2011 Book List

There is always a pile of books beside my bed.  I normally read a little before bed.  I have been challenged for 2011 to record what I read.  My goal is to read 50 books (that are more than 35 pages in length!) and I challenge you to do the same.

1. Boundaries in Dating by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
2. Gladys Aylward:  The Adventure of a Lifetime by Janet & Geoff Benge
3. Principles of Leadership for Women by Gail Mays
4. George Muller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans by Janet and Geoff Benge
5. Hearts of Fire by Voice of the Martyrs
6. Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose by Janet and Geoff Benge
7. Ida Scudder: Healing Bodies, Touching Hearts by Janet and Geoff Benge
8. Crazy Love by Francis Chan
9. Forgotten God by Francis Chan
10. John Williams: Messenger of Peace by Janet and Geoff Benge
11. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems by Janet and Geoff Benge
12. Lillian Trasher:  The Greatest Wonder in Egypt by Janet and Geoff Benge
13. Wilfred Grenfell: Fisher of men by Janet and Geoff Benge
14.  Corrie Ten Boom: Keeper of  the Angels' den by Janet and Geoff Benge
15. Clarence Jones: Mr. Radio by Janet and Geoff Benge
16. William Booth: Soup, Soap and Salvation by Janet and Geoff Benge
17. Florence Young: Mission Accomplished by Janet and Geoff Benge
18. Loren Cunningham: Into All the World by Janet and Geoff Benge
19. Molokai by Alan Brennert
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It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Christmas is a week away and I can officially say I am ready.  Living on Molokai (and spending the holidays here) has so many simple treasures and sweet blessings...

• This is a very close kint community even though I have no biological family to spend Christmas with-  God has blessed me with several hanai (adopted) families. 
• This is one of the few places you can look at Christmas lights with your windows down and not freeze.  (And people here go all out with the lights and decorations!)
• Because we have no serious shopping here, the commercial aspect of Christmas is not as big- the focus is more on Christ's birth.
• I love the intergenerational aspect of the culture with my little ones singing Christmas carols with the kupuna.
• Did I mention it is 80 degrees and my windows are open?  :)
• Oh and while I am counting my blessings of all the things that make this season wonderful is receiving Christmas cards.  I so treasure receiving them as it makes me feel connected to the rest of the world as well as news and encouragment that you are doing well.
• Last but not least is our dear Savior's birth-  Jesus came with one goal in mind- To be your savior!  The best gift of all.
• Mele Kalikimaka!

One Way (Jesus) - Hillsong United

One Way Jesus!!!

Here I sit lifting up my heart before my Savior... struggling over emotions, disappointment in myself, wanting to throw up my hands and say "what's the use?". 

Waiting on God's timing has always been a struggle for me... I am not a 'wait til the last possible moment" kind of girl.  I like to get things done ahead of time.  I want to know what is coming. 

Anyone who has walked with God for any length of time knows that God does not do theings in our timeframe but in His. (However it may be 11:59pm!)

As I am rambling to God about all the things unfair, these song lyrics pop into my mind...

"You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life... I live by faith and not by sight... for You... I'm living all for You."

A peace fills me, that no matter what I see going on around me, if I am living by faith, God will take care of the rest.

I serve a just God... a merciful God... a God who created time and space... what is a few years of waiting in the span of eternity???  Here I am trying to do certain things in my own strength when God is telling me "live by faith, not by sight."

So today, for this moment in time, I lay my singleness at Your feet.  I lay my desire to be a Proverbs 31 wife and mother at Your feet.  I lay my will at Your feet.  I am taking a step out on faith.  I'm living all for YOU!

A Lukewarm Generation

"So because you are lukewarm- neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth."  Revelation 3:16

If we are not living life according to Christ where He is first, then we are living a lukewarm life.  Just look at Revelation 3:16- what does Jesus say to the church of Laodicea for being lukewarm?

How many of us would fall into that same category?  We need to grow up spiritually... not being more religious but following Christ with every ounce of our being.  Every day needs to be growing closer to Christ.  Building that relationship... living love to all we meet according to His definition of love (see 1 Corinthians 13)

You may be wondering what it looks like to be lukewarm...  here is how Francis Chan describes being lukewarm in the book "Crazy Love".

• Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly.  It is what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go.   (Isa. 29:13)
• Lukewarm people give money to charity and the church... as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living.  If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so.  After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right? (1 Chron. 21:24, Luke 21:1-4)
• Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict.  They desire to fit in both at church and outside the church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives. (Matt 23:5-7, Rev 3:1, Luke 6:26)
• Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sins; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin.  They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them.  Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one. (John 10:10, Romans 6:1-2)
• Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act.  They assume such action is for "extreme" Christians, not averae ones.  Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all His followers. (James 1:22, James 4:17, Matt 21:28-31)
• Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends.  They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion. (Matt 10:32-33)
• Lukewarm people gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world.  They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street. (Luke 18:11-12)
• Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives.  But only a part.  They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives.  (Luke 9:57-62)
• Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength.  They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors and missionaries and radicals. (Matt 22:37-38)

Any one else feeling convicted???  Chan's list is a little more thorough than what I listed and God's word is very thorough.  I will make it clear that we all fall short of the glory of God but Christ is looking at the heart of each person not our burnt offering (or act of service). 

It is not about us and what we can do for Him.  He has done everything for us... all he asks of us is to take up our cross daily and follow Him.  He uses us despite us but how many times do we get wrapped up in "look at me and what I can do."  God calls us to be hot or cold not lukewarm.  Can you just imagine walking before the Lord one day being lukewarm where He vomits you out of His prescence???  He wants all of us or nothing at all.  But like I said earlier we all do fall short on a daily basis and therein lies his grace and mercy. 

So my friend... let us not be known as the lukewarm generation.  Let's raise our children to God's standard not the world's.  Let's be known by His love... you know the love that is patient, kind, longsuffering, etc.  Let us raise up a standard against the enemy that the world looks at and says is CRAZY.

The Big Red Tractor, by Francis Chan

Catching up

Well I am officially on fall break and after a late afternoon nap... I am not tired and it is nearly midnight.  So I have decided to catch up on my neglected blog.  So much has been going on but time just hasn't allowed me to put my thoughts down... so here goes...

School:  First quarter of school ended Friday with a trip to Molokai's first pumpkin patch.  I am not sure who enjoyed it more the adults or the children but fun was had by all.  The largest pumpkin weighed in at over 200 pounds.



Hula:  One of the highlights of living in Hawaii is being able to learn hula and dance in worship before the Lord.  This is our halau before we danced at church last Sunday to "Who Am I".  We also had the pleasure of dancing today for the Beth Moore Simulcast.

Labor day:  Some friends and I went camping Labor Day weekend...

Great friends...

 God's beauty...

 Ono food!  (A Hawaiian Smore... graham, peanut butter, brownie, toasted (or burnt) marshmellow and chocolate)

 And what is camping with out some wildlife and a practical joke... Josh decided to put bread outside of Rachel and my tent.  This attracted the wild turkeys that woke us up at 7am on Monday morning. 

When I got home from camping, my neighbors were coming in from catching lobster... so they blessed me with this critter which was taken to school the next day for my little ones to check out and then he was boiled for lunch! 

"I'm Running to your arms"

Most of my inspiration for blogs come from lyrics to songs... recently I heard Hillsongs newest song ..."Forever Reign".  It has a catchy worshipful tune but oh my... the lyrics are so powerful...

You are good, You are good
When there's nothing good in me
You are love, You are love
On display for all to see


You are light, You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope, You are hope
You have covered all my sin


You are peace, You are peace
Whom my fear in crippling
You are true, You are true
Ever in my wandering


You are joy, You are joy
You're the reason that I sing
You are life, You are life
In You death has lost its sting


Oh, I'm running to Your arms
I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the World forever reign


You are more, You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord, You are Lord
All creation will proclaim


You are here, You are here
In Your presence I'm made whole
You are God, You are God
Of all else I'm letting go


Hallelujah, forever
All the glory, forever
All the praise to you


My heart will sing
No other name
Jesus, Jesus

My heart is just overflowing in worship to my Lord and Savior.  It seems that about a week ago I was really struggling with some anxiety issues.  You know what I mean... the kind that wake you up at night...  things that I have really no control over but that the enemy wants to distract me with.  Anyway after two or three nights of only sleeping a couple of hours, I was emotionally about ready to lose it.  Even though each of those nights I was spending hours in the Word, in prayer, and in worship, I was still having anxiety.  By the end of the week I went to talk with Pastor Randy about what was going on and as we were talking I realized how much "I" was trying to do.  I can do nothing without Christ.  He is still good even when there is no good in me... He is peace even when I am struggling with anxiety and fear...He is truth even when the lies of the enemy are deceiving me.  After a few reminders and running into my Savior's open arms, sleep has been a glorious blessing.

I truly believe that if we never had trials we wouldn't see all of the daily blessings that the Lord so freely pours out on us.  Hallelujah that the King of kings loves us despite us!

"Mountains I can't climb"

"God, my God, I cry out

Your beloved needs You now

God, be near, calm my fear

And take my doubt

Your kindness is what pulls me up

Your love is all that draws me in

I will lift my eyes to the Maker

Of the mountains I can't climb

I will lift my eyes to the Calmer

Of the oceans raging wild

I will lift my eyes to the Healer

Of the hurt I hold inside

I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You

God, my God, let Mercy sing

Her melody over me

God, right here all I bring

Is all of me

'Cause You are and You were and You will be forever

The Lover I need to save me

'Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God

So hold me now

(I will lift my eyes. by Bebo Norman)

Recently the visual image of four mountains were looming around me. Each mountain representing something in my life that needs to be taken care of but seems insurmountable... something that without God, I can't do on my own.

Around that time of struggle, I sent out a note to some friends and prayer warriors in my life to be praying for these mountains to be conquered... for we are told in the Bible that if we have faith of a mustard seed we can move mountains. The past couple of weeks has been amazing as some ground has been conquered....

Yesterday I was reminded that sometime in mountain climbing you slip and fall. After you fall, you have two choices.... 1. to stay down at the bottom in the pile of rubble and lament or 2. to get up, secure your harness, and start climbing again. Now I am speaking theoretically here, not physically. I didn't actually go mountain climbing so I am not all busted up... but in reality, I was humbled by a couple of slip- ups as I was trying to overcome these mountains in my own strength. I am realizing that when I get my eyes off of God, I am more prone to slip.

Thankfully that even when I slip and fall, the hands of a loving, merciful God are waiting to catch me and help me back to my feet. Yes, God allows the scrapes and cuts to remind me of my disobedience but He is waiting with open arms to take care of those wounds when I run back to Him with a repentant heart.

So the lesson in all of this is... God allows those trials in our lives to make us trust Him more. I need to lift my eyes to the Maker of those mountains I can't climb and trust that if He wants me to get over them it will be by His strength not mine!

31st birthday!

My heart is overflowing with God's greatness.  I have had the wonderful opportunity of spending my 31st birthday in Oahu with friends.  My b-day weekend started Friday when I flew to HNL.  Amber dropped me off at the airport where while talking with Uncle Don my boarding pass was brought to me.  While in the airport I caught up with Uncle Bill and then sat with Amy's mom and dad on the flight over.  Arrived, picked up car, and headed to Target to pick up a few things.  Saved over 16$ in coupons!  Reminded myself that it is ok to treat myself to a bag of dark chocolate.  Drove to Mililani where Momma Lisa made me dinner and Lauryn gave me an amazing facial while we caught up and played with the kiddos.  Didn't go to sleep until after midnight as I was so wired from the events of the day.

Reluctantly got out of bed at 6am on Saturday.  Lisa had oatmeal and papaya sitting on the table for breakfast.  Drove to the airport to pick up Bryant, Jeremy, and Bri (oh and Judah!)  While waiting I stopped at starbucks for my free venti mocha coconut frappachino and ran into one of the Nations girls who had come out on a mission trip to Molokai 5+ years ago.  She is now married and works at Starbucks!  Nice surprise as I have stayed with her parents several times.  Took Jeremy and Bryant to CC-Komo Mai and dropped them off at the "How to Walk" conference.  Bri and I then headed to the zoo where we spent a couple of hours strolling around looking at all the animals.  Judah fell asleep halfway through.  Went to Ala Moana and picked up my birthday gift at Sephora and some things for Jenn at the Lego store.  Bri treated me to lunch at Ruby Tuesday!

While eating lunch Jared called to wish me a happy birthday.  As I am thinking about our phone conversation my heart is heavy knowing all the things my brother is going through with his CO poisoning.  He mentioned that the dr's aren't giving him 10 years to live.  My heart just aches as my brother is so precious to me.

Lord even as I write that promises pop into my mind... You made Jared in a fearfully and wonderful way.  You created him with a plan and a purpose and you won't take him one day soon than your perfect timing.  Lord please give him your peace and comfort during this valley.  If it is in your plan... may you heal his body, brain, and heart, and protect him from the lies of the enemy that steal, kill, and destroy.  Lord thank you for your peace that passeth all understanding and your encouragement.

After lunch we headed to Mililani Costco for food for dinner and got HaggenDaz samples... and headed to the house.

Lauryn and family, Paul, David, Kevin, Dawn, and Bella came over for dinner and fellowship and red velvet cake and ice cream for dessert.  Who says God doesn't give us the desires of our heart?  We then walked to the park and let the kids play which they loved.  All of the women are such an encouragement to me.  As part of the evening, they roasted me and I was so humbled by the fact that almost all said that in the midst of hard times, I show joy.  That is such a reminder as I really struggle with joy.  I see myself on such an emotional roller coaster.  Oh the battle of flesh.  Now off to bed as my heart is overwhelmed by emotions!

A day at the beach

For the fourth of July weekend, a few of the Calvary Chapel families went to Papohaku camping. I was invited to come along but instead of camping, I chose to work til 5pm on Friday and then spend most of Saturday and Sunday working on the NAEYC program portfolio for accreditation.

I had a couple of "helpers" with this project.

By Sunday night at 10:30pm, my brain was fried with pulling evidence so I headed to bed with the intent of getting up Monday morning, hiking kalaupapa, and then heading to Papohaku for a few hours to visit with Bri, Jeremy, and the rest of the CC group. Well the hike didn't happen but the beach was amazing!

By the way this is a Molokai beach, fourth of July weekend! You can actually see the sand...

The sand, as Judah will tell you was a lot of fun. The water was crystal clear and so very nice.

Freedom

Recently a friend posted on fb- Freedom comes from 2 people: Jesus and the American Soldier... one gives us freedom from sin and death and the other gives us freedom to live.

On this independance day 2010, it is important to be reminded of the freedoms that God has blessed us with....

• We have the freedom to go and worship with other believers without fear of being arrested.


• We have the freedom to own a Bible (or several) unlike some of our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world that have to share one copy per village or hide a few pages just to read the Word.


• We have the freedom to share our faith without being stoned to death (but yet we fear the rejection of man so we don't share what Christ is doing in our lives... much less the gospel)


• We have the freedom to live and worship out loud but we have more enthusiasm for our favorite team than we do our creator, sustainer, and life-giver.


• We have the freedom to spend eternity in heaven with Christ. Why don't we share those freedoms as so many living around us are living in bondage headed to hell.

So on this independance day, I truly thank God for each soldier that has given his or her life for my freedom but I truly thank God for sending Jesus for giving me the freedom from sin and death.

Happy INDEPENDANCE Day!!!

Someone's in the kitchen with...

After some recent digestive issues and to make up for a coffee treat from Coffee's of Hawaii today I decided to experiment for dinner tonight. A couple of my kids had pizza and breadsticks for lunch and I was really desiring Pizza Cafe. The last few times of eating pizza from PC, it hasn't been pleasant with my digestive system so I decided to try a healthier option and we pray that all goes well in my tummy! :)

Had to stop by the Outpost and Friendly Market for a couple of items and this is what I came up with for dinner...

Veggie pizza- one for dinner, one for lunch tomorrow.... each has about 200 calories....

Ingredients- Ezekiel flat bread, 1 tbsp prego pasta sauce, grated zucchini, sliced tomatoes, and pressed fresh garlic.

Cooked in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes!

Outcome... (not comparing it to PC pizza because theirs is the best pizza on Molokai!) I give it an 8... the zucchini was still a little crunchy and had too much garlic (I used 2 cloves on each... oops!)

Overall this might become a new favorite dinner! Try it for yourself and let me know.

Reminder: One Year???

Six months ago we were challenged with the question... If Christ were to come back in one year, what things would I need to get taken care of? Now it's not a to-do list but as I prayed about what God would have me do this year there were a few things that He laid on my heart...

• live a healthier God honoring life
• daily be in the Word
• be debt free (ie pay off the house)
• invest in the lives of the children God has given me
• share what God is doing in my life

How am I doing? Definitely not perfect, some days are better than others but moving forward to do what God has called me to. At this point I want to challenge you... in the next 6 months of 2010, what would God have you do for His kingdom?

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your prescence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit." Psalm 51:10-12

My daddy!

On this father's day 2010, I think it is fitting to honor the best dad in the whole wide world.

Growing up mom always joked, that I was a spitting image of my father (without the beard) but we didn't know who my mother was. (By the way momma, I have more of your characteristics than you ever realized!! I am definitely your daughter. Love ya!)

Yes I look like my father but the part that I love most about my daddy is the way that He images our heavenly Father. Dad raised Jared and I to trust in the Lord by the way he lived his life. He was the physical example of Christ to me.

What my daddy (and momma) taught me...

• love- no mess that I ever got myself into could separate me from my father's love


• strength and the value of hard work- on a 20 acre farm we all had to pitch in and help... from push mowing... to pulling weeds... to hauling firewood... to shoveling snow out of the living room... it truly takes a family to make a home work!


• fun and adventure- the Easter scavenger hunts were the best and most memorable "egg-hunts" of all time


• compassion- No matter the animal... a dove with a broken wing, a bunny that had been carried in by the cat, a ferret that needed a "new home", a dog with a bullet in its chest, an owl who had fallen out of a tree.... there was always room for another critter at the Calhoun's.


• teaching me to sing through the pain- I will never forget the time, we were out getting straw for the flower beds and I slid off the wooden trailer and filled my leg with splinters. Dad patiently took the tweezers and picked out every splinter while teaching me new songs to sing.


• creativity- our backyard was every child's dream playland... from culvert pipe tunnels, ziplines, swings, a gargantuan (sp?) sand pile, a gnome tree, a creek, a huge see-saw, and miles of bike trails


• perseverance- if you try something and you fail, pick your self up and try it again (even if you have a concusion).


• independence- Dad's motto was "if someone else can do it, so can you with some work!" ... cannot was not an acceptable word growing up


• equality- If Jared had to learn to do something... I had to learn and vice versa. At this point in life I really wish I had paid more attention when dad was working on projects like changing filters in the car or installing tile.


• quality time- the Saturday morning trips to the autopart store... just my daddy and I... followed by an icee were a highlight, Wednesday night trips on the Harley to choir practice... the discussions on the ride home from school on friendship and dating...


• the value of marriage- Mom and Dad set aside time every week (Saturday evening) that was time to build and strengthen their marriage... rarely did they go "out" on dates but every Saturday was mom and dad time... normally this meant steak dinner with corn and baked potatoes while watching Lawrence Welk... Jared and I were invited on occasion but normally it was just mom and dad. This taught me that the world didn't revolve around me and that marriages take work to build. Through thick and thin... they have made it 36 years and are a living testimony of what a godly marriage looks like!
• the love of music- from the gift of my first "oldies" cassette tape to encouraging me to sing with you at church... you are the reason I played alto saxophone because that was your favorite instrument
• perseverance- sticking with things until they were completed the correct way. I wanted to follow through on commitments (like band) even when times were not the easiest because I didn't want to let you down.

Momma and Daddy- You will never know how much you truly mean to me. I am publicly stating these thing because you two have made me into who I am today. Thanks for all of the lessons lived and taught over the years. I don't say it often enough but I am truly blessed to have you two as parents! Love ya bunches!

Precious moments on this side of a closed door!

I simply love those precious moments when God allows us a glimpse of something that He has been working on for a while.

Several weeks ago, I blogged about all the doors that had been closing and how I was tempted to start opening them on my own. Today as I sat listening to Pastor Randy's message on "A Repentant Heart" and the heart of David after he had truly sinned against God... it hit me why God closes doors.

Just as gates are put up to keep children safe from the "unsafe" things outside... animals, cars, stairs, etc., God places closed doors in our lives. Looking back on certain doors that I was fighting against being closed... would I have made the best decisions if the door had not closed but I was told I couldn't have what was on the other side??? I would like to say I would have obeyed like a good child but knowing my strong will... I probably would have had to learn the hard way. God knows that about his stubborn daughter and to protect me from heartache he closed and locked that door.

Praise God that He is the alpha and the omega... a loving and just father who cares about the well-being of His children... He is also a gentleman that allows us the choice to obey His voice... He doesn't force what is right upon us. Just as David had several opportunities to make a choice to do what was right before God... we are given daily choices- to follow God or to not!

So with the door in front of me closed and locked for security purposes, I will turn around and make the choice to be content with what God has for me for such a time as this, trusting that in His time bigger and better doors will open. Oh just to trust and obey! The theme for 2010!

Oldies but goodies!

After 10+ years of writing about adventures in Molokai and as I have time, I am planning on consolidating all of the stories here. Kind of like my pile of stones... In the old testament, any time that God wanted the Israelite people to remember where they have come from and what He had done, God asked them to place a pile of stones for future generations to ask "what are those here for". They would see what God had done in the past to rely on him in the future.

If you have an oldie but goodie that you don't see posted in the near future... post a quick comment and I will see if I still have it. If not, send it to me to post! Thanks

So here goes!

All to Jesus I Surrender

Press On

Pressing on in Jesus' Name!

I just listened to an amazing message from the book of Ruth on the character of Naomi. (See calvarymolokai.com to listen for yourself!) Naomi had some big mountains in her life... losing her husband and her sons in a foreign land. Then making the choice to move "home" with Ruth along side. Even though she was bitter she didn't take it out on those that were around her. She pressed on despite her circumstances and God used her in mighty ways.

Over this past week, in my quiet time with Him, I have been reminded of some things that God has said for my life. Some promises over the years that have yet to be fulfilled. And as always when God is doing an amazing work, the enemy is trying to come in and steal, kill, and destroy. With that said I have wrestled with "living up to my calling". If God really said that, then what have I done to keep it from happening? As I was praying and weeping this afternoon... that small quiet voice of the Lord reminded me... it's not about you... IT's ALL ABOUT MY GLORY!

Oh yeah... that's right... this life is not mine to do with as I please but to use for His glory. When challenges come barreling through the door, why do I try to solve it first, get knocked down and then resort to plan B: ask Jesus for help. HELLO??? When trouble comes knocking, I need to send Jesus to answer the door in the first place.

So with a good reminder to press on from the book of Ruth, I am ready to rest in the arms of my loving Jesus trusting that in His time He will fulfill His promises.

Who's been sleeping in my bed?

While being sick this week, I thought it was time to clean and rearrange my room. So in my moments of needing to get up, I started moving furniture. Over the past few days, my room is back to being a happy place instead of a mess! After getting up this morning and making my bed, I made breakfast and was finishing up "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader". I went to my room to grab something and noticed that my nicely made bed had a big LUMP in the middle under the covers.... hmmmm... who could that be??? By the time I ran to the living room to grab my camera and got back to my room the culprit was peeking out. It made me smile as I think the two furballs seems to be enjoying the clean, rearranged room as well.

To do list for Summer 2010

Updated at of August 7th, I haven't gotten everything done that I desired but I can't feel bad as a lot of things did get done that I wasn't expecting to... with that I feel much more prepared heading into school this year than in previous years and that is huge!!!

As I have had some time on my hands the past couple of days... I thought I would put together a to do list of goals for this summer... some personal... some home tasks... some preschool related... etc

Dates... May 27th through July 27th
Goal... Two months to get things done

1. Read through the Old Testament- Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Sam, 2 Sam, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiates, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obediah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
2. Read Chronicles of Narnia- Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Last Battle
3. Make one quilt
4. Exercise Daily- almost!
5. Accomplish pulling evidence for accreditation
6. Start Classroom Portfolio
7. Start Program Portfolio
8. Revise Director/Teachers/Staff and Parent Handbook
9. Hike Kalaupapa trail at least 2 times-closed due to bridge collapsing so NOPE!
10. Install new smoke detectors
11. Rescreen kitchen window
12. Finish making Christmas cards
13. Start The Lord of the Rings trilogy
14. Send one care package
15. Weekly trip to the beach- 6/11, 7/5- Yes I know two or three times is sad.
16. Get caught up on scrapbooking- besides accreditation portfolios there has been no scrapbooking this summer.
17. Put together children's portfolios for next year-Thanks to Marissa and Camille :)
18. Lose 5 pounds- with working from 7-4:30 everyday... this was harder than I expected
19. Cook one new recipe-Chicken eggplant parmesan 6/2
20. Blog weekly- As it is the end of the first week of school... I haven't blogged at all in a while.
21. Enjoy time with friends
22. Take a birthday trip off island!!!
23. Rearrange and clean bedroom
24. Get Romeo fixed
25. Work in garden- no water, no garden... :(
26. ...

Letting go and Letting God!

After two days of spending hours upon hours on the couch catching up on all of the season finale's, catching up with email and fb, and catching up on sleep... I am done catching up and tired of being sick! (OK I am so bored of being on the couch that I actually started my Christmas cards today... normally this doesn't take place until at least July!)

School ended Thursday with ... surprise surprise... me being sick. So I get to spend the first few days of my summer vacation couped up in the house on the couch not being able to be up for more than a few minutes at a time. Argh!

Anyway this afternoon I turned on Focus on the Family and started listening to old broadcasts... another thing I get to catch up on. As I was listening to "Growing Seeds of Love", it really hit me... am I allowing God to fulfill His plans for me or am I standing in the way?

Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declare the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Many things that I have gotten upset with God on, in the past I am now realizing are my own fault. Things that when God has closed a door because it is going to harm me... I have decided to try and reopen the door. Things that God has told me NO... I have argued and asked are you sure? Things that God has put on hold... I have questioned and said when???

God KNOWS the plans he has for me... I don't! These are plans to prosper me and keep me well... not harm me. Plans with a hope and a future. As my dad recently reminded me... God is not going to close one door just to open another with something worse behind it. He is going to open a door with something better behind it.

So just as planting a seed... I need to WAIT and trust that in God's time all things will work out for my good and His glory! My goal for the summer of 2010... let go of my way and let God have His!

Wrinkled Ladies

May I introduce...

Ok so after the last post... I thought I needed to post something a little more lighthearted.

Let me introduce you to Anita Renfroe, a Christian comedian. She has taken some popular secular songs and changed the lyrics. You can see all of her parodies at anitarenfroe.com but I just had to post this one. Enjoy!

Let's go fight GOLIATH!!

Who or what are the Goliath's in your life at the moment?

We all have them.... You know that thing that keeps reoccuring... taunting you... distracting you from the truth that God desires you to see.

Just as Goliath kept coming out of the Philistine camp every day- morning and night- yelling at the Israelite camp to send one person to fight him... day after day for 40+ days! The odd thing is no one including King Saul wanted to fight this almost 10 foot giant. Then comes along a little shepherd boy with a heart filled full of courage... not in himself but in his God... and slays this giant with one stone!

Going back to the original question... who/what is Goliath in your life??? Lately there have been a few big, mean giants in my life that seem impossible to conquer. God has been reminding me that I need to trust in Him instead of myself to take care of these situations.

Today during morning worship, Pastor Randy started a series called "A heart God can use: Heart lessons from the life of David" that completely explained how David had courage to face Goliath because

1. A heart of courage is developed through experiences with God.

2. A heart of courage is rooted in reliance on God.

3. A heart of courage is motivated by the glory of God.

It wasn't about David... but all about God. Or it isn't about Angela... but all about God!!!

Then this evening in Home fellowship we were in the midst of Ephesians 6- "Preparing for Battle: Putting on the full armor of God". Tonights piece of armor was the shield of faith and how it protects the entire body.

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, it gives us assurance about things we cannot see! (Hebrews 11:1)

We stop the fiery attacks of Satan by shielding ourselves with the faith that we have in who God is and what He has said. I need to stand on what God has said. God has promised that He will take care of the Goliath's in my life and I need to trust in that!!!

Love the recurring themes... How God continues to grow us and use us despite us.

"And Aslan said what???"

Ok... for you avid Narnia fans... I have a interesting quote for you that so relates to how God relates to us...

As part of my 100 things to do list, one of my goals is to read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series by CS Lewis.

Lately I have been reading a few pages before bed but this afternoon before I settled in for a long afternoon nap I decided I would finish "The Horse and His Boy". I ran across this interesting quote... debated whether to post it as my fb status... decided against it as everyone sees that and put it in my blog instead.

Here goes...

Preface...
Rabadash... a cocky young prince is taunting those around him
Aslan... the just King of Narnia represented as a lion

Aslan allows Rabadash to be turned into a donkey after warning him- "Take heed. Your doom is very near, but you may still avoid it. Forget your pride (what have you to be proud of?) and your anger (who has done you wrong?) and accept the mercy of these good kings."

Rabadash doesn't heed Aslan's advice... turns into a donkey... and then Aslan says...

"Now hear me, Rabadash,... Justice shall be mixed with mercy. You shall not always be an Ass."

How many times does God allow us to make an "ass" out of our self in order to humble us and bring us back to him? Just as Aslan gave Rabadash a way to turn back into a human... God shows his grace and mercy to us by helping us out of the mire clay, washing us off, and putting us back on our feet to stand with him.

Stand

Stand by Donnie McClurkin

What do you do
when you've done all you can
And it seems like it's never enough?
And what do you say
when your friends turn away,
you're all alone?
Tell me, what do you give
When you've given your all,
and seems like
you can't make it through?

Stand and be sure
Be not entangled in that bondage again
You just stand, and be sure.
God has a purpose.
Yes, God has a plan.

Tell me what do you do
when you've done all you can
And it seems like you can't make it through
Child you just stand
You just stand
Stand
Don't you give up
Through the storm, through the rain
Through the hurt, through the pain

Chorus: Well, you just stand
When there's nothing left to do
You just stand
Watch the Lord see you through
Yes, after you've done all you can
You just stand

Don't you bow, don't bend
Don't give up, don't give in
Hold on, just be strong
God will step in and it won't be long

Tell me,
how do you handle the guilt of your past?
Tell me, how do you deal with the shame?
And how can you smile
when your heart is broken
and filled with pain?
Tell me what do you give
when you've given your all
Seems like you can't make it through?

After you've done all you can
After you've gone through the hurt
After you've gone through the pain
After you've gone through the storm
After you've gone through the rain
Prayed and cried, you've prayed and cried
Prayed and cried, prayed and cried
After you've done all you can, you just stand.

Child you just stand,
when there's nothing left to do
You just stand
Watch the Lord see you through
Yes, after you've done all you can
You just stand.

"For I know my Redeemer lives"

How many times in the crazyness of life do I lose focus on what God has called me to do???

After an extremely long week and some "major" spiritual battles, I had a reality check today. My normal Saturday routine includes catching up on sleep, housework, and projects that get pushed to the side during the week.

Today was a bit different... I woke up at 5:15am to participate in the Na Puuwai 10K with Bri. Then we hit a couple of garage sales, went to breakfast at Hotel Molokai, ran some errands in town and then went to a concert/conference entitled "Women through the Generations" held at Kaunakakai Baptist Church.

By 11 am when the conference started, a nap was sounding really good but God had an awesome message in store. The couple that came to speak shared their testimony through word and song as well as some scripture that had been very pertinent at certain times in their lives.

After the struggles I have been having over the past few weeks, when I heard this couple speak and be real with what God has brought them through it brought all things into perspective.

In Job 19:25-27, Job states
"For I know my Redeemer lives
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!"

Job lost his children, his wife was telling him to curse God, his friends were not being very encouraging, his livelihood was taken away, he was covered in boils... living in pain and agony.... BUT his focus was on his Redeemer rather than his circumstances.

My momentary troubles pale in comparison to even a fraction of what Job endured. After being reminded of this, my focus is knowing that MY REDEEMER LIVES! And if I had nothing else... My Redeemer is enough. When I focus on that so much changes...

Instead of focusing on not being married... seeing singleness as a gift where I get to serve others with my time and energy.

Instead of focusing on not being a mommy... seeing my 17 hanai little ones as a blessing that I get to show the love of Jesus to on a daily basis.

Instead of focusing on not being close to family... seeing that I have an amazing group of friends and church family here.

Instead of focusing on not being able to travel.... seeing where I live in a new light. How many other places can you be surrounded by water, warm weather, and amazing sunrises and sunsets year round?

Instead of focusing on not having the newest and best... seeing that what I have is so much more than most of the people in our world.

By this point, I can't think of anything else that I have been struggling with because I am so overwhelmed by what God has done that I am speechless....

For I know my REDEEMER lives!!!

All in a days work...

I always thought that if I ever move back to the mainland there would have to be some serious mentality changes from the way island life is...

Take my day for example...

4:45 am- Woke up, showered, and got dressed in khaki pants, socks, boots, and a red sweater... it was cold (65 degrees F!!!)

5:50 am- Left for airport (yes only 10 minutes from my house!)

6:00 am- checked in for flight... despite the long line ( 4 people in front of me) the Island Air agent (who I knew) just took my id and brought me my boarding pass since I had no luggage.

Talked story with several friends who work TSA security and had a few minutes to read several chapters in Deuteronomy

6:45 am- boarded flight to Oahu with 30 other people... a third of whom I knew!

7:30 am- arrive in Oahu... talk story with some Molokai friends while waiting for our shuttles

8:00 am - NAEYC accreditation meeting begins

12 - 1pm- Pasta buffett for lunch provided with the meeting... (yes it is silly to find food this exciting but a good lunch is always a motivating factor when headed off island)

1 -4pm- The rest of the meeting.... very beneficial and what I needed to rekindle the fire for me to continue working on portfolios for the accreditation process.

4:15pm- Back to the airport where I meet up with the Aunty of one of my preschoolers to transport a forgotten camera and developed picts back to a scrapbooking mom. (Sorry Jeremy- No time for Micky D's today)! Check in and run into one of the kids I had in Good News clubs ten years ago (he is now an island air agent).

4:30pm- Pull out my laptop and work on a few class write ups before the plane arrives and the line starts to board. While waiting I catch up with Aunty Tess who assisted me when I bought the house.

5:25pm- Walk out onto the tarmac in the afternoon Hawaiian sun and board the plane. Sit in the first row and talk story with Uncle Dino for the 20 minute flight back to MKK. Just enough time to catch up on world events and how all of creation is crying out for Jesus to come back.

6:10pm- Arrive in Molokai and I am home in my warm comfy pj's by 6:30pm out watering my plants.

Where as most people just hop in their cars to get to meetings... the adventure of flying every other month to a meeting (and paying almost $200 for the flight... $184 for today's journey) is something that will be missed if God ever moves me back to the continental USA!

DISCLAIMER: This email is not.... I repeat... IS NOT... stating that I am moving. Molokai is my home for such a time as this and I am blessed to live here. This blog is simply reminding myself of all the blessings there are in a simple days work!

Before and working on....

I was reminded recently that life is a journey... the goal is to glorify God and never stop learning. As I look back over the past several years, I think how blessed I am for amazing friends and family that love me and encourage me to do what is right.

One thing that has always been a struggle for me is food. Three years ago I realized that it had become my god of choice... I turned to it when I was sad, upset, and angry... used it to celebrate... when I was tired and needed a pick me up... you get the picture. Anyway at that same time as you can well imagine, my body had ballooned into something that I wasn't happy about. Clothes were no longer fun to put on... shopping was horrendous. So a slow metamorphosis began to take place....

You see those commercials that say in 30 days you can go from this... to this... and the 2nd picture doesn't even resemble the person in the first. That was not my goal. Diets don't work! This has been a slow process but through a lot of prayer and hard work this has become a lifestyle change.

So before I go any further.... this is my "before" pict... definitely not one of my heaviest picts but what we will use as a reference point....

New Zealand 2006

After three years of eating better and exercising more, I have lost around 60 pounds and feel freer to do the things that God has called me to do. This second picture is my "working on" picture as the dr tells me I still have 20 - 30 more pounds to go. It is a slow and steady process but as the Tortoise learned in the story the Tortoise and the Hare.... Slow and steady wins the race!

My 30th birthday- 2009

I feel silly posting this for the "world" to see and couldn't bring myself to post actual numbers but some fb friends have been encouraged by my story and have kept me motivated to lose the rest. So I prayerfully write this with the intent to encourage you in whatever your struggle is... that with God all things are possible. Put Him first and he will lead, guide and direct your path.

"Obedience is the very best thing"

Ever have a spiritual temper tantrum????

You know what I mean... when God is calling you to do something and you don't want to??? or.... God is closing a door (see previous post) and you keep wanting to open the door and walk through it to escape?

Why am I so stubborn not to listen to my heavenly Father? I almost feel like kicking myself! How many times in a day do I tell my preschoolers "obey the first time, every time, with a happy heart"? I can almost see my heavenly Father shaking His head saying... "My child listen to me... obey the first time, every time, with a happy heart."

I know what God is telling me but yet I want to argue.... "You must not really mean THAT." but that small still voice is saying - trust me.... obey me.... you know what is right!

ARGH!!!! At the moment, I would be lying if I said I was ready to obey... it would be closer to the truth if I said I want to spend some time crying and pouting about it. But just as with all temper tantrums... they just delay the inevitable.... OBEDIENCE.

"What life would be like"

Driving home from Bible Study tonight, the WOW 2010 CD was in my CD player and it was as if God's hand had queued this particular song for exactly this 5 minute car ride. (It again just reminds me how every situation we find ourselves in is intricately woven together by the master's hand.)

A friend and I just finished Beth Moore's Bible Study "JESUS: 90 days with the One and Only". What should have taken at most 30 weeks (3 lessons per week) has taken us a little over a year but I don't think we could of hand picked a more opportune time to complete this study with what is happening in both of our lives.

Anyway after a sweet time of fellowship and prayer, I got in my jeep and headed the 2.5 miles home. This was the song playing...

"What life would be like" by Big Daddy Weave

I wish I was more of a man
Have you ever felt that way
And if I had to tell you the truth
I'm afraid I'd have to say
That after all I've done and failed to do
I feel like less that I was meant to be
And what if I could fix myself
Maybe then I could get free
I could try to be somebody else
Whose much better off than me
But I need to remember this
That it's when I'm at my weakest
I can clearly see

He made the lame walk
And the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits
While His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let Jesus live through you and me

What if you could see yourself
Through another pair of eyes
What if you could hear the truth
Instead of old familiar lies
And what if you could feel inside
The power of the hand that made the universe
You'd realize

All our hearts they burn within us
All our lives we've longed for more
So let us lay our lives before the one
Who gave His life for us.

I have heard this song numerous times but tonight as I again listen to the lyrics my heart just broke from the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Lately there have been so many "closed doors" that I wonder if anything is ever going to open. Wondering if I should try to start opening some of those doors on my own knowing good and well that if God has closed them that they are not meant to be opened at this point. Knowing that stepping over the threshold of any of these closed doors would be disobeying God and lead to consequences.

After all that has been going on in my heart over the past couple of weeks and all that God has been teaching me through His Word, I can truly say that I am at one of my weakest points... humbled at the foot of the cross. I have no where else to look but up into the face of my Savior!

If He can cause the lame to walk... the dumb to talk... the blind to see... the sun to rise and set... how much more does He care for our deepest desperate need... Jesus' heart aches on our behalf when we struggle! He has truly been in our shoes and overcame all that life could put on him (including all the sins of the world). Perfect reminder as this is Passion Week!

What would life truly be like if I let Jesus live through me...

instead of trying to do things on my own...

instead of listening to the lies of the enemy...

instead of being persuaded by the world...

Oh God... hear my broken and contrite heart... I desire to serve you. Life is meaningless without you. You died for me, the least I can do is live for you. Create in me a heart that desires to put the worldly ideas aside and focus on your truth and vision.

2010 Girl Friend Survey

2010 Girl Friend Survey

I received this from a friend the other night and spent the time to fill it out. I find it interesting some of the questions that were asked that make you think and learn more about yourself and your friends.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:15 am to catch the flight to Oahu
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Blind Side
4. What is your favorite TV show? Biggest Loser, NCIS, Bones
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Cream of Wheat or Whole wheat pancakes/waffles and COFFEE
6. What is your middle name? Dawn
7. What food do you dislike? at this time in my life... my body doesn't like red meat and sausage
8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Toby Mac... Portable Sounds
9. What kind of car do you drive? Jeep Cherokee
10. Favorite sandwich? turkey with avocado
11. What characteristic do you despise? dishonesty
12. Favorite item of clothing? fun socks
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Sweden
14. Favorite brand of clothing? HAND ME DOWNS!
15. Where would you retire to? Retire... that is at least 30 years away... I pray that Jesus comes back first
16. What was your most memorable birthday? 29th... when I just got out of the hospital with MRSA... eye opening that I am not promised to make it to my next birthday
17. Mystery Question: What is the answer? JESUS
18. Furthest place you are sending this? East coast, USA
19. Person you expect to send it back first? Chrissy
20. When is your birthday? July 24th
21. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night if I can sleep in the next morning but since I normally get up at 5am I have to train myself to be a morning person.
22. What is your shoe size? 9
23. Pets? Yes 2 boys... Romeo (a very talkative kitten) and Tinkerbean (a cat who thinks he's a dog- he fetches and tries to bark)
24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? HMMMM!
25. What did you want to be when you were little? Pediatrician
26. How are you today? blessed to be a child of the King
27. What is your favorite candy? Dark Chocolate
28. What is your favorite flower? Roses if given as a gift... plumeria if decorating
29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? March 9th when the team for Haiti leaves
30. What is your full name? Aunty Angela to my children or Angela Dawn Calhoun
31. What are you listening to right now? The neighbors dog barking and commentators on the winter olympics
32. What was the last thing you ate? Panda Express with Jeremy and Bri
33. Do you wish on stars? No but I praise God for them
34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red
35. How is the weather right now? Cold for MKK but warm for all of you on the mainland... 65 and breezy
36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? Falon... to check in with her before I flew to Oahu
37. No questions
38. Favorite restaurant? Olive Garden
39. "Real" hair color? Dark brown with more gray than I am willing to show
40. What was your favorite toy as a child? any of the toys my daddy made... motorcycle and kitty rocker are two of the things that top the list
41. Summer or winter? Winter in HI- cooler nights but warm enough to go to the beach during the days. Plus it is wet season so everything in town is green.
42. Hugs or kisses? Hugs
43. Chocolate or Vanilla? CHOCOLATE
44. Coffee or tea? Coffee but I am a big fan of chai tea!
45. Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes... I love you guys.
46. When was the last time you cried? actual tears?... I can't remember
47. What is under your bed? besides Tink and Romeo on occasion... nothing... it's clean
48. What did you do last night? went walking with Bri, finished the goodie bags and centerpieces for Director's conf, packed for Oahu, and cleaned up a bit
49. What are you afraid of? not doing what God has called me to do
50. Salty or sweet? YES!
51. How many keys on your key ring? Which key ring... I have 3... home, school, car
52. How many years at your current job? 9 years in HI, 7 years as Preschool director/teacher
53. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
54. How many towns have you lived in? 4- Provo, UT, Marietta, GA, Elon, NC, Kaunakakai, HI
55. Do you make friends easily? Yes

"While I wait"

"While I'm Waiting"

After a week filled with news of engagements, weddings, births, and upcoming births, I wonder why some have to wait longer to be apart of what has become a social norm. Each of these are biblical... we as created beings were not made to be alone but to have fellowship with others.

What happens during the wait???

As I was driving to a meeting in Oahu today, a song on the radio caught my attention and it sums up what is on my heart... Let this be an encouragement to you if you are waiting on the Lord for a specific prayer.

While I'm waiting by John Waller

I'm waiting.
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

"Runnin' in the Rain"

Over the past several months I have been watching some old must-see movies like Casablanca, Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I, and Singin' in the Rain.

Well this morning, I got up at 5am to jog down to the wharf. It was warm and still dark outside! I get down to the end of the wharf and it starts sprinkling (1.75miles from home). Turn around and start jogging home... I get halfway down the wharf and it is raining a little harder... by the time I went past Pizza Cafe, it was raining buckets.

I had no choice but to keep going. Normally on these mornings I spend my time praying about any concerns and things that the Lord has laid on my heart. On my way to the wharf that is what I did... on the way back I couldn't help but thinking of the movie "Singin in the Rain". I enjoyed playing and singing praises to God in the rain. By the time I got home, I was drenched but was filled with an overwhelming sense of joy.

When God allows rain in your life... Sing in the Rain!!!

"You are God alone..."

"You are God alone... Unchangeable... Unshakeable... Unstopable... That's what you are!!!"

Over the past month God has been showing me more of Himself. Through crises... through answers to prayer... through heartache... through immense blessings.

Tonight as I was sitting here reflecting back on my week... I am humbled by God using me. This song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean just seems to capture what is resonating inside my heart.

"You are not a god created by human hands
You are not a god dependent on any mortal man
You are not a god in need of anything we can give
By Your plan that's just the way it is...

You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
You are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
And you are God alone

You're the only God whose Power none can contend
You're the only God whose name and Praise will never end
You're the only God whose worthy of everything we can give
You are God that's just the way it is!

Unchangeable
Unshakeable
Unstoppable
That's what you are."

It is not what I can do on my own but totally what He desires for me to do and strengthens me for. He uses me despite me and my imperfections. So many times I get consumed by all of the "trash" that I am carrying around that I forget about 'the God alone' wants my burdens to be lite! (But yet how stubborn am I to keep taking them out of His hand.)

He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! He doesn't change and neither does His Word. No matter how much our culture and world changes... GOD alone is the constant.

He is the rock in which we should build our faith upon. No earthquake can crumble that solid foundation.

He will not be stopped. His plan will go on no matter what. My little goof ups can not thwart the big picture of God's perfect plan.

As I sit here in awe of His majesty, I challenge you to go and hear this song for your self.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMjMDxPkXkI

Worship God alone!!!

The surprising critters

Last night, on my way out of the bathroom I noticed something following me out of the corner of my eye. As I took a closer look I realized it was a huge scorpion on a rampage. Within seconds of me letting out a shriek of horror, Romeo came bounding in to rescue me from the evil villian. I didn't want him getting stung so I kicked him out of the bathroom, shut the door, and realized I trapped myself in with the evil critter. Looking for something to drop on him before I got stung, I was very thankful that I had just put a recipe book... "Friday Night Bites" in the bathroom to peruse in my spare time.

Any way with the drop of the book, the evil critter was smashed and flushed but now I am not so thrilled about walking around my house barefoot in the dark. Between the dead rat in my office closet, the centipede coming up the boy's bathroom drain, and the scorpion chasing me out of my own bathroom... What else could be lurking???