Mountains and Valleys

Our church is in a series called: Twenty-Ten: A New Adventure.  Pastor Dino's message was very inspiring to me so I thought I'd share a couple of notes from it.  If you want to hear the message, then you can go to online.healingplacechurch.org at 8pm Sunday, Jan 24, and Tuesday, Jan 26 -OR- Friday, Jan 29 at 11am.

Pastor Dino Rizzo, January 23rd Saturday Service

On an adventure you can see things you've never seen before.  The real question is are we ready for the Mountains and Valleys in 2010?  There will be Mountains and there will be Valleys.  That's a fact.
Matthew 17:1-9

1.  MOUNTAIN - The mountain represent meeting with God.  Being connected.  We've got to have the mountain top experiences in our lives.  Without them we'll never be ready for the Valley.  What the disciples "saw" changed them.  Their perspective was different after having heard from God.  Alone time on the mountain is where you receive direction from God and hear His voice (vs 1 "led them up a high mountain to be alone").  Being with God transforms you.

Peter witnessed the radiance of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.  Peter blurted out his thoughts as if he actually had something to contribute to Jesus, Moses, and Elijah's conversation.  Sometimes it's best to just be quiet.  Brother Wayne Austin says "Silence is wisdom.  When you open your mouth, then everyone knows what's going on for sure."  God silenced Peter and gave him direction.  (vs 4 ends with God saying "Listen to Him.")

2.  VALLEY - The valley represents the craziness of life, powerless moments, lack, negativity.  Things happen in the valley.  Don't get too busy that you take up residence in the valley.  Gotta get back to the mountain to refuel. 

Vs 9 "as they went back down the mountain"... Pastor Dino says "Some days you're on top of the mountain, some days you're on your way up or down the mountain, and other days you're at the foot of the mountain in the valley.  That's the adventure."  So much truth to this.  Every day is an adventure in life.  Some days are better than others. 

3.  Why did Jesus go to the mountain?  To hear and listen to God's voice.  It's that simple.  We MUST hear God's voice.  We need direction. 

4.  Why do "I" need the mountain?  Same reason as Jesus.  If Jesus needed to regularly go to the mountain to be alone, how much more do I need it?  If we are going to be all that we are created to be in life, we must receive His direction.

QUESTION:  Am we asking: "what does God want me to do?" OR "what do I want to do?"  We cannot hear God in the valley.  We need to get to the mountain.  It's not what I know, but Who I know. 

Pastor Dino interviewed Pastor Mike Haman who recently returned from Haiti. Pastor Mike shared some of the things he witnessed.  He also mentioned it was very significant that he had been in a specific time of prayer and fasting (Awakening: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting (on the mountain top with God)) at the time of the earthquake.  Has he not, he would not be prepared to be in Haiti (the valley).  Matt 25:13 

Pastor closed on the thought of there are only 2 places you will wake up when you die.  When the earthquake hit, all of those thousands of precious people woke up in either Heaven or Hell.  He asked the question:  Do you know which one it will be for you?  Need to be certain.  Don't wait.  Be prepared.  Make the decision today.

Sweet Traditions, part 2

Candy Day 2009.  Pictures from today...

(notice my nephew's excellent sprinkle skills)      (and Micki worked really hard today too)

Sweet Traditions

Tomorrow morning, we continue a tradition in our family that's going to continue for generations (if my sister and I have our way...we're pretty bossy, so I'm quite certain it will happen).  We will gather together to make Christmas candy.  Nothing but the good stuff! 

We make oatmeal no-bakes, fudge, pretzels covered in white chocolate, ritz crackers with peanut butter covered in white chocolate, mini pecan pies, pralines, chocolate crackles, peanut butter blossoms, and the piece de' resistance: peanut butter balls (I just learned last night they are also known as Buckeyes).  I think I missed a few things...I'll remember later I'm sure.

Actually the best thing we make throughout the day are memories.  Memories we never run out of, always enjoy sharing, and most of all, can cherish for a lifetime.  Let the fun begin!

(Here's a pic of mom and my sister getting started last year.  I'll post some pictures of tomorrow when I get home).

Do you have a Christmas Tradition in your family?   

Investments and Gold Stars

So many things to type and so little space so I picked 3 or 4 things.  Enjoy...

We had the Garage Sale.  Sold a good bit of stuff.  Unfortunately, we didn't have any stories to share this time or any pictures.  It was rather uneventful.  Among the many guests, we had one sweet woman show up (repeat shopper) that remembered us from the last one.  Well, we did have a new feature:  the "man box".  It was a hit with all the guys.  It had tools and misc man stuff (hunting stuff, parts of things we didn't know what it was therefore it had to be put in the "man box", a vacuum cleaner belt (that would fall under "man box" because men are vacuum repairmen in their spare time), and such.  Michelle decided a "men's department" would be a good addition to future Garage Sales.  I'm in agreement because there are more men shoppers than you'd think.

I wish I had a photo of Michelle and her husband Mark to post here.  What a incredible servants of the Lord!  Michelle is the Garage Sale Queen, and it would not have happened without her.  She organized, sorted, priced, cleaned...just one amazing servant.  She is definitely an example to all people in her life.  Mark was right up there with Michelle too.  He helped however possible shuttling kids (so Michelle could do her thing), hauling things, unloading boxes, loading boxes, and so much more.  Those 2 people deserve a HUGE gold star!!!

On a completely unrelated note, I've been spending a great deal of time in the Word.  My favorite moment happened this morning.  I had the privilege (and I do count it as a privilege) to read the Word this morning in the new HPC Arena.  I cannot wait until it opens.  HPC spent this week having different members of the church pick 15 minute time slots to read aloud the Word and had it online as well.  The goal was to read the Bible from cover to cover.  Most people read during the hours of the night.  I arrived this morning around 4:40am just in time to catch the last chapter of Revelation.  There was to my surprise a small crowd of about 20 people hanging on every syllable as I walked into the future sanctuary.  There was a reverent silence in the Arena that you just knew and felt the presence of God was there as the final words were read.  No doubt.  Don't worry, as I mentioned before, I got to read.  They simply started the New Testament over to keep reading until this afternoon.  During the reading I started to tear up while reading Matthew.  It's a special book to me, and it really touched me that of all books of the Bible I was able to read in, God worked it out so I'd be reading right there!  Only He can orchiestrate moments like this morning.  So honored to have been a part of history at HPC.  (I have a great pic on my phone after I read of Pastor Johnny reading but it will not load on blogger - BUMMER!)

Another of today's highlight moments was the Miracle Offering.  We were able to take all of the proceeds we earned from the two Garage Sales and actually present it to the Lord.  What an incredible feeling to be able to invest in such a worthy cause.  I love this house and I'm grateful for the opportunity to invest in the future of hurting people. 

God, may this house be a fragrant aroma to You every day.  May it be Your hands and feet in action all of our days bringing You alone honor and glory.  May it truly be a healing place for a hurting world.

Birthday Recap

Here's the gang celebrating Dad's 70th birthday at the park.  I have to admit, I was cold.  Overall, the first taste of fall 2009 was amazing!   


We started out eating at Jason's Deli.  Oh, how I truly love their Broccoli Cheese Soup.  Thanks to Renee, I'm now hooked on eating it with Ruffles chips.  Super healthy I'm sure.  


From there, we went to Dad's for gifts and "the" cookie cake.  Dad has everything you can imagine LSU.  He is rather difficult to shop for at times.  However, I managed to find something LSU and new for him.  It was a hit!  Finally, the cake.  Everyone was patiently waiting, and yes, it was just as good as it looked! 


Then we headed off to the park.  Luke was so cute leading Miley along the way hand in hand. The kid in everyone came out on the swings.  Miley was quite certain the swing belonged to her alone.  We never could prove otherwise.

  

While gathering with family Saturday, I was reminded of a few random thoughts.  Here they are in no particular order:

1.  Family can bust out in laughter for little or no reason what-so-ever.  It's completely justified and extremely contagious.


2.  iPhones have an App for EVERYTHING (possibly including Allen Wrenches).  


3.  There's more than one way to cut a cookie cake.

4.  A 'gift committee' assembles immediately when presents are involved.  


5.  When barking dogs come running, it's every man (or little girl) for himself!


6.  Dad is really only 18 years old with 52 years of experience.  Loved the card my sister gave him.  (Thinking that makes me 18 with almost 22 years experience... not sure how I feel about that one).


7.  Lastly, Dad's hair never moves despite how much the wind is blowing.  Proof is in our picture below.








Just being with everyone was a such a joy.  Most importantly, Dad seemed to have a lot of fun.  After all, it was his day, and he deserved it!  

Live The Dream

Live The Dream is coming up in 2 weeks.  WOO HOO!  I'm getting soooo very excited about it.  I've been to each one they've had and loved each more than the one before.  This year, I invited my sister to go.  I really enjoy spending time with her.  Unfortunately, we have less time together now that I live by her than when we lived on opposite sides of town.  Funny how that happens.  This will be her first time at Live The Dream.  I am just tickled pink to be able to have girl time with my sister, my daughter and my friends!  

If you've never been, it's a great time for everyone.  Wonderful speakers, amazing worship, and great fellowship.  So much fun.  I HIGHLY recommend it.  This years speakers are Bobbie Houston, Christine Caine, and Charlotte Gambill.  Natalie Grant will be leading worship.  Here's how to get more information or to sign up.  You won't regret it!

http://livethedream.healingplacechurch.org/

Tales from the Garage

Garage Sales.  What a facinating place to be on a Saturday morning.  You meet some amazing and some...let's say, interesting people. As I took time to connect with some of our shoppers, I made an effort to watch for funny moments, and have narrowed it down to few moments that made me laugh so hard. Before I forget, special thanks to Micki for working her mad sales skills on a 5 year old showing him how to work the suction bow and arrow set.  Her demo sold him!  We had some healthy competition down the street, but Michelle was able to turn it into a networking opportunity.  We encouraged shoppers to visit the other sale and they did the same. 



With that in mind, here is moment #1:

A lady and her husband arrive quietly and begin walking through the tables admiring our treasures.  After several minutes and out of the blue, the woman proclaims "OH MY GOSH!  We left mom at the other garage sale with no cell phone and no money."  Ha!  They jump in the truck to race to the other sale to pick up "mom" (who must be 65+ years old).  About 10 minutes later I notice the woman and "mom" shopping again.  After browsing a good 5-10 minutes, they look at one another and say "I cannot believe this!  We left (the man) at the other garage sale!...Should we go get him?...No, he can walk."  Hilarious!  

Speaking of men coming to the garage sale, moment #2:

An woman buys our broken washer and broken dryer (Praise God, and yes!  She knew they were broken.  I didn't take advantage of her).  She gets on the phone to call "Keith" to come pick them up.  She is rambling things to him about where she is, and randomly blurts out to me, "I don't know where I'm at.  I don't know!...What's this?  Geismo?"  (It's near Geismar for those that don't know.  I'm laughing out loud as I type this - it might be a you had to be there moment, but I LOVED it.)

You can't have a garage sale without drama.  We nearly had a smack down over some camo hats.  A lady had intended to buy the hats and set them down.  Another family walks up, picks up the hats and excitedly talks about buying them.  I made the mistake of commenting to Michelle that I thought that lady was going to buy them.  Hearing me, the lady turns around and takes them out of the boys hands abruptly.  (oops)  The son (about 14) storms off to the truck.  Dad gets mad and starts making loud comments about the lady.  Then he goes to the truck.  I thought we might have to use the teaky torches to separate them, but thankfully, both ladies bought their stuff and left peacefully. 

Back to the funny moments, #3.  This one was centered around our feature item:  the Eliptical Machine.  By far, this item was the talk of the sale.  Despite it's cheap price, no one adopted it.  Many tried it including this one woman.  As she's going to town testing it out, she states "This one is better than the one at Fusion!"  Immediately as if fate was making fun of her, she nearly lifts off the machine head first over the front with a huge "WHOA!"  So funny!!



Later in the day I experienced moment #4 when a young guy and his mom showed up.  The boy instantly spotted the 3 foot long stuffed green python.  Ah!  Maybe today would be the day since I have tried to give the thing away numerous times before now!  The boy wraps the snake around his arms as if it's squeezing him holding the face of the snake inches from his own face.  He walks up to his mom saying in the most dry, monotone voice "Mom, can you get this snake out of my face."  Needless to say, his performance won me over, and I gave him the snake! 



This is only a small sample of the day and the picture does no justice as to the amount of stuff we had. So many funny moments to pick from.  We're gonna go for more stories in early November to sell the remaining items. Nothing like building the Kingdom of God one "garage tale" at a time. More to come...

Wild Weekend...

Ever had one of those weekends that just never seem to stop?  Friday, when I left work, it was off to the only moment of quiet I would have.  Saturday began the marathon!  I went to the Kingdom Builders Breakfast for the first ever tour of the HPC Arena and a little Chris Caine inspiration.  WOW is about all I can come up with.  Chris Caine delivered a great word to our church (as usual).  The arena is MASSIVE compared to what we have currently.  I imagine it will be full in no time!  All I could think about was all of the events we will be hosting there with the students!!  They will have so much space for so many more students to come!  Yeah!  I kept thinking about 

the altars packed with people (young and old) making life decisions right there.  I cannot wait.  Here are

 a couple of not so good photos since they are from my phone.  One cool moment was Pastor's Dino and DeLynn speaking to the church family together for the first time in the arena!!  Wouldn't have missed it!

        

Then it was off to my niece's baby shower for lots of little precious pink baby gifts being passed around as everyone oo'd and ah'd!  Babies are so much fun!  Miley came too and wanted to leave with me, but I had to pass...or so I thought.  Doug had a better idea.  Miley spent the night.  I didn't get much accomplished until she was asleep.  Too much fun to be had.  Then it was on to Sunday!

I got up to go meet Mr. Ferris for the last class for the Navigate/Saturday Sunday morning classes.  We did our project Sunday having the students defend their faith with what they learned in class.  It was a lot of fun.  Here are the "Spitting Lama's" and "Reagan's Team".  I'm gonna miss that bunch on Sunday's!!!  But I will see them Wednesday so it's not too bad!  We had an amazing service, great worship, and some bird!  Not every Sunday you get to eat Cane's at church.

  

What an amazing bunch!  Those servers from Canes came in the scorching heat to serve us chicken and sweet tea!  It was great!  

Then it was off to Walmart for last minute trip needs because Micki was planning to leave for Africa!!!!  In less than 24 hours.   The trip was finally here!  No turning back now.  She packed and packed and packed.  I kept checking on her, trying to help her, but she had it all together on her own.  She didn't need her momma!  She spent every available moment texting and talking on her phone since she'll be without it 9 whole days.  Can someone say "separation anxiety"?!  She's gonna be lost without that phone.  

 We went to Chili's for a little family time and dinner together.  Here's a quick family snap shot after dinner.

  

As I look at this picture, I cannot help but think of all of the sweet children she will come into contact this week that will have one meal a day.  Here we are with left overs for another day...more food than we can eat.  We are full!  Most of these leftovers will likely end up in the garbage because we will forget about them. God, may I never forget those sweet faces that carry their dishes around so that they can eat that day...so that they can eat their one meal that day.  Help me never to forget how blessed I am.  Thank you Father that my children never had that experience as they grew up.  Enlarge Micki's heart and her vision during this trip in a way that only you can!  Give all on the trip a new view of You that they will never forget!  

      

Today, we finished up packing, met at the church for 1:30, and off to the airport we went.  It's a little different sending off your "baby" to another country than getting on the plane to go there yourself.  You cannot just go drive to get to her if she needs you.  But God is going to do something amazing through them.  You know it when you see that unlikely bunch together.  They are so fired up!!  It's going to be an amazing trip for all of them.  Here's a few pics of the send off and a pic of the group!  Keep them in your prayers for safe travel, a great trip, and most of all, that they bring God MUCH glory!

Weekends...

Where do I begin??? It was an eventful weekend for me. (pics have now been added...)
I believe that I must have been oxygen deprived or something to have done all of this!!

Thursday night, I went with Micki, Ryan, T-Barry and Paul to see Pirates (arrgh) of the Caribbean at 10pm. I wasn't extremely impressed with the movie although the crab rocks part was kinda cool along with sailing into the cave (or whatever that was). I love the outdoor/ocean views they show. As far as the movie, not worth getting home at almost 2am for me! The company was great though!

Then Friday we have the most incredible Sparkle event we've had yet in my own humble opinion. THE LUAU! We had 15 amazing God chicks make "purity commitments" (choosing to live pure lives for Christ) with their parents or significant adults in their lives. We had hamburgers and hot dogs (special thanks to Paula for bailing us out with the grill at the last minute!!!!!!!!), ate some great desserts, took pictures and then took a dip in the pool. It was great! I managed to wind down about 12:30am. I was so blown away at what God had done.

Then Saturday I picked up my nephew for a few hours. Micki & I took him to McDonald's where he played for almost an hour in the playland. I sure wish I could fit in that playland! Kinda boring just watching. But the new Mickey D's Sweet Tea was great! Then we ended up at the mall riding the carousel after he endured Target' and Linens n' Things with us. He rode one short ride for $2 (who comes up with these prices??). Afterwards, we were off to the house we went where he and Mic did a hula and ate chips!! Great afternoon!

Later that night, Mic and I landed at Pastor T's house for another amazing night of Pathfinder fun! We had a lock-in at the Laser Tag. I believe I left my game at the house because I flat out stunk! Maybe because it was the middle of the night when I was trying to compete, and my mind thought I should be sleeping or something like that. There was a moment of sabotage that was uncovered in the wee hours of the morning. I'll mention no names (cough, Mic, Tori, cough, Paintball Lance/Steve, Menk). I'll leave that story for someone else to tell. It was a brilliant plan if I might say so myself! So at 6am, I climbed into the bed for a couple hours of sleep. Up at 10am for breakfast and a fast shower...then it was off to 12pm service where I was completely moved at the end of service praying for our other campus locations and Micki, Lacie & T-Berry. Such awesome kids with hearts on fire for God! I just love our youth and our church. It's by far the best place to be!

With all of that said (if you are still reading this I am impressed!), I didn't get much sleep this weekend! I'm really looking forward to this weekend coming and this summer. Summer Session/Navigate is kicking off! Camp is only 3 1/2 weeks away! Then it's off to South Carolina to visit family that we miss a lot! Woo Hoo! I have some pictures from above that I'll add later tonight. No time now, it's off to work!