Thanksgiving 2016

We were home in California this year for Thanksgiving.  It had been way too many years since we spent it with my family.  We drove to Fresno on Wednesday and got an early Thursday morning bike ride in before heading to Visalia.  It was in the 30s to low 40s for most of our ride.  I managed to hang on for 33 miles, my longest ride this year.

My Aunt Suzie has hosted the family gathering for years.

There is always plenty of food and laughter!

Not everyone got the memo to make a funny face!

Les and I changed our #OptOutside plans for Black Friday.  There was a storm coming and getting to Yosemite was looking really iffy.  We decided to go home on Friday instead of Saturday.  Before we left town we had breakfast with my Uncle Ken and Aunt Joyce, Mom's sister.  And when I say we "had breakfast" I mean that we sat at Mimi's Cafe catching up for almost three hours!

We then spent a couple hours at Krysten and Lauren's.  These two make me so proud to be an aunt!  They are kind, funny, hard working, smart and sweet.  And as the storm moved across the entire state on Saturday, we were really  happy that we didn't have to drive in it.

Remembrance Day ~ 75th Pearl Harbor Commemoration

Once again I have a ton of catching up to do, but I want to pause this morning to remember Pearl Harbor.  We are back in Hawaii and there are a lot of activities commemorating the "day that will live in infamy." It's a beautiful December day here on Oahu, much like it was 75 years ago. 

USAToday had an interesting article this morning featuring the five remaining USS Arizona survivors.  Four are here taking part in the anniversary ceremonies.  The remains of two survivors who passed away this year will be interred in the Arizona's wreckage today.

These brave men, all now in their 90s, embody what it means to be an American.  They were 19-22 year olds.  The same age as college students who just a month ago needed a safe room because they couldn't handle the disappointment of the election outcome.  These young men were men.  Several of them were injured in the attack but they all continued to serve throughout the war.  One of the survivors and one who passed away this year also served in the Korean War.

The theme for the events is "Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future."  We are quickly saying goodbye to the Greatest Generation.  May we all be inspired to be better Americans and make our nation a better place.

Friday Foodie

Food blogger, Stephanie, at Plain Chicken posts a weekly meal plan on Sundays called "What's For Dinner?"  I've gotten many great ideas through the years of reading her blog and this week produced another winner!  It was one of the quickest and easiest soups I've ever made and it was delicious!

Chicken Taco Soup

2 boneless chicken breasts or 3 cups cooked, chopped chicken
1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
1 packet Ranch dressing mix
1 packet Taco seasoning
1 cup frozen corn or 1 can corn, drained
5 cups chicken broth

sour cream
cheese
Fritos

Slow Cooker:
Place uncooked boneless chicken breasts in slow cooker. Top with beans, tomatoes, corn, Ranch mix, taco seasoning and chicken broth. Cook on low for 8-9 hours.  Serve with Fritos, cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Stove Top:
In a Dutch Oven, combine cooked chicken beans, tomatoes, corn, Ranch mix, taco seasoning and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve with Fritos, cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

I did the Slow Cooker version and let the aroma permeate the house for hours.  I bought pre-cooked shredded chicken and also added 2 chopped up bell peppers.  We used chili cheese flavored Fritos (these also go great in chili and tomato soup, try 'em some time!)

The verdict from Les, "I wouldn't change a thing!"

Will You Go Out WIth Me?

 
Outdoor lifestyle retailer and co-op REI is once again closing its 149 stores on Black Friday for the return of its celebrated "#OptOutside" program.  Last year, REI made marketing history when it decided to suspend its retail activity, including online sales, on the most popular shopping day of the year while continuing to pay its more than 12,000 employees so they can have a day to enjoy the outdoors.

For 2016, more than 275 national and local organizations, including a handful of brands, have officially teamed with REI to back the "Opt Outside" movement.  "We really want people thinking about the Friday after Thanksgiving differently," said REI Chief Creative Officer Ben Steele.  Last year saw 1.4 million people participate and according to their website nearly 1.9 million people have already chosen to #OptOutside on Black Friday.

I wrote about this last year and I still love the idea!  I'm not a Black Friday shopper and I definitely love the outdoors!  And if you're single, here's your pick up line for the month of November!  Go to REI's website and create your own "Will You Go Out With Me?" photo to share!

Our plan for this year is to go to beautiful Yosemite on Black Friday.  The forecast is a little sketchy - yesterday it showed snow, but that changed, so we're hopeful.  Even if we can't make it to Yosemite we will have our bikes with us (we plan to ride on Thursday before our meal) so we can ride at lower elevation if necessary.

What about you?  Will you #OptOutside?  #ShopTilYouDrop?  or a little of each?

35th Pastoral Anniversary Weekend

I have a TON of catching up to do!  We moved home on Halloween and we are really glad to be here.  (Just to clarify - Les still works for the company in Hawaii so we will still be going there but will not be staying for long stretches like we have most of this year.)  I'll get back to our final weekend on Oahu later this week, but today I want to talk about this weekend...

Victory Tabernacle celebrated the 35th Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor and Sister White this weekend.  It was such a beautiful celebration and I stayed in the moment while my phone stayed in my purse and I did not take a single picture.  Pastor and Sister White have been a tremendous blessing to Victory Tabernacle in Burbank for these many years.  They are loving and giving and faithful.  They are loved and respected by so many which was evidenced by the many guests who came to celebrate with us.

We kicked things off Friday night.  Service started at 7:30.  When Les and I arrived at 6:45 both parking lots were full and we parked on the street.  The building was packed.  As service started and more folks came, chairs were brought in.  We heard from one of the saints of Victory Tabernacle, Bro. Leo Alcocer, who shared what the Whites mean to him.  Three of Pastor White's friends then spoke - Pastors Tom Johnson, Ron Garrett (my first youth leader!) and B.J. Wilmoth.  They each had stories to share and kind words.

Our speaker for the weekend was Elder Vaughn Morton.  It was such a treat to have him with us.  He retired from pastoring Truth Tabernacle in Fresno 2 1/2 years ago and he has stayed busy, busy, busy!  On Friday night he talked about the past, giving honor to Pastor and Sister White.  He had Sister White join him on the platform and kept saying, "I'll get to you later!"

After the preaching we saw a slideshow of pictures of 35 years of memories.  Two building programs, revivals, evangelism, dramas, family trips and much more.  We then enjoyed a time of fellowship with ministers and their wives after service.  It was so good to talk to so many!  It was well past my bedtime when I finally looked at the time on my phone but well worth it.

Sunday morning started with Les teaching our Adult Sunday school class.  This quarter we have been studying the Sermon on the Mount and Les has brought much insight to these great teachings of Jesus.  It was another outstanding lesson.  Ask anyone who sits in on those classes and you will know I am not biased at all when I say that.

We were blessed with more guests who came just to show honor to our first couple.  It was so good to see Elder and Sister Gerald Buxton and many pastor wives.  Sister Blanca Mejia testified in Spanish, telling what the Whites have meant to her through the years.  Pastor White's sister, Sister Kaye Singleton, blessed us with a song about the faithfulness of God.  I love this sweet lady!

Our Sunday morning worship service is mostly in Spanish with the preaching translated.  Elder Morton gave us just a nugget of his message "Just Let It Unfold."  This is such a classic message and I would have loved to hear the entire message.  We then had a beautiful move of God during the altar service.

I spent Sunday afternoon getting food ready for our post-service potluck!  I made Broccoli and Cranberry Salad, Butternut Squash Bake, and Baked Mushroom Chicken.  It's a known fact that if you go hungry at a church potluck it is no one's fault but your own!

Sunday night's service was our final celebration.  Bro. Frankie Ayala and Sis. Vivian Gonzalez both spoke about what the Whites mean to them.  I was on the schedule to sing and took the opportunity to talk about Sister White's great influence on our music department.  I have been playing for 25 years now and Sister White is directly responsible for that!  I shared a few stories and then had all of our musicians stand.  It was a beautiful sight to see how many musicians we now have.  As I said last night, one of the greatest things that has happened is Sister White no longer needs to play the organ for altar service so she can freely pray with those in need in the altars.  We also heard from our three branch pastors.  Again, the church was packed with visitors and saints from Burbank and our branch works.

Elder Morton preached to us about our future.  We celebrated our past, but it's time to keep moving forward!  He exhorted us to focus on evangelism, to not worry about where we would put people when the church is full - God will provide!  He was so anointed and so funny as only Elder Morton can be!  Victory Tabernacle has a bright future.

Following the altar service Brother Hector Flores read a letter celebrating Pastor and Sister White.  (Les wrote it and with his permission I might post it tomorrow.)  We then presented the Whites with a gift of a "Romantic River Cruise" on the Danube.  Les and I thought about taking this cruise when we were planning our 25th anniversary trip and I know they will have a great time!  There is no gift big enough to say how much we appreciate them.  I know our greatest gift is each of us living for God and reaching out to others.

We concluded the night with our potluck.  It seemed like no one wanted to leave!  We just stayed and ate and talked and laughed.  It was after midnight when Les and I finally drifted off to sleep. 

I woke this morning with a heart that is full.  We will celebrate Thanksgiving next week, but I am extremely thankful today!  It was a blessed weekend and I am looking forward to what God has in store next.

2016 Hawaii District Marriage Retreat, Part II

After a short morning break on Saturday morning we split into two sessions and Sis. Hughes spoke to the ladies.  She talked about "Storms in Your Marriage."  This was another really great session that I didn't take a lot of notes on...

There was a hurricane that hit Galveston, Texas in 1900.  Approximately 8,000 people, or 20% of the population, was killed.  It still remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.  There were stories of people holding on to driftwood through the night as they tried to survive.  Everyone experienced the storm, but not everyone survived the storm.

Storms ARE going to come.  We must have a strong foundation in order to survive.  There may be times when we are just holding on to driftwood, but we can find protection IN the trouble, not from trouble.

Matthew 7:24-27 tells the story of the wise man who built his house on the rock and the foolish man who built on sand.  The storm beat on both houses but Jesus said of the one built on the sand, without a firm foundation, great was the fall.

One of the ways to weather storms is to stockpile forgiveness in your home.

I was reminded again of four years ago when Les and I were going through a storm - my Dad was hospitalized, Les lost his job and our house was broken into all during a five week span.  Things were tough for several months, but I'm so thankful that during that storm (and others were have faced) our marriage stayed strong.  We held on to God and each other.

This picture has nothing to do with the retreat, I just needed to put something here to break up the post ;)
Hawaii sure is beautiful!

We enjoyed a great meal on Saturday evening - Hawaiian Ohana (family) style.  Kalua pork and cabbage, chicken, rice, purple sweet potatoes and more!  Once our stomachs were full, we feasted one more time on the teaching of Dr. Hughes:

How Will You Handle Offense?

Luke 17:1-10 was the text.  In verse one Jesus said, "It is impossible but that offences will come."  There's no way around it, it's going to happen.  God does not give us the right to settle a score.  Confrontation does not solve problems.

Our most powerful need is revenge.  You can't transfer pain through revenge.  You have to deal with it.  

How can I forgive when I can't forget?  Forgive and choose to manage the memory.

The Greek word "rebuke" in Luke 17:3 is epitimaō.  It is a compound word.  "Epi" means position.  "Timaō" means to prize, that is, fix a valuation upon; by implication to revere: - honor, value.  That's quite a bit different meaning than what I think when I hear the word "rebuke."  Jesus was saying "when your brother offends you, I expect you to honor him."  

Matthew 18:22-35 tells the parable of the servant who owed a great deal of money.  His lord commanded that he and his family be put in prison.  The servant pleaded for mercy and received it.  But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants and showed no mercy.  When the other servants heard this, they told the king.  "Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:  Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?" (verses 32-33)  When you don't forgive, you bring your own sins out from under the blood.

We closed out the retreat with each couple standing, holding hands, and praying for each other.  It was such a sacred time.  Of all the people who pray for me, Les holds the greatest influence.  It's a privilege to pray for my husband.  I'm not sure I can describe how beautiful it was as we stood there praying and I felt Les' tears falling on me.  It seemed everyone in the room was experiencing the same thing as we just quietly stood holding our spouses. Words weren't necessary.  There was a sweet presence of God in the place.

Final Thoughts:

Les and I talked so much during this retreat.  We had a 20-30 minute drive each way.  There were so many points that Dr. Hughes talked about that couples struggle with.  Les and I kept saying, "Do you feel that way about me?"  Over and over we marveled at how peaceful our marriage is.  We are two individuals, humans with faults and failures, but we really get along so well.  What you read on this blog is not a cover up for a tumultuous home life.  We really are happy. 

I enjoyed this retreat so much and I am so thankful for my best friend, my wonderful husband!

Happy National Chocolate Day!

I don't know who comes up with all these "national" days, but this is one I fully support!

My Dad did not like chocolate...

I inherited my Mom's genes in this matter!

My niece Krysten got Mom's recipe box after she passed away.  90% of the recipes were for chocolate!

Celebrate this sweet day with someone sweet today!

2016 Hawaii District Marriage Retreat, Part I

Last Friday night kicked off an incredible marriage retreat for the Hawaii District.  We started off with dinner, then an ice breaker. Each table was asked to finish the sentence "I love you..."  I had my entire table cracking up when I said, "I love you more than chocolate!"

Dr. and Mrs. James Hughes were amazing. Dr. Hughes has been counseling couples for over 30 years and he had such practical advice for all of us. I did not have a notepad with me on Friday night, but as soon as I got home I wrote down a few points:

Strong Families build Strong Churches, not the other way around.  We need to stop relying on the church to train our children and grow our marriages.  It's up to us.  The work happens at home.

Dr. Hughes said there are many meanings of the word "Fine" - if I can't see you, I don't know what you mean.  We have become so dependent on our phones/social media, that we have stopped having face to face conversations.  This leads to so many misunderstandings.

We must be adults, not children, in our marriages.

Saturday morning I remembered my notepad but my notes aren't super detailed because I was so engrossed in listening!  Dr. Hughes started the session with Proverbs 24:3-4, "Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:  And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches."

Marriage is Valuable.
You can't abuse anything until you make it worthless.  You build a vault around what is valuable.  If your spouse is valuable, you will build a wall of safety around them.

Healthy families don't cover up.  They allow people to make mistakes.  There's a reason that there is an eraser on the end of a pencil.  We all make mistakes.

Dr. Hughes pointed out that in Genesis chapter 3, Adam was probably standing right there as the serpent spoke to Eve and as she partook of the fruit (verse 6 says "she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her.") Something had happened that caused Adam to be willing for Eve to die.  We have blamed Eve for the fall of man, but Adam could have stopped her.  {I had never noticed this before!  Several commentaries agreed that Adam was there but did nothing to stop Eve from hearing the serpent or partaking of the fruit.}  Adam did not value Eve as he should have.

Part of the curse in Genesis was to Eve, "thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee."  This literally means the woman will try to control her husband, but he will dominate her.  The New Testament church changed that - husbands are now to love their wives.

Submission is a two way street.  Submission keeps me from becoming evil.

Every time Jesus talked about forgiveness it was in regards to the family.

There are nine things every human needs.  Number one on the list is safety.  When we feel unsafe we have two responses - fight or flight.  We should feel safe in our families.

The first emotion that is developed in us is anger.  It is fully developed at age 6.  When we get angry, we behave like a 6 year old.  Fear is fully developed by age 12.  So when we become fearful we revert to acting like a 12 year old.  {That paints a pretty clear picture, doesn't it?}

I'll have Part II tomorrow!

Coming Soon!

We have had a very busy few days and more to come.  Friday and Saturday was the Hawaii District Marriage Enhancement Retreat.  Dr. and Mrs. James Hughes were our guests and they were outstanding!  I have lots of notes and very few pictures.

Between sessions on Saturday we got new tires on our car.  We found a little lunch place and when we walked back saw this sign.  Some things just make you go hmm....

Last night Bro. and Sis. Banez from the Philippines were with us in service.  A light bulb went off in my head as Sis. Banez testified.  They attended Bible school in Manila in the early 80s.  After service I asked if she was there in 1984 and she was.  That was the year I went to the Phillipines so we felt like long lost friends!

Tonight we have Bible study at the University of Hawaii.  I have been asked to teach, so please pray for me today!

Scenes from Here and There

I haven't done a photo dump in a long time.  God's creation sure is beautiful!

We Have an Anchor

I woke up with an old song on my mind yesterday morning.  I could only think of the words to the chorus, so of course I had to look it up.

Peace In the Midst of My Storm (Words and Music by Stephen Adams)

Verse 1
When the world that I’ve been living in collapses at my feet
When my life is shattered and torn
Though I’m wind-swept and battered I can cling to His cross
And find peace in the midst of my storm

Chorus
There is peace in the midst of my storm tossed life
There’s an Anchor, there’s a Rock to cast my faith upon
Jesus rides in my vessel so I’ll fear no alarm
He gives me peace in the midst of my storm.

Verse 2
When my body has been broken till it’s wrecked in misery
When all the doctors shake their heads and look forlorn
Jesus comes to make my bedside a cathedral of hope and love
He sends His peace into the midst of my storm

Chorus
There is peace in the midst of my storm tossed life
There’s an Anchor, there’s a Rock to cast my faith upon
Jesus rides in my vessel so I’ll fear no alarm
He gives me peace in the midst of my storm.

Yesterday Les and I were talking about a stormy time in our life.  Four years ago, things were pretty rough - that included my Dad's lengthy hospital stay, our house being broken into, and Les losing his job.  I didn't blog about all of it as we were going through it, but I did write about it a few months later - "The Peace of God that Covers".

There has never been a more stormy time in our country in my lifetime.  Spend less than ten minutes reading any news site and you can feel the pressure building.  The election.  Civil unrest. Violence. Protests.  Terrorism.  I've lost track of how many times I have said, "Our country, our world, is a mess," in the past few months.

The word "anchor" is only found one time in the Bible.  Hebrews 6:18-9 says, "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:  Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil."

If you're like me, and you are concerned about what is going on around us, remember that God is the Anchor. In these times we need to be praying for our country like never before, but He's the One Who can bring peace in the midst of the storm.

October Seasonal Confusion

The calendar says, "October."  I have ingredients for pumpkin muffins and my Fall decorations are out.

The weather for Simi Valley is still Summer-like with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s for the next few days. Our current humidity is 3%, with gusty northeast winds, putting us in extreme fire danger.

And at the local Walmart, Christmas has arrived!

Anyone else find October confusing?

Friday Fall Florals (Hawaiian Style)

I was out for a walk this morning and stopped a bunch of times because the flowers were so pretty!  We won't be seeing leaves turn red and orange, but there is a lot of beauty here.

Campus Ministry International

Bridnie is a young lady who attends New Life Pentecostal church here in Hawaii. She is also a student at the University of Hawaii.  Last year she got a Bible study going with several of the students.  Les and I were invited to one of the final studies of the semester last May and really enjoyed it.

Fast forward to about a month ago when the students returned from summer break.  The first Sunday that Bridnie was back in town she was back at church with two of the girls (Anna and Lexi) who were in last year's study.  With our crazy travel schedule we missed the first Bible study, but we were able to go last night.  It was awesome!  Along with Bridnie, Lexi and Anna, were C.J. and Adam.  Brycen (who came last year) made a brief appearance but didn't stay.  Part way through the study, Dakota wandered in and asked C.J. what was going on.  He stayed for the rest.  Also in attendance was a large part of our Hyphen (college and career age) ministry from NLP.

We had one other guest that many of my readers will know from Pacific Coast Camp - Bernard Puller!  He has been in Hawaii for work and met Bridnie at our concert with Mark Yandris last week.  It was great to see him come right in and connect with these students.

God blessed us in another way, too.  Les and I had ordered pizzas to take with us.  It was suppose to take about 20 minutes but it took quite a bit longer.  While we were waiting the manager came out to us and handed me a receipt. She said, "I'm sorry this took so long.  I'm giving you your money back."   You can't out give God!

Les and I are enjoying getting to know these students.  They are so sweet and smart.  We are excited to see what God has in store for their lives!  At the end of last night's study Les asked them to submit questions for future Bible studies. Please help us pray that seeds will be planted that will bring forth much fruit!

Impact Music Workshop

The past few days have been super busy here in Hawaii.  Les and I flew in on Wednesday and Thursday night kicked off the Impact Music Workshop with Bro. Mark Yandris.  Thursday and Friday nights started at 5:00 with sessions for keyboardists, then the choir came at 6:00.  Saturday we had choir practice from 9:00 to 11:00.  And last night we blew the roof off in church!  I know at least one received the Holy Ghost and one was baptized at the end of service.

If you're looking for good, godly, gospel music for your church - Mark has a great CD that has been out for a couple of years.  He also has a Christmas album and an EP with four songs on it coming out this month.  They will be available on his website and through iTunes.

If you know me well (or have been reading this blog awhile) you know I've been involved in music forever.  Singing, playing, directing choirs, I've kind of done it all.  But there is nothing I enjoy more than just standing in the soprano section and singing my heart out!  I loved that the only responsibility I had was to know my part.  The choir was made up of members from at least five of the churches on the island and it was fun to be able to sing in unity with this great group.  Can you imagine how fun it's going to be singing in the heavenly choir?