finishing summer care, exhausted and mind reeling over several things going on in the ministry on Molokai (ie... enrollment, finances, decisions, families, etc).  As I sat back pondering what I could do to solve these things, I was convicted that I needed to pray. 

Recently Pastor Randy has been going through a series from Ephesians entitled "living beyond the ordinary".  If we are called to live beyond the ordinary, then we are called to trust when things aren't comprehendible.  All the things that I have been attempting to do in my own strength, I need to trust that if Christ has called me to do it... then it will happen in HIS time.  On the other hand... if He hasn't called me to it... then I need to relinquish it.  After a time of being on my face before Him releasing all of these things to Him, I was able to lay the burden down at His feet and sleep peacefully with the assurance that He is doing a mighty work.

So I share all of this so that you can partner with us in prayer as we live beyond the ordinary. 


Praises:
- completed 10 years of teaching on Molokai
- we finally received our certificate of accreditation with a score of 98% through the National Association of Educating Young Children (NAEYC).  A three year process to better the education for our little ones!
- newest addition- Juliet- see blog for pictures
- leadership opportunity in Egypt over fall break
- headed to NC for Christmas... thanks to donated airmiles!!!  It has been 2 1/2 years since I have been back to visit family!


Prayer Requests:
-Finances-  Due to low enrollment last school year and rising costs on island... (ie For the school/ church campus our water bill ($xxxx) and electric ($xxxx) per month), we are scraping the bottom of the barrel.  I am really glad that our heavenly Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills...  
-Enrollment- Please be praying that as we start this school year that God will send the children He desires us to serve and that He will provide the subsidy for each family.
-Airfare to Egypt
-Church/Ministry Staff

You can stay updated with all the latest Thoughts from Molokai at http://hynangel.blogspot.com/.  Thank you for your faithful support.  Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated!  May you truly live beyond the ordinary. 

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

In need of an adventure!

Two years ago, I put together my "100 things to do" list that I would like to do... 

When I first started,  I made a point to go out and do things.  Things to work towards.  Then life just stepped in and kind of got scheduled... you know routine.  Over the past few weeks... I have been desiring an adventure... a change of pace so I reevaluated ny "to-do" list. 

So recently, I have...

  • applied to grad school at UH Manoa to work towards a Master's in Early Education Curriculum.
  • officially registered for the Honolulu marathon on December 11th
  • lost 60+ pounds putting me within 20 of my ideal weight
  • been invited to come teach a conference in Cairo, EGYPT this fall.
  • debated whether to seriously get a tattoo or remain one of the few people to not have one.... hmmm???  Still haven't made a final discussion.
I am headed back to NC for a 2 week visit at Christmas so if anyone wants to join me for a trip to Biltmore Estates or a hike on the Appalachin trail, let me know!

Newest addition

God has an amazing way of blessing us when we least expect it.  After Tink's death in January, I had no desire to go out and get another animal.  Just too tough on the emotions.

Recently after taking a couple of days off from summer care, I came into preschool greeted with a small "mew" from under the icebox.  After some coaxing a small black furball appeared....  Meet JULIET....


She needed some medical treatment and is still working on getting to 100%.

It is fun having a kitten in the house again.  So very playful and always on the move.

 Her favorite place to sleep is the potpourrie dish on the coffee table.  I very quickly learned to put it in a bag as potpourrie was being thrown everywhere.


As you can see... Romeo has truly found his Juliet!  He carries her around the house and she cuddles with him.  At the moment, as I blog... Juliet is curled up on my chest... purring  herself to sleep.  Welcome little Miss Juliet!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Blessings by Laura Story


What if the trials of this life are His mercies in disguise???

Mind set vs. Mood

To respond out of mind-set than mood....

when your mind-set is focused on Jesus, no matter how you are feeling, you will make the choice to respond in LOVE!

There's an APP for that!

Figuratively??? Spiritually??? Literally??? Not Sure???
 
How do we look at God's word? Is it just a fairy tale? Was it written for and by great spiritual people? Should it be used daily, in every aspect of our lives? Or just not sure how we use God's written Word?
 
In our modern day society with ipads, blackberry's, iphones... etc we are inundated with commercials on "There's an app for that".  Did you know that there are modern day applications (APPS) for scripture that God desires us to literally apply to our lives???  This morning I was going through the Esther study by Beth Moore and emailed my Bible study ladies what I was discovering.  As I continued to write I thought this is too good not to post....

Look at the following verses... each of which I have looked at from a literal point of view. I am of the mindset that the Bible is to be taken literally and applied to every aspect of our daily lives.

Matthew 11:11- I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

APPLICATION: living humbly as one who is least in the kingdom.

Matthew 13:11-12- He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.

APPLICATION: be a good steward of what God has given

Luke 17:20-21-
Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."

APPLICATION: We are the temple of God... we are the living kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 4:20- For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

APPLICATION: Putting the walk with your talk... don't just say you love God... live it out loud!

1 Peter 2:9- But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light

APPLICATION: We have been called out of darkness into marvelous light. We are chosen! We need to praise Him continually that we don't have to hide in our sins.

Revelation 1:5-6-and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father--to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen

APPLICATION: We have been freed from our sins to serve God for His glory forever. We don't have to live in the bondage of this world.

Revelation 5:9-10- And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."

APPLICATION: Because of Christ's sacrifice, we will get to serve God not only now but for all of eternity.

As Beth Moore states, "Beloved, absorb this with your whole heart: You are royalty. Not figurative royalty. Not just spiritual royalty. You are in the most literal sense possible the daughter of the universe's King. You have royal blood in a way that even Esther did not. The crimson bloodlie of Christ flows through your veins."

How are you going to apply these truths today???

Love ya and praying for you as you continue on your journey with HIM!