The Lord continues to speak to me

I just wanted to give an update of what has been happening in the past month or so in our neck of the woods. The Lord has been putting in my heart for sometime now the desire and call to work with teenage girls facing pregnancy crisis situations. After much prayer and discernment, the Lord has opened up the opportunities for me to work with an agency called “LifeLine”. http://www.lifelinefamilycenter.org/missionvision.htm
I have attached a link to their website, so you can visit and see for yourself what it’s all about.

I am happy to say that I have completed a two part orientation session in the beginning of the month and this week I completed a 20 hr training course for TPCS: (Teenage Pregnancy Crisis Situations). Life Line will be eventually setting up, what they call “Outpost Centers” thru out the community to allow telephone and walk-ins to take place and the people that are trained to do this type of work will be running these outpost centers 3x a week or more.

I want to thank the good Lord for moving my heart to say YES to this call of ministry and I want to give him all the Glory and Honor to be able to work for him. As I mentioned to some people last night., If I can lay my head down to rest at night knowing that I have served the Lord to the best of my ability that day - than I can close my eyes and have a good night’s rest but if not I need to ask the Lord to reveal to me where I have fallen short with him in this day and make it better tomorrow.

Thank you Lord for such an adventurous journey. There is never a dull moment in my life, while I work for the Lord. I am honored that he has in trusted me with such a vital type of ministry. For now, I will ask that you keep me and this ministry in your prayers. I will post as time passes on, what else develops from this. I will leave you with the mission statement of Life Line and their vision as well. Peace.

MISSION STATEMENT : Lifeline Family Center offers a positive alternative to abortion, giving both mother and baby hope for the future.

VISION: Lifeline Family Center is a home dedicated to saving the unborn, and providing young women in unplanned pregnancies with a comprehensive educational program in a safe secure Christian home. Our goal is to enable them to redirect their lives and become self-supporting within two years after the birth of their child. We are unique in that we are not only concerned with saving a baby from abortion, but also with saving the child from a life of poverty and neglect. We care as much about the mother as we do the child, and our program addresses the needs of both. A young woman coming to Lifeline Family Center is given the gift of hope by providing her a home, scholarship opportunities and care for her child while she pursues an education for a career. This allows her to become self-supporting. It is our hope to introduce her to, or reacquaint her, with the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.
Lifeline Family Center provides services without the assistance of governmental agencies. We strive to operate according to biblical principles in providing the highest standards of life and education for our residents. We have a parenting educational curriculum to provide assistance to teenage parents and their families.

It's Strange Isin't It?

Isn't it strange how a 20 dollar bill Seems like such a large Amount when You donate it to
church, but Such a small amount When you go shopping?

Isn't it strange how 2 hours seem so long when You're at church, and how Short they seem
when you're Watching a good movie?

Isn't it strange that you can't Find a word to say when You're praying, But you have no trouble Thinking what to talk about With a friend?

Isn't it strange how difficult And boring it is to read One chapter Of the Bible, but how easy It
is to read 100 pages of A popular novel or ZANE GREY book?

Isn't it strange how everyone Wants front-row-tickets To concerts or Games, but they do
whatever Is possible to sit at the last Row in Church?

Isn't it strange how we need to Know about an event for Church 2-3 Weeks before the day so
we can Include it in our agenda, but we can Adjust it for other events at The last minute?

Isn't it strange how difficult it Is to learn a fact about God to share it With others, but how
easy It is to learn, understand, Extend and repeat gossip?

Isn't it strange how we Believe everything That magazines and newspapers Say, but we question the words in the Bible?

Isn't it strange how everyone Wants a place in Heaven, but they don't want To believe, do, or
say anything To get there?

Just something to think about ! Have a great and blessed day.

Too cute not to share !!!

Okay - so this is the GOD HONEST TRUTH !!! If any of you are out there that read my blog and are a part of the 100 good wishes swap - HERE IS THE TRUTH. I am so behind on getting out my fabrics and wishes by the deadline, that my hubbie decided to help me out last night. We were cutting fabrics, glueing wishes, sealing envelopes, etc ...... until midnight last night.

Twenty-five swaps are being sent out first thing in the morning. I could have never ever done so many in one night without the help of my wonderful hubbie and guess what ?

I never even asked for the help. YES ! I have a good man !!!

Thanks babe - I could not have done it without you !!!! Isabella - your daddy is "The Man"

A Brand New Future

Today's Scripture

"Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; this very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you." (Zechariah 9:12)

Today's Word

Isn't it interesting that the Bible says that we should be prisoners of hope? A prisoner of hope is someone who has an attitude of faith and expectancy even when things are bad, because God has promised to restore what was lost . . . and far more. That's a great word of hope you can hold on to! It means your health, your job situation, and your finances may not be what you want them to be today, but they are all subject to change! God wants to restore these things to you — not just the way they were before — but with more so that you are better off than when you began. No matter where you are today, or what happened to you yesterday, God wants to give you a new future filled with joy, fulfillment and abundance.

A Prayer for Today

God, please give me the courage and faith to hold on to Your hope no matter what may come my way today. I claim Your promise of restoration. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Perfect Love cast out all Fear

1 John 4:18

Have you ever gone to the grocery store on an empty stomach? Your a sitting duck. You probably buy things you don't need. It doesn't matter if it's good for you or not - you just want to fill your tummy. When your lonely, you do the same in life, pulling stuff of the shelf, not because you need it but because you are hungry for love.

Why do we do it? Because we fear facing life alone? For fear of not fitting in, we take the drugs. For fear of standing out, we wear certain clothes. For fear of appearing small, we go into debt and buy the house. For fear of going unnoticed, we dress to seduce or impress. For fear of sleeping alone, we sleep with anyone. For fear of not being loved, we search for love in all the wrong places.

Just remember though, all that changes when we discover God's perfect love.
And "Perfect Love Cast out all Fears"

By Max Lucado

Don't be afraid to be different

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." (1 Peter 2:11)

Today's Word

Christians are supposed to stand out in a crowd. You should be able to tell a Christian by their actions and how they differ from the world. Rather than be part of the constantly lost flock, you should soar like an eagle higher and higher above the earth! Follow God with conviction, and you might find yourself acting much more strangely compared to earthly standards. But God will promote you to a new level of blessing and victory when you commit yourself fully to Him. Don't live a life of mediocrity and regularity, live a life of excellence for God! Don't be afraid to be different and stand out. Remember, Jesus was considered different!

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You that I am made to be different for Your sake. Give me strength to soar like an eagle and stand out in this world around me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Friday 3/16/07 in San Antonio

Even Anthony's dad got a surprise





















Anthony & his dad marking the BIG "18"





















Anthony's birthday dinner










Anthony learning the ropes at
the age of 18 "Oh My"




















Mama showing her BABY BOY some love

















Anthony and the infamous "Belly Dancer" Veronica.

Okay so those were some of the pictures from the celebration of Anthony's birthday dinner. After the dinner we went to the famous "Howl at the Moon" piano bar and that was so much fun but I am not at liberty to share those pictures. Too much evidence against me !! (hmm).

Let's go back to the day on Friday. The women's conference began at 9:00 am with praise and worship. Once the speakers began - the morning started out with "Anita Renfroe". OMG - this women is sooo funny. Let me tell you alittle about Anita -She's been described as "a triple shot of espresso in a decaf world" but there isin't a latte cup big enough to hold the party that Anita Renfroe brings. Her inventive blend of musical comedy and inspiration leave audiences with cheeks that hurt and hearts infused with humor and hope. The moment she takes the mic you can be sure that truth will arrive in Technicolor -as different as Kansas is to OZ. As a comedian, musician, author, and speaker Anita stretches each experience beyond the normal boundaries. who wants to be normal anyways? She is decidedly original, bodacious in her faith, and unashamedly REAL. "Laughter breaks down walls. It disarms people. It allows extraordinary truth to be communicated in unexpected ways, says Anita. "laughter really is the shortest distance between two hearts". Her book "purpose driven life" explores those things that could drive a person crazy if only they weren't so funny! Anita and her husband John, make their home suburban Atlanta with their semi grown children, Calvin, Austin and Elyse.

After Anita Renfroe spoke, told jokes and made every women in the Alamodome crack up, Nicole Johnson (one of the women of faith) took the stage with her talented drama. After Nicole Johnson spoke that was followed by (another women of faith) Patsy Clairmont. This was session 1.

After session 2 began around 11:00am - KJ-52 took the stage. I was not aware of who KJ-52 were but they were very talented, let me explain. "A white dude from the suburbs and inner city of FLA doing christian rap? " YEP that's pretty much how he put it. "None of that makes sense, but he says "it just proves that GOD did it". Winner of both the 2004 and 2005 Dove awards for rap/hip hop album of the year, KJ stretches the boundaries of Christian hip hop with humor and profound insights on subjects like divorce and suicides. As a boy, KJ felt isolated as the "only white kid in an all black and Cuban neighborhood". but when he moved to the suburbs "I was still just as poor" he says. He tried desperately to fit in - and failed. KJ was 15 and at the end of his rope when he finally found something to belong to. GOD used KJ's cousin, a borrowed bible, and radio preachers to bring him to a relationship with Christ. "And from that point on" he tells us, "My life has never been the same". I tell you Praise GOD for he is good all the time. KJ-52 now is touring with the younger version of women of faith called "The Revolve Tour" - The Revolve tour is a teenage girls conference between the ages of 12-18. Pretty cool !!!!

After KJ52 went off stage, then (another women of faith took the stage) The very well anointed and very talented "Thelma Wells". I will tell you more about Thelma later - after Thelma Wells went off stage then Sherri Shepherd came on - Now this women has a testimony - let me tell you alittle about her. - Sherri Shepherd was a successful standup comic, opening for the likes of Richard Pryor, Martin Lawrence, and Sinbad. But while audiences roared with laughter, Sherri Shepherd struggled with fear and anxiety. Ungodly relationships, mounting debt, homelessness and a brief stint in jail finally sent her to the only one she knew could help - Jesus Christ. What followed was a dramatic change worthy of a mde for TV movie. Her heart and career were renewed. You may have seen her in Everybody loves raymond or Less than Perfect. She was hard to miss in theatres last year, lighting up the big screen in Beauty Shop with Queen Latifah and Alicia Silverstone and the movie Guess Who with Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutcher. As Sherri says, "If you trust God, anything can be done" And her life proves it. She had a miraculous thing happen to her with her miracle baby (son) named Jeffrey. If you want me to tell you what happened with her son - let me know and I will share the story.

After Sherri spoke we had another drama skit with "Nicole Johnson" (who is now pregnant with her first child) How exciting for her !!!! We had lunch and then session 3 began. Does this seem like a long blog - imagine that day at the conference it was a very, very long day for us as well. Session 3 began with Nicole Mullen - the girl I blogged about on Thursday adventure and then followed with (another women of faith again - Luci Swindoll) I will speak about Luci later - but did you all know that Luci Swindoll is the sister of the minister Chuck Swindoll. I hear him on a local radio station - he has a great ministry. Anyhow - I need to focus - okay here we go. By this time of the day it's about 3:00pm.

We began session 4 - with praise and worship and then guess who comes on stage - the one and only "Max Lucado" Yep you got it Mr. Lucado he is a pastor based out of Texas. This man is unbelievable. Let me tell you alittle about Max Lucado - he is widely recognized as America's leading inspirational author. His uncanny ability to turn ordinary people and everyday activites into an extraordinary story about GOD and his love may explain why there are a jaw-dropping 40 million Max Lucado books in print. "I think the greatest need in people is to hear that GOD is not angry with them" Max says. "When they get to see how much GOD loves them, they stop running from him." His inimitable, compassionate delivery of that message is in part why Readers Digest named Max "The Best Preacher in America" in 2005. It's also ensured that a Max Lucado title has appeared on the Christian Book sellers Association hardcover bestseller list every month for well over a decade and placed three of his books on the New York Times bestseller list. Max serves as a pulpit Minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife Denalyn and daughters Jenna, Andrea, and Sara.

After Max left the stage - he was followed by (another women of faith) Marilyn Meberg - I will talk about her later with the rest of the women of faith and then Ms. Kathy Troccoli closed the session for Friday - Kathy Troccoli - boy what a voice this women has - Let me share about kathy - I promise this is the last one -Kathy Troccoli has said herself "everything changes" Certainly the girl who used to worry about what she might say between songs at her concerts didn't dream she's one day be known for her speaking almost as much as her music. Never did she imagine she's be the author of a best selling bible study guide "falling in Love with Jesus". As Kathy says, "God is amazing and certainly has a sense of humor." She has received the mutiple Dove awards and Grammy nominations, and has made numerous TV appearances during her twenty years in Christian and mainstream music. But what has penetrated Kathy's heart is a life changing GOD who has brought her through the loss of her parents, bulimia and depression. It has often been said that Kathy's vulnerability and authenticity on stage encourages women that GOD will also meet their deepest need. "When I hear a women say, "after today I know I'm going to make it", Kathy says it the greatest gift, her passion and honesty has made her one of the women of faitth popular guest over the years. Kathy lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

And that my friends, is the end of this blog and also the end of the conference for Friday. I hope to you it sounds like we had fun because you know what WE DID. Please get involved, join us.

Have a good night my friends, it is well past my bed time. Peace !!!!

Let there be light

"The LORD my God lightens my darkness." - Ps. 18:28

What's your forecast look like this week? What's the seven day outlook? Are you having spiritually sunny days or spiritually dark days, these days?

Something very simple but quite profound hit me in prayer recently: there are two types of darkness, God-made and manmade. Let me explain:

In the morning, my bedroom is dark, first because it is prior to sunrise but also because I have chosen to draw the shades and eliminate any trace of light from my room. God brings light to the darkness in His time, but whether or not I allow that light in, and the amount of light I allow into my life is my decision. Sometimes we go through "dark times" in our lives, moments in which we can't see or hear or feel God's light. Sometimes those dark times are because in that moment God's allowing the darkness, in time He will reveal His presence again. Those are the times of darkness that God permits - they are God made. We might grow cold or feel out of control, but God is very much in control, we just need to be patient to feel the warmth of His light, once again. Sometimes, though, we go through "dark times" in our lives, dark times that are manmade. These are a result of our decisions, actions or pride. Times such as these, of difficulty or pain, suffering or anxiety are not a result of God's plan but a result of our sin. We wind up in these kind of situations because we seek to be in control, to control "how much light we let into the room". We draw the shades to our soul, diffusing and eventually expelling God's light completely, until we are left out of control and sitting in the darkness: cold, lost and alone. Sometimes we draw the shades to our soul quickly. Other times we draw them slowly, one blind at a time until we are left spiritually blind. We reject the light because it hurts our eyes. We gravitate to the darkness over time and slowly lose all perspective of what it's like to live in the light. Again, for some people it's gradual, for others it's drastic. and for others, it's a constant spiritual struggle, to live and to stay in the light.

So, how about you? Have you drawn the shades to your soul? Are you choosing to eliminate or control the amount of sunlight that enters your inner room, the Son's light? Ponder what God has to say about this tension between light and darkness, pray with me:

"God is light and in him is no darkness at all." - 1 John 1:5

"For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness."
- 1 Thes. 5:5

"He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness still. But he who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes." - 1 John 2:9-11

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:5

"I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness." - John 12:46

Scripture, in a sense, dilates the pupils of our souls. It opens our eyes wider in times of darkness and allows in more light, helping us to see more clearly as darkness encircles us. Prayer does the same thing. One of the tools of the devil is to make you believe that your darkness is God made (the lie) instead of manmade (the truth), that way, we're left wanting to blame God for the darkness rather than ourselves. Thus, we refuse to act and we are left, stuck and trapped in the darkness.

Ask yourself this day - how bright is your life? If there is darkness, where is it coming from? If it's from God, don't worry the sun will rise soon. If it's from you, stop what you're doing, fall on your knees and rip open the shades to your soul. God is waiting to shower you with light.

Remember this "The LORD my God lightens my darkness." - Ps. 18:28

Thursday 3/15/07 in San Antonio

This day 3/15/07 we are celebrating my
girlfriends birthday Deb B.
Happy B-day Girl !!




Birthday girl and our son Anthony in the gardens of the Alamo.










Imax Theatre















Standing in line to get into "The Alamo"














Steve (Deb B.'s husband) Deb B. next to him, then there is Deb McDonald, then their is Deb McDonald's sister's in law, Maureen and Kathy and then there's our good friend Barbara, who now lives in California and then there's my mom and my hubby.


So there are some pictures of our day on Thursday in San Antonio. I will take you on the tour of our day. In the morning we woke up and had a very very expensive breakfast (too expensive for my taste) at the Westin Hotel. That was the picture in the top left hand corner.

After breakfast we headed out to the Imax theatre to meet up with the rest of our friends and see a 45 minute docudrama called "The price of Freedom" - this worked out good because it gave us a better insight as to what the Alamo actually was. Here is a good description - The price of freedom, a 45 minute docudrama about the 13th -day seige and fall of the Alamo. Does that sound boring? It's not! In the film you see the men who had the choice to surrender and live - or fight and die for the cause of freedom. Watching them struggle with that decision (and accept the inevitable outcome) gave us a new perspective on life.

After our trip to the Imax theatre - we then went and began the line to enter into "The Alamo" for those of you that don't know what "The Alamo" is - it's the most famous spot in Texas, where 189 defenders fought and died for Texas liberty on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. The chapel is one of the most photographed buildings in the nation; it and the Long Barracks are all that remain in the original fort. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers narration on the fall of the Alamo. The Alamo is located smack in the heart of the city, surrounded by beautifully landscaped peaceful garden.

We then finished up at the fort and spent some time doing alittle bit of shopping while walking back to the hotel. We got back from the hotel pretty late in the afternoon, and regrouped for dinner to celebrate my girlfriends birthday. That was fun, we sang happy birthday and shared a yummy desert among all 11 of us.

Getting to the good stuff now: Our evening session at the women of faith began at 7:00pm so we dismissed ourselves from the guys and us girls took off. We walked to the Alamodome, where the actual conference was taking place. The evening opened up with praise and worship (with the christian talented girl named) Nicole Mullen - wow is this girl talented. let me tell you alittle bit about Nicole - Nicole may have played such lofty venues in Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall, she may have 20 Grammy and Dove awards nominations to her credit, but she firmly believes that the people in the audience have just as much reason to be proud of their accomplishments as she is of her own. "We all get to do different things" she says but when we take everything else off - we take the titles off, we take the job descriptions off, we take the salaries away, - we are all everyday people that hurt, that bleed, that cry, regardless of the skin color, regardless of the title of our job" . Her latest project is called "Everyday People", but Nicole is anything but an everyday talent. However, she makes a point of prioritizing her family and her home life over her career. Nicole, her husband David (which by the way is also a fellow singer and c0-producer) and their three children live on a farm outside Nashville, Tennessee.

After Nicole's wonder opener with Praise and Worship - they welcomed all 15,000 women, speaker team introductions took place and then we continued to worship with an incredible Christian singer named "Sandi Patty".

Let me tell you alittle about Sandi Patty - July 4, 1986: the phone lines jammed at ABC News with callers demanding to know who had just performed that amazing rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" They learned what contemporary Christian music fans already knew, it was Sandi Patty. The most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian music history, Sandi is a 2004 Gospel Music Hall of fame inductee with 39 Dove awards, five grammy awards, three RIAA- certified platinum and five gold recordings. And she's more than just a pretty voice! A best selling author, Sandi follows the success of her autobiography, Broken on the Back Row, with a new book called Life in the Blender, based on her family's experiences. (Since her family is comprised of husband Don and a total of 8 kids, there's a lot of experience to draw from). Sandi lives with her big, beautiful, blended family in Indiana.

After Sandi Patty spoke her encouraging words that left everyone with teary eyes, she then introduced one of the amazing women of faith conference speakers.

Ms.Luci Swindoll and then another one of the women of faith Sheila Walsh. I will write alittle something about all the speakers of the women of faith - because I feel it's important for you all to know what this is about. Maybe I can encourage you to attend, maybe in your own neck of the woods or in other areas were the conferences may be taking place. Don't miss it ladies, it's such a treat for us women and YES you are entitled to this sort of pampering.

Needless to say our Thursday and Thursday evening was very packed. The conference closed at 9:30pm and we were all on the mountain top, ready for some more the next morning.

Stay tuned for Friday's events in San Antonio !!! Peace .

Pictures of Wednesday on our way to San Antonio

This airplane was the one we took from Ft. Myers to Miami ) yes- you guessed it. A propeller airplane, but the flight was only 30 minutes and it wasen't bad.










This is the airplane we thought we were
taking to Miami.
















This was the Welcome sign at the airport
in San Antonio, Texas
















This was my family getting into the cab on
our way to the Westin Hotel.

Wednesday night 3/14/07 in San Antonio

We left to San Antonio on Wednesday afternoon. When we finally got to San Antonio it was about 10:00pm. We flew from Ft Myers to Miami, then from Miami to Dallas, Texas and then from Dallas to San Antonio. Our last leg from Dallas to San Antonio was delayed about an hour so we did not get into San Antonio until about 10:oopm. We had been flying all day. When we got to the hotel our friends had already had dinner and were waiting for us down in the lobby. The funniest thing happened though, I called our friends once we arrived to the San Antonio airport to advised that we were getting a cab to the hotel and I asked them what they were doing. Well to my surprise, they had just finished dinner and were sipping on Margaritas from a near by bar on riverwalk. So I laughed off my friends telling them how wonderful they were for waiting for us. When we got to the Westin Hotel which is were we were staying, one of our friends greeted me with a nice cold margarita. (I tell you what are friends for). I immediately gave him a hug and said thanks for the drink. I thought that was the coolest thing ever. No one had ever greeted me with a drink in the lobby. Well not true - on our honeymoon they greeted us with drinks at the Sandals resort in Jamaica and also on the bus in Jamaica to the Sandals resort. After checking into the hotel we took our things upstairs and settled in and then joined our friends for a nice long walk down by the river. It was so so nice and YES everything you have heard about San Antonio is true, a very pretty place and it is most definitely a party place. A whole lot of bars, restaurants and attractions to keep you busy.

Us women definitely picked a good place to invite the guys to join us this year. They kept busy while we were at the women's conference. After our walk, everyone went back to their hotels and we looked forward to the next day. I will post again tommorrow about what happened on Thursday in San Antonio.

Peace, Ily

We're Home

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to give a quick update that we are back home from our San Antonio trip. We had lots of fun celebrations these pass five days, not only the celebration of our son's 18th birthday but also the birthday of our good friend Deb, also the celebration of Saint Patrick's Day and also the the celebration of the 12th year anniversary for the women of faith conference, which is the main reason why we went to San Antonio in the first place.

I have alot more to blog about but being that today was a very long traveling day, I think I'm going to save the rest of the blogging for tommorrow. But meanwhile, I will leave you with some pictures of our trip. Enjoy !!!







This is the birthday boy
and his grandma - this was
the view of the back of our hotel















Here are the two most amazing
men in my life - next to the sign
of our hotel.


















Here is part of the gang that traveled with us -
We were on our way into the "Alamo" the fort in which the mexicans battled with the Americans for this territory.

San Antonio is very well known for "The Alamo"






What can I say "Boys will Be Boys"

Happy Birthday Son

What is today?

Today is my wonderful son's birthday. Today we celebrate the life of a very special 18 yr old. The life of a little boy that God used to bring so much joy and happiness to my life. A little boy that God sent to fill the void in my heart of not being able to conceive a child. This boy has filled so much of that hole and void in my life, that words are not enough to convey the message of how special Anthony is too me.

I was 19yrs old when Anthony was conceived and I remember looking at him behind the glass of were the newborns were kept, just smiling and preparing my role as an aunt to him. Little did I know that God's plans were so much more than what I could have ever imagined, God used his biological mom to bring me a son. That day march 16. 1989, I was looking through the glass at what I thought was my newborn "nephew" but little did I know that it was my son, the one that was brought into this world by another women but given to me to raise in the image of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today, Anthony this message is for you. You have brought so much joy and happiness to my life and I thank the good Lord for giving me the responsibility of raising you to the best of my ability. You are a blessing beyond words and I thank God everyday for you and for what you have brought into my life. I am so proud of the transition you've made from a little boy to a young man. I pray for your future and I know that someday you are going to make an extraordinary husband and a great father.

Today we celebrate you and I love you sooo very much !!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!

Here we are in the airport

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to give a quick update - It's now 1:15pm, our flight takes off out of Ft Myers at 1:20pm and we are flying to Miami in a propeller airplane. We are told there are 17 rows and 66 passengers. We have never been on a propeller airplane before, so please keep us in your prayers. I will try and post again when we arrive in Miami.

Peace, Ily

Goodbye Punta Gorda hello San Antonio, Texas

Wednesday March 14, 2006 about 15 of us are off to San Antonio, Texas. The reason, well here it is:

Women of Faith - National Conference 2007

The 2007 Women of Faith National Conference is being held in San Antonio, Texas at the Alamodome. Women will experience three days of music, messages, drama, and more.

March 15, 2007: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
March 16, 2007: 9:00am - 5:00pm
March 17, 2007: 9:00am - 3:00pm

Women of Faith - National Conference 2007America’s Largest Women’s Conference Hosts Fun-Filled Weekend at Alamodome

“No”- It’s not a word that most women are comfortable saying. Women today have taken on more responsibility than ever and need creative outlets to cope with the increased stress in their lives. In fact, the American Psychological Association recently reported that women are overall more stressed than men. This is exactly what organizers of Women of Faith, North America’s largest women’s 2007 Women of Faith National Conference: event are finding out.

2007 marks the 12th year for Women of Faith conferences. This year they expect to reach more than 400,000 women at 28 events hosted across North America. The program provides a rollercoaster ride that jumps from drama, inspirational music and speakers who share stories with gut-level honesty.

On March 15-17, 2007 Women of Faith will kick off its tour with the National Conference at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. Over 20,000 women are expected in attendance making this the largest Women of Faith event in 2007. Visit www.womenoffaith.com maybe you can join our group next year.

Here is a taste of what you can find at these type of conferences: Encouragement for this week :

THE ART OF SAVORING LIFE: To experience happiness we must train ourselves to live in this moment, to savor it for what it is, not running ahead in anticipation of some future date nor lagging behind in the paralysis of the past. With wholeness and sensitivity we must live in the here and now. “But what if I don’t like the here and now?” you ask. “What if my present moment is one of disappointment or impairment or heartache? How then do I savor that moment?” Good questions. The answers reside in the first and most profound principle for the art of savoring life: Pleasure lies in the heart, not in the happenstance.

Stated by
Luci Swindoll "You Bring the Confetti"

Have a wonderful day and may the peace of the Lord be with all of you.

Why isin't God more predictable ?

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Is. 55:8-9

Do you ever wish that God would be more obvious or make life easier to understand?

It never ceases to amaze me.the minute I think I have God figured out (or, at least, His plan for me figured out), He throws me a curve ball. Every time I think I'm finally getting into a "rhythm" with God, the music changes, and I have to "let Him lead" all over again. At times it's fun, other times it's just plain frustrating. One thing is for sure, it's always interesting. Looking back, I think I've spent a better portion of my life wishing that God would be more predictable. Humility, prayer and a little bit of life-given wisdom, however, have begun to show me that "predictable" is just a simplified, human way of saying "more controllable". But God is not controllable. God is unpredictable.That is not to say that God is irrational, illogical or uncaring, far from it. Making that mistake would mean assuming that everything that God does (or allows) should make sense to our short-sighted, imperfect and limited minds. That is the worst kind of pride, though, where our ego outweighs God's identity. That is the kind of pride that allows people to doubt God's existence because they don't understand His ways.

I want a God I can't understand. If the Creator of the Universe, and all life within it, is on the same intellectual plain as I am.we have a problem.The problem is that while many of us claim to want that unpredictable life, what we really want is a life that is "unpredictable and not boring" but still within our control.But that way of thinking and living is contrary to the reality that God is creator and we are His creation. Put very simply. It's about God's will, not ours. It's about God's plan, not ours. It's about what God wants, whatever God wants.

I don't think Abraham felt like moving 1500 miles away from home, but he did.
I don't think Moses felt like taking on an empire, but he did.
I doubt Esther wanted to risk her life to save her countrymen, but she did.
I don't think Mary planned on giving birth to the Savior of humanity, but she did.
I doubt Joseph felt very worthy to raise God's son as his own, but he did.
I doubt Paul was comfortable preaching to those he had tried to kill, but he did.
Come to think of it, I don't think that anyone in the entire Bible who did anything worthy of note would claim that God was predictable or controllable. In fact, they are mentioned now, thousands of years later, precisely because they understood that God is God, and they were not.

What an important lesson to learn and to remember each day, that "God is God and you are not". It's not about us, but Christ in us.

If you find yourself in "that place" right now, where you don't know where God is leading you, or why God is allowing some of the situations in your life that He is, don't run from Jesus, lean into Him. As the mass prayers remind us, "In God we live and move and have your being". Apart from God you have nothing. And, in time (or at the end of time), you will see why He has allowed certain things or called you to do different things. One thing you can trust in is that everything God calls you into, or out of, is designed to bring you (and others) closer to Him and closer to Heaven.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Is. 55:8-9

Trust God more than yourself. Your life won't be predictable, but it will be joyful and eternal.
Peace.

Share your Love

Today's Scripture

"Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
(John 13:35)

Today's Word

If you know someone who is struggling, just put an arm around them and let them know that you care and that you have been thinking about them. To truly show them the love of God, stand next to them, pray with them and make a difference. That is the kind of life-altering love that Jesus showed as an example in the Bible. Love is a perfectly good word, so don't be afraid to use it. Jesus said that more than anything else, love will be the way that the world knows the disciples of Christ. Go visit an old friend, tell your family that you love them; or do something else for someone to express the love that you have for them.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for loving me first. Give me the strength to love others and to display that love for others to see. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Does God Speak ???

I came across this story and I thought I would post it on this blogsite. So many times in our lives we are so caught up in the busyness of our life, that we constantly pray and pray for things but don't take the time to be still and listen to God speak to us. Read the story below and let me know what you all think.

Blessings,

My Conversation with God
I had no idea what God would do when I asked him to use me. Does God still speak? I grew up hearing testimonies about it, but until October 2005, I couldn't say it had ever happened to me.

I'm a middle-aged professor of theology at a well-known Christian university. I've written award-winning books. My name is on Christianity Today's masthead. For years I've taught that God still speaks, but I couldn't testify to it personally. I can only do so now anonymously, for reasons I hope will be clear.
A year after hearing God's voice, I still can't talk or even think about my conversation with God without being overcome with emotion. That's one reason I know it was real; I'm not a person who shows emotion easily. Plus, I'm a skeptic about things supernatural. Not that I don't believe they can happen; I just doubt most miracle stories except the ones in the Bible. I've even been known to criticize publicly what I consider to be overly experiential forms of Christianity. I suppose that makes this story especially ironic.

Meeting the Twins

About five years ago, my wife and I visited an elderly and very sick man who had once been our pastor. We discovered that he and his wife lived not far from us, and we renewed our old acquaintance. During one of our first visits, the man's grandsons—14-year-old twins—came for a visit. The moment I met them, an inner voice told me that some day I would play a role in one of their lives. I brushed it off as a "brain hiccup" and thought little more of it.
During the next five years, we drew closer to that family and got to know the twins well. Gradually, one of them shared with us his call to the ministry of music.

When the twins were 17, they and their parents visited us and toured the campus where I teach. The one called to music ministry was immediately struck with the impression he was to attend this particular university and none other. Over the next year, it became clearer to us that he was very serious. As far as I could tell, it had nothing to do with the fact that I teach there; he was following an inner tug of divine guidance. But my university is expensive, and his family is of modest means. During his senior year of high school, he applied for scholarships, but the results were not encouraging. Still, his enthusiasm for studying for ministry at this university didn't flag. I felt a strong burden to help him, but contrary to popular perception, Christian university professors are not prosperous. And my book royalties had never added up to any large amounts.

The Voice

One bright and beautiful morning in October 2005, I went out alone, walking and praying. I began to cry out to God for my young friend. "Oh, God, please use me to make it possible for him to go to this university!" I don't know what I expected to happen, but I committed to letting God use me however he wanted to on this young man's behalf. The next week, I was at the same spot in my morning exercise when something amazing happened. Out of the blue, a book title came to me. It was so clever I knew two things instantly: It wasn't mine, and it would sell. Then, in almost the same instant, the entire outline of the book was there in my mind. Every chapter and its title. No discursive thought preceded it. I immediately went home and began writing. As I wrote, I had the distinct feeling that this was not me. I had never written like this before. The words poured out. Two weeks later, a 200-page manuscript sat on my desk. I knew it was good. But what to do with it? I had never before written a book without a contract. As I sat and looked at the printed pages, the name of a well-known Christian book publisher suddenly came to mind. I had never dealt with the company before, but I had met the chief editor at professional society meetings. I felt directed to contact him, even though I knew the publisher's procedure for considering book proposals and manuscripts was quite different and more complicated. I sent my acquaintance an e-mail message containing the title and the outline. A day later, I received an encouraging response; he wanted to read the manuscript. So I sent it to him. Within weeks, I had a contract; it required only a little tweaking of two or three brief portions of the manuscript. While talking to the editor assigned to this project, I discovered something astonishing. The publisher wanted to pay me a handsome royalty in advance for the book. It was approximately ten times anything I had ever received up-front before. I felt like I had won the lottery!

Later, I took another brisk walk through my neighborhood. My mind was concentrating on the financial windfall and how to use it. Coincidentally, the estimated cost of my house's much-needed roof replacement was the same as the royalty advance paid by my new publisher. The answer seemed clear—a new roof. Then God spoke: "It's not your money." Those were the first words of a conversation that lasted on and off for several days. Knowing instantly it wasn't a "brain hiccup" but something more real and serious, I asked, "What do you mean it's not my money?" My tone was resentful and defensive.
"It's not your money. It's his." The voice inside my head was as real as if it were audible. I knew with terrifying certainty it wasn't my imagination, because I didn't want to hear it.
"Whose?" I asked. The voice named the young man for whom I had been praying only a few weeks earlier. "It's for him to go to the university and study for the ministry.""All of it?" "That and the rest." I knew "the rest" meant any further royalties the book might earn after it was published. Absolutely flabbergasted, I raised my fist in the air and asked aloud, "What about my roof?" The voice said, "I'll take care of your roof, if you'll be obedient." Then I said, "If you want to use me to help him go to the university, why not give me everything it will cost? Why this amount that will make a difference but not pay his whole way?"
"Others have to be obedient, too," I heard in reply.

When I arrived home, I shared the conversation with my wife, who had been looking forward to a roof that wouldn't leak. I couldn't talk about it without sobbing almost uncontrollably. I was shaking with emotion. Nothing like this had ever happened to me before. My wife is more spiritual than I am. She immediately agreed; we would wait for a new roof.Confirming the Call
Over the next few months, I sent letters and e-mails and made phone calls about my young friend and his financial needs. I felt driven and couldn't stop talking about him. Because the university's deadline for need-based financial aid had passed without him or his parents applying, it looked like he would have to live with us to save money. But this would violate campus policy for first-year students, who are required to live in dorms. I sent an e-mail to the dean of student development, almost begging him to make an exception.

A couple weeks later, I received an e-mail back from the dean, saying the university was awarding him a very large scholarship that would more than cover his room and board. Soon a foundation kicked in $2,000. Then two more scholarships came. It became apparent that God was working miracles through several people. During this time, I wondered whether I should tell my young friend anything. Something inside urged me to. One early afternoon in April, I drove to his house and took him out for dinner. We talked about the call to ministry and the commitment it requires. I was convinced again that he was truly called and destined to be used by God in great ways. So I shared with him my conversation with God and told him the source of the funds that would make it possible for him to attend my university; I explained the origin of the book and the role it would play in his education. Clearly this was something he had needed to hear; he became choked up as he shared with me his own struggles and doubts. Others in his church youth group had received prophetic messages about their future ministries, but he had not. My story confirmed his call.

Today, my young friend is living in a residence hall and taking courses, including courses in preparation for music ministry. 'To Be Used of God …'Does God still speak today? I know he does.

So what does all this mean?

I'm a theologian, and I should know. But I can't spin out a fancy theological formula for God's guidance and provision. What I know is that God spoke to me and used a gift he had already given me to provide for a young man being called into his service. It all started when I said, "God, please use me!"

I wonder how many times I've passed up an opportunity to be used in such a way. I'm reminded of an old "camp chorus" from the 1960s: "To be used of God to speak, to sing, to pray. To be used of God to show someone the way. I want so much to feel the touch of his consuming fire. To be used of God is my desire." I used to sing those words with passion as a teenager, but I was never sure God answered my sung prayer. All it took was a specific need and a specific plea combined with the determination to be obedient. I don't know if it always works that way, but it did this time for me and my young friend.

So what has this done for me? Probably more than for the young man bound for ministry. We now have a new roof, for one thing, which came under circumstances that can only be described as oddly providential—but that's another story. More importantly, my faith in a living, personal, loving, and providing God has been renewed and deepened.
Now I know, more than intellectually, that God still speaks.

Open your heart

Today's Scripture

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29)

Today's Word

Compassion is simply feeling what others feel, and then letting them know that you care about them by the loving way you treat them. It sounds easy enough, but it's usually harder to practice compassion than it is to talk about it. But through Christ, you are more than capable of being a compassionate person each day. All that you have to do is be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit, and follow directions when He prompts you to act towards someone in need. You have that "small voice" inside of you that tells you what you should do. Just listen to it! When you understand what people are going through, then you can understand their needs.

A Prayer for Today

God, I know that I have the ability to be caring and compassionate. Give me understanding and leading so that I can make a difference in other people's lives. In Jesus' Name. Amen

A day with Kai

Kai - after a long and busy day with his Ayi






Kai talking to his Mama

Well as proud as I am about all of my nieces and nephews, I must tell you all about my day with my little Kai Kai. This little guy is so cool, I love spending my days and nights with him. He brings light to my life and joy to my heart. My sister and hubby went away for the weekend and left my mom and I the kids. Well, I promised Kai that I would take him to the park today Friday and so with that I have attached the following pictures of this little guy having fun at the park. We had a really nice day together and I thank the Lord for this precious gift that he has given our family.

Kai - I pray that someday when you get older you see all the happiness that you've brought into my life. I love you Kai Kai.

Where do we go from here ????

Although our retreat weekend was much needed and very intense--it HAD to come to an END!!! WHY??

Because emotionally, as human beings , we cannot live at such a level of intensity for very long. We have to get on with the business of daily living, of growing up and maturing, of reaching out and helping others. In fact, the purpose of a retreat is simply to help us to do a better job of living our daily lives, and of facing the week after retreat and the week after that...

God's power is available to you right now! Read what God's word says in Colossians 1:10-12

"So that you will walk in a manner that is worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light."

WOW Lord--you mean little me...??!!

What God is saying to us, His children is this... Oh, if you only knew what power you can access thru Me and what strength and might are available to you if you'd only ask. But so often you don't ask. You forget, you're afraid, you think you're undeserving. You may even doubt My willingness to help. But I want you to know that My power, My might, My strength, is there for you when you need it. Power to help you face your problems and overcome them. Power to love beyond your human limitations. Power to do what is right, even when you must stand alone. Power to be all that I have called you to be. I know you have needs. I know about your weaknesses. I know that you can't overcome all the obstacles in your life without My help. That's why I have made my own power and might available to you. So, when you feel weak call on Me, and I will add my strength to yours. When you feel powerless, come to me and I will empower you to overcome any obstacle. When you feel outnumbered, count on Me, and I, Almighty God, will stand beside you. Just ask. It's that simple.

In Power and Might,
The ALMIGHTY GOD