Already There

Much is being said and written about the new year.  Dreams, hopes, plans, goals, resolutions, desires.  I've seen "Verse of the Year" and "Word of the Year" - ideas that intrigue me.  How do you choose a verse or a word for your unseen future?  I've heard people say, "This is my life verse."  And I'm amazed by that.  How does one single verse fit a lifetime?  I have so many "favorite" verses!  A verse that fit 2010 wasn't relevant to where I was living in 1985.   Snatches of verses come to mind, "my times are in thy hand," "great peace have they which live thy law," "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," "I've never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging bread."  Verses that hold great meaning in my life.  I could never choose just one.  (I don't have one favorite song, either!)

I was thinking about all this when I was in the car this morning.  I heard the song "Already There" by Casting Crowns.  It was the reminder that I needed.  Yes, I need to make plans for 2014, but I need to leave the outcome in the capable hands of the One Who is already there.

Already There

From where I'm standing, Lord it's so hard for me to see
Where this is going and where You're leading me
I wish I knew how all my fears and all my questions
Are gonna play out in a world I can't control

Oh, oh

When I'm lost in the mystery to You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there, You're already there
Standing at the end of my life waiting on the other side
And You're already there, You're already there

Oh, oh, oh, oh

From where You're standing, Lord, You see a grand design
That You imagined when You breathed me into life
And all the chaos comes together in Your hands
Like a masterpiece of Your picture perfect plan

When I'm lost in the mystery to You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there, You're already there
Standing at the end of my life waiting on the other side
And You're already there, You're already there

One day I'll stand before You
And look back on the life I've lived
I can't wait to enjoy the view
And see how all the pieces fit

One day I'll stand before You
And look back on the life I've lived
Cause You're already there, You're already there
When I'm lost in the mystery to You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there, You're already there
Standing at the end of my life waiting on the other side
And You're already there, You're already there

You are already there 

So whether you're excited or nervous about the upcoming year ~ remember, He's already there.

12/31 ~ Celebrate (Photo-A-Day)

I just got back from my final run of 2013!  3.11 miles in 29 minutes and 28 seconds.  This brings my total for the year to 1,802 miles - this includes running, walking, and cycling.  It was not my highest year by a long shot, the first three months were very challenging.  But I finished with consistency and injury free - definitely a reason to celebrate!

I don't think I ever posted this picture.  This is a pair of sandals I brought with me in January.  Yes, I've done a bit of walking...

12/30 ~ You (Photo-A-Day)

Les took this picture on Christmas, just as the sun was setting.  I will never forget our year spent with beautiful Diamond Head as a backdrop!

12/29 ~ Reflect: Best Bit of 2013 (Photo-A-Day)

2013 is a year that we will never forget!  It started with some fear about an uncertain future.  But the Peace of God has been with me as we have traveled a new road.  I wrote about the Will of God in January, just after we moved to Hawaii.  I'm going to re-post it here.  The Best Bit of 2013 has been being in the Will of God right here, right now.

The Will of God

As a single teenager and young adult, I thought often about finding the will of God for my life.  At that time, the will of God for a single Apostolic female = a husband!  I think most of us thought that once that was done, the rest of life would just flow right along.  Let me tell you, that is not the case!

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
~1 John 2:17

Les and I will both be turning 50 in the next 15 months and we have been through a major time of seeking the will of God.  It really comes down to this:

The will of God is not a place to dwell but a path to follow.
~ Mom's Bible

This life is a journey.  We don't turn 25 and suddenly "Aha! Here is the will of God for the rest of my life!  I'll never do anything else!"  I was in the children's choir when I was 10, the youth choir as a teen, and the adult choir since then.  I would look awfully silly still singing in the children's choir now just because it was the will of God when I was 10!  Careers change, families grow, friends turn their backs, LIFE throws you a curve.  How can you know you are in the will of God?

1.  Prayer and fasting are a must!  God can't tell you anything if you're not speaking to Him.  It also helps to quit talking and listen to what He has to said.  I kept telling God, "Anytime now You can reveal Your will.  I know you want us to stay here."  When I finally stopped talking, I felt so strongly that His plan was taking us to Hawaii.  I don't know the purpose, but I am at peace right here, right now.
2.  Reading the Bible. Are you planning something that goes against the Word?  Is that special someone an unbeliever? (See 2 Corinthians 6:14) It's not going to be the will of God no matter how much you want it.
3.  Seek wise counsel.  Les talked to Pastor White about this job from the very first discussion he had with the company.  We weren't going anywhere without his wisdom and prayers.  Pastor White left a message on Les' cell phone Friday morning.  Among the many things he said the one that meant the most was, "I'm sure praying for you and believe God is in it."  Those words meant so much.
4.  WAIT.  This is so hard.  We waited and waited.  Money wasn't coming in and no job was coming.  I truthfully thought that God was going to open a door locally.  About halfway through our time of waiting, my sweet friend Jen Lord posted this:

I can see to the corner, but God sees around the corner... don't worry
~Mom's Bible

5.  SIT STILL.  I worked on this post last week and thought it was finished. Then Bro. Disotell said something during revival. Micah 7:8 says, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me."  He said when you are sitting in the darkness and you cannot see the next open door, be still.  Trying to move when you should be still will cause you to be hurt.  Sometimes when we are waiting, we are still moving, trying to make something happen.  Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God."

We know that God doesn't change, but His plans for us are more than we can know all at once.  We can trust that He knows where we need to be, who we need to meet, how long we need to stay, and when it's time for a change.  Follow His path, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.  While you're praying and seeking counsel, while you're waiting in the hallway, and while you're sitting still, remember this:

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

12/28 ~ Something Awesome (Photo-A-Day)

Yesterday we toured the Mighty Mo - the Battleship USS Missouri.  I'll do a full post later, but something awesome was this chow line:

Why was this chow line something awesome?  Les' dad was in the Navy in the 50s.  On Christmas day, his ship was docked next to the Missouri and the captain of the Missouri invited the entire crew to dine with them!

Who would have guessed that 60 years later Les would be standing where his dad had been as a young soldier.  I'd say that's something awesome!

12/27 ~ What You're Doing Now (Photo-A-Day)

We are in the car again - we have tickets to tour the Battleship Missouri Memorial!

Christmas Pictures

I think I overloaded Blogger on my previous post.  I don't know why all the collages won't enlarge.  I created a SmugMug gallery - here.  There are also some videos that Les took with his iPhone - the Koko Head one is amazing!  I make an appearance and wave like a typical tourist.  I narrowed it down to about 75 from our original 300+!

Christmas 2013 - Making Memories

 

Christmas day was simply amazing. We decided about a month ago that we would spend Christmas here in Hawaii - we may never get to do this again!  Les had a few ideas and we just went where we wanted as the day progressed.  We took over 300 pictures, so I've made collages - enjoy our day!  (You can click on the collage to see a larger view.)

We were up and out the door by 6:00 a.m.  Destination?  Sandy Beach to watch the sunrise. We weren't the only ones with this idea, but we had a little bit of the beach to ourselves as we enjoyed the start of the day.

We then headed to the Koko Head Crater Trail. This is a 1.5 mile round trip hike up railroad ties. The United States military used this location for a bunker during World War II. It is SO steep!  Especially for someone my height with short legs.

At one point the trail gives way and becomes a bridge. I took the "easy" way out and climbed rocks instead.   There are no action shots of Les, I was too busy hanging on for dear life to take pictures!

Thirty four minutes and over 1,000 feet later we were at the top!  The views were breathtaking!  Diamond Head with a rainbow, Hanauma Bay, Hawaii Kai, and Sandy Beach were all in view. 

Then it was time to head down!  This was tough as well, I spent the upper third holding on to the tracks as I gingerly stepped down. I opted for the bridge bypass going down as well.   And we were done!

It was after 10:00 when we got cleaned up and started looking for breakfast. Fortunately Zippy's was open. French toast, eggs, hash browns and Spam!  I ate Spam when I was a kid, but it has been a long time. Spam is standard Hawaiian fare, so we both had it. 

We traveled to the Windward side of the island.  Les got to Face Time with his parents while they were having dinner with Lisa and her family.

Continuing our loop, we headed to the North Shore. We stopped at one of the many shrimp trucks. Shrimp cocktail and coconut shrimp made a great midday snack!

The waves weren't huge on the North Shore, but they sure were pretty!  We got rained on, of course. It's not a day in paradise without a little pineapple mist.  We wanted shave ice, but the only place open was taking cash only.  We had about 20 cents between us, so we had to pass!

More than 100 miles later, we got home around 3:30. After getting cleaned up and relaxing for a little while, we went out to catch the sunset!  

Christmas dinner was Round Table Pizza. We went Hawaiian style on one half and Maui Zaui (with Polynesian sauce) on the other.  We weren't the only ones having pizza. The place was packed and the takeout business was hopping!

We finished the night opening gifts. We didn't buy a lot this year - mostly running and cycling gear!  The gift of time together is the best!

12/26 ~ Where You Slept (Photo-A-Day)

Our bed in the condo is not at all comfortable!  The mattress is really hard.  There are about five mattress pads, but they are all very worn out.  But this is where I slept...

12/25 ~ Best Bit of Your Day (Photo-A-Day)

We have had an amazing day and it's not over yet!  We watched a beautiful sunrise, hiked Koko Head Crater, walked on the beach on the Windward side, Face Timed with family, and ate shrimp from the North Shore.  But the BEST bit of my day?  This guy is the best bit of my day!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Luke chapter 2:
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Glory to God in the Highest!  Have a blessed day and remember the Reason for the Season!

12/24 ~ Wrapped (Photo-A-Day)

I have an accumulation of wrapping paper, boxes, bags, tissue paper and bows.  At Home!  I bought one roll this year.  The "gift bag" is a plain brown bag (from a restaurant, I think) that I wrapped.  It's the thought that counts, not the wrapping paper, right?

Are your gifts all wrapped??  When do you open gifts - Christmas Eve, Christmas morning or some other time?

12/23 ~ Tradition (Photo-A-Day)

There's just something about the tradition of children performing at Christmas time!  Our crew was small but they did a great job last night. "Away in a Manger" and "Happy Birthday, Jesus" were sung with gusto. Five year old Seth did awesome quoting a poem.

There's no snow here, but the love and joy of Christmas is still evident.  Pastor McGriffin preached about "The Light of Christmas."  When Jesus came, He brought light that "shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." John 1:5.  This means darkness could not stop the Light!  May His light shine in your heart this Christmas.

12/22 ~ Sparkly (Photo-A-Day)

We don't have a single "sparkly" thing in our condo.  Not one Christmas decoration and for this year, I'm perfectly fine with that!  Even my wrapping paper is un-sparkly!  Les brought home this gift from a co-worker and it's as close as I can get:

12/21 ~ On the Door (Photo-A-Day)

Welcome to Discovery Bay!

12/20 ~ I'm Listening To (Photo-A-Day)

When we were home in California after Thanksgiving I took an afternoon to go through my Christmas music.  I copied favorites from 19 CDs and created my own Christmas Mix!  No duplicates - who needs 19 versions of "The Christmas Song?"  Just lots of favorites.  And when I get a little tired of those, I go to Pandora.

Wow!

I looked out our window a few minutes ago and this is what I saw:

I all can say is "Wow, God! You amaze me! Just Wow!"

12/19 ~ 'Tis the Season To (Photo-A-Day)

Pastor and Sis. McGriffin

These pictures are from a week ago Saturday - 'Tis the Season for Christmas parties and banquets!  New Life Pentecostal had theirs at the Double Tree Ala Moana.  The food and fellowship was great.  We had two tables of young men who are currently in a Bible study - we were excited to see them!  There were also several other guests.

After the food, the festivities began.  Each table created a snowman...

 We also played a couple of games...

You really just had to be there!

Part of our table - Addy (former co-worker of Sis. Toni), Sis. Toni and Sis. Edith.

Chad and Serena were also at our table.

Mahala was temporarily on her own! I love this little stinker.  She is so smart, but usually won't say a word to me.  Then she'll surprise me with a full paragraph, not just a word or two!

 Josh and Monica

 

 Kevin was dateless ;)

And this was the best we could come up with for a Christmas photo this year!  Good thing I left my address book in California.

How many parties and/or banquets have you been to this Christmas season?   This is it for me, Les has a work luncheon tomorrow.