It's time for my monthly update. So here's some random tidbits from the past few weeks...
I'll have to make it quick though b/c my battery is going to die.
1. Wedding planning is coming along, but just when I think I'm done I think of something else. All the big things except the invitations are done.
2. I ate way too much food this weekend. Cottage ham, potatoes, and string beans on Friday (mmmm), 2 trips to Starbucks, 1 to McDonald's, 1 to Dewey's, and 1 to Maggiano's (Ben had to taste it to see if it was okay for the rehearsal dinner). Oh man. I need to workout, but it sure was tasty going down.
3. I'm still not done with my Christmas shopping. :(
4. I forgot eyeliner while I was out this weekend, even though I passed dozens of stores where I could have purchased it. Bummer.
5. I was sick over Thanksgiving. That wasn't too fun, but I don't really like turkey anyway.
6. Haven't had time to make Christmas cookies yet, but I think I have it planned for a day soon. Yummy.
7. I'm realizing more and more that time is so precious and valuable and that I'm too busy. I need to set better boundaries.
8. "Ms. Horgan, your hair is wild."-one of my fourth grade students as my hair was blowing on the way back from the Aronoff Center
9. I'm watching the second Narnia and it's way better than staring at this computer screen, so I'm out.
Merry Christmas and to all a good night.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Venting with a cherry on top
Yep, it's been over a month. I had to think pretty hard about what my password was. Last night was the first free night I had to myself in about two months. It's terrible that I have become this busy, so the night off to do whatever I want was much welcomed and needed. I've been thinking about shutting this thing down because I really don't have too many things to ramble on about, but alas I'm typing today. It might turn more into a rant, but I'm going to try and keep it civil.
The last several weeks have been REALLY hard. My spirit has been grieving for weeks now by the things that I watch go on around me and while I pray and try to let them go, it seems something is always popping up to remind me. Don't get me wrong, I've still had joyful moments, but I can't put my finger on what God is doing with me. Here's my biggest beef about it all: I can't stand laziness and I can't stand non-authentic Christianity.
We've had some extremely nasty e-mails go around at work that have been both untrue and hurtful. What bothers me most is that people who call themselves Christians are certainly not acting like Christians. What's more is that they are totally unopen to having a conversation where they have to listen. I'm also really tired of hearing Christians make excuses for the way they vote/voted this past week. The Church has got to grow up and take a stand and quit being worried about offending people. The gospel is offensive and the only way this nation is going to change is if the Church takes her place.
Laziness. Can't stand it. I'm so tired of people being lazy and looking for handouts. It's an epidemic in kids today, they always want to know what they're going to get out of it and if there is no reward they often don't want to do anything. I've seen it in a lot of Christian leaders though too lately. And once again, people don't confront it in a Christian way, which just adds to the Church's problem of not being authentic. If we're not going to teach people by example of what it means to be a Christian, how do we expect anyone else to implement it?
Now, I'm not saying we should go around pointing out everyone's faults, but for Heaven's sake let's be real. Honoring, but real.
I feel slightly better.
This was excellent the other day though. Yep, count 'em...7 cherries. I didn't even ask for extra cherries, the person at UDF just knew I needed them.
The last several weeks have been REALLY hard. My spirit has been grieving for weeks now by the things that I watch go on around me and while I pray and try to let them go, it seems something is always popping up to remind me. Don't get me wrong, I've still had joyful moments, but I can't put my finger on what God is doing with me. Here's my biggest beef about it all: I can't stand laziness and I can't stand non-authentic Christianity.
We've had some extremely nasty e-mails go around at work that have been both untrue and hurtful. What bothers me most is that people who call themselves Christians are certainly not acting like Christians. What's more is that they are totally unopen to having a conversation where they have to listen. I'm also really tired of hearing Christians make excuses for the way they vote/voted this past week. The Church has got to grow up and take a stand and quit being worried about offending people. The gospel is offensive and the only way this nation is going to change is if the Church takes her place.
Laziness. Can't stand it. I'm so tired of people being lazy and looking for handouts. It's an epidemic in kids today, they always want to know what they're going to get out of it and if there is no reward they often don't want to do anything. I've seen it in a lot of Christian leaders though too lately. And once again, people don't confront it in a Christian way, which just adds to the Church's problem of not being authentic. If we're not going to teach people by example of what it means to be a Christian, how do we expect anyone else to implement it?
Now, I'm not saying we should go around pointing out everyone's faults, but for Heaven's sake let's be real. Honoring, but real.
This was excellent the other day though. Yep, count 'em...7 cherries. I didn't even ask for extra cherries, the person at UDF just knew I needed them.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Random update
I haven't posted in forever, I know. Someone, who will not be named, just reminded me. In my defense I've been ill all week. Someone else also told me my blog was boring, which I admit it is sometimes. Isn't the whole purpose of a blog just to ramble on about silly things though? yes. Maybe someday when I have kids I'll have a cooler blog. It seems like all the cool blogs have kid stories. Oh well. I could tell kid stories from school such as when my kids saw me for the first time with my hair down and said, "Dang Ms. Horgan, you look better with your hair down." But see, that's the end of the story.
Dad and lilly buddy also are champions again of their triathalon division. He's all happy right now singing "We are the Champions." Geez. :p
Dad and lilly buddy also are champions again of their triathalon division. He's all happy right now singing "We are the Champions." Geez. :p
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wedding Poll
Hello peeps. I'm taking a poll on a wedding question. We may have an unbalanced wedding party, so what have you seen at weddings? Do uneven parties just have the ladies walk down by themselves? Do they share a groomsmen? What goes on? Thanks for answering. :)
Friday, September 5, 2008
Men should not work here
I was deeply disturbed last night. I finally got to go shopping with my sister and mom since I now have a small paycheck. I can't go crazy, but it felt good to buy a new pair of shoes even if they were clearance. Although unless I was a millionaire, I don't think the thrill of finding a good deal will ever fade. Anyway, back to the disturbed part. We all headed into Victoria's Secret because we had coupons. Coupons to that store is heaven because it's expensive, but they are the best. So, we pick up what we need and start heading for the register. And then, we see it...a male species working behind the counter. WHAT? I'm all for equal rights and everything, but come on, men should not be working at VS. It's really not logical for one thing. They're going to have to schedule an extra person when he's on the floor because I would hope they don't allow him to assist ladies in the dressing room. I mean hello? It's just wrong.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Fireworks
I know, I know. It's been forever since I've posted something. My first excuse is that I got a new job and it has taken me a while to reorganize my schedule. My second excuse is that I'm not sure what to write about most of the time. When I started this it was to keep people informed of my escapades in California. It was a good way for me to stay in touch with people. Now that I'm home I see people in person and I most of the time feel I have nothing cool to talk about. But alas, I can't escape the need to blog every once in a while, so here are some pics from yesterday's Riverfest. Oh how I love fireworks. Nobody does it like WEBN in Cincinnati on Labor Day either. It's truly an experience. And although we ended up having some people behind us who were smoking pot and being extremely obnoxious we all managed to enjoy the fireworks. Dad and I were scoping them out in case we had to take them out. We were on a hill so Dad said we would have just had to roll them down it. LOVE WINS. Hehe. Anyway...
Kelly's big mouth. :)
Inside Newport on the Levee waiting for a table at Dewey's.
I dared Dad to do some push ups while we were waiting.
He's a geek and closed his eyes, so here's the retake. Not very good form, but we'll give him points for being a sport. :)
Mmmmm. Dewey's Pizza. We carried out because they were so crowded. It's not quite the same without the red cream soda though.
Cheese.
Gorgeous sunset before the show.
Look at all the orbs in the sky. So cool. That little bright puff is a firework, not an orb.
They had some people parachute in with fireworks. That was different.
Self-portrait, about the 4th one that finally wasn't blurry.
Kelly's big mouth. :)
Inside Newport on the Levee waiting for a table at Dewey's.
I dared Dad to do some push ups while we were waiting.
He's a geek and closed his eyes, so here's the retake. Not very good form, but we'll give him points for being a sport. :)
Mmmmm. Dewey's Pizza. We carried out because they were so crowded. It's not quite the same without the red cream soda though.
Cheese.
Gorgeous sunset before the show.
Look at all the orbs in the sky. So cool. That little bright puff is a firework, not an orb.
They had some people parachute in with fireworks. That was different.
Self-portrait, about the 4th one that finally wasn't blurry.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Bird Poop and Cute Elderly Couples
It's been a good, busy week. I've had several lunch dates with people and some good times outside. (If you haven't been outside in the last week, you should make it a priority. It's been GORGEOUS.)
Monday I went to the zoo with some kids I used to babysit. They're not so little anymore though. The oldest is going into 7th grade, which made me feel old. I've watched her since she was an itty bitty newborn. Anyway, after eating some Skyline we went to the zoo. It was the perfect day, not too hot. We were walking around, the kids were reading their maps and having a great time. And then it happened. The first time in my life ever. A bird pooped on me. Now, it couldn't have hit my shirt or my shoe or anything. Nope. Had to hit me in the face. Right in my eye. It was really gross. I didn't freak out or anything, but I was seriously squirming on the inside. Even after I had gotten home and showered just thinking about it made me squirm. Thankfully, most of it landed on my sunglasses, but I did have to wipe some from underneath my eye. After getting cleaned up and walking around a few more exhibits (probably about 20 minutes worth) the five year old looks up at me and says, "You still have poop on your face." Great. For the past 20 minutes I had still been walking with poop crusted up in my eyebrow and he was the only one nice enough to tell me. Yuck. Other than that it was perfect and the giraffes are amazing.
Today I was walking down at Fernbank and there were lots of people picnic-ing. It was a great day for it yet again. Some people brown bagged it, while others drove through the local McDonalds. There were lots of older couples enjoying lunch together and they just looked so content and happy with each other. By the river, there was a couple just relaxing in the shade in those old lawn chairs that are latched together with the extremely uncomfortable plastic/tweed material that always leaves horrible imprints on the back of your legs. They've probably had the chairs for the last 40 years but, they were content. I'm not explaining the feeling I felt looking at them very well, but it was good.
Monday I went to the zoo with some kids I used to babysit. They're not so little anymore though. The oldest is going into 7th grade, which made me feel old. I've watched her since she was an itty bitty newborn. Anyway, after eating some Skyline we went to the zoo. It was the perfect day, not too hot. We were walking around, the kids were reading their maps and having a great time. And then it happened. The first time in my life ever. A bird pooped on me. Now, it couldn't have hit my shirt or my shoe or anything. Nope. Had to hit me in the face. Right in my eye. It was really gross. I didn't freak out or anything, but I was seriously squirming on the inside. Even after I had gotten home and showered just thinking about it made me squirm. Thankfully, most of it landed on my sunglasses, but I did have to wipe some from underneath my eye. After getting cleaned up and walking around a few more exhibits (probably about 20 minutes worth) the five year old looks up at me and says, "You still have poop on your face." Great. For the past 20 minutes I had still been walking with poop crusted up in my eyebrow and he was the only one nice enough to tell me. Yuck. Other than that it was perfect and the giraffes are amazing.
Today I was walking down at Fernbank and there were lots of people picnic-ing. It was a great day for it yet again. Some people brown bagged it, while others drove through the local McDonalds. There were lots of older couples enjoying lunch together and they just looked so content and happy with each other. By the river, there was a couple just relaxing in the shade in those old lawn chairs that are latched together with the extremely uncomfortable plastic/tweed material that always leaves horrible imprints on the back of your legs. They've probably had the chairs for the last 40 years but, they were content. I'm not explaining the feeling I felt looking at them very well, but it was good.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Monopoly
I played Monopoly the other day for the first time in years and I literally mean years. It was beautiful. I landed on Free Parking 7 times...if only I could collect this much money in real life. :p I also had the only monopoly on properties (I didn't even know this was a rule) so I put some hotels on those puppies and cleaned out the competition. And, I got into a really hard laughing fit at one point and I haven't laughed that hard in a while. Laughter is good for you, it justs makes everything better.
I also made a visit to King's Island over the past weekend. I was a little sad that the Racer doesn't go backwards anymore and at how rough it has gotten (or perhaps how old I have). However, Firehawk, the new rollarcoaster completely redeemed my sadness about the Racer. Good ride. As for the waterpark, they need to do something about all that concrete, it seriously hurts your feet and I've got pretty tough feet.
I don't know what happened to the weather today. Last I heard it was supposed to be 95 and sunny. Pool day. Then I wake up and it's storming. Guess I should do more job hunting. It looks like teaching is out for this year, no one wants me. :p
I also made a visit to King's Island over the past weekend. I was a little sad that the Racer doesn't go backwards anymore and at how rough it has gotten (or perhaps how old I have). However, Firehawk, the new rollarcoaster completely redeemed my sadness about the Racer. Good ride. As for the waterpark, they need to do something about all that concrete, it seriously hurts your feet and I've got pretty tough feet.
I don't know what happened to the weather today. Last I heard it was supposed to be 95 and sunny. Pool day. Then I wake up and it's storming. Guess I should do more job hunting. It looks like teaching is out for this year, no one wants me. :p
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Christmas in July
July has been extremely good.
Reason #1: will not be disclosed. I know this defeats the purpose of making this reason number one, but one can't start a list of reasons with reason #2.
Reason #2: We went to Florida, which I've already blogged about. It was relaxing.
Reason #3: It seems like there may be a job opportunity brewing, but I'm not getting my hopes up.
Reason #4: I just downloaded Bethel's Live Worship CD. It's like Christmas. I think someone even shouts something about Christmas. Hehe. Check it out here.
Reason #1: will not be disclosed. I know this defeats the purpose of making this reason number one, but one can't start a list of reasons with reason #2.
Reason #2: We went to Florida, which I've already blogged about. It was relaxing.
Reason #3: It seems like there may be a job opportunity brewing, but I'm not getting my hopes up.
Reason #4: I just downloaded Bethel's Live Worship CD. It's like Christmas. I think someone even shouts something about Christmas. Hehe. Check it out here.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Pet Peeve #7
So I was on my way to a table at Olive Garden last night and I discovered another pet peeve. What is it you ask? I'll tell you. I can't stand this new small talk that restaurants are making their hostesses initiate. Like they really even care if I'm enjoying the weather. Not to mention, I'm sure they rattle off the same 3 or 4 questions to every customer. It's lame. Half the time I'm trying to talk to whoever I'm with. Seriously, I'm not offended if you don't talk to me. Just smile, take me to my seat, and give me a menu. That's more than enough.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
true clip-its
We're back home now. Vacation was good, nice and relaxing. Not much to update about. I've been busy since I've been back...again. Summer needs to slow down.
Finally checked Claddagh's off my list, monte cristo sandwich...mmmm...
Also finished my ironing that's been sitting in my closet since I got home in June.
Now it's onto some administrative tasks that need to get done today.
Finally checked Claddagh's off my list, monte cristo sandwich...mmmm...
Also finished my ironing that's been sitting in my closet since I got home in June.
Now it's onto some administrative tasks that need to get done today.
Monday, July 7, 2008
It's been a good July thus far
It's been a while since my previous post...my apologies to all of my loyal fans. :)
July has been a good month so far, let's hope this trend continues. We had some family in from out of town for the 4th and it was really fun catching up with them. I also had a lot of fun with worship this weekend at church and then teaching Sunday night at C-HOP. I just felt so alive. It was exhausting doing all of this in the same weekend, but I made it.
The fam left for Florida this morning at 3am. Yeah, that was early. We arrived here at Treasure Island around 12 after getting the rental car and stopping for some Dunkin' Donuts. :) We walked on the beach and then went to the pool which was super warm. After getting over the initial disgust of the dreaded swim suit, it was nice to just hang out and not do anything.
After dinner we ran to the grocery and when we came out there was the most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen in my life. It was so BRIGHT. I only had my stupid cell phone camera with me, so the picture isn't worth much, so you'll have to take my word for it. Then when we got back to the condo, there were dolphins really close to the shore that we could see from our balcony. God has certainly blessed and refreshed us today with His goodness.
We'll be hanging out at the beach and probably checking out the Lakeland Revival tomorrow...stay tuned for details. :)
July has been a good month so far, let's hope this trend continues. We had some family in from out of town for the 4th and it was really fun catching up with them. I also had a lot of fun with worship this weekend at church and then teaching Sunday night at C-HOP. I just felt so alive. It was exhausting doing all of this in the same weekend, but I made it.
The fam left for Florida this morning at 3am. Yeah, that was early. We arrived here at Treasure Island around 12 after getting the rental car and stopping for some Dunkin' Donuts. :) We walked on the beach and then went to the pool which was super warm. After getting over the initial disgust of the dreaded swim suit, it was nice to just hang out and not do anything.
After dinner we ran to the grocery and when we came out there was the most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen in my life. It was so BRIGHT. I only had my stupid cell phone camera with me, so the picture isn't worth much, so you'll have to take my word for it. Then when we got back to the condo, there were dolphins really close to the shore that we could see from our balcony. God has certainly blessed and refreshed us today with His goodness.
We'll be hanging out at the beach and probably checking out the Lakeland Revival tomorrow...stay tuned for details. :)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Laundry Boycott
I don't want to see or smell any laundry for a long time. The truck came and all my clothing smelled musty so I had to wash it all plus all the sheets and blankets that were covering stuff. I know, some of you have families and do laundry like this all the time. But, when I go from three loads a week to 7 loads in one day, it's painful. I do have a small pile of things to iron, but other than that everything is moved in and pretty much done. My table has a slight crack in it, but everything else made it okay.
I have nothing else exciting to say at the moment. I don't think I've adjusted. I still don't feel like doing much. I'm waiting to hear on a job, but I don't like to think about that either. :)
Food update: I have experience UDF once again. Thank you Jesus. We're gonna have some Papa John's tomorrow. Oh yeah. Melanie-don't feel un-West-sideish. Claddagh's is not really a west side thing-I ventured out. It's an Irish Pub kind of restaurant and there's one at Newport and out by Fields Ertel. They have the best Monte Cristo sandwich, oh I'm salivating just thinking about it. They also have a really cool atmosphere inside their restaurants.
I have nothing else exciting to say at the moment. I don't think I've adjusted. I still don't feel like doing much. I'm waiting to hear on a job, but I don't like to think about that either. :)
Food update: I have experience UDF once again. Thank you Jesus. We're gonna have some Papa John's tomorrow. Oh yeah. Melanie-don't feel un-West-sideish. Claddagh's is not really a west side thing-I ventured out. It's an Irish Pub kind of restaurant and there's one at Newport and out by Fields Ertel. They have the best Monte Cristo sandwich, oh I'm salivating just thinking about it. They also have a really cool atmosphere inside their restaurants.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Checklist
Dunkin' Donuts: check
O'Charley's : check
Skyline: check
Zip Dip: check
Still to go...
Papa John's
UDF
Claddaghs
Just sitting here waiting for the truck to come...
O'Charley's : check
Skyline: check
Zip Dip: check
Still to go...
Papa John's
UDF
Claddaghs
Just sitting here waiting for the truck to come...
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
I'm Back
I arrived in the 'nati yesterday morning about 1am. It was a looonnng drive, but very worth it. It felt/feels absolutely wonderful to be home, especially on the nice plush, fluffy carpet. Apartment carpet is not very fun. I will admit there were a few moments of panic on the way home that went a little something like "Oh my God, am I doing the right thing coming home and not going to second year? What if I'm not? I can't drive all the way back out there in August. I don't really have money, but if I'm supposed to be there, God will provide," and on and on. By the Indiana border though that had stopped, thankfully, (I was wearing myself out). Below are a few pictures from the 'ol cell phone. I have some more scenic pictures on my camera, but I don't know where my USB cable is at the moment. I also need to decide what to call this blog now...
Our lovely packing job on the ABF truck. Let's hope it all arrives looking exactly the same.
Mmmmm. Sonic.
Breakfast at champions a la Holiday Inn.
Dad trying to be funny and once again feeding his face. Hey, this is what you get after 20 something hours in the car together with 10 more hours to go.
Our lovely packing job on the ABF truck. Let's hope it all arrives looking exactly the same.
Mmmmm. Sonic.
Breakfast at champions a la Holiday Inn.
Dad trying to be funny and once again feeding his face. Hey, this is what you get after 20 something hours in the car together with 10 more hours to go.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Dangit.
I was rinsing the conditioner out of my hair and just about ready to get out of the shower when I remembered the only two towels I hadn't packed were in the laundry. Not only were they in the laundry, but they were in the washer. Couldn't even have a nice fluffy, warm towel. So, I had to dry off with a little wash cloth. The joys of packing.
Speaking of packing, I hate moving. Everything is in boxes and stacked. I hate clutter. Only 2.5 more days until departure...
Speaking of packing, I hate moving. Everything is in boxes and stacked. I hate clutter. Only 2.5 more days until departure...
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Bodies
I went on a field trip today with my preschoolers. After they got on the bus I stuck around the little museum place to see the Bodies Exhibit. I have to say overall I was disappointed. It was shorter than I thought it was going to be. There was a lot of reading too which I expected, but I guess I was a little sleepy from counting heads all morning that I really had to concentrate harder than usual on what I was reading. The dyed blood vessels and the baby section were my favorite. Don't get me wrong, it was amazing to think how God crafted all the different systems of our bodies, but the exhibit was just shorter than I thought it would be.
In other news, I feel like I'm running out of things to write about. Sad for me. Oh well, I'm sure the drive home with Dad will produce some material. Down to 6 more days in Cali.
In other news, I feel like I'm running out of things to write about. Sad for me. Oh well, I'm sure the drive home with Dad will produce some material. Down to 6 more days in Cali.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Mayday Jesus
The Redding Newspaper has a section on their website labeled "Strange News". I found this article there. Doesn't sound strange to me, sounds like a normal day in the Kingdom. :)
And the winners are...
Jillian and Fin gave me these mugs for my birthday with a bunch of yummy tea. Don't these just make you smile? I smile not only because they're incredibly cute, but also because they make me think of Jilly and Fin. And props to them for getting a fabulous gift simply by remembering my favorite animal and the fact that I love tea. Very creative and unexpected. Love you guys.
My other favorite is my new ear phones. I was a little scared when I saw the skull (just looks like a little alien blob thanks to my phone camera) on the side of the ear bud, so I read some reviews before I opened the package. After reading some good reviews I decided to try out the "skullcandy" product...they are fabulous. Quite comfy and amazing sound. I'm listening to Narnia:Prince Caspian soundtrack right now...such good music. (Good movie by the way too, saw it yesterday.) Thanks for doing the hunt, Dad, and to Mom who most assuredly did the shopping. :D
Thanks for all the birthday voicemails as well. :)
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Perfect Ending to the New Beginning
I have officially graduated Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. It's so bittersweet. I started off the night discovering that I had an aisle seat. Why? Because Jesus loves me. We had a super short time of worship, 20 minutes, which is so unusual for Bethel, but we had 600 graduates to get through plus speeches. There were some personal favorite songs sung (Light of Your Face-Misty Edwards, one of Brian's new songs This is What Heaven Look Like or something like that, Oh Happy Day), but the atmosphere was so electric with the Holy Spirit that it probably wouldn't have mattered what songs we sang. When it finally came time to walk across the stage I was overflowing with joy and gratitude at what Jesus allowed me to do this year. It was such an amazing opportunity. Thankfully they pronounced my name correctly and said I was from Cincinnati, not Cleves. Thank you Jesus. My favorite bible teacher handed me my diploma and then I got to hug Kris Vallotton and Beni & Bill Johnson. Mark Brookes and Bernie Ooley also were giving out hugs at the bottom of the steps. You may be thinking that I have some new found love of hugs and while that is not necessarily the case, it was amazing to be that close to kings and queens, mommas and papas, and forerunners in the Kingdom.
The evening was rounded off with a beautiful full moon and a delicious bowl of ice cream with my best buddies Jillian and Fin. It was pretty perfect. And now, I must go to bed because I still have to go to work in the morning. ;)
The evening was rounded off with a beautiful full moon and a delicious bowl of ice cream with my best buddies Jillian and Fin. It was pretty perfect. And now, I must go to bed because I still have to go to work in the morning. ;)
Monday, May 12, 2008
I'm coming for you Dunkin'
Less than a month until I get to taste the best donuts on the planet again.
No problem mon
My car is fine. Turns out a bolt from the A/C was loose; apparently it was not tightened enough the last time they worked on it. Thank you Jesus.
This may be the shortest post ever, but I have nothing else to say. :D
This may be the shortest post ever, but I have nothing else to say. :D
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Car Woes
Had to take my vehicle to the Honda dealer AGAIN. This is getting old. I love my car, feel fabulous in it, all that good stuff, but I've never heard of such a young Honda needing so many repairs. Since I have arrived in California I've had to replace the water pump, rear differential, and the complete air conditioning unit. To Honda's credit, they have been wonderful about giving me a break on the cost of repairs, but geez louise, give me a break. I have no idea what's wrong with it now, but I hate not having a car. Yesterday when I put it in reverse, it made this awful grinding and then a clunk noise. When I put it in drive it was fine, but a few minutes down the road it started vibrating horribly and then grinding when I accelerated. Today when I started it I thought the engine was going to drop out it because it was so loud and shaky. I made it to Honda, wrote them a little love note, and walked home.
The walk home was good. It was a gorgeous morning and I walked across a bridge over the river. I'm really going to miss the river and the scenery here. Everything is kind of centrally located around the river, so I'm by it a lot. I stopped and got a Starbucks on the way home and the lady asked me if I was a mom. (I guess I looked old today or something.) I politely said no although I can't wait to be one and she said, "Oh not yet anyway." That's right, thank you very much, I'll take that for myself.
I missed church this morning, but apparently it turned into a healing meeting again. Bill was praying for people and then Danny Silk got up on stage and was completely drunk. Even though I only have a few weeks left at Bethel, I enjoyed my walk this morning and don't really feel guilty about missing church. :)
I did some packing today. I was supposed to save that for when school is done and I have nothing to do in the afternoons, but I was bored today, so I got it done. 26 more days until departure...
The walk home was good. It was a gorgeous morning and I walked across a bridge over the river. I'm really going to miss the river and the scenery here. Everything is kind of centrally located around the river, so I'm by it a lot. I stopped and got a Starbucks on the way home and the lady asked me if I was a mom. (I guess I looked old today or something.) I politely said no although I can't wait to be one and she said, "Oh not yet anyway." That's right, thank you very much, I'll take that for myself.
I missed church this morning, but apparently it turned into a healing meeting again. Bill was praying for people and then Danny Silk got up on stage and was completely drunk. Even though I only have a few weeks left at Bethel, I enjoyed my walk this morning and don't really feel guilty about missing church. :)
I did some packing today. I was supposed to save that for when school is done and I have nothing to do in the afternoons, but I was bored today, so I got it done. 26 more days until departure...
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Relevant
Well da boyz have gone back to Cincinnati and I'm left here to wrap up my year. I know I've said it a thousand times, but I can't wait to get back home!
I heard an amazing speaker yesterday at school, Mario Murillo. Very dynamic, in your face, this is my opinion speaker. Just the way I like it. He was talking about relevance and it was sooooooo good. I can't stand it when churches water everything down to be relevant to a certain people or age group. What we possess in the Kingdom of God is so amazing that we should just be who we are. Raw power and the love of God will draw people in. People don't need another seeker friendly church where they can here an uplifting message about how great we are or a message about how wrong they are and they better repent or they're going straight to hell. People need authenticity, love, and people who can back up what they preach. People need an ENCOUNTER with the love and power of Jesus. Being in tune with the Holy Spirit is relevant because He'll tell you what to do and what to say to people to be relevant.
Such good stuff. Can't wait to download it and listen to it again.
I heard an amazing speaker yesterday at school, Mario Murillo. Very dynamic, in your face, this is my opinion speaker. Just the way I like it. He was talking about relevance and it was sooooooo good. I can't stand it when churches water everything down to be relevant to a certain people or age group. What we possess in the Kingdom of God is so amazing that we should just be who we are. Raw power and the love of God will draw people in. People don't need another seeker friendly church where they can here an uplifting message about how great we are or a message about how wrong they are and they better repent or they're going straight to hell. People need authenticity, love, and people who can back up what they preach. People need an ENCOUNTER with the love and power of Jesus. Being in tune with the Holy Spirit is relevant because He'll tell you what to do and what to say to people to be relevant.
Such good stuff. Can't wait to download it and listen to it again.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Stuff you prolly already knew
I thought maybe I should blog before another week passes by.
Jon and Don are here! It's great to have some of my favorite people from home, here in Redding. I think they're enjoying their experience at Bethel (for the Pastor's Leaders Advance Conference), but I'm sure they are being filled with more than they realize right now. I can't even comprehend everything I've gained in the last nine months, but I'm doing my best to wrap my mind around it. I only wish I had more time to hang out with my amigos while they're here, but exactly one month from today I'll start the trek home to Cincy. Now that is something to get excited about. Yet another person at Bethel asked me what I would be doing once I got home, but the answer is still the same, "I have no idea (with a bit of a nervous laugh)". However, it's all good and I'll just carry the Kingdom wherever I go. :D
My preschoolers are so stinkin' cute. It's going to be ridiculously hard to say goodbye at the end of the year. I wish I could find a job like this back home until I get my dream job. :D
Nothing else is really shaking, so over and out.
Just kidding. I totally forget to post (I think) that I saw river otters at the river the other day. It was AMAZING! I know, easily amused, but they were so cute. Now, I'm done for real.
Jon and Don are here! It's great to have some of my favorite people from home, here in Redding. I think they're enjoying their experience at Bethel (for the Pastor's Leaders Advance Conference), but I'm sure they are being filled with more than they realize right now. I can't even comprehend everything I've gained in the last nine months, but I'm doing my best to wrap my mind around it. I only wish I had more time to hang out with my amigos while they're here, but exactly one month from today I'll start the trek home to Cincy. Now that is something to get excited about. Yet another person at Bethel asked me what I would be doing once I got home, but the answer is still the same, "I have no idea (with a bit of a nervous laugh)". However, it's all good and I'll just carry the Kingdom wherever I go. :D
My preschoolers are so stinkin' cute. It's going to be ridiculously hard to say goodbye at the end of the year. I wish I could find a job like this back home until I get my dream job. :D
Nothing else is really shaking, so over and out.
Just kidding. I totally forget to post (I think) that I saw river otters at the river the other day. It was AMAZING! I know, easily amused, but they were so cute. Now, I'm done for real.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Lightning Bugs
I've become one of those people who has a blog and doesn't blog. Oh no.
Not much to update on, just finishing up the school year. One of our bible teachers got totally blasted today on stage. She never did give her lecture. She was drunk and on the floor for her alloted time, so we just turned God TV on the big screens and watched the healing revival. It was so good.
Today was also the last day for outreach. We went to this really cool park and had pizza with the kids we mentor. It was pretty fun. I went swinging for the first time in months, maybe even years. I love swinging, it's one of the best things to do on the planet. It's relaxing and so joyful at the same time. I'm definitely going to have a swing set when I grow up.
One of my friends on outreach is from Georgia and we were talking about how we really miss the east coast (even though we don't live on the coast). I've loved being in Redding, but Cincinnati is one of the coolest cities in the world. I know many would roll their eyes at this, but we have some really cool things to do. Baseball and football games on the river, the Aronoff center ( I do love a good musical), Music Hall, not to mention some cool restaurants. Redding has us beat on parks and outdoor activities, but we can pray in a river trail. And...we have lightning bugs. Can you imagine a summer without lightning bugs? I can't. I have a friend on outreach who has never seen one her entire life. That my friends, is sad. It's the small things in life that matter.
Not much to update on, just finishing up the school year. One of our bible teachers got totally blasted today on stage. She never did give her lecture. She was drunk and on the floor for her alloted time, so we just turned God TV on the big screens and watched the healing revival. It was so good.
Today was also the last day for outreach. We went to this really cool park and had pizza with the kids we mentor. It was pretty fun. I went swinging for the first time in months, maybe even years. I love swinging, it's one of the best things to do on the planet. It's relaxing and so joyful at the same time. I'm definitely going to have a swing set when I grow up.
One of my friends on outreach is from Georgia and we were talking about how we really miss the east coast (even though we don't live on the coast). I've loved being in Redding, but Cincinnati is one of the coolest cities in the world. I know many would roll their eyes at this, but we have some really cool things to do. Baseball and football games on the river, the Aronoff center ( I do love a good musical), Music Hall, not to mention some cool restaurants. Redding has us beat on parks and outdoor activities, but we can pray in a river trail. And...we have lightning bugs. Can you imagine a summer without lightning bugs? I can't. I have a friend on outreach who has never seen one her entire life. That my friends, is sad. It's the small things in life that matter.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Watch it on God TV
So the feed on GOD TV is better than the fresh fire website. GOD TV is also going to do it live now. People, get online and watch this stuff. God is amazing. Bob Jones told Bill Johnson last week that Redding is next. Crazy. God, come to Ohio!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Revival in Florida
Dude, revival is busting out in Florida. They've extended this meeting because crazy things are breaking out. Check it out online at www.freshfire.ca/ffstream.
God is soooooooooooo good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God is soooooooooooo good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Testimonies
I haven't been in the mood to blog lately. Sad, I know. I'm still not really feeling it, but I said I would be posting more testimonies, so I need to do it. Here's a good one from the South Africa trip.
Two guys from Bethel went into this hospital to pray for a man who had lung cancer. He was at the hospital receiving chemo. The two guys could sense the despair and hopelessness in the room. The man who was receiving chemo also had his two brothers there. The two men from our team weren't really sure where to start because all three people in the room were so depressed. They decided it would be a good idea to start worshipping God. The two brothers thought it was weird and left. The man receiving chemo continued to lay in his bed as our two guys worshipped and prayed for him. Soon, he began to feel heat in his chest. They prayed a little longer and the man's countenance had definitely become brighter. The next day, one of our team member's got a call on his cell phone stating that morning the man was sitting on the edge of his bed laughing. When the doctors took an x-ray of his chest they couldn't find any cancer. It was all gone!
I like this one from Ecuador.
A team of ours was ministering in a church somewhere in Ecuador. On the way to the church all of them had gotten quite drunk with the Holy Spirit and had been laughing pretty hard. When they got to the church they went upstairs to continue interceding for that night's service. When the pastor saw what they were doing he told them it was unacceptable to do that in their church. Our team was excited to hear that. They sat in the first row of the church with the interpreters and pretty soon one of the interpreters was laughing pretty hard. Another interpreter said, "You don't understand, my joy is deep inside." As soon as he said it he doubled over in laughter. By the end of the night, our team had most of the congregation laughing and dancing around. One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. :)
Two guys from Bethel went into this hospital to pray for a man who had lung cancer. He was at the hospital receiving chemo. The two guys could sense the despair and hopelessness in the room. The man who was receiving chemo also had his two brothers there. The two men from our team weren't really sure where to start because all three people in the room were so depressed. They decided it would be a good idea to start worshipping God. The two brothers thought it was weird and left. The man receiving chemo continued to lay in his bed as our two guys worshipped and prayed for him. Soon, he began to feel heat in his chest. They prayed a little longer and the man's countenance had definitely become brighter. The next day, one of our team member's got a call on his cell phone stating that morning the man was sitting on the edge of his bed laughing. When the doctors took an x-ray of his chest they couldn't find any cancer. It was all gone!
I like this one from Ecuador.
A team of ours was ministering in a church somewhere in Ecuador. On the way to the church all of them had gotten quite drunk with the Holy Spirit and had been laughing pretty hard. When they got to the church they went upstairs to continue interceding for that night's service. When the pastor saw what they were doing he told them it was unacceptable to do that in their church. Our team was excited to hear that. They sat in the first row of the church with the interpreters and pretty soon one of the interpreters was laughing pretty hard. Another interpreter said, "You don't understand, my joy is deep inside." As soon as he said it he doubled over in laughter. By the end of the night, our team had most of the congregation laughing and dancing around. One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. :)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
A little taste...
It is true that I'm back in the great land of the USofA. To hold you over until I muster up the energy for a proper post, below is a picture of how our team had to shower. 1 bucket every other day. Yes, it was an adventure. :D
Monday, March 31, 2008
Crazy Rainbow
Today was a nice day. I don't go back to work until tomorrow, so I slept in. Then I ate a little breakfast, played my keyboard, and went for a walk. After I got cleaned up I decided to go to the prayer house. It was good. To continue this play by play entry, I'll tell you that after the prayer house I went to Walgreens. It was on my way there that I noticed the awesomeness below. This rainbow went all the way around the sun. I've heard that they do this, but I've never seen it. Then there was another one coming off the circle too. It was crazy gorgeous and I was the only weirdo trying to capture it with my cell phone camera. They don't work all that great, but I'm glad I had something to capture the moment. After I took a bazillion pictures I continued about my day. Hope you enjoy.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Easter Reflections
I love Easter weekend. For the past couple of years Easter is such a monumental weekend of my year. It's not because of the Easter basket filled with candy or getting to hang out with family, but it's honestly all about Jesus. Every year I get rocked to my core when I think about what went on over these three days. Good Friday is always crazy for me. I can't even imagine what Jesus went through for all of us. He was beaten so badly, carried a heavy cross knowing He would die, and then hung on it for hours realizing that His sacrifice would give all of humanity the chance to live under the grace of God. He died so that we might have the greatest access to God than any other person in history. Prophets of the old covenant longed for the day we live in today. I can't even put into words my emotions for I feel as if I could explode into tears or laugh hysterically about how good He is.
Tuesday at school was one of the best moments of my life and it's been a whirlwind of goodness since then. Pastor Bill could feel a heavy anointing when he got up to talk to us, so he decided to lay hands on every student in the room. It was the fastest 2.5 hours of my life and the greatest. Better than any miracle I've seen or any award I've won. Again, I'm at a loss for words to describe to you the emotions I felt that day. Someday, if you would like to hear it in person I will try to form words that would do it justice.
I can't even listen to worship music right now because I just weep at who He is. It's amazing and better than anything in this world. Anything.
Tuesday at school was one of the best moments of my life and it's been a whirlwind of goodness since then. Pastor Bill could feel a heavy anointing when he got up to talk to us, so he decided to lay hands on every student in the room. It was the fastest 2.5 hours of my life and the greatest. Better than any miracle I've seen or any award I've won. Again, I'm at a loss for words to describe to you the emotions I felt that day. Someday, if you would like to hear it in person I will try to form words that would do it justice.
I can't even listen to worship music right now because I just weep at who He is. It's amazing and better than anything in this world. Anything.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
God is on the move
I've been seeing such as increase of God lately. Bill Johnson was also just talking about the increase the other day in class. More and more people are experiencing healings and miracles. What's amazing to me is the increase of testimonies of people healed over the phone or from prayers across state lines. Also, what God is doing in children is completely astounding. So, here are a few testimonies to get you jazzed up.
1. A student in the school of ministry recently found out that her mom was having seizures and that they found a nodule on her lung. After the daughter received this news she announced it in school and all 500 of us stood to pray on this woman's behalf. A week later, the doctors did an x-ray and could not find the nodule and an MRI of her brain came back completely normal!
2. In children's ministry here at Bethel on Sunday mornings, the kids have chapel time for an hour where there is hang out time with pastors, worship, and a lesson. Then there's an hour of Sunday school (with awesome Sunday school teachers like me :D). 5th grade students who go to Sunday night school of ministry get to be "interns" during Sunday service and help the adults out. This one Sunday during the hang out time, an intern noticed a child complaining that her knee hurt. He went over to her and asked her if he could pray and she said sure. The intern prays for a brief moment and then says, "On a scale of 1 to 2, 1 being completely healed and 2 not being healed yet, how is your knee?" (LOL, this is awesome! It's either healed or it's not. :D) Of course the child's knee was completely better. I love how no one had to encourage him to pray though. It's become a lifestyle for him and he just looks for the opportunities.
3. On Thursdays Bethel sends 700 students out to blitz the city with outreach. One of the outreaches is an elementary school program where Bethel students go into elementary schools and teach the kids about Kingdom stuff. This past week one of the students was teaching kids about healing and how to raise the dead. Deborah Reed, the children's pastor here at Bethel, has great curriculum on this stuff. After the student had finished teaching the kids how to raise the dead, it was time to play outside. Get this...the kids decided to play war outside on the playground and when someone would get killed they would raise him from the dead! Look out public schools, the Kingdom is invading! Yeeeeeaaaaaaahhhhhhh!
1. A student in the school of ministry recently found out that her mom was having seizures and that they found a nodule on her lung. After the daughter received this news she announced it in school and all 500 of us stood to pray on this woman's behalf. A week later, the doctors did an x-ray and could not find the nodule and an MRI of her brain came back completely normal!
2. In children's ministry here at Bethel on Sunday mornings, the kids have chapel time for an hour where there is hang out time with pastors, worship, and a lesson. Then there's an hour of Sunday school (with awesome Sunday school teachers like me :D). 5th grade students who go to Sunday night school of ministry get to be "interns" during Sunday service and help the adults out. This one Sunday during the hang out time, an intern noticed a child complaining that her knee hurt. He went over to her and asked her if he could pray and she said sure. The intern prays for a brief moment and then says, "On a scale of 1 to 2, 1 being completely healed and 2 not being healed yet, how is your knee?" (LOL, this is awesome! It's either healed or it's not. :D) Of course the child's knee was completely better. I love how no one had to encourage him to pray though. It's become a lifestyle for him and he just looks for the opportunities.
3. On Thursdays Bethel sends 700 students out to blitz the city with outreach. One of the outreaches is an elementary school program where Bethel students go into elementary schools and teach the kids about Kingdom stuff. This past week one of the students was teaching kids about healing and how to raise the dead. Deborah Reed, the children's pastor here at Bethel, has great curriculum on this stuff. After the student had finished teaching the kids how to raise the dead, it was time to play outside. Get this...the kids decided to play war outside on the playground and when someone would get killed they would raise him from the dead! Look out public schools, the Kingdom is invading! Yeeeeeaaaaaaahhhhhhh!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Never a dull day at the park
I went down to the river to walk again. The geese have started to hiss at my other walking spot so I won't be hanging out there for awhile. The river walk has been crowded since it's so nice out, but today topped all other days. As I'm approaching the trail head I notice this family walking their two pets. These weren't ordinary pets, these were llamas. One "blond" one and one "chocolate" one as I call it. The brown one was a little anxious around people so it was making noise and jumping around. A bunch of kids naturally wanted to pet them. I just laughed and walked around them. I didn't want to be around when the brown one decided to spit.
There were also a bunch of people walking puppies (so cute!) I want a dog so bad, but wouldn't have the slightest idea what to do with one as far as training. There's a little girl in my preschool who's labrador is about to have puppies. I would so take home a chocolate one! It's a good thing we can't have one here at the apartment and the fact that I'm never home. Otherwise...
I'm so glad the sun will be out longer after dinner. More workout time. Really need to get back into shape.
The plans are coming together for the family Easter road trip. So excited. We'll be stopping to see the Redwoods and Napa Valley. Those are just a few of the highlights.
As far as Mexico mission trip plans, argh, not very organized. The dates will be somewhere around the 6th-12th, but I heard different dates at our last meeting. We're supposed to have another meeting this Friday so we'll see what happens. I'll keep you posted.
There were also a bunch of people walking puppies (so cute!) I want a dog so bad, but wouldn't have the slightest idea what to do with one as far as training. There's a little girl in my preschool who's labrador is about to have puppies. I would so take home a chocolate one! It's a good thing we can't have one here at the apartment and the fact that I'm never home. Otherwise...
I'm so glad the sun will be out longer after dinner. More workout time. Really need to get back into shape.
The plans are coming together for the family Easter road trip. So excited. We'll be stopping to see the Redwoods and Napa Valley. Those are just a few of the highlights.
As far as Mexico mission trip plans, argh, not very organized. The dates will be somewhere around the 6th-12th, but I heard different dates at our last meeting. We're supposed to have another meeting this Friday so we'll see what happens. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
I remember now...
On my previous post I knew there was something I was forgetting. So here it is...
This is important...
I have to decide which name I want on my certificate of graduation from Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. Should I go with
A) Jenny Horgan
B) Jennifer Lynne Horgan
Vote now. Whatever silly names you come up with will not be accepted and then Bethel will just choose for me. :)
This is important...
I have to decide which name I want on my certificate of graduation from Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. Should I go with
A) Jenny Horgan
B) Jennifer Lynne Horgan
Vote now. Whatever silly names you come up with will not be accepted and then Bethel will just choose for me. :)
Cool little diddies from the past couple of days
Last night was Children's Ministry home group and we always have dinner first. I took some Double Stuff Oreos for desert because my mom and sister didn't even crack into them when they were hear and I didn't want the whole package sitting here because I would surely eat them all. They were a big hit. This really cool lady from England was sitting next to me. She was about to bite into her cookie when she announced that she had never tasted an Oreo and she was so fortunate to get the last one. I felt bad that she didn't have a glass of milk to get the full experience, but she enjoyed the cookie nonetheless. Can you imagine never eating an oreo until your adult life? I can't.
We soon began discussing our favorite foods and of course I was asking the people at the table if they've ever heard of Dunkin' Donuts. One guy quickly chimed in that he too was a big fan. I was describing some of my personal favorites and then explaining to them how they advertise on tv out here and it drives me nuts because there isn't one any where around here. The same lady who had never had an oreo before said very seriously, "You know, I think we could pray about this. Like, God there is a real need here in Redding for a Dunkin' Donuts." We all laughed about it, but I like the way she thinks.
On Tuesday Pastor Bill was in and he was talking to us about the weight of God's glory. Last week he was reading a story to us about Smith Wigglesworth (a great healing evangelist from back in the day) and how people would have to crawl out of his meetings because they felt like they would die (because of the weight of God's glory). There were times when Wigglesworth was the only guy left in the room. Well, last week Bethel had the Prophetic & Arts conference and Kris Vallotton had invited some friends who were not yet Christians. The one guy was a Hollywood producer whom he met on a plane and has since been dialoguing with. This producer brought a few of his friends to see what Bethel was like. (By the end they were totally wowed and had never felt so loved, but back to the story.) So one day during the conference the worship was flowing along and this producer and his two friends had to leave the room. They told Bill and Kris later that they felt like someone had sucked all the oxygen out of the room and they would die if they stayed in there. Incredible! Bill went onto say that not all of us had to exit because we had created an atmosphere within ourselves to house God's glory. Our goal though is to cultivate within us the ability to carry that presence everywhere we go.
One more story. A student in the school had his mom and her friend in for the conference last week. The mom's friend had bought some DVDs from John Paul Jackson, but when she was due to go back home she couldn't find them anywhere. They looked all over the place and nothing turned up. They prayed that they would be in her suitcase when she got home. Once the lady returned home she still couldn't find her DVDs, so she called Bethel one more time to see if they had found them. Still nothing. The next morning the woman got up and went to turn on some worship music. Directly on top of her cd player laid the DVDs that she had bought at the conference. God is amazing.
Okay, I know I'm forgetting something that I wanted to write about, but I'll have to save it for another day. Pray for Holly, she's still hacking like crazy. (No, that wasn't the something I forgot.) Peace out.
We soon began discussing our favorite foods and of course I was asking the people at the table if they've ever heard of Dunkin' Donuts. One guy quickly chimed in that he too was a big fan. I was describing some of my personal favorites and then explaining to them how they advertise on tv out here and it drives me nuts because there isn't one any where around here. The same lady who had never had an oreo before said very seriously, "You know, I think we could pray about this. Like, God there is a real need here in Redding for a Dunkin' Donuts." We all laughed about it, but I like the way she thinks.
On Tuesday Pastor Bill was in and he was talking to us about the weight of God's glory. Last week he was reading a story to us about Smith Wigglesworth (a great healing evangelist from back in the day) and how people would have to crawl out of his meetings because they felt like they would die (because of the weight of God's glory). There were times when Wigglesworth was the only guy left in the room. Well, last week Bethel had the Prophetic & Arts conference and Kris Vallotton had invited some friends who were not yet Christians. The one guy was a Hollywood producer whom he met on a plane and has since been dialoguing with. This producer brought a few of his friends to see what Bethel was like. (By the end they were totally wowed and had never felt so loved, but back to the story.) So one day during the conference the worship was flowing along and this producer and his two friends had to leave the room. They told Bill and Kris later that they felt like someone had sucked all the oxygen out of the room and they would die if they stayed in there. Incredible! Bill went onto say that not all of us had to exit because we had created an atmosphere within ourselves to house God's glory. Our goal though is to cultivate within us the ability to carry that presence everywhere we go.
One more story. A student in the school had his mom and her friend in for the conference last week. The mom's friend had bought some DVDs from John Paul Jackson, but when she was due to go back home she couldn't find them anywhere. They looked all over the place and nothing turned up. They prayed that they would be in her suitcase when she got home. Once the lady returned home she still couldn't find her DVDs, so she called Bethel one more time to see if they had found them. Still nothing. The next morning the woman got up and went to turn on some worship music. Directly on top of her cd player laid the DVDs that she had bought at the conference. God is amazing.
Okay, I know I'm forgetting something that I wanted to write about, but I'll have to save it for another day. Pray for Holly, she's still hacking like crazy. (No, that wasn't the something I forgot.) Peace out.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Conference
Mom, Kelly and I just had a great time at the Prophetic & Arts Conference at Bethel. It was amazing. Deborah Crone, Akiane, John Paul Jackson, and Kris Vallotton were the speakers. Deborah just started painting two years ago and now has her work in top art galleries in Hawaii. The owner of the gallery gave her the premiere spot because people are so drawn to her art and keep buying it. (We heard lots more during the conference about how believer's artwork can totally lead someone to an encounter with Jesus) If you haven't heard of Akiane go to this website www.artakiane.com. She's amazing. She's only 13, but she paints these amazing pictures and writes poetry. She's literally been to heaven several times (one time the police were called because her whole body actually went-she appeared right in front of the police 5 hours later). We also were "activated" in doing prophetic art. It was so FUN! We didn't know there would be hands on sessions so it was a nice surprise. It was probably the best conference I've been to. Mom and kelly also got to experience their first fire tunnel on the last night of the conference so they were pumped about that.
I got a great shot of Kelly asleep in the car, but she really doesn't want me to post it. I crack up every time I look at it though.
Alright, lots more to get done today. Got to go.
I got a great shot of Kelly asleep in the car, but she really doesn't want me to post it. I crack up every time I look at it though.
Alright, lots more to get done today. Got to go.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Probably the favorite story of the month
Pastor Bill decided to read a few testimonies to start off service today. They were all amazing, but one was particularly fun. Grab some cocoa and settle in.
A pastor from Colorado, Jim Rogers, who is part of the Global Legacy network was traveling back from Africa. He had been teaching at some conferences about the Kingdom and healing. He was preparing to partake in a cold beverage on the plane when the flight attendant accidently spilt his drink all over him. He found himself getting irritated, but he decided to not let it show. After getting cleaned up he settled in to read his book. Suddenly, he noticed a woman across the aisle fidgeting in her seat and he felt God tell him that she injured her back two weeks ago and He wanted him to pray for her. This pastor argued with God for several minutes because he was quite tired and didn't want to pray for her. He finally decided it was probably better just to go with God's plan so he leaned over and asked the woman if she injured her back two weeks ago. She said, "yes, how did you know that?" He proceeded to explain that God had told him this and asked if he could pray for her. She agreed and the pastor then asked, "Can I lay my hand on your shoulder?" The woman looked at him and said, "You mean now?" He said, "Yes, I don't believe God wants you to be in pain for the next eight hours." She agreed to let him pray and she was soon in the aisle "out" in the Holy Spirit. :) The flight attendant quickly approached and wanted to know what was going on. As the pastor was trying to explain what was going on, the woman "came to". The attendant asker her if she was okay and she replied, "yes, I'm fine and I don't have any pain in my back!" The flight attendant then told the pastor that she had hurt her knee four weeks ago and asked if he would pray for her. He of course said yes. With a serious look on her face she inquired, "Am I going to fall down?" The pastor responded with an "I don't know" and proceeded to pray. The flight attendant was quickly healed! In a few moments the pastor heard the flight attendant on the intercom of the plane announcing that there was a pastor on board and that he had just prayed for her knee and it was healed and that if anyone else wanted prayer they could come to the galley between first class and coach and he would pray for them. So...the pastor proceeded to pray for people. A rather large man from England approached him and said "Can I catch for you?" The pastor was relieved that someone else knew what was going on. :) At one point the man from England said, "Man, you got to slow down, I'm running out of room to put these people." The pastor looked around and saw several people slain in the Holy Spirit. After two hours of praying for people they had several healings and 5 salvations including a man from Saudi Arabia who was flying to America to have surgery on his rotater cuff. Needless to say, after Jesus healed his shoulder he accepted Him as his savior. The pastor eventually made it back to his seat and began reading his book.
Revival on the plane. Got to love it. We were going wild at church when we heard this testimony. Bill tells it better. They should have it up on the podcast in a few days. The message was good too, so feel free to listen to that as well.
A pastor from Colorado, Jim Rogers, who is part of the Global Legacy network was traveling back from Africa. He had been teaching at some conferences about the Kingdom and healing. He was preparing to partake in a cold beverage on the plane when the flight attendant accidently spilt his drink all over him. He found himself getting irritated, but he decided to not let it show. After getting cleaned up he settled in to read his book. Suddenly, he noticed a woman across the aisle fidgeting in her seat and he felt God tell him that she injured her back two weeks ago and He wanted him to pray for her. This pastor argued with God for several minutes because he was quite tired and didn't want to pray for her. He finally decided it was probably better just to go with God's plan so he leaned over and asked the woman if she injured her back two weeks ago. She said, "yes, how did you know that?" He proceeded to explain that God had told him this and asked if he could pray for her. She agreed and the pastor then asked, "Can I lay my hand on your shoulder?" The woman looked at him and said, "You mean now?" He said, "Yes, I don't believe God wants you to be in pain for the next eight hours." She agreed to let him pray and she was soon in the aisle "out" in the Holy Spirit. :) The flight attendant quickly approached and wanted to know what was going on. As the pastor was trying to explain what was going on, the woman "came to". The attendant asker her if she was okay and she replied, "yes, I'm fine and I don't have any pain in my back!" The flight attendant then told the pastor that she had hurt her knee four weeks ago and asked if he would pray for her. He of course said yes. With a serious look on her face she inquired, "Am I going to fall down?" The pastor responded with an "I don't know" and proceeded to pray. The flight attendant was quickly healed! In a few moments the pastor heard the flight attendant on the intercom of the plane announcing that there was a pastor on board and that he had just prayed for her knee and it was healed and that if anyone else wanted prayer they could come to the galley between first class and coach and he would pray for them. So...the pastor proceeded to pray for people. A rather large man from England approached him and said "Can I catch for you?" The pastor was relieved that someone else knew what was going on. :) At one point the man from England said, "Man, you got to slow down, I'm running out of room to put these people." The pastor looked around and saw several people slain in the Holy Spirit. After two hours of praying for people they had several healings and 5 salvations including a man from Saudi Arabia who was flying to America to have surgery on his rotater cuff. Needless to say, after Jesus healed his shoulder he accepted Him as his savior. The pastor eventually made it back to his seat and began reading his book.
Revival on the plane. Got to love it. We were going wild at church when we heard this testimony. Bill tells it better. They should have it up on the podcast in a few days. The message was good too, so feel free to listen to that as well.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Duck Duck Goose
A while back someone told me about this great little walking trail not to far from school. I decided to check it out this weekend and I'm loving it. It's not as busy as the river trail and it's only for walkers and runners. There are quite a few ponds on the trail so as you might surmise it's a local hot spot for the geese. As I was walking today I noticed a few ducks in the pond too. Now both species can be quite entertaining to watch, but I think if I believed in reincarnation I'd rather be a duck. First of all they're not nearly as ugly as the geese. Secondly, they don't make that awful noise that the geese make. I watched this one goose get all upset. It was sticking it's neck straight up to the sky and lettin' out a bellow. Then it looked at the goose next to it, got right in it's face and bellowed some more. The ducks are much more docile and they just float along. I always thought I would want to be a bird, so I could fly far far away any time I wanted, but ducks have the best of both worlds.
I got some new patio chairs today. They are terrific. The view is not so great, but it's nice to be able to sit outside. Now I need to make some lemonade or iced tea or something to really live large. I want some flowers to add some color to my little back yard oasis, but I've never really had much of a green thumb. I absolutely LOVE gardens, so I'm thinking I'm gonna do some research and get some flowers. I walked around Home Depot and Lowe's today just to look and it was so hard not to buy. I don't want to buy stuff and then have it die right away though, so research I shall.
Speaking of Lowe's...I saw Bill and Beni Johnson walk in when I was leaving. I was wondering when I was going to run into them out in public, it's not like Redding is a big town. I still had that celebrity gasp when I saw them. I wonder how many other people still do that when they see them.
I got some new patio chairs today. They are terrific. The view is not so great, but it's nice to be able to sit outside. Now I need to make some lemonade or iced tea or something to really live large. I want some flowers to add some color to my little back yard oasis, but I've never really had much of a green thumb. I absolutely LOVE gardens, so I'm thinking I'm gonna do some research and get some flowers. I walked around Home Depot and Lowe's today just to look and it was so hard not to buy. I don't want to buy stuff and then have it die right away though, so research I shall.
Speaking of Lowe's...I saw Bill and Beni Johnson walk in when I was leaving. I was wondering when I was going to run into them out in public, it's not like Redding is a big town. I still had that celebrity gasp when I saw them. I wonder how many other people still do that when they see them.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Today might have been the best
Heidi Baker spoke at school today! (Pause to contain the excitement again.)
I've never heard this woman speak before today, but I've heard of her and read one of her books. She absolutely astounds my mind and spirit and after today even more so. I prayed in the beginning of the year that I would get to hear her speak because her ministry has offices here at Bethel and today my prayer was answered. For those of you who don't know who she is she is an amazing missionary to Mozambique Africa. She raises thousands of orphan children and feeds 50,000 people a day! They've started 9,000 churches in the last 11 years. (Can you imagine the awe in the room after that statement?) She goes into Muslim villages and says "Bring me your deaf people" and every single one gets healed. Recently one of their pastors on staff had his tongue and lips cut off in front of his family and subsequently died before them. His cousin, also a pastor on staff, went into the house and told the criminals that they were loved by God and that they forgave them for what they just did and they repented and came to know Jesus. She tells the story much better. They also have had 9 mosques given to them because the leaders say they don't have any use for them anymore because the people all converted to Jesus.
What I love most about her though is her passion for intimacy with God. There are no words to describe it. She's like a modern day David. Anyway, she spoke today and didn't really say anything I haven't heard before, but her words were just dripping with her love for Jesus. At the end she had us all get on our knees as she blessed us and told us about this vision. It was so good.
Go check out her book There is Always Enough. It will blow your mind.
I've never heard this woman speak before today, but I've heard of her and read one of her books. She absolutely astounds my mind and spirit and after today even more so. I prayed in the beginning of the year that I would get to hear her speak because her ministry has offices here at Bethel and today my prayer was answered. For those of you who don't know who she is she is an amazing missionary to Mozambique Africa. She raises thousands of orphan children and feeds 50,000 people a day! They've started 9,000 churches in the last 11 years. (Can you imagine the awe in the room after that statement?) She goes into Muslim villages and says "Bring me your deaf people" and every single one gets healed. Recently one of their pastors on staff had his tongue and lips cut off in front of his family and subsequently died before them. His cousin, also a pastor on staff, went into the house and told the criminals that they were loved by God and that they forgave them for what they just did and they repented and came to know Jesus. She tells the story much better. They also have had 9 mosques given to them because the leaders say they don't have any use for them anymore because the people all converted to Jesus.
What I love most about her though is her passion for intimacy with God. There are no words to describe it. She's like a modern day David. Anyway, she spoke today and didn't really say anything I haven't heard before, but her words were just dripping with her love for Jesus. At the end she had us all get on our knees as she blessed us and told us about this vision. It was so good.
Go check out her book There is Always Enough. It will blow your mind.
Monday, February 11, 2008
In Honor of Valentine's Day
I know it's still a few days away, but when you're lying around with a monstrous sore throat your mind is left to ponder. So, in honor of Valentine's Day I've decided to write about the material things that I love. While there are many people that I love I don't really feel like writing a sappy blog. Once again this year I won't be getting any flowers or chocolates (or any other over marketed "thing") from any certain somebody. Last year my dad sent me flowers at work for Valentine's Day and there's nothing better than that. :) While I try not to get too caught up in the materialistic things of this world, there are a few items that make me very happy.
1. Zicam. If you have yet to discover this great cold remedy you should go to Walgreens and get yourself some. It's clinically proven to get you over a cold 3x faster if you take it at the first sign of a cold. Let me tell you, it works. I took it during my last cold and it greatly aided in getting rid of my cold. Yesterday, I woke up with a nasty sore throat so I started pumping the Zicam. While it's not an instant cure I do feel better today than I did yesterday. By tomorrow I should be back in action with no problem.
2. My Honda CR-V. This is my second vehicle, but it's the first one that I got to pick out and have the pleasure of paying for. :) This may sound completely ridiculous, but I love the way my ride makes me feel, especially on a warm sunny day with the sunroof open, windows down, some good tunes playin', and my hair blowin' in the breeze. It's fantastic.
3. My MAC. It's awesome. My previous computer always crashed in the middle of what I was working on. This computer is quick and sleek. I probably still don't know half of it's capabilities, but I'm lovin' it.
4. iPod and the new version of iTunes. First of all, my iPod allows me to carry around thousands of songs for my listening enjoyment. And, the new version of iTunes, oh, I do love the radio feature. All kinds of radio stations at your fingertips to sample new music. My personal favorite at the moment is classical guitar. Perfect for the romantic, candlelight dinner out on the terrace, neither of which I have. :p It's a shame there are commercials, but there aren't too many.
5. The media room back home. I LOVE movies and I waste too much of my time watching them, but I'm a work in progress. We have a fabulous media room with a big screen tv and sweet surround sound back home. It's good stuff.
6. JIF peanut butter, angel hair pasta, Dunkin' Donuts, Skyline chili, the Montgomery Inn Boathouse, Papa John's pizza, UDF hot fudge sundaes, ZIP DIP orange sherbet cones, Claddaugh's Monte Cristo sandwich, Texas Roadhouse, and O'Charley's hot rolls.
7. My keyboard. It's no Steinway, but I can pop on over to it and play whenever I want. The world goes away when I play, it's just me and the keys.
1. Zicam. If you have yet to discover this great cold remedy you should go to Walgreens and get yourself some. It's clinically proven to get you over a cold 3x faster if you take it at the first sign of a cold. Let me tell you, it works. I took it during my last cold and it greatly aided in getting rid of my cold. Yesterday, I woke up with a nasty sore throat so I started pumping the Zicam. While it's not an instant cure I do feel better today than I did yesterday. By tomorrow I should be back in action with no problem.
2. My Honda CR-V. This is my second vehicle, but it's the first one that I got to pick out and have the pleasure of paying for. :) This may sound completely ridiculous, but I love the way my ride makes me feel, especially on a warm sunny day with the sunroof open, windows down, some good tunes playin', and my hair blowin' in the breeze. It's fantastic.
3. My MAC. It's awesome. My previous computer always crashed in the middle of what I was working on. This computer is quick and sleek. I probably still don't know half of it's capabilities, but I'm lovin' it.
4. iPod and the new version of iTunes. First of all, my iPod allows me to carry around thousands of songs for my listening enjoyment. And, the new version of iTunes, oh, I do love the radio feature. All kinds of radio stations at your fingertips to sample new music. My personal favorite at the moment is classical guitar. Perfect for the romantic, candlelight dinner out on the terrace, neither of which I have. :p It's a shame there are commercials, but there aren't too many.
5. The media room back home. I LOVE movies and I waste too much of my time watching them, but I'm a work in progress. We have a fabulous media room with a big screen tv and sweet surround sound back home. It's good stuff.
6. JIF peanut butter, angel hair pasta, Dunkin' Donuts, Skyline chili, the Montgomery Inn Boathouse, Papa John's pizza, UDF hot fudge sundaes, ZIP DIP orange sherbet cones, Claddaugh's Monte Cristo sandwich, Texas Roadhouse, and O'Charley's hot rolls.
7. My keyboard. It's no Steinway, but I can pop on over to it and play whenever I want. The world goes away when I play, it's just me and the keys.
Oregon Street Tea Company
On Saturday, Holly, Lula, and I ventured out for some culture in Redding. Redding really lacks good restaurants, but this little place (Oregon Street Tea Company) was quite fun. I must admit the place was girly, there was a baby shower going on while we were there, but the tea was most excellent and the food was pretty yummy too. Every month they change their menu, but they have a ton of teas to pick from. We had a butterscotch caramel toffee tea on Saturday and it was delicious.
It's been an absolute gorgeous weekend, so I'm going to try to get out today for a bit. I'm sorry for all you Cincinnatians who are freezing, but you know you're welcome to visit. It's 70 and sunny right now and for the rest of the week...
We had the best speaker so far this year at school on Thursday and Friday. His name was Sy Rogers and he speaks mainly on sexual themes as he calls them. He has an incredible story including living as a gay man and then as a woman in preparation for a sex change. He didn't have the operation and was subsequently saved by Jesus. He's now been married for 25 years and has a daughter and travels the world talking to people about some of the issues around sexuality. His perspective on how to treat people struggling with sexual identity issues or sexual traumas was amazing. Good stuff.
Okay, I've procrastinated long enough. Time to write a book report. Chao for now.
It's been an absolute gorgeous weekend, so I'm going to try to get out today for a bit. I'm sorry for all you Cincinnatians who are freezing, but you know you're welcome to visit. It's 70 and sunny right now and for the rest of the week...
We had the best speaker so far this year at school on Thursday and Friday. His name was Sy Rogers and he speaks mainly on sexual themes as he calls them. He has an incredible story including living as a gay man and then as a woman in preparation for a sex change. He didn't have the operation and was subsequently saved by Jesus. He's now been married for 25 years and has a daughter and travels the world talking to people about some of the issues around sexuality. His perspective on how to treat people struggling with sexual identity issues or sexual traumas was amazing. Good stuff.
Okay, I've procrastinated long enough. Time to write a book report. Chao for now.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
YEEEAAAAHHHH
YEAH BABY! NY GIANTS WIN. ELI IS THE MAN. (And his brother was clapping so hard for him-it was so cool.)
Skiing
I finally got to go skiing yesterday! It took us a while to get there and get back. It's normally an hour drive, but they were checking every car for 4wd or chains. On top of that, they don't sand or salt out here, so the roads weren't exactly clear. We finally made it there though and It was so fun. I'm definitely rusty and could use some more lessons, but it was fun. The snow was so powdery. It was up to my knees on one part that hadn't been groomed (or something). I got out though, obviously. The weather wasn't perfect, it was a little gloomy and snowing all day, but we had fun so that's what matters. I was reading an article in the Redding paper this morning though and it said that Mt. Shasta has the deepest base of any ski park in the country right now. How wild is that? A lady at a gas station that we stopped at for a potty break said this was the biggest snow fall she's seen in 7 years. Rock on.
Speaking of rocks...that girl is still finding diamonds. Between her and people who visit her house they've found over 30! CRAZY. I'm still waiting for mine to appear. :)
Speaking of rocks...that girl is still finding diamonds. Between her and people who visit her house they've found over 30! CRAZY. I'm still waiting for mine to appear. :)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
More diamonds
Many of you might recall a previous post about a girl at school finding diamonds. Well, God gave her more. She went to check out a new home group and was praying that it would be something out of the ordinary, not just the same ol' usual small group stuff. During worship God started raining down diamonds. They found 7 at the meeting. Then her and her friend went back to her apartment and began asking God for more, so they received more. The next morning when she woke up her and her husband found a heart shaped diamond in the same spot that they found their first one. CRAZY! I want one so bad. Apparently, I need to start hanging out with her. :p
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
SNOW DAY
Bethel cancelled school today. No, I'm not kidding. It's raining and sometimes it turn a little slushie, but they were worried about their steep driveway getting icy. Don't get me wrong it's nice having an off day (Holly and I rented some movies), but the weather is really not that bad. Then we got an e-mail saying they might cancel school tomorrow too. What?! Holly ran into a couple from Canada at the video store and they were like "We get a foot of snow and still go out." I can just imagine their faces. Oh man, it's so crazy it funny. Oh well! Yay for sweat pants and movies.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Here's your update :)
The family has requested an update. While I don't have anything super outrageous to post, I think I can come up with something. For example, I was cleaning out my Hotmail inbox on Saturday because I'm a clean freak and having clutter even on the internet drives me up the wall, and I found these pictures that my dad took when he was in town in December. I had forgotten that they were in there, but they're kind of fun so I thought I would share.
Me and my ride
Look at the size of that leaf. That's huge. We found it on our morning stroll and being the geeks that we are we took a picture with my dad's camera phone.
I was the lead teacher today again at school, but everything should be back to normal tomorrow. We only had 12 students, but it was a rough day. One of my little friends was really struggling and throwing huge fits. I've never seen such fits out of this little one. It was frustrating don't get me wrong, but I really just wanted to let him know that he was loved. I can't go into details, but it was so sad. After the second fit, I just sat there and held him for a while until he calmed down. Somedays it's hard to know if I'm making a difference in their lives, but I know there's no such thing as a wasted prayer so I keep trekking on.
In other very exciting, earth-shattering news...it was finally sunny again! The weather people predicted rain again, but it was sunny. Thank you Jesus. I went outside for a walk then rode my bike for a bit. Good day. I don't know if the weather is really hard to predict here or what, but they sure do get it wrong a lot. I like when they get the rain part wrong. :D
Okay, that's all for now. I'll try to have more "can't live without news" soon. :D
Me and my ride
Look at the size of that leaf. That's huge. We found it on our morning stroll and being the geeks that we are we took a picture with my dad's camera phone.
I was the lead teacher today again at school, but everything should be back to normal tomorrow. We only had 12 students, but it was a rough day. One of my little friends was really struggling and throwing huge fits. I've never seen such fits out of this little one. It was frustrating don't get me wrong, but I really just wanted to let him know that he was loved. I can't go into details, but it was so sad. After the second fit, I just sat there and held him for a while until he calmed down. Somedays it's hard to know if I'm making a difference in their lives, but I know there's no such thing as a wasted prayer so I keep trekking on.
In other very exciting, earth-shattering news...it was finally sunny again! The weather people predicted rain again, but it was sunny. Thank you Jesus. I went outside for a walk then rode my bike for a bit. Good day. I don't know if the weather is really hard to predict here or what, but they sure do get it wrong a lot. I like when they get the rain part wrong. :D
Okay, that's all for now. I'll try to have more "can't live without news" soon. :D
Monday, January 21, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Wow
We watched this today in Children's Ministry. If this doesn't stir your heart, you might want to check your pulse.
Check out this video: A New Generation of Praying Children
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Check out this video: A New Generation of Praying Children
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Friday, January 18, 2008
Another great Preschool story
WARNING: If you don't like graphic details don't read this post. :)
One of our little preschoolers got sick today at recess. She was really good about staying in one place on the playground, but then she was pretty upset. Her sister helped her into the room though and that was so cute! Of course some of the students didn't see what had happened and being the inquisitive 3 to 5 year olds that they are we had to have a discussion. I was dialoguing with this one student in particular.
He asked, "Why did she go inside?"
I replied, "Well, she got sick, so she's going in to rest." (This went back and forth a few more times.)
The little boy finally asked, "So, she threw up?"
I said, "Yeah, she did."
He paused for a moment and then said, "Was it white?" (You have to love preschoolers.)
"Yes, yes it was."
He goes on to inform me with this: "Oh, mine is never white. I have baked tomato throw up."
Ah yes, thank you for the visual. It makes me laugh though how honest they are. It's such a picture of how we should be child-like in our walk with Papa in heaven.
If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out yesterdays post about other bodily functions. Never a dull moment in preschool. :D
One of our little preschoolers got sick today at recess. She was really good about staying in one place on the playground, but then she was pretty upset. Her sister helped her into the room though and that was so cute! Of course some of the students didn't see what had happened and being the inquisitive 3 to 5 year olds that they are we had to have a discussion. I was dialoguing with this one student in particular.
He asked, "Why did she go inside?"
I replied, "Well, she got sick, so she's going in to rest." (This went back and forth a few more times.)
The little boy finally asked, "So, she threw up?"
I said, "Yeah, she did."
He paused for a moment and then said, "Was it white?" (You have to love preschoolers.)
"Yes, yes it was."
He goes on to inform me with this: "Oh, mine is never white. I have baked tomato throw up."
Ah yes, thank you for the visual. It makes me laugh though how honest they are. It's such a picture of how we should be child-like in our walk with Papa in heaven.
If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out yesterdays post about other bodily functions. Never a dull moment in preschool. :D
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Diamonds are a girl's best friend
Whew. It's been a few days since my last post. Busy days. There have been some crazy testimonies at school. My personal favorite from the week is about diamonds.
There's a young married couple out here and the wife is in the school. Money is tight for them so they didn't exchange Christmas presents, just cupcakes. :) The husband had been kind of down and doubting whether or not they should be out here. When they were going to bed after their Christmas cupcake celebration, he noticed something shiny in the middle of their bed. He picked it up to toss it out, but when it got to about his ear he realized it was hard. He brought it back down and noticed it looked very similar to a diamond. They were both excited and decided to have it looked at when they were back home at their jeweler. So, over Christmas break they took it to their jeweler and the jeweler said it didn't match any of their charts and tests. It was the most perfect diamond they had seen. They offered this couple 10,000 dollars to study this 1 carat diamond. They of course said no way. After Christmas break, the couple found another one on their floor next to a pile of laundry. So, now they have two. Amazing! (I want one, or an emerald, sapphire, pearls...)
This new work schedule is rough, but it does make time fly. A funny story from today and then I'm done. There's one little girl in my class who is particularly cute. During recess today she had to go to the "potty" so I took her in. Preschoolers are great for being blunt and just laying it all out there. There will be quotes in this story, so if you're not one for direct preschool language when it comes to potty talk, don't read any further. On a typical potty break this little girl bends over and touches her toes when she's finished with her business and waits for someone to make sure she's nice and dry. I've taken it upon myself to encourage her to practice wiping her own behind since she's a big girl who comes to school now. So, today when she's going potty I ask her, "Are you finished?" She replies, "No, I have to poop." (Okay, thanks for the detailed info, a "no" would have been sufficient.) I then proceed to ask her, "Have you been practicing at home?" (Oh Jenny, you need to be specific with such young children...) The little girl looks at me for a moment, with a straight face I might add, and then says, "Don't worry, I can push it out." Oh man, I cracked up for a good minute while she continued to sit with a straight face. I then composed myself and said, "No, what I meant was, have you been practicing wiping your own butt when you're at home?" She thought for another moment and then said, "I think I did yesterday." Ah, preschoolers. She soon finished her business, but before bending over to touch her toes she proceeded to count what was in the toilet. I kid you not. Everything is truly a teachable moment I suppose. Preschoolers are good stuff.
There's a young married couple out here and the wife is in the school. Money is tight for them so they didn't exchange Christmas presents, just cupcakes. :) The husband had been kind of down and doubting whether or not they should be out here. When they were going to bed after their Christmas cupcake celebration, he noticed something shiny in the middle of their bed. He picked it up to toss it out, but when it got to about his ear he realized it was hard. He brought it back down and noticed it looked very similar to a diamond. They were both excited and decided to have it looked at when they were back home at their jeweler. So, over Christmas break they took it to their jeweler and the jeweler said it didn't match any of their charts and tests. It was the most perfect diamond they had seen. They offered this couple 10,000 dollars to study this 1 carat diamond. They of course said no way. After Christmas break, the couple found another one on their floor next to a pile of laundry. So, now they have two. Amazing! (I want one, or an emerald, sapphire, pearls...)
This new work schedule is rough, but it does make time fly. A funny story from today and then I'm done. There's one little girl in my class who is particularly cute. During recess today she had to go to the "potty" so I took her in. Preschoolers are great for being blunt and just laying it all out there. There will be quotes in this story, so if you're not one for direct preschool language when it comes to potty talk, don't read any further. On a typical potty break this little girl bends over and touches her toes when she's finished with her business and waits for someone to make sure she's nice and dry. I've taken it upon myself to encourage her to practice wiping her own behind since she's a big girl who comes to school now. So, today when she's going potty I ask her, "Are you finished?" She replies, "No, I have to poop." (Okay, thanks for the detailed info, a "no" would have been sufficient.) I then proceed to ask her, "Have you been practicing at home?" (Oh Jenny, you need to be specific with such young children...) The little girl looks at me for a moment, with a straight face I might add, and then says, "Don't worry, I can push it out." Oh man, I cracked up for a good minute while she continued to sit with a straight face. I then composed myself and said, "No, what I meant was, have you been practicing wiping your own butt when you're at home?" She thought for another moment and then said, "I think I did yesterday." Ah, preschoolers. She soon finished her business, but before bending over to touch her toes she proceeded to count what was in the toilet. I kid you not. Everything is truly a teachable moment I suppose. Preschoolers are good stuff.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
2 posts in one day, y'all better catch up.
So my walk today was absolutely fabulous. It's January 13th and I was in shorts. It was sunny and about 65, but the sun felt sooooo warm. I even had my sun roof open. I just wanted to sit it in all afternoon. I'm not trying to rub it in, but it just blows my mind that it can be this warm in January, plus we've had such rainy weather that this felt really good. The weird thing though is that I could see snow all around me on the mountains, yet I had shorts on.
Part of the trail that I walk on had gotten kind of swampy so there were all these frogs making this noise that they do. It was wild.
I had to go to Sunday night service tonight and they were doing baptisms. Those are always fun. When they were over, Kris Vallotton got up and said there are two people here whom God has rescued over and over and over and you always say you're going to give your life to Him, so you need to come up and get baptized. After a few moments, a man and a woman went up. The man went first and he was crying so hard. It was amazing. Then all of his friends and family stormed the stage after he was dunked to celebrate with him. Lots o' tears.
After the baptisms, Kris said he saw God healing tumors, so he had everyone in the room with a tumor stand up and we prayed for them. A few moments passed by and the ferverant prayer died down and Kris had a young lady up on stage. He said, "We have an awesome testimony." This girl told us how she had a tumor/mass of fat on her back for many years. If it got any bigger, the doctors told her it would rupture and cause serious damage to her organs. Everytime people asked her to check it out it got smaller. On the third time, before the people asked her to check it out, she heard Jesus whisper in her ear, "It's healed, baby!" No more tumor!
And on that note, I'm off to bed. Work so early in the morning.
So my walk today was absolutely fabulous. It's January 13th and I was in shorts. It was sunny and about 65, but the sun felt sooooo warm. I even had my sun roof open. I just wanted to sit it in all afternoon. I'm not trying to rub it in, but it just blows my mind that it can be this warm in January, plus we've had such rainy weather that this felt really good. The weird thing though is that I could see snow all around me on the mountains, yet I had shorts on.
Part of the trail that I walk on had gotten kind of swampy so there were all these frogs making this noise that they do. It was wild.
I had to go to Sunday night service tonight and they were doing baptisms. Those are always fun. When they were over, Kris Vallotton got up and said there are two people here whom God has rescued over and over and over and you always say you're going to give your life to Him, so you need to come up and get baptized. After a few moments, a man and a woman went up. The man went first and he was crying so hard. It was amazing. Then all of his friends and family stormed the stage after he was dunked to celebrate with him. Lots o' tears.
After the baptisms, Kris said he saw God healing tumors, so he had everyone in the room with a tumor stand up and we prayed for them. A few moments passed by and the ferverant prayer died down and Kris had a young lady up on stage. He said, "We have an awesome testimony." This girl told us how she had a tumor/mass of fat on her back for many years. If it got any bigger, the doctors told her it would rupture and cause serious damage to her organs. Everytime people asked her to check it out it got smaller. On the third time, before the people asked her to check it out, she heard Jesus whisper in her ear, "It's healed, baby!" No more tumor!
And on that note, I'm off to bed. Work so early in the morning.
Bucket List
After biking for the first time in a couple of weeks, I took my shocked hammies out and about for a bit. I had some errands to run and then I was going to see a movie. Holly has another cold, so I wanted to get away from the germs. I drove down to the outlet mall to kill some time before my movie, plus I was looking for this specific pair of shoes. One store had them and I was so excited! They're so comfy. My little rant about the outlet mall though is that even they have reward cards. I opened two new reward cards yesterday even though I probably won't shop in either store for the rest of the year. More junk mail coming my way is probably all I'll get.
I go to get my movie ticket at 1:20, but the showing isn't until 3:00. Apparently, I had mixed up my movie theaters and times. Bummer. I had to kill some more time, but that was okay because I didn't feel like coming back to the apartment. 4:00 finally arrived and I bought my ticket for Bucket List. I liked it. The beginning was a little sad, but the point of the whole movie was this "bucket list" where you make a list of things you want to do before you die. Morgan Freeman is a genius and one of my favorite actors so I liked it all the more.
Well, I'm off to do some homework and then go for a walk. It's sunny and 60. Supposed to be like that all week, which is so good because it's been raining for the past 3 weeks.
I go to get my movie ticket at 1:20, but the showing isn't until 3:00. Apparently, I had mixed up my movie theaters and times. Bummer. I had to kill some more time, but that was okay because I didn't feel like coming back to the apartment. 4:00 finally arrived and I bought my ticket for Bucket List. I liked it. The beginning was a little sad, but the point of the whole movie was this "bucket list" where you make a list of things you want to do before you die. Morgan Freeman is a genius and one of my favorite actors so I liked it all the more.
Well, I'm off to do some homework and then go for a walk. It's sunny and 60. Supposed to be like that all week, which is so good because it's been raining for the past 3 weeks.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Holy Moly
It's days like today that remind me of why I came out here in the first place. Tuesdays are days when Bill Johnson comes in to talk. Often, he's gone on conferences, so it's always exciting to see him. He wanted to hear about people's testimonies from break and they were soooooo good. My personal favorite was from a young lady who's pretty wild. She knew a lady back home who's been in a coma for 14 years. Yes, years. Before she left for Christmas break, she had some people pray for her and the lady so she might go back and have some breakthrough. She returned home and her and her mom went to the hospital to pray for this lady. As soon as the student broke the spirit of death off this person she woke up. They continued to pray for her brain so she could show emotion, for her neck and body (she was paralyzed), and her speech. By the time they left the lady who had previously been in the coma was crying, speaking faintly and moving her limbs. HOLY MOLY, GOD IS GOOD!
I also had my first career ministry development class today with Kevin Dedmon. It was amazing. He'll be in India for the next two weeks, but he has some more great teachers lined up for us.
Okay, off to bed. Have to get up at the crack of dawn for another super packed day.
I also had my first career ministry development class today with Kevin Dedmon. It was amazing. He'll be in India for the next two weeks, but he has some more great teachers lined up for us.
Okay, off to bed. Have to get up at the crack of dawn for another super packed day.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Back in Cali
I'm back in Redding. It's sunny today which makes me so happy! When I left it was raining and when I returned it was raining. It's supposed to rain again tomorrow and for the next four days, so I got out and enjoyed it today. I have all my blinds open high too, let the sunshine in ya know. Supposed to be sunny on the weekend though so I can get out and play again. Enough about weather.
I'm pretty much adjusted already I think. It's so much easier flying west than it is east. Not much planned for today. I have a few more errands to run, but other than that I'm gonna take it easy because tomorrow the hectic schedule begins.
This post is going no where and it's boring so, I'm ending it. :D
I'm pretty much adjusted already I think. It's so much easier flying west than it is east. Not much planned for today. I have a few more errands to run, but other than that I'm gonna take it easy because tomorrow the hectic schedule begins.
This post is going no where and it's boring so, I'm ending it. :D
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