August

Wow, it has been forever since I have blogged. Since connecting w/ Facebook it seems easy to forget about blogging. Also it seems like once I sign into blogging my mind goes blank & I have nothing to blog about...lol. At night is when my mind really starts working & I think of things to say but as soon as I grab for my laptop it has all been forgotten!:)
Since my last blog my Husband & I celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary on July 5th. I guess even though we are still a young couple, making it past the 5 year mark makes me feel like we've been married forever! To look back & see where life has taken us makes me excited about our next years to come. I could have never planned nor dreamed of what my life has been & that's really the beauty of serving God, it's always better than what you imagined!
This past month seems to have just flown by. We were in Idaho for Idaho's District Camp Meeting & Tim was the speaker for Sr. Camp, the following week I volunteered w/ the Nazarene Church for Vacation Bible School each evening & that was a blast! Right after VBS it was Western District Camp Meeting. We were only able to go the last couple of nights but WOW...what an awesome camp! It is a must to get the Cd's! No sooner we get home from Camp Meeting & my hubby has left for Texarkana to spend time w/ his nephews before school starts.
Lets see...the last time he was away I painted our bedroom, got bedroom furniture, & had a light fixture hung. What can I do while he's away this time?:)

Our House

We have been in our house now for 9 months & I'm loving it! In the beginning of our move I had taken alot of pictures, especially the before & after pictures. We have been tackling one room at a time & soon it will be our front & back yard!:)
Our latest project was changing out the chandelier in the dining room...Wow, thanks to our dear friend & neighbor Ken we got the old one down & the new one up. Not until your a homeowner do you ever get excited about a light fixture...LoL! We have very high ceilings so it was a little crazy of Ken changing the light fixtures. The chain hanging from the middle of the ceiling is 15ft long...like I said, thank you to Ken!
So, we also got our guest bedroom painted. I'm having a hard time calling it that since the entire time we have lived here it has been referred to as the "Blue Room":) Now we have a guest room...no more sleeping on a air matress in a blue room...lol.
Last but not least has been our bedroom. This room was painted a soft green & while Tim was gone to the Philippines I painted & we got our bedroom furniture!:) I have so enjoyed shopping & getting good deals for this house. Craigslist has become a close friend...LoL I have learned very quickly that w/ a house there is always a project to be done!:) We are very thankful that God has blessed us w/ this home!

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference

Living one day at time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His will;
That I maybe reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
Amen.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart & lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him & He will direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6

Just a word of encouragement! It doesn't mean your going through something bad to be encouraged by this prayer or scripture. This prayer to me gives direction on taking one day at time & wisdom to handle hardships. The scripture is a promise from God if you surrender to Him. Life is beautiful when serving God!

This past Sunday after service we celebrated Memorial Day w/ the church at our house w/ some of our neighbors & had a BBQ. It was a blast & the food was delicious! On Monday we did more BBQ w/ my family...it was a day of swimming, eating & relaxing! We did enjoy the weekend but also took time to think about what Memorial Day represents! Thank you to all our soldiers who have fought for our freedom!

On Friday we were excited because we finally got a mattress for our bedroom set. Since moving into the house we are just doing a little bit at a time. We went from a queen to a cal king...it's wonderful!:)

Today was our Kids Super Church for Pentecost Sunday & we had kids w/ their parents come visit! It was a beautiful service, everyone did a great job! The puppets were hilarious...I think the adults enjoyed them just as much as the kids! It's a beautiful thing when you work for God's kingdom & He blesses you for it. Today a visitor, a little boy, asked to be Baptized next Sunday. He wants his parents to be there for it! Thank you Jesus!

Friendship & Chocolate

This past Saturday was our Ladies Tea...it was beautiful & fun, just a little hot! Originally our Ladies Tea was suppose to be May 2nd but due to the rain it had to be postponed. So instead of rain we got 100 degree heat...can't win! Our Ladies Tea almost turned into a pool party, LoL! Next year we are having the tea inside rain or shine!:)
We used the theme "Friendship & Chocolate"...so fitting for a ladies day! We were honored to have Sis. Summer from Woodland be w/ us to speak. She did such a wonderful job! The ladies brought delicious food, soo many sweets & fruit w/ Chocolate! We did have hot tea to serve but I think the Vanilla Lemonade was a better choice!:)

Bryce's 7th Birthday!

Bryce turned 7 today...Wow! Time goes by so quickly. Yesterday we celebrated my Nephews 7th birthday in Napa & to his surprise he got a dirt bike! He was so adorable trying to ride it! Did have one little mishap...He drove straight into my Grandpa's car...LoL!!!!:) This was his first time to ever be on something like this & he was already learning how the gears change & how to use the clutch & all that other fun stuff.
My little niece Ella was not impressed! Although she did tell Bryce he looked really cool. I just had to share this picture I got of her while she was sitting on the front porch watching Bryce learn how to ride a dirt bike...I just love her hair, but look at her little feet!:) It's summer time & ready to go bare foot!:)

Alrighty, in the next two weeks it's going to get a little crazy around here! Tim has left for the Philippines & will be gone for two weeks. During his departure I have a list of things I wish to do to the house!:) So far, I will be painting our bedroom! Finally purchased bedroom furniture & will be picking that up & moving it upstairs on Saturday...which I am very thankful for the guys who are helping me out on this!:) Our front yard is getting a makeover...which desperately needs to be done. We have very tall bushes that come up the walk way of the house which I despise...they are being removed, yeah! I told Tim that when he gets back the house is going to look different:)
We were blessed to have Missionaries Adam & Maya Hunley w/ us in service on Thursday night. Wow, an incredible couple w/ such a beautiful vision for souls in the Middleast! Very sincere about the work of God. It's always so refreshing to be w/ people like that. Had a wonderful time getting better acquainted. Got to visit w/ them again on Friday night at Youth Convention. Friday night's message was awesome & the altar service was so impacting! So glad we got to be there for at least one service of Youth Convention.
Well, I'll try to give an update about the Philippines when I get word from Tim. Until then...

~What a beautiful day~

Many were blessed being surrounded by family today. We started our day off w/ a Sun Rise service at 6:30am. It was really beautiful! Some of the churches in the community of Vacaville came together for this service. This Sun Rise service was held outside. There was beautiful singing while the sun was rising, the sky was so crisp w/ no clouds in sight. Tim preached a message about the Resurrection. You couldn't help but feel close to God.
This day has been peaceful. Having been at the Sun Rise service, we also had wonderful church at 2pm (our normal time of having church). Following church was a delicious family dinner. Tim didn't get to make it to the dinner because of his ankle but I did bring him a plate home!:) The rest of the evening has been very relaxing. This has been a beautiful day! Happy Easter!

A Time to Celebrate

This past Wednesday night we had the honor to be in Santa Maria to surprise Bro. Rick Keyes along w/ the Hills, the Garcia's, Elder Sis. Keyes & the Keyes son Ronny for his birthday! The church put together a wonderful service for him. He had no idea this was planned & it turned out to be a great surprise! I did not take pictures but hoping to get some from those who did...camera lights were flashing everywhere!:)

Some of you may not know this, but Tim took a bad fall last Saturday & has been on crutches ever since. But that wasn't going to stop him from going to Santa Maria...lol. The timing of this couldn't be more awful. It being Resurrection Weekend, then Youth Convention & the following Monday he is to fly out to the Philippines. So please pray, his ankle has to heal!:)

Following Bro. Keyes birthday is my Grandma's birthday, today April 10 is her birthday. So, we went to see her & Mom made sandwiches & tea. We shared fun stories & brought new flowers that she had planted in her garden. It's amazing how we are still being blessed by her.
Have a wonderful weekend w/ family & friends. Wishing you a great Resurrection Sunday! What a Sunday to celebrate!

~This is the day that the Lord has made~

~This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice & be glad in it! I feel like saying that more now then ever since my 2008 Taxes are completed! LoL:) Although I do try to tell myself that everyday as a reminder before the pressures of life hit me. I have found it so very true that if you can just take a moment before starting your day to just remind yourself who your God really is & tell Him about it...it will always help you get through your day a little easier! So, have a blessed day~

This past weekend was a blast! I was able to attend Ladies Conference friday night & Saturday for the brunch & it was AWESOME! Would have loved to have been there for the entire conference...maybe next year!:)
Saturday afternoon Bro. & Sis. Keyes arrived to be w/us for Sunday Service & to visit w/ us on Monday. Bro. Keyes blessed the church w/ an incredible message "He'll Do It Again!" It was an honor to have the Keyes w/ us.We took them around Vacaville on Monday & showed them all the different locations the church has moved to & from. Had enough time to get a tour in at the Jelly Belly Factory...lol It was a great weekend.This weekend we have Home Missions Retreat to look forward to. Alot going on & trying to figure out how to make it all fit in enough time...lol Isn't that what lifes all about?:)

I am looking forward to this weekend! This weekend is Ladies Conference in Sacramento & Bro. & Sis. Keyes are going to be w/ us here in Vacaville for our Sunday service.
I haven't blogged in awhile...mainly because I have joined Facebook & haven't felt much like typing anything!:)Facebook is fun & getting to be addicting...lol! Life's been busy & I am so enjoying the weather right now. It has been sunny the past few days & just beautiful! Although our neighbors did just get a puppy that won't stop crying...my heart goes out to the little guy!:)
Until next time...have a beautiful weekend!

I am sick of being sick! Since last Thursday, a week ago, I have been fighting a lousy cold w/ a fever. There is never a good time for being sick but this week I had NO time to be sick...we had revival! We started off revival on Saturday night w/ an all night prayer meeting from 7pm-7am. At 12:15am one of the men of our church who has been attending for several months now & has been seeking for the Holy Ghost came to pray & God beautifully filled him w/ the Holy Ghost! This man is 73 yrs old & such a sweet heart. Come Sunday service he was there, sitting on the front row w/ the biggest smile on his face, thanking God for the infilling of the Holy Ghost! We had 4 new visitors Sunday, 6 new visitors Monday & 4 new visitors Tuesday! Bro.Hill did a fabulous job preaching in the Holy Ghost. He was led by God in each service, ministering to the church & visitors. We were truly blessed having the Hill's w/ us in Vacaville. We really appreciate them taking the time to come & be w/ us! Of course, little Cherish has stolen our hearts. At our house Tim made a sign called "Cherish's Princess Palace" & placed it above the opening of our stairs where he had a princess crown & wand waiting for her. I had the priviledge to take Susan & Cherish to tea. Cherish really enjoyed the sweets!:) After tea we did a little boutique shopping.We would have loved if they could have stayed longer! I would have loved to have been feeling not so blah! The day they left I was useless, I had a fever & drove to Napa to meet w/ Sis. Brown & then drove to my parents house where I crashed on their couch until late that evening. It seems that several people have been under the weather lately. I don't know if it's just this time of year or the fact it's time for revival!:) We are going to have another all night prayer meeting this Saturday night & place another add in the paper. We are still expecting great things!

We are in Bakersfield as I type, in the lobby of the hotel waiting for our Assist. Pastor & family, Bro. Luci & family, & Bro. & Sis. Clifton to go before the board for their license. We are so happy for them & so proud of them! We have enjoyed our stay here in Bakersfield. My Nana & Keith live here, so we stayed w/ them these past few nights & so enjoyed staying up late & talking! Got to visit w/ the Keyes while here, which is always a treat! The weather has been rain, rain, rain!:) Which no one is complaining about since the rain makes the hills stay greener longer. As long as I don't have to be out in the rain...I enjoy it!:)

Well, my hubby & I had a very sweet & relaxing Valentines. My parents as a gift had given us a night stay at our favorite resort up valley...Villagio. It's where we went for the first two nights of our honeymoon & have returned there over the years for special occasions. Villagio is a place that takes you away like your in Italy staying at a Villa. I highly recommend it as a great get away. We later went out to dinner to the Rutherford Grill...absolutely have fallen in love w/ their food. Wow!

On Valentines day the whole family got together at Gaylyne's house to celebrate Grandpa & Cindy's birthday. I can't help but brag on how delicious the food was. Renee had cooked all day & when we drove up to the house you could literally smell the food outside!:)

We are looking forward to this weekend. The Hill's from Kerman will be coming to Vacaville for revival. The church is very excited & have been preparing for revival. We have put an add in the paper, had fliers made, passed out our church cards & making phone calls to those we know. We are also doing an all night prayer meeting from 7pm-7am on Saturday to kick off our service on Sunday. We are expecting great things!

~Happy 87th Birthday Grandpa~

Today, February 14th, we are celebrating my Grandpa's 87th Birthday!He is a Valentines Baby!:) Wow, to live to be 87...to see all the changes happen in this world, from the depression to technology today!
Grandpa has dedicated his whole life to the work of the Lord. Just last October the church in Napa celebrated it's 60th Anniversary. To me, that's beautiful! When driving in Napa there are certain buildings/homes you can find that he has plastered or land he purchased for investments, his fingerprints are on this city. Grandpa raised all three of his daughters in Napa. Napa was his passion for souls. Although he served the Western District for 34 years & enjoyed it dearly, his burden for Napa ran deeper.
One of Grandpa's dreams was to start daughter works in the surrounding cities & he was blessed to see that happen. There is American Canyon & Vacaville. Both churches are now antonymous & growing!:)
His words of wisdom he has been preaching for several year is "Knowing Jesus"...having that deeper relationship w/ God. He loves talking about the Bible!:)
Grandpa loves a garden. Many times if you were going to his house you'd find him out on the tractor in the garden w/ his dog Chester.,This is my birthday card to Grandpa:

I am blessed to know you, Grandpa
I'm blessed to know a loving man
who believes that a close family is a strong family,
that honoring traditions honors the past,
and that teaching his grand kids everything he knows
is the best way to spoil them.
I thank God for you, Grandpa.

I'm blessed to know such a strong man
who has earned the dignified words that describe him-
wise, principled, tolerant, gracious...
and whose standards do his generation proud
in creating a legacy of opportunity for those to come.
I thank God for you, Grandpa.

And I'm blessed to know a faithful man
who has forever set his heart on the Lord
and always kept his family warm and nurtured
by wrapping them in the sturdy fabric of his faith,
a man after His own heart...
I thank God for you, Grandpa.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!:)

~Wishing everyone a Happy Valentines Day your way~

~Already February~

I can't believe January is already over. This year is already going by way to fast. Last week was a fun & very busy week. I celebrated my birthday! We did the traditional family dinner to celebrate & was honored to have Bro. Stoneking there. We did a Thanksgiving dinner for my birthday since we were all scattered in different states during Thanksgiving!:)The food was delicious! I was a little bummed out that my dad didn't get to celebrate w/ us...he had been sick & had to go in to the Hospital & have surgery. Tim & I did bring him a plate of food to the hospital around 10pm that night & then later drove to Wendy's to get him a frosty!:) He is home now & feeling so much better! On Saturday I went w/ my best friend, Kathey, to my favorite tea house, Camillia's Tea Room in benicia! The best tea house...I love their cucumber sandwiches. In fact I have to always order a few extra!:)So if you are ever in the area, that is a place you must visit.
This past week was also Landmark! What a great conference. I went to Ladies day w/ our Assistant Pastor's wife, Mercedes. Sis. Mangun did incredible. I wasn't ready for her time to be over yet, she could have just kept going!:)
As for Friday night....AWESOME! We had such a great time w/ the Allards & got to visit after service & didn't get home until about 2am!:) Fun, fun! Of course Bro. Stoneking preached a house of fire. But before he had even preached we were wondering if he would get the chance since people were already down to the front lost in the Holy Ghost. Awesome!
I also want to share that on Sunday we baptized a young couple! We had church prayer on Saturday & prayed by faith that someone would be baptized on Sunday & God blessed us w/ two! Thank you Jesus!

~What's Happening~

We just arrived home from being in Santa Maria for a few days. The Santa Maria church holds a Mission Conference every year & this year we were blessed to get to be apart of it. Tim & Bro. Markham preached the services & it was powerful! Of course we always enjoy the fellowship of the church & getting to visit w/ the Keyes!

This past week we were honored to have Steve Pixler w/ us in Vacaville for 2 nights of revival. Awesome services! This man can sing & play the piano beautifully! It was a pleasure getting to know him better.

We are finally getting our soundboards hung back on the walls. The beginning of this remodel of the sanctuary we had to take them down to texture the walls & paint them. Now after a long process of trying to find material to wrap these 8ft x 4ft soundboards, we are now getting closer to the finishing touches of the remodel. We have six hung w/ only 14 more to go!:)

~2009~

Happy New Year...better late then never!:) I am looking forward to this new year. Looking back over last year, I can't even imagine what this upcoming year is going to be like!:)Hope every ones Holidays were blessed w/ good memories.
We spent Christmas this year w/ my family. But we did do something a little different this year...we went to Disneyland for Christmas. What a blast! My niece Ella & nephew Bryce went on every ride they could...it was adorable. Ella road w/ me on Thunder Mountain & Space Mountain & the whole ride she had her hands up in the air screaming away. I loved it!:) The kids also did The House of Terror & Ella told me after the ride..."Danda, I came up off my seat when we dropped" LoL
We came straight home from Disneyland to have our New Year Eve service. It was so awesome. We did communion, feet washing & worshiped the old year out & the new year in...praise God. We also added another row of chairs on each side of the sanctuary by faith & that Sunday, God filled those chairs w/ visitors! As for the church there is alot going on...good things that is!:) We have been going through the process now for about a year to make the church antonymous & we are finally there. Believe me, it has been such a learning process going through all this paper work w/ the State. We are now officially The Pentecostals of Vacaville!
We have been blessed the past few days to have a family friend, Donna Brown, visiting w/ us. Yesterday my Aunt Gaylyne & I took her to San Francisco for the day & it couldn't have been a more beautiful day. It was like God had made that day just for her to get to walk down memory lane of when she & her late husband Lonnie had lived in San Rafael & worked at the Presidio in San Francisco when her daughter was just a baby. It was a beautiful day!