A day in the life of the Franster

2009-04-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry so long - it's been forever since I've written. Here's a few thoughts going in my head. I think this song by Brooke Fraser is good food for thought. Where is our hope? Are we satisfied only with the comforts surrounding us? Where will be be when those are gone?

C.S Lewis Song
by Brooke Fraser

"If I find in myself
Desires nothing in this world can satisfy
I can only conclude
That I, I was not made for here

If the flesh that I fight
Is at best only light and momentary
Then of course, I'll feel nude
When to where I'm destined I'm compared

[Chorus]
Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the mornin'
I will sigh and with all creation groan
As I wait for hope to come for me

Am I lost or just less found
On the straight or on the roundabout of the wrong way
Is this a soul that stirs in me
Is it breaking free, wanting to come alive

'Cos my comfort would prefer for me to be numb
And avoid the impending birth of who I was born to become

Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the mornin'
I will sigh and with all creation groan
As I wait for hope to come for me

For we
We are not long here
Our time is but a breath
So we better breathe it
And I
I was made to live
I was made to love
I was made to know you

Hope
Is comin' for me
Hope
Is comin' for me
Hope
Is comin' for me
Hope
He's comin'

Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the mornin', mornin'
I will sigh and with all creation groan
As I wait for hope to come for me, for me, for me, for me"

2009-03-17T21:51:00.001-07:00

I know, I know it's been awhile since I put something here but I had to put this here for today. HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!!!!!

2008-11-26T10:37:00.000-08:00

I just heard the most amazing song just a bit ago. If ever I could write a song, this is it. It's like someone went in and wrote my heart. Here's the lyrics:

"Bring The Rain" by Mercy Me

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

2008-11-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, FINALLY an actual blog from Franny :)

Just celebrated my oldest son's 12th birthday. It was a lot of fun and totally different this year. You see, every year we've always thrown him a party with all his friends from school complete with games and goodie bags. Well, now this guys in Jr. High and he's not up for all the kiddie parties like he used to be. So we opted to do something he would like. He decided to take a few friends to Legoland (if you know Ethan you know that Lego's are his FAVORITE thing)on his actual birthday November 8th.

One of his friends he invited couldn't make it (his partner in crime where Lego's are concerned - they so share the same passion) however his other friend since elementary school came with us. We had so much fun! Here's a few pic's of us and the guys there.

Then that evening Jeff presented to him the one gift he's been waiting to give to him. His very own sword. It's Froto Baggins sword "Sting" from Lord of the Rings. Jeff presented this to him representing the beginning of Ethan's journey into becoming a man.

Ethan's been in a discipleship class at church since the beginning of the school year and Jeff is taking him under his wing as well in raising him up to be a Godly man and helping him understand what it REALLY means to be a man. It's not about being "macho" but instead it's being controlled by the Lord and following in Christ's image. Giving him this sword was very memorable to both Jeff and Ethan. Garret as well cause he can't wait to get his own sword. :)

Then the following weekend we went up to visit Jeff's side of the family and have a family get together (early Thanksgiving and birthday party for Ethan combined). This was a great time for everyone to see Ethan (and the rest of us) and to catch up on life for the past year. It was really good to see everyone ESPECIALLY the newest addition to the Lowry family, baby Makayala Faith!!!! She's so so so tiny and adorable. :)

Well there's a snapshot into what's been happening...a very very small snapshot. :) Mre to come hopefully in the near future.

OH! I almost forgot. The reason I haven't been blogging recently is cause I've been working on our ministries new website.. It's finally finished (a few things still to come on it though) and up and going. Here's the address:

www.totallycommittedministries.org

Please visit and let me know your thoughts! :) :)

2008-11-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

Please watch this and pass it a long to as many people as possible. Yeah it's almost 10 minutes but it's GOOOOOODD!!!!!!

2008-10-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post this here for a good Halloween laugh. :) :) :)

In The Know: Has Halloween Become Overcommercialized?

2008-10-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

Obama truths! (I know, kinda weird hearing those together huh)

I know I know, another video. Soon, I'll write some original stuff however, life is too focused on what's ahead with this election. I've joined my church in a 40 day fast (half way through it now) in focusing on our nation and our city/state (Prop 8). With all that, I've been seeing a lot of videos and reading articles regarding the democratic nominee Obama. Here's a very good video, from a DEMOCRAT regarding some interesting, EYE OPENING (at least it should be but for some reason Obama has many mesmerised) facts regarding Obama. Watch then please, PLEASE pass along to as many as possible. It's frusterating that media isn't showing this...although not totally surprising.

2008-10-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

I was just checking out my friends blog (http://dogyarnknit.blogspot.com) and saw this hilarious video on it. I know, I haven't really put much up here as far as the Lowry news and all, but life has gotten a bit busy with Totally Committed and all this last month. Hopefully I'll post some family news soon. Til then, check out this video! I so needed a laugh. Thanks Jennifer for finding this and sharing on your blog. :) :)

2008-09-15T13:51:00.000-07:00

SNL Palin and Clinton sketch

OH man, this is so stinkin funny! Warning though, a few off color comments, it is SNL. :)

2008-08-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

I would so love to be apart of this sometime! This video is hilarious!!!

2008-07-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Just for a quick testimony, my husband has been out of work for 2 months now (laid off). He was the main "bread winner" of the family so this was going to hit hard. However, a month before all this, we had prayed and agreed in prayer to totally 100% trust the Lord in our finances. God loves to give us these opportunities doesn't He! So here we are, having to now trust Him 100% to provide for us. At first, I was ok. Then I hit a spell of worry and trying to figure it all out myself, then I had to swallow my pride that I didn't realize was there and learn its ok to ask those around you for help. And now, to trusting the Lord to work miracles or things are going to start getting shut off and such. So now, in this place of trusting for our everything, I prayed 2 weeks ago, laying it all down at the feet of my Savior. I've never felt such peace in the middle of such turmoil.

Last week (here's the amazing God part....are you ready???) I received an envelope in the mail at work addressed specifically to me. Thinking it was work related, I set it aside for a moment. Then, feeling the tug of the Lord, I open it...finding a cashiers check in it made out to ME FOR $1000!!!!! I wanted to cry, faint, jump up and down, shout to the Lord of Lords all at the same time! There was nothing on the envelope or inside stating who it could’ve been from. All that was with the cashiers check was scriptures stating to give without expecting anything in return and when you give to not let your right hand know what your left is doing. When I showed my husband, he was in utter awe of God's greatness. You see, the word of the Lord says in Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? ". I had been telling myself for weeks, muttering under my breath, "I'm more important than the birds" just to help keep my mind on the love of Christ. This check and so many other blessings have truly shown that I am more important than the birds. :) We are still in the middle of this trial, but I have trust in the love of my Father that He has something amazing planned out for us.

2008-07-17T10:26:00.001-07:00

The story behind this song is amazing. I'm putting the video of the song up first - then watch the story after. You'll want to go back and worship with the first video again I'm sure. God is good, so good. Sorry I haven't been blogging much. Jeff's still laid off (2 months now) and most of my energy has been towards my family and their needs. God is so so so good though. He's been meeting our needs for the past 2 months through different people and differnt situations. Please though as you think of us, keep us in your prayers.

2008-06-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

Beautiful way to begin summer break!

It was a beautiful day. Thursday's are my half day so after I finished work, I headed out to La Jolla beach. I had been there before to go kayaking (which I totally loved0 and thought it would be good just to hang out there as well. The day couldn't have been more beautful! the waves were a decent height, not too big to make a mom worry too much (although there were a few times I couldn't see my guys and had a panic attack just to find out they were right in front of me...hehehehehehe)

Ethan made this wonderful sand creation - volcano with little pools all around to catch the lava...and some houses and such that were destroyed and villages gone, little shell people in devistation....you know how the little boys mind works. :) It was cool to look at and it's a good thing I snapped this picture just before a wandering 1 1/2 year old came over and decided to stick 2 fists right through the top of the volcano. I could almost feel my son's pain but he carefully and nicely lifted the child off his volcano, as the not-paying -attention mother came over and was like "Oh, silly boy...hahahahahahaha". I was thinking "HELLO! Are you even WATCHING your child that's RIGHT BY THE OCEAN!!!!!" Goodness. Ethan rebuilt, good as new.

Then Garret decided to take up skim boarding. That was cool to watch. He didn't do too well at first, got a little frustrated then kinda got the hang of it towards the end. It probably would've been easier for him earlier in the day but the tide was coming up and not giving good conditions for skim boarding. Also, there was this cute little kid that was stuck to his side and didn't give him much room to throw out the board, but Garret made a break for it every so often.

It was a bright, bright sunshiny day let me tell ya. I'm a bit crispy, but ok (don't have pic's for that part, sorry). There was a bright glare off the ocean and even though I applied, and REAPPLIED the lotion, it was to no avail. Hoping it'll turn into a beautiful tan and not a peely mess. Thank you Lord for providing a wonderful day for my family to enjoy your beauty.

2008-06-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

My big guy graduated!! He's officially a Jr HighER!!! YAY!!!!!!

I can't say enough how proud I am of Ethan. He worked really hard this year and it's paid off. I know he struggled a lot but he pulled through. We're really looking forward to Jr. High. Here's a few snap shots of the big guy on his bug day. :)

Here's a good family shot - my mom and dad, Jeff, Garret, Ethan and me. :)

Me and him afterwards.

Him seeing his grad present - a nice BMX bike and helmet.

Him on his awesomely cool bike

Just him. He's the coolest let me tell ya. :)

2008-06-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

What a GREAT ending to an AMAZING Pony League baseball season!!!!

The day started with Ethan's team playing the Rangers. Even though they lost, I have to say they played some great ball and every single one of them advanced in their own skills from when they first started back in February. Here's some highlights of Ethan's playing:

His first up to bat, first pitch the guy hit a double into left field!!!! It was an awesome wonderful solid hit and got an RBI from it as well. Great job Ethan!

Then in the last inning he finally got the nerve up to play 2nd base, and he did a great job. Although one of the throws was from Brandon who throws like 80 miles and hour. It tipped of Ethan's glove right into his left eye. Praise the Lord no major damage and he shook it off nicely and finished the game like a trooper.

In between their game and the closing ceremony, Josh Bard from the San Diego Padres came out to encourage the kids and so some autographs. It was really enjoyable and he had a great spirit about him (real laid back and polite). Here's some pic's of my guys with Josh Bard.

Then the ceremonies began. Garret's team got first place in their Pinto Division.

Here's Garret with his daddy. :)

Over all this was a great time and had a wonderful season. Looking forward to my boys contuning and improving their skills over the summer for next spring season. :)

2008-06-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

Dirt even looks rich to me....

Good title of a book? I was thinking of the saying "Poorer than dirt" and that title came to me. Not that our family is there yet, God has been merciful. Just with all my recent events lately (Jeff got laid off) I've been trying to think of some great money saving tips and more specifically, fun free things for us to do as a family during the summer. Sooooo, I'm going to start looking and blogging and writing some cost effective, free events families can do during this time of recession. :) Here's a few fun ideas I have for free events (or very low cost) for the summer:

1. Check with your local church - There's always something going on there for kids and families. Especially with summer upon us there's VBS, summer camps (sometimes the church sponsors kids to go free).
2. Right in your own backyard - Ok, you're already paying for that chunk of land you live on (and if you're in California you're REALLY paying for that chunk). Use it to it's fullest. Can't afford gas right now so put the car keys away and set up camp in your back yard. Good weather permitting you can just sleep under the stars, pull out the BBQ and make some smores :)
3. Family nights - This is a great way to either ramp up what you got going or start it up. Grab some old favorites and even some new ones and pop some pop corn. Don't have any board games? Can afford any new ones?? This is where it gets fun. Get together with some friends or neighbors and work on the board game swap. Every week trade what you have with theirs and try out some different types of games without having to spend a dime. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors better as they may have to teach you how to play the new game. :)

4. Go for a walk. Yeah sounds simple but when was the last time you did it? Might see some things have changed around you, even for the better. It's 100% free and good for your health as well.

5. EAT AT HOME!! I can't begin to tell you how much money I've saved since doing this and how much more healthier my family is because of it. We still go out every once in a while and that's ok, but now it's to better restaurants with healthier choices. It's great to share a meal as well - good on the pocket book and the belly. America's portions are out of control and one meal out is really enough for two. :)

6. Go to the park, beach, mall, etc. Yeah, you're thinking "Hey, that costs money" - not really. Most communities have a park within a few miles from where you live. It won't even take you one gallon of gas to get there an back and guess what, yup..it's FREE to play there. Some of us are blessed to live near the beach and again, it's FREE. "What about parking??" Ok, STOP COMPLAINING! :) Park where it's free and walk. Again, great for the pocket book and your belly (and other parts of the body). :)Window shopping at the mall is always fun and I found it safest to do when I was lowest on money. Easy to say no when you got nothing anyways. Malls are also air conditioned so you can save some money by enjoying their air, not yours that you pay for at home.

7. Schools - A lot of schools have summer programs that include crafting, hobbies, sports, etc. Some even offer low cost or free lunches. Check with your local district and see what's on schedule for the summer.
8. Community - Oh yeah, right where you live there's SOMETHING going on. for example, where I live there's always some kind of sport to watch (Pony baseball, soccer, etc.) and they're free to attend. You may not be watching Adrian Gonzales hit his next home run, but you could be seeing the next Padre play right in front of you. A lot of communities also have concerts in the park, dog shows, arts and crafts, car shows, ALL KINDS of things to keep revenue coming in for the city. The events themselves are free (or very very cheap). Just keep in mind not to get to close to the vender's, they're not free. :)

9. Story time - Even though the imagination is priceless, it won't actually cost you money out of your budget. Sit around and start a story, then pass it to the next person, then after a few thoughts, they pass it along, and so on and so on until you get this hilarious monstrous story that you and your family will be laughing about for years to come. Creating memories are always the best things money can't buy.
10. Giving - yeah yeah yeah, you're thinking I'm talking money again. Silly people. I'm talking about giving of time. See how you can help volunteer at a local school, organization or your community, It's all local so you may even be able to walk there (and NOT use the gas up) and your time will benefit so many lives. Making a difference in this life is also a wonderful thing that costs you nothing, but gives SO MUCH. It's such a blessing to see your children giving as well and it'll help get them to understand the "bigger picture" in this life.

Ok well there's just a few that were rattling around in my noggin. I think I'll go home tonight and see which one my guys want to start off with. :) If any of you have some great ideas, please send them my way and share them with others as well. :)

2008-06-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

Potato Chip Rock

This post is just for Christy :)

This rock hung over a huge drop but was thin like a potato chip. Here's us standing by it and then a side shot too. It was cool :)

2008-05-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

Laminin!!!!!!!

Never thought I would get so excited over it but watch this video. It may seem long but trust me, it'll grab your attention. Just hang on and see God's AMAZING hand in this. :)

2008-05-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, I promise, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth....well, not totally. :)

Crazy times int he life, don't always have time to blog and fill the world in. Here's some happenings of this life. Let's see, where to start....BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Had an AWESOME birthday this year. Went to a Padres game Saturday April 26th and they won (one of the few they actually won this year). It was wonderful. Sunday on my actual birthday our church did something called Faith in Action. We basically met at the church but then went out into the community and did different projects around our area. I decided to help out at the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. We planted about 20 oak trees, it was great. :)

Then, a few days after on a Wednesday, my bestest friend EVER kidnapped me and we went hiking Mt. Woodson. Then after that amazing constant UPHILL hike, we went for facials, massages and pedi's at a local day spa. Ahhhhhhhhhh. I was told though my husband planned the day and had my friend carry it out. :) Thank you all for a wonderfully planned birthday.

More life moment's to come...next up will be mother's day. :)

2008-04-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

Oh wow, totally haven't updated in forever. I wonder if anyone even reads these things. If you are all still out there, please comment and let me know you're reading.

Ok, latest adventure. I have been desiring to go hiking for the past year now. I live in a very beautiful place that has a ton of hiking trails right in my back yard (figuratively speaking of course cause I currently live in an apartment...wish I had a back yard). A few weeks ago, I had Good Friday off and so did my boys. My son, my best friend Christy and I decided today is the day to check out Iron Mountain. We had no idea what we would find.

It was beautiful. On Friday we went about 1/2 the way (I had some little legs behind me). Last minute my oldest son's tummy wasn't feeling good so he stayed home but my youngest went. I was so proud of him. He didn't complain really. Only at the very end and we were all ready for the car that day - it was our first hike and it had gotten a little bit warm.

So my husband, my best friend and I had off the following Monday. This was the day to make it to the top. We set out at about 7am (cause we didn't want to get caught in the heat) This was my husband's first hike ever and mine and my best friends as far as going all the way to the top. Riley Christy's dog joined us as well - he has this terrible habit of eating all the cats food and thus is a little thick in the middle. He needed this as much as the rest of us. :)

Here Are some photos of us almost to the top (2 mile mark). Getting excited cause I know the view is going to be wonderful!!!

I have to say I'm hooked on hiking. Ready for the next trail. There's so much of God's creation to marvel at that sitting on the sofa just won't do anymore.

2008-03-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

So excited!!!!

Ok, I'm finally telling about this here (so much keeps happening in life and I just don't have enough time to write it all for you to see.) Well, here's the latest. We've been praying and working towards starting the ministry God birthed in our hearts years ago. Now, with my husband and my best friend, we have offically started Totally Committed Ministries!!!!! Oh yeah, it's final. All that's left is this BIG OL fee to the IRS to finalize the 501c3. Please visit our website at www.totallycommittedministries.org . We're all very excited to see where God wants to take it all. Please continue to lift us up in prayer regarding financial support and speaking engagements. More to come on the personal life I promise....

2008-02-27T22:38:00.000-08:00

HAHAHAHAHHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!! I laughed so hard I cried!!!!

2008-02-26T16:25:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, oral surgery. Just had it Friday. Can actually function today but yesterday was a different story. I was feeling better today until I talked with my oral surgeon and he actually explained all that he did in my mouth. With all the bone taking out and then bone re grafting, I'm wondering how I am not more a mess than I am. Thank the Lord he was able to save to much and help me prepare for a healthier tomorrow regarding my mouth.

I was so nervous going into it all. You can ask those that were around me, the fear about consumed me. My husband got on the Ransomed Heart forums and got a prayer thread goin for me. My best friend prayed over me, my kids, a lot of people. But then, I found myself the morning of my surgery totally scared. "Why Lord, why should I be scared?" No reason really. My best friend put it so plainly to me the night before. She said the Lord doesn't warn us out of fear. Fear is a devise of the enemy. God does give us warning but not using fear as a tactic. He will warn but with a sense of peace behind it all. So I evaluated where this feeling of dread was coming from. Fear. So that ruled out God's warning and showed me really, its just Satan taking a stab at my heart, AGAIN.

9:30am, Friday morning. They're strapping all the electrodes to my body and monitoring my heart before the general anaesthesia is given to me. Then I realized something significant, something amazing...PEACE. I had no worry, no fear, NOTHING. It was just me and my Lord there for about an hour, talking. I was filled with so much peace and had a wonderful nap to boot. :)

HOWEVER after the nap, it's been icky. Yesterday was the worst and I'm getting better but still very swollen. So please continue the prayer and remember, God's way isn't through fear, but peace. :)

2008-02-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a long, long, LONG while since I posted. I will post more again soon (I have I think Christmas, Garret's birthday and Jeff's Colorado trip to update) and I will get there soon. For now though, check this clip out!!!

I'm so excited about this moving coming out!!! Can't wait!

2007-12-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

I love getting these little clips I get from Randsom Heart Ministries, This is a snip-it from the book "Sacred Romance". With all the hurts I've endured over the past few years, this spoke volumes to my heart. I wanted to pass it along hoping it will encourage all of you as well.

I Wonder What God Is Up To?

Several years ago I went through one of the most painful trials of my professional life. The story involves a colleague whom I will call Dave, a man I hired and with whom I had labored several years in ministry. We spent many hours on the road together, speaking to churches about the Christian life. A point came when I needed to confront Dave about some issues in his life that were hurting his own ministry and the larger purposes of our team. In all fairness, I think I handled it poorly, but I was totally unprepared for what happened next. Dave turned on me with the ferocity of a cornered animal. He fabricated lies and spread rumors in an attempt to destroy my career. His actions were so out of proportion it was hard to believe we were reacting to the same events. He went to the head pastor in an attempt to have me dismissed. The attempt failed, but our friendship was lost, and several others were hurt in the process.

In the midst of the crisis, I spoke with Brent one afternoon about the turn of events and the awful pain of betrayal. He said, "I wonder what God is up to in all this?"

"God?" I said. "What's he got to do with it?" My practical agnosticism was revealed. I was caught up in the sociodrama, the smaller story, completely blind to the true story at that point in my life. Brent's question arrested my attention and brought it to a higher level. In fact, the process of our sanctification, our journey, rests entirely on our ability to see life from the basis of that question. As the poet William Blake warned long ago, "Life's dim window of the soul distorts the heavens from pole to pole, and leads you to believe a lie, when you see with, not through, the eye."

(The Sacred Romance , 146–47)

2007-12-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Letter from Jesus about Christmas --

Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset
that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've
forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and
that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My
birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I
do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can
probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been
blessed with children of your own.. I don't care what you call the
day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE
ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you
that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My
birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put
in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My
followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the
town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling
the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I
who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree.
Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one
in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each
of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My
birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the
way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love
and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and
lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to
know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares
about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the
wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you
write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this
year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you
can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them
the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here.
Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and
forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt
to take their own life this season because they feel so alone
and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is,
try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the
difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in
your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work
there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't
allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you
from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the
store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let
their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a
missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to
those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole
families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree,
but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you
don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to
the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and
they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about
your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't
do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people
know by your actions (rather than your words) that you are one of
mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself.
Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of
all the rest.

Check out the list above and get to work; time is
short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a
most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:

I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

2007-11-30T10:46:00.000-08:00

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!! We all need to laugh today. This video is how I learned to dance. Hope you all can gleam off this wondrous knowledge of dancing. :)

2007-11-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

This was passed along to me by my husband. Reading this helped build up my spirit again knowing that I AM needed and I matter. Sometimes I forget that I play an irreplaceable role. I pray this encourages you as well. :)

Eve Is Essential

When God creates Eve, he calls her an ezer kenegdo. "It is not good for the man to be alone, I shall make him a [ezer kenegdo]" (Gen. 2:18 Alter). This phrase is notoriously difficult to translate. The various attempts we have in English tend to be "helper" or "companion" or the notorious "help meet." Why are these translations so incredibly wimpy, boring, flat …disappointing? What is a help meet, anyway? What little girl dances through the house singing "One day I shall be a help meet?" Companion? A dog can be a companion. Helper? Sounds like Hamburger Helper. Hebrew scholar Robert Alter is getting close when he translates it "sustainer beside him."

The word ezer is used only 20 other places in the entire Old Testament. And in every other instance the person being described is God himself, when you need him to come through for you desperately.

God is your only hope. Your ezer. If he is not there beside you…you are dead. A better translation therefore of ezer would be "life-saver." Kenegdomeans alongside, or opposite to, a counterpart.

You see, the life God calls us to is not a safe life. Ask Joseph, Abraham, Moses, Deborah, Esther – any of the friends of God from the Old Testament. Ask Mary and Lazarus, ask Peter, James and John, ask Priscilla and Aquila – any of the friends of God in the New Testament. God calls us to a life involving frequent risks and many dangers. Why else would we need him to be our ezer? You don't need a life-saver if you're mission is couch potato. You need an ezer when your life is in constant danger.

That longing in the heart of a woman to share life together as a great adventure – that comes straight from the heart of God, who also longs for this. He does not want to be an option in our lives. He does not want to be an appendage, a tag-along. Neither does any woman. God is essential. Eve is essential. She has an irreplaceable role to play.

2007-11-19T10:30:00.001-08:00

Here's some more good stuff from Egypt. My friend Andrew (lives in Egypt) put this together. Enjoy!! :)

2007-11-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

Egypt was amazing. I'm going to post my letter here that I'm sending out to those who supported me but for you all who actually read this blog, you can have a sneak peak. To sum up though this last week, it's that God is beautiful and it's seen in the Egyptian people. God moved in mighty ways and the Egyptians will have a mighty roll in reaching the Middle East with the love of Christ. Here's the newsletter:

There’s so much to say, so much to put into this letter I’m not sure how to fit it all in. It’s almost so much that words cannot contain all that God did this last week. I felt going into this that God’s glory would be shown and mighty things would happen but never did I imagine I would come away from the week with all that I saw, felt and experienced. I do want to start by telling you thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be your hands and feet to Egypt, to be the messenger and encouragement to the people there. We had a saying while we were there that we came there to be the Aaron and Hur to their Moses. However, when I look back I can see that they encouraged us so much more than I realized.

Many of you remembered that originally I was to be speaking to the youth there and towards the last moment that all changed as there was a need to teach another class. But God is just so good, all those that signed up for my class were young people. It was such a pleasurable moment to be able to speak into their lives. We taught them how to go out and make disciples. Not only was that accomplished, but they also made stronger commitments to the Lord. We found out after that some of the young men in our class came at the last moment cause they heard that their other friends were going and there were girls in attendance (we saw many similarities in the young people there and those in the states ). But once they arrived and heard that we had traveled so far to teach them, they told one another that they all really better listen because what we had to say must be very important for us to come all this way.

One of the young men shared with us afterwards that when he was called upon to teach one of the small groups (we allowed them opportunities to put into practice what they were learning) that his life wasn’t where it should be. As he was preparing, the Lord touched his heart to lay aside many things that were distracting him from making a full commitment to the Lord. He explained that his pastor had been trying for months to get him to turn his life around but the Lord touched him in this one moment when he realized he was called to be a leader and he needed to open all of his heart to the Lord to accomplish it.

In one of the lessons we talked about forgiveness. Come to find out, this is a difficult thing for the Egyptian culture. After teaching it, they had many questions in which we allowed the word of the Lord to deal with. At the end of that session, I had 2 young women come to me and explain that they hadn’t talked with each other in 3 months! And these are both believers. One of them said that they felt distant from the Lord these past few months, like He couldn’t hear her prayers. Well after the lesson we taught, God moved upon both of them to forgive one another and as soon as they did, all bitterness and unforgiveness left immediately!

Beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news. All those we spoke to and taught were so beautiful. These are the current and future leaders that are going to be putting themselves in harms way many times for what they believe. My interpreter Usama explained that while he was in the army he would always be put on the front lines in dangerous places because believers are considered lower than dirt. But still the love of Christ comes out in them all. And just like Daniel in the lion’s den, Usama in every dangerous situation came out unharmed, always giving glory to our God.

Monice and Nancy, servant to the servants. They certainly have been blessed with the gift of hospitality. They always made sure our team had water or tea and were made to feel at home there. One night at our 11pm prayer meeting (boy that wouldn’t go over well here in the states let me tell ya), they asked me to pray over them. The wanted guidance from the Lord on their place in the kingdom. I prayed over them and the Lord brought to me to encourage them in their hospitality and that God was going to use them to bless others in this way. Afterward Nancy shared with me that in this prayer the Holy Spirit had confirmed with what I said that they were to help other missionaries as they come to Egypt, to open their house and family to them. They want to give of their very lives to help foreigners feel at home in their country to help them share and spread the love of Christ. How many of us would open our homes to total strangers and take care of them? It takes a very special heart and strengthen from the Lord to do this.

We prayed for and equipped so many current and future leaders this last weekend. The impact may not be fully known until we all reach heaven. We encouraged and strengthened the body of believers there and now, they are prepared and equipped through our Lord God to fulfill their place in the kingdom.

After this last week, more doors have opened for more encouraging and equipping. We have now scheduled a women’s conference in March 2008 and a youth conference in July 2008. After spending most of my time with the youth there, we see the great need to nurture and guide these young people. Please keep me and those remaining in Egypt in much prayer. I know I will be returning as God has given that passion in my heart. I’m currently working with the leaders there and here on the youth conference in July and getting materials lined up. I know that as God provided for me to go this time, He will be able to send me again for the youth conference. If you feel God tugging at your heart to give again, please don’t hesitate. You can send donations to: e3 Partners at 16787 Bernardo Center Dr. #7 San Diego, CA 92128 to my attention (the checks can be made out to e3 Partners as there will be an account for me to hold any funds for my 2008 trip) or online at www.e3partners.org using my name as reference.

Thank you again for allowing me to be your hands and feet. All the testimonies from this last week are yours as well. Share them with all that you can and remember to keep our fellow believers in Egypt in prayer. God has an amazing and powerful plan for them in reaching the Middle East with Christ’s love. God bless you all exceedingly and abundantly.

In His Grace,

Frances Lowry

Romans 8:38-39
38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2007-11-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

Wow - time is already here. I'm leaving for Egypt tomorrow early morning. I have been so busy up to this point preparing and living life as usual (had an awesome birthday party for Ethan my oldest son this last weekend - when I return I'll put up the info)

I ask all that read this to pray for our teams safety and well being, that all of us will remain healthy and spiritually alert at all times. I ask that you all would set aside time over the next week to specifically pray for us and the believers that are in Egypt that we will build up and encourage them in their faith. If the Lord so leads you, fast and pray for the main Pastor we are working with as he has been extremely ill yet still pressing forward in making all things possible in our coming there.

I look forward to telling you amazing stories from my friends there. See ya all in a week!

2007-10-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

We made it through the fires. For those of you who read my blog and have been keeping up with me and my family, I want you all to know God is faithful and has shown His favor towards us. There was a close call of the Witch Creek Fire coming our way but the hand of the Lord stopped it. There's so much damage surrounding us however, our place was un touched. I have a few pictures and a video to show you some of what took place. Keep in mind though, it's totally different actually seeing it. People told me how bad everything was but once I saw it for myself the sorrow for all the loss really sunk in. I can not thank the fire crews and workers enough for putting their lives on the line to save all that they did. God, you are truly amazing to spare what You have and I know that you will be comfort to all the family's that are now without.

2007-10-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

Just got back from an amazing weekend in Colorado. Much more information to come but for now, as I promised Lisa, here we are on YouTube doing "The Screamer" - watch and you'll see why it's called that. :)

2007-09-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

This is a hilarious video. Anyone who's ever had kids of their own, or even been a kid themselves will love this!

2007-09-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

Oh my precious little boy...

The other day, I told my youngest son at dinner that if he didn't eat it, he would have it for breakfast. Well at that time he was ok with it...til morning came and he saw it waiting for him on the table. Now mind you, my son doesn't like to eat anything else other than Mac n Cheese and chicken tenders. I'm trying to broaden my little guys pallet thus, having to eat whatever we eat (usually never anything weird ya know).

Well he was taking 15 minutes per bite. Take that times 9, I was going to be late for work and them for school (I have 2 boys, 7 and 10). I put this before him "If you don't finish this right now, you will #1, get a spanking (which for him he's only had like 2 his whole life), #2 get beary taken away (his favorite little bear he sleeps with) and #3, you'll have this for dinner AGAIN tonight. You would think all those things would get him to eat faster....OH NO, not this stubborn little one. Almost like it was an old western, with him and I on opposite ends, waiting to draw (you could hear the old west music in the background and everything). Came down to the time, and he wasn't finished. I don't even think he picked up the pace at all. So, as hard as it was, I had to follow through with all the threats I had made earlier (and when I made them, I really didn't think I was going to follow through with them ya know). I took him into my room, pleading with him, explaining that if he would've just ate his food last night at dinner, and even again right now, none of this would have to take place...then I spanked him. I hate doing that, especially when your son looks back up at you, tears in his eyes gasping for air saying he felt like he just got shot with a shot gun. I felt awful. I love him so much, and then Satan was right there "What kind of mother are you really!! You're expectations are too high, you're a horrible mom and you're going to push your children away from you". Ohhh, he sure knows what buttons to push.

Got to school, and just before I said good bye to my boys, I told Garret that I loved him very very much. He told me "I love you too mom" with the utmost sincerity. Felt better, knowing that the devil was a liar (of course) and I'm not pushing my boys farther away, but in fact I'm helping them to grow up and understand cause and effect, consequences. Just like our Father God doesn't want to discipline us but because of our actions, it's needed. But He's always right there, loving us all the more never changing how He feels about us. Even though I had to discipline my little guy, I loved him all the more and it never changed. Through all this, the devil wanted to tear me down and not hold Garret to the consequences, and if I would've given in it would've made it harder for both of us to understand God's love in all of this. I wouldn't have seen it from God's perspective for me (and why in hard times I question God's love for me) and Garret wouldn't have learned that his actions have results, good and bad.

So be encouraged today, know the Devil is a liar and God is always faithful to finish this work in us.

P.S - Garret did finally eat all the chicken that night and joined us for pizza after. :)

2007-09-10T10:33:00.001-07:00

Not too far around the corner....

Many but not all of you know that I'm planning a mission trip to Egypt in November (the 6th through 13th) I'm getting very excited about it yet, nervous at the same time. Here's some interesting information about Egypt and their culture:

As you may know Egypt is a culture in which family and religion are very important. Families are patriarchal: men are the head of the household and the sons respect and follow their fathers. The women follow the men, so when they marry they move into their husband’s home. Often times a family will consist of a mother, father, married sons and their families, and any unmarried children.

Egypt's constitution grants freedom of religion, and there are many religions being practiced in Egypt today. Islam is the main religion, about 90% of Egyptians are Muslim. The Christians are part of the Coptic Church, and make up about 8% of the population. In the recent past, there have been some religious riots in the areas such as Cairo, leaving both Muslims and Christians pitted against each other. Completing the religious minority in Egypt are Protestants and Jews, together claiming about 2% of the population

My friend and I have been asked to talk to the youth there. We aren't doing "evangelism", but instead we are equipping the nationals there with the basic foundational truths so they can reach their neighbors (this includes the neighboring Muslim countries like Iraq) with the love and truth of Christ.

Even though I was a youth pastor and worked with young people for many years, this is like apples vs. oranges. Their culture, fears, concerns, everything is very different than the youth here in America. I have been studying and researching to find out how to best prepare these young people to reach their peers for Christ. What an amazing opportunity we have to reach this younger generation! However, just as they already have peer pressure, imagine being the only Christian in a Muslim world. Through much prayer we felt that a strong foundation is needed. We will be teaching them on their identity in Christ and the character of God.

I need your prayers. Please pray much for our November trip. Pray that the ground will be ready to receive what we have to say and that these young people will be able to lay down the lie of the devil that they’ve believed for so long and take up our new, bought and paid for identity in Christ. Pray that they will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to win over their friends and families with the truth and love of Christ.

If you would like more information about this trip, please let me know. I am still looking for prayer supporters as well as Financial supporters - you may not be able to physically go with us but through your support, you are just as much a part of the harvest there. If you would like to give financially (still need $1000 to go), you can give online at http://www.e3partners.org/e3mission/default.asp and click on donate. My trip code is EG07D. Or you can send in a check to 16787 Bernardo Center Dr #7 San Diego, CA 92128 attn: Franny Lowry(All donations are tax deducible)

Thank you so much and if you can, please pass this blog and information on to as many as possible. Much prayer and support is needed for Egypt. THANKS!!!

2007-08-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

Just need to laugh today:

** Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

** If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

** It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

** The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky tire.

** Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me alone.

** No one is listening until you fart.

** If GH can stand for P as in Hiccough
If OUGH stands for O as in Dough
If PHTH stands for T as in Phthisis
If EIGH stands for A as in Neighbor
If TTE stands for T as in Gazette
If EAU stands for O as in Plateau
The right way to spell POTATO should be: GHOUGHPHTHEIGHTTEEAU

Thanks for laughing with me today. :) :)

2007-08-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhh summer days....

2007-08-17T10:48:00.001-07:00

Well, some of you know my family's story and all we've been going through these past few months. The more I grow and the Lord leads, I realize I need to just rest in Him and laugh a little bit. SAw this clip and I'm glad I'm not the only one who's gone through this kinda of time.

2007-08-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

Sea World

We had a wonderful time a few weeks ago at Sea World. My parents came down for the weekend and my best friend Christy and her nephew came along as well. It was nice to have my mom and dad down that weekend and we had so much fun. My mom rented this little scooter thing (it's hard for her to walk around much) and it was quite a adventure to get through the crowds. Some folks were nice about it and some treated her like those on the highway that want to quickly get around a big rig and cut them off in the process. Nevertheless, we had a good time (Jeff high jacked the scooter at one point and was goofing around on it. Hehehehehhee)

We saw the newer Shamu show "Believe"and it was pretty good. Jeff Ethan and I sat down real close in the "soak zone" hoping to get soaked (it was stinkin hot that day) and believe it or not, not ONE OUNCE OF WATER ON US! How it happened I am still clueless.

The sea otter show was cute and so was the Pet's Rule one. It's kinda cool on the Pet's Rule on cause those animals are all from shelters and all. It's nice to see them being loved.

The dolphin show was cool too. I think it's so neat seeing how they can jump out of the water and move like they do. At the dolphin area (where you can feed hem and all) there was a dolphin playing football with the crowd - never seen that before. He would get it and toss it out to the crowd and when the threw it back he would throw it back out. Everyone was all "What a talented dolphin" and I just kept thinking "Maybe he doesn't want the dang football in his pool and you all keep throwing it back in at him. Silly people."

We had a lot of fun and by the time the end of the day came we had our fill and were ready for home. Thanks mom and dad for coming down. Thanks Christy and Z for enjoying the fun with us all. :)

2007-08-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

Lowry Family Vacation

This last weekend me, my husband and 2 boys went on our first ever Lowry Family Vacation. Now we have been on lot's of vacations but none with just us 4. We had been wanting to do something that wasn't the norm and would promote family unity

(didn't want the kids somewhere and us in another place ya know). So we decided to visit our near by city San Diego. I know we live here but we haven't gone to a lot of it's attractions. :)

Our first day we spent at the San Diego Zoo. It was a blast. I had kinda wondered with all the hills and tons of walking the boys would get tired and start complaining but not one negative peep out of them. We saw everything from Elephants to Okapi's (God's left-over animal...hehehehehehe) I kept hearing all day how great an idea it was from my boys and how much they loved it.

My husband reserved us a place at the Motel 6 in Carlsbad. This one had a pool and I know we live near by, but we wanted the reality of a vacation for my boys so a hotel stay was in order. :) The room was small and beds were hard, but again, the boys loved it. That made it not so bad for me so see them just filled with excitement.

Sunday we spent at Legoland. Now, if you know my boys this is like Mecca for them (I can't begin to tell you how many Lego's they have.....it's crazy) We started the day over at the Jr. Master Builder area where at the first weekend of every month they have a contest where anyone can come and build something (they give a theme for each month - August was Mars Landing) and then the Master Builders for Legoland come and judge and pick a winner. They had so much fun using their imaginations building. Hopefully they will win something (we're waiting to hear still)

Then we bounded over to some rides and such. We drug Garret onto a roller coaster thingy (he's not the roller coaster type AT ALL). We didn't give him a choice in the matter knowing it really wasn't that scary and he needed to overcome some fears. :) After that was over, Garret was looking forward to the next roller coaster. Guess he overcame his fear just fine. :)

Ethan was in awe of all the amazing lego statues and buildings in Miniland. We so enjoyed it we decided to go back on Monday as well (it was kinda nice not trying to cramp it all in one day). On Monday we went to the Castle and Knight's area and rode another roller coaster at Garret's request. We all rode it once but the boys rode it by themselves a second time. After that we all headed over to the Pirates Cove area where we did the pirate boat ride twice (got soaked) and the boys spend some time in the water park area getting REALLY soaked. :)

Then by the afternoon we were all done and drove the boys up to my parents to stay for the week (ahhh, summer vacations...) I miss them terribly but I'm glad we had such an awesome weekend. They were great and because there weren't any major attitudes, it makes me want to do it even more. The Lord was so good to give us this time together as a family. :)

2007-07-26T09:37:00.001-07:00

OH how I hate crutches. My heart goes out to all those who have to use those darn things. Last week, July 16th at karate I hurt my foot/ankle pretty bad while sparring. Went to the doctor the next day and they relieved my mind telling me my foot wasn't broken. However, the news they did give me wasn't really good either. I had torn ligaments in the top of my foot and around my ankle. They put me in a splint and gave me crutches and sent me on my merry way. I work upstairs....I live upstairs.....crutches WE'RE NOT MADE FOR STAIRS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was going to miss out on all the fun stuff - softball, karate, etc. But, complaining wasn't going to change anything really so with the help of my best friend and my family, I made it through. All this time though, I kept praying that the Lord would heal me. I believe God at ALL of His word and I wasn't understanding why the Lord wouldn't heal me.

Saturday morning I was so frustrated with my condition. My arms were sore, my back was sore, my foot just ached. I cried out to God "Why won't you heal me??" And He actually answered - " How can I when you keep putting the brace back on?" "Oh" I said (yeah...full of comments now I am.....). "Take a step and know, KNOW IN YOUR HEART not just your mind that I am your healer." So, I did. I took it all off...I as I was about to step down on my bad foot, I caught myself still expecting the pain "I'm sorry Lord" I said "I really want to have the faith...." My foot didn't hurt. I took another step...no pain. :) I realized just then that yes, out Lord is a healer. He does so not just to make us feel better, but to bring Him glory and for the building up in the believers and to bring in the un-believers. Hallelujah! Thank you Lord for touching me and making me whole again!

I saw one of my softball team mates the next day. He asked about my foot (cause Friday night at the game I was on crutches now, I'm totally walking normal). He's not a Christian however, his wife and other family members are. He asked e "How are you so special that God would heal you and not all the other sad people dying of cancer?" I told him, "I'm just as special as they are in the Lord's eyes. I don't know why God chose to heal me but I do know that He did and I'm to proclaim it wherever I go." He looked at me with disbelieve but, I know in my heart what the Lord did. I didn't have answers to why God doesn't heal everyone, and I never will. But I do know this, that God is a healer and our situations don't change who God is. We may never understand why He does certain things, but He is God Almighty and it IS for us to trust Him.

So I write this blog as a testament to God's greatness and to encourage all who read it - don't try to figure God out, cause you won't. But trust in His word and know the our Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. All those promises in there are for us and for today. He is a mighty MIGHTY God.

2007-07-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Egypt 2007!!!!!!!

Hello everyone! Just wanted to update you all a bit on what's happening. Last year, I went to Ecuador (God told me like 1 month before the trip was leaving - craziness!) and God was so faithful. It was an awesome, amazing time and the fruit of the labor is still growing (200 members now in a church that had 12 when we went there - PLUS they're starting another church down in a remote village!)
God has put on my heart Egypt for this year. When I heard one of the leaders that is heading up the trip talk about it, I got so excited! We're doing things a little bit differently down there. Where in Ecuador we did home to home evangelism, in Egypt we will be holding conferences with the nationals there, teaching them basic Biblical truths. This will secure them stronger and stronger in God and to give them a firm foundation to be able to share with the people of Egypt. We will be ministering to men, women (holding women only conferences), family's and young people. Our strategy there will be to equip them on many levels to reach the people of Egypt, leaving the evangelize part to the nationals there. Their culture requires much time and trust to see transitions to Christ.
The people there not only want to reach and see Egypt changed, but their plans are to go into the surrounding Muslim countries. As things are getting more and more desperate in Iran and Iraq, the equipping we are doing in Egypt will reach them as well. Please join me in reaching Egypt. I am leaving November 9th of this year and need your help to get there. The cost is much greater than I have answers to ($3000) but just as God through you helped get me to Ecuador within 3 weeks, I know he can do even greater things through us for Egypt. You can give online at:

www.e3partners.org/e3mission

Or you can give to :

e3 Partners
Attn: Franny Lowry
16787 Bernardo Center Dr. 7
San Diego, CA 92128

With all donations please put my name (Franny Lowry) and my trip code EG07D (you'll need this information for online donations as well) Thank you so much in advance for partnering with me. :)

2007-07-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

So proud of my son. When we first moved down here it was so hard on him. The Lord moved us suddenly and it was hard for him to adjust. As adults we have a better understanding (well, sometimes we do) of the Lord's working in our lives. Finally, after almost 2 years my little guys are adjusting. Due to my work schedule increasing I started having them attend the Boys and Girls club after school. This is where they have formed some of their greatest (and worst) friendships. My oldest son Ethan really enjoys it and has been allowed to use his creativity in many ways. He drew a large picture of a pirate ship and won many local awards. Also, he wrote a small short screenplay based off the Pirates of the Caribbean which he and my youngest along with a few of their friends performed at the Boys and Girls club and also at the local fair where we live. The Club had awards for all the things they did there and Ethan received one for Performing Arts.

I really am proud of my little guys and I'm thankful to my God who has helped them grow so much in the last year and a half. Honestly, we've all grown the most from this move, together as a family. We're closer now together than we ever have been. God is a good, amazing AWESOME God and I just wanted to brag on Him and my kiddies a bit. Thanks for stopping by! :)

P.S - Check out my husbands new blog (it's over in my web favorites under From Grey to White") THANKS!

2007-06-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

So much has been happening in my life. I kinda mentioned it in my last post but sadly, I can't give details over a blog. I ask all that read this to pray for the following things.

Wisdom - The Lord says when you ask of this He will give it freely

Ephesians 1:16-18

16"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,"

Guidance - I want the Lord to go before me in all things and straighten the paths before me.

Isaiah 42:16

16"And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."

Pray for our pastors - We forget that they are human as well and the devil prowls around them like lion to devour. Hold your pastors high in prayer for their protection.

1 Peter 5:8-9

8"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

Strength - To stand in the face of adversity. The accuser is out to get all of us. Remember always who you are in Christ. He has set the value for you when He sent His son Jesus in our place for our sins. Don't let the devil accuse of your past, that's been covered under the blood of Christ.

Psalm 103:11-13

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him

I love the way the Message translation puts this next verse:

John 3:16 (The Message)

16-18"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

This now leads me to the last part of this blog. I want to encourage all that read this that we need to be spiritually alert. We need to be careful of perceptions and how we can look at something and think it's truth but, until we communicate with one another, we could be buying into a lie and not even realizing it. This can cause terrible destruction in the family of God and to His children. Here's a little snip it from a daily email I get. I pray it encourages you this day. Pray for your Pastor, pray for your church family. Don't let the devil deceive you into perceptions that you believe to be true - seek after the truth with the Lord and with others.

Perception Is Not Reality

TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

"The lions may roar and growl, yet the teeth of the great lions are broken." - Job 4:10

In the advertising business we often say that "perception is reality" for the person who views our advertising message. It does not matter whether the audience believes the message to be true, only that they perceive it to be true. Their actions will be the same whether they believe it or only perceive it.

The enemy of our souls is very good at this game. He may bring on us what we perceive to be true when it is a lie. It may appear that there is no way around a situation. He may bring great fear on us. When we buy into his lie, we believe only what we have chosen to perceive to be true. It usually has no basis of truth. Such was the case when Peter looked on the waters during a night boat journey with the other disciples. At first glance, he and the disciples screamed with fear, thinking that what they saw was a ghost. It was actually Jesus.

Satan's name means "accuser." He travels to and fro to accuse the brethren. He brings an impressive front to all he does, yet behind that front is a weak, toothless lion with a destination that has already been prepared in the great abyss. He knows his destination, but he wants to bring as many with him as possible; so he often has a big roar, but little bite.

The next time some event comes into your life that creates fear and trembling, first determine the source. Look past the emotions and evaluate the situation in light of God's Word. Perception is not always reality.

2007-06-01T16:12:00.001-07:00

OH MY! A month has almost gone by. I apologize to all those who read this, I totally slacked. Well, as some of you know, a lot has been going on. Those that know, please continue to pray.

For all others, here's a few things that have taken place over the last month. My oldest son Ethan is in honor band (he pl ayes the trombone) and they played at a competition thingy the middle of May at a Jr. High near Knott's Berry Farm. The band did great and Ethan had such a great time.

I am so proud of him. Not only cause he's improved in his playing but mostly, cause he stuck it out this year. He has in the past, been known for really wanting to do something then about half way through it, looses interest and drops out of stuff. I don't want this to be a permanent trend in life for him so seeing this really encouraged me. This wasn't the only thing this year for him, he also started and completed soccer. Way to go Ethan! :)

After his band performance we hopped over to Knott's Berry Farm and spent the day. It was kinda nice cause my mom and dad came out to see Ethan and we got a chance to spend the whole day together. I guess it had been awhile since they had been to Knott's Berry Farm. It was mother's day weekend so we all went over to Mrs. Knott's Chicken for lunch to celebrate. It was a great day and wonderful weekend. :)

2007-05-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok, WAAAAYY too long between posts I know. I'm sorry. So much going on in life I forget to write about it while I'm living it. I have some great things to post too.

Just had my 31st birthday about a week and a half ago. It was the most awesomest day (if that's not a word, it is now.) It started off with my bestest friend picking me up for work as she always does, then going to breakfast at St Tropez bistro and bakery in RB. That was an unexpected treat! I had the best french toast ever made out of a croissant! AMAZING!

Then, after breakfast we started back towards work.....then drove right past it! SWEET! Christy then informed me we were spending the morning at a day spa having massages and facials. Massages!!!! I was so excited until I realized I hadn't shaved my legs in about a week and a half. So, we made a put stop at CVS, got some supplies and took care of it in a local bathroom (thanks for being the look out Christy!) Hehehehehehehehehehehe

After our morning of pampering, we headed off to the beach where I took an awesome nap (didn't mean to but, it all worked out). It was the perfect day for that too - bright sun, light cool breeze.

We hurried back then to get ready for my husband Jeff's plans for the evening. I knew we were going to Red Lobster and some other stuff but had no clue what the other stuff was. :) After we ate at Red Lobster, I was standing outside cause I needed some fresh air (ate too much, felt a little sick) a limo pulls up behind me. Jeff was all "I didn't know it was prom season already" and I was like "I guess maybe it is". Then the limo driver walks up to Jeff and asks if he's ready. THE LIMO WAS FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!! I never had a limo for me. I have been in one other one (hummer limo) for my brother in laws wedding but never one for ME! MEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEEEEE!!!!! (Can you tell I was happy?)

So he drove us downtown, and I'm still not knowing where we're going. La lalalala...still don't know. Finally, we pull up to this place where people are standing outside and I'm like "Is this it?" and I still had not idea what "it" was...til I finally stepped out of the limo and saw the sign on the building "Comedy - Josh Blue performing" SWEET!!!! As my 7 year old son would say, "Wicked Sick!" I was totally excited! Excited for a lot of reasons. #1, I think Josh is very funny and I supported him through last comic standing. And the even more reason, #2, because my husband had totally planned the whole thing. This means a lot to me cause he never has. You see, our marriage for the last 11 years hasn't been as healthy like it should've been. But now, that night was proof that things are better, and getting better. God has so transformed my husband and now, he showed me that I'm worth something to him. I was worth all this planning and scheming, all the behind the scenes that he worked on to make sure I had an awesome wonderful birthday.

Thank you so much Jeffrey for all your planning. I felt so special that night, felt like a queen for an evening. It was wonderful. Thank you Christy for getting me out of work for the day and surprising me with so much that day. It was the best. :)

2007-04-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

We're going to the zoo zoo zoo...How about you you you... :)

It's my birthday this coming weekend so this last weekend for my birthday my bestest friend ever Christy took me out for the day to celebrate ME! :)

We started our day off right...with a yummy donut for breakfast (oh, on special celebration days, diets ARE NOT allowed.) :) After, we drover down to Balboa Park area where all the museums are and such. I went and saw my first IMAX movie. It was on the coral reefs and how in certain areas they are dying. There was such amazing footage though. Beautiful fish and reefs and sharks! It was so cool. I am now inspired to go scuba diving. :)

After we headed over to the San Diego Zoo. But before we did that we made a stop at the car for lunch. That was so yummy! My husband made us peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwiches. They were oozers.

Onto the zoo. It was SO MUCH FUN! We saw just about everything...no, we did see everything. :) The funny part was I wanted to go see the Orangutan. There were 2 right by the glass and everyone was all gathered around. I inched my way forward to try and get some pictures and as I got up close, I noticed something a little odd. One of them was laying on the ground and the other towards the feet of the other. The one by the feet raised up the foot of the one laying on their back. Now, I'm thinking "How cute! He's playing with the others foot" and at the moment, it turned interesting. He moved the foot out of the way and mounted the other. OH MY GOSH! Had to turn away quickly, it kinda grossed me out. What's with this! Are they like exhibitionist or something! But what disturbed me most was all the parents letting their kids get up close on it and watch and all the perverts around snapping photo's like it was the president! Goodness people, that's just wrong. (the picture below was BEFORE I knew what was going on and BEFORE anything had really taken place. Just so you know. :) )

The rest of the zoo was awesome. Saw the Panda's, Koalas (they're my fav), elephants, and all kinds of other animals. Towards the end of our day we went over the where all the kitty's are (VERY BIG KITTY'S) and went over to the snow leopard's area. What a treat! They were not only out but right up against the cage are RIGHT IN FRONT OF US! They were so close I could've reach in and touched one...but the sign said not to or a band aid will appear on my finger. :) Such a beautiful cat with big fluffy tails. It was great.

After the zoo I met up with my husband and boys for dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. YUMMY!!! Got my meal free. No, not cause it was my birthday...it was because at the very last bite of my scampi I noticed something in the juices...a foil wrapper thingy. I showed it to the manager just to let them know about it and to watch out for that kind of stuff and they took my meal off the bill for us. SWEET! :)

Then we parted ways and Christy and I went over to Extraordinary Deserts. If you have never been, you need to go. They specialize in pretty, elegant deserts with yummy in mind. They look beautiful and still with every bite, pure bliss. Christy had the Chocolate Raspberry cake (so thick and rich...she let me have a bite...mmmmmmmmmm) and I chose the Apple Croistini...something like that. Mine was a baked light a crispy pastry thingy with warm custard apple filling on the inside. It was delicious!

Ahhhh, the night came to a close. It was such a wonderful, WONDERFUL day. I like these kinds of gifts cause a shirt will wear, cards will fade, but the memories from this day I can keep forever. Thank you so much Christy for a great birthday present and wonderful memories. :)

2007-04-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

My dad sent this to me this morning. I love getting some of this good stuff from him. He's the best dad ever. :) Thought I would share it with you all. :)

1. Faith is the ability not to panic.

2 If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.

3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home every day.

4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.

5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

6. Do the math. Count your blessings.

7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.

9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

10. Laugh every day -- it's like inner jogging.

11. The most important things in your home are the people.

12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.

17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.

18. Its all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well

2007-04-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

New picture's of Madison! - Just wanted to share some new one's with you all and give an update. She's doing much much better after Christy and I reset her brain a few weeks ago with the training collar (it was so an accident...) Oh, I didn't share the story with you all did I. I think I will. But all you animal rights people and all that, don't get all pissy when you read this. IT WAS ACCIDENTAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have had some issues with Maddie. She was finding it fun to chew up my couch, Jeff's shoes (one of them being his favorite) and the one that REALLY got to me, nipping and biting at my boys. We were faced with an ultimatum, well, at least she was. Shape up or ship out. My friend Christy and I took a day off to use my friends training collar and work on eliminating these bad bad habits.

We couldn't remember how to use the remote from when we last used it on Riley (her dog) so we looked up on the Internet and figured out which buttons do what. There's a positive tone, and negative tone and the shocker one.

Ok, time to figure out her level of response. There are a total of 8 settings on the remote for shocking, 1 being the least amount of shock, 8 being the most. Riley, her German Shepard/Rottweiler mix has a response to level 2. So we started her on level one....no response. Level 2.....no response. At this point, I make sure the collar is tight and in the correct place..it was. Level 3....no response. Ok, this was really weird we both thought. What kind of stubborn dog is this really!!??

Then, we set the level at 4. At this point in time, my friend Christy who is holding the remote realizes that it's not enough to just press the button once quickly, that it only would let out the negative tone then. You actually have to HOLD IT DOWN for like 2 seconds before the shocker comes on. Well, she pressed it, held it, and right in front of me (I was on the floor right in front of Maddie) she jumps 2 feet into the air, let's out a little "YIP" and tweaked to the side!!!!! OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! I was looking to see if she was smoking from the ears!!!! Christy started cracking up laughing and so did I (after I realized what happened and that she was ok). We only thought that happened in movies with special affects! I had no idea that a dog can jump STRAIGHT up into the air 2 feet. We laughed so hard that we cried.

Ever since that moment, she has been a totally different dog. She still jumps and is all excited when you first see her ad all but boy, she sure responds quickly when we tell her no. :) As I stated earlier, it's not that I purposely zapped my dog. She was 100% fine and it really made for a funny memory. :) Thanks Christy for your help that day. I'm glad you were the one who pressed the button and not me that way I can hold you accountable for her brain damage....HEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHE Just kidding. :) She's fine really.... :)

2007-04-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

YAY! Opening day at the PetCo stadium. Would've been totally awesome if those darn Padres would've won that night. Oh well, the company totally made up for it. Christy (my bestest friend ever), Neal (my husband's friend) Jeff and me went last Friday night (well, 2 Friday night's ago now...meant to post this last Friday) and it was a lot of fun.

We tried to get downtown in time to be able to get into this really good parking garage however, we just missed it. One car ahead of us and they put up their "Lot Full" sign which we know from past experience, it probably wasn't. :( Argggggggg. So, we went around to another parking structure over across the way. It was a little bit of a walk but not too bad. Then, just as we get up towards the stadium and are about to cross, a freight train decides it wants to cross (there's RR tracks right by PetCo stadium) and then it stopped right on the tracks. OH MY GOODNESS!!!! It wouldn't have been so bad if Jeff didn't have to pee REALLY bad. So, thought quick on our feet and hired one of those bike guys that ride people places and had them ride us down to another crossing where the train wasn't and ride us back. Just as we got back to the original crossing where the train was, he had just moved and was clear. Oh well, nice ride for $20 :) I just kept saying to myself "It might have taken hours, you didn't know". Made me feel a bit better.

Got inside and smelled all the yummy food. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Found our seats and they were better than I thought they were going to be. We were in the front of the section and had glass in front of us so we could see the field really good. Enjoyed the pre game stuff, being opening day and all they had some neat things happening. Had a bunch of fireworks on the field that would go off and some high powered streamers that would shoot right out of the stands right in front of us. It was so funny cause Christy screamed out cause it scared her. Hehehehehehe...sorry Christy, had to mention it. :) (not much scares her so, this was monumental).

Right before the game we had the Marines on the field displaying a flag the filled the entire outfield. It was cool. We live in such an amazing country. It was a nice reminder of our freedom and as Christians, I really need to exercise that and tell others about our freedom in Christ. :)

Over all, we enjoyed good food (garlic fries....MMMMMMMMMMMM) and awesome friendship. Planning another game going on the 28th but this time it'll be with family and friends. Should be a lot of fun. :)

2007-04-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud of my oldest son. His name is Ethan and he just is the greatest 10 year old ever. :) He's been involved in band now for 2 years. He play the trombone and although he's not the best YET, he's having fun with it and he's not all that totally bad.

He had a concert this last week. His very first. I was so proud of him and I did enjoy the performance. They combined with the High School band (it was their music I enjoyed the most though...the Honor band was still a little squeaky....darn clarinets). Here's a few snap shots of the performance. He also received a nice certificate from our Assemblymen congratulating him on his participation in the Honor Band. Good job Ethan, you make your momma proud!!!!!!

2007-04-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

So much has been happening in my life that I've been busy living it and not writing about it. I told myself "Self, now that you have Internet at home you can update every night" HA HA HA HA, so funny Franny. By the time I get home, I'm good for nothing but bed. Soooooo, long over do but here's some fun stuff that's been happening. :)

Every Thursday night we have "Mommy Night". It's just me and my boys. This is time that they can have my full attention and I can just love all over 'em! My husband has "Man Night" every Tuesday where it's just him and the boys. This has worked out sooo good and the boys have just loved it.

I've been wanting to plan something really fun. My best friend gave me the idea of Treasure Hunt. It was so much fun! I planted clues all over our apartment complex (the mail boxes, laundry room, under the stairs....etc. The Treasure was the most fun to create. I made up little "Mommy Certificates" for things like Mommy makes the beds, free drive to school, any snack of their choice, extra 30 minutes at night and 5 hugs (which my boys told me mom, you give us hugs anyways....I said good point but these are EVEN MORE!) :)

Here's a few snapshots of the evening. We had a blast. I was told by my boys that it was the best Mommy Night ever. I encourage all those with kids, take a special time out just for them during the week. It will nurture both of you and create great memories. Our kids will one day parents and our example will be the kind of parents they'll become. Let's create some great generations to follow.

2007-04-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

God is sooooo amazing! I just had to share with everyone something that happened to me just recently. I love it when God has a chance to show His awesome greatness. This is a little long but it is sooooooo worth the read. :)

As many of you know, my family and I just moved. We went from a spacious town home (well sort of) to a tiny apartment. I've made the apartment home and it works but, it's definatly a stretch at times. We (my husband and I) made this choice to do this so we could save up for a house down the road. We felt led by the Lord to become even better stewards over what He's given us. It felt so good moving cause we knew it was all in God's will for our lives.

Well, just before we moved my odd landlord went through our house and complimented and confirmed that there wasn't any major damage at all and he really enjoyed having us as tenants, and we would be getting our full security deposit 14 days after the 1st (which was stated in a letter given to us previously from him). Now, the law states the landlord has up to 21 days to return the deposit so even after the 14 days had come and gone, we weren't too concerned.

Then, the 21st came around and my husband called the landlord to see if I could swing by and pick up a check from him the next day for the deposit and such (it was a very fairly good amount) and at this point, the world came crashing down on us. The landlord told y husband that according to his wife, we didn't pay rent back in June of 2006. OH MY GOODNESS! What had happened is I had my purse taken then and I had to close accounts out and one of our checks to her bounced. As son as we found out we had told her before it all hit about having to close the account. She told us to pay her CASH and NOT TO TELL Bill (our landlord) as he would become upset. So we did as she asked and paid cash. The problem is, as they were going through tax stuff, she saw the notice from the bank from June and told Bill that we never paid her.

I was so upset, I left work to get the paperwork I had stating I would get all my deposit money back. Meanwhile, as Christy (my bff) was driving me home, she felt led by the Lord to tell me to forgive them, RIGHT AT THIS MOMENT, before anything was resolved, the Lord was asking me to forgive. OH MY GOODNESS that's a hard thing to do. In the midst of my anger and frustration at this injustice, I had to forgive them. After much prayer and tears, I did what the Lord asked of me. I called Jeff and shared with him to forgive as well (he was also on his way home) and it was a total confirmation as he told me the Lord told him to do the same about 10 minutes before I called him.

Now, as I arrive home, I was under the understanding that even after they deducted the month's rent, I still should've received about $600 and it was in the mailbox waiting for me. When I looked in my mailbox, the letter was in there as the landlord had stated however, no check. Instead, there was a bogus listing of problems with the unit (all which were not from us but from previous tenants WHICH was known by the landlord before we moved in) and NOW, they stated the I owed them $181. OH LORD!!!! I broke down and cried. I wept at this injustice towards our family. We did everything as unto the Lord in giving our notice and leaving this place in even better than received condition.

At this point my husband gets home and we all pray together (Christy, my husband and myself). We agree in prayer over the situation and conclude that it would be best to go and speak face to face with him, in love and in Christ. We also felt we should bring our children along (my 2 cute boys) to share with them the Godly way to handle a very bad situation.

As we talked to him, he was very defensive at first. We continued in explaining how we had paid cash to his wife and all the events around that time. We stated clearly that we are in no way calling her a liar, but possible because it was cash, maybe she forgot. We did mention also about all the other claims on the paper and asked for receipts, which he had none. Before we even arrived, we had purposed in our heart no matter the outcome, even if we lost out completely on the $1850, that the Lord will sustain and supply our needs (it was to purchase another car). At the end of our conversation, our landlord asked to give him 4 hours to talk it over with his wife.

As the hour got closer to the 4 hour mark, I was prompting my husband to call him and find out what the outcome was. But my husband felt in his heart that it wasn't the time and that the Lord would take care of things. We agreeed that if he didn't call my husband by 9am the next morning, then my husband would call.

No call that night. But just as I was dropping off my boys to walk to school, I got a call from my husband. "You're not going to believe this. Bill just called." My heart sank for a moment. "Yeeess???" I said. "He told me that he couldn't sleep all night, he kept thinking about what we said. He said that he couldn't rest until he called us to tell us that he feels in his heart that we're telling the truth regarding rent and that he will give us a check today for the amount of rent." YIPPIEEE!!!!!! Even though it wasn't the full amount, we had trusted the Lord and knew that if this is what was given to us, it was what's supposed to come to us. I told my boys of the wondrous victory the Lord gave our family. They were so excited to see God's glory they said that they're going to praise him all the way to school.

Isn't God so amazing!!!!!! We're still trusting in the Lord for the rest to buy a car but I have no doubt in my mind that when the time is right, God will supply all my needs. I encourage all that just read this, always trust and have patience in the Lord. If we would've called at 9pm the night before (when my patience was running out), I would've possibly harmed the chance for God to work on his heart all night long and prevented God's blessing in this situation.

Thank you Lord! You are forever amazing and forever unchanging!

2007-03-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

Maddie Moo and her Hoodie Too!!!!

Yes, I have become one of those silly pet owners that dress up their dogs. But, I thought this was kinda mild and I don't plan on getting her into any other silly costumes and such. It's a hoodie, and it's cute.

What's funny is she looks like Robin Williams wearing a short sleeved tight hoodie - the hair just goes POOF as it comes out of the sleeve. She's sooooo cute though, I think she'll get away with the clothing thing ok, no other dog should give her a hard time. And anyways, the hoodie saved her life last night as Riley (my best friends cute puppy) thought Maddie was a mid night snack and grabbed her violently. All his mouth was able to get was hoodie and fur. It's all good though Riley, you're still a cute puppy in my book. I'll just have to disrtact you with treats when you come to my house. :)

2007-03-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Been kinda down lately. So, I thought I would just tell the world about it....well, the 4 people that read this anyways. I've been battling this inner sadness. It's kinda like a frustration deep within that nothing I do satisfies. Even in my time with the Lord, the life that surrounds me drowns out anything I would hear from him. It's like trying to talk to your friend in the middle of a carnival. You see the lips moving, but can't hear what they are saying. This would be really bad for me cause I can't even read lips.

My friend recently had this burning in her as well. She took off a day and got back on tract where God's calling her (she's writing this amazing book and I can't wait for her to get it out to the world). I love music, at least I think I do...I used to...I still do....SEE! This is the inner frustration coming out. I used to always have a song in my heart. I used to always put stuff to music and lately, I don't have anything. I know...well, I think I remember God calling me to music. I want to glorify Him so much in all that I do and give Him all that I am. He taught me how to play guitar in 2 weeks. Shortly after I started leading worship at my youth group (only knew 5 chords so, songs we sure limited). There was one time I got so frustrated with always breaking my guitar strings I asked the Lord if he truly called me to worship, that he's going to have to provide another guitar. 2 hours later I got a call from a woman at my church stating that a few people had called her and said that they needed to give her money to get her worship leader a new guitar...these people that gave didn't even know me! You would think after these confirmations, I would have no doubt...

Does God change His mind? Has he withdrawn His calling on my life? Have I held back for too long now it's too late? Why is He so silent, I have no song to sing, no song to write. I feel like my life around me is so loud and cluttered, I can't focus on what I once loved to do. But, the things around me are daily things I must do - I'm a mom of 2 boys, a wife and a friend. I love all that I am but somehow, I feel like I'm missing the mark.

2007-03-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

I got a puppy, I got a puppy, I got a puppy hey hey hey hey! :)

This last week my husband just happened next door to the animal shelter (he works for the City and the shelter is next door). He noticed this cute little furry thing that had just been dropped off. In fact, it was an owner relinquish and the owner was still there. Turns out they were moving to a place that doesn't allow dogs at all so they had to send this one to the pound. This little 8 month old girl needed a home. My husband put us on the list and we were number 1! YAY!

When we went to get her on Thursday, we found out there were like 12 people on the list. A few were there right at 4:30pm to see if we in fact did come and get her (if we didn't by 4:30pm then it goes to #2 and so on and so on). They were a little saddened when we were there to get her (HAHAHAHAHA! SUCKERS!!!...that's not very nice is it...sorry.) Anyways, we were so happy to get her yet sad cause we couldn't take her that day. She still had to go to the vet and get spayed.

So then Friday roles around and we got her at about 7pm that night. The vet said she did really good and one of the workers there said we got a jem and was so surprised to see a dog like this come from the pound. She was well mannered but didn't like to be tied up too much (they had to hold her down for the shots and all).

We named her Bailey at first. We called her that for the first few days but, it really didn't fit. Christy (my bestest friend) thought up Maddie cause she's all matted up. (we can't bath her til after 10 days cause of her surgery...she's a little smelly but not too bad.) So we officially named her Madison, Maddie for short. :)

The first and second night went well however, the third night was rather rough. She kept us up ALL night barking at nothing. Well, the power went out and it was super dark so maybe, she was just scared. It got better after we closed her up in our room with us and kept her from the living room and the front door (where she likes to bark the most). Last night was a lot better - slept all through the night. She's potty trained pretty good however, she likes one of my bears that I keep on my bed (it's a Pooky bear from Garfield - poor thing got a tongue bath the other day...it was all wet...).

She really is a little joy. Spastic when we first come home from anywhere but after she calms down, she's a sweetheart. I'll post more as life goes forward with Madison.

2007-03-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Oh YEAH! I'm in the groove. Lot's of stuff being written about DAILY. Oh yeah. :)

Ok, just wanted to share my joy with you today. I was totally down and just sad today. Ever have those days where you're just sad and can't quite put your finger on why? Ok...maybe I'm the only one...any how, that was me for the last few days. I was just sitting here at my desk, asking God to encourage me and to show me how special I am to him and then..... BAM! These show up on my desk. (see picture).

These were from my husband Jeff. He had ordered them a few days ago I guess and they came at just the right moment. I know it was to show how much he cares for me and how special I was and am to him, but I believe God used my husband to show His love to me as well. I felt very loved and pursued both by my husband and my Maker. Couldn't have asked for a better moment today... well, maybe a massage and day and the spa to boot...but the flower will do just perfectly. :) Thanks Jeffrey for thinking of me. Thank you Lord for loving me and creating such beautiful things for my pleasure.

2007-03-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

Got my new Mac website up. I pu the video I made from my Ecuador trip up there as well. Check it out. :)

http://web.mac.com/socoolfranny/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html

2007-03-08T08:44:00.001-08:00

Totally forgot to tag on my last blog about 10 things I would want to learn to do. TAG! - You're it Christy! :)

2007-03-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

Wow, 2 days in a row. What is to become of me! :) Just kidding. Thought I would share a little bit about my move. I have been living in Ramona, CA for over a year now. This was one of the hardest years of my life. God has taken me through some very rough waters and at moments, I thought I was going to drown. God always know right when to pick ya up though.

My husband and I sat down awhile back and after being very frustrated with our landlord, decided there must be a better way to financially get by. I was tired of renting and having strange landlords that don't know boundaries and would help themselves to my back yard when ever they liked. I wanted my own place, one that if I wanted to paint it bright red, I could. If I wanted to take out a wall, I could. If I wanted to put RR ties in my back yard instead of cinder blocks, I COULD! (Another Landlord issue) So, to be able to do this we would need to downsize.

We planned it all out and decided to move into an apartment just around the corner. We will be saving at least $500 a month by making this change. TOTALLY WORTH IT! It was very difficult to pack it all up and downsize a lot of stuff (had to get rid of a lot of clothes, toys, bookcases, all appliances, EVERYTHING just about) but with the help of my best friend Christy, we made it happen.

We moved and totally unpacked within a weekend. It was crazy and I'm still feeling the affects of it all (I catch myself daydreaming from time to time) but it's ok. Small and close, but ok. I want to just give glory to God for opening these doors and giving Jeff and I wisdom regarding this move. I'm excited to see where my family and I will be a few years from now when we're able to hold the keys to our very own place. I want to be a good steward and I feel that in this, God will bless our family. Please as you think of me keep us in prayer as this change was hard on some of us and we did leave a lot behind (my cute puppy Linus wouldn't have been happy in an apartment, he's been free to roam since he was a pup) and missing him has been great at times. Especially for Garret my youngest. Love you all and thanks for stopping by! :)

2007-03-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry it's been forever since I blogged. I will need to change the name of this blog to "A month in the life of the Franster". :) I just recently moved and life has been very crazy (I'll blog about that next month...hehehehhehehe)

I have been tagged by Jennifer to blog about the 10 things I want to learn how to do. So, here ya all go!

10. Learn a new language (I think to learn Arabic would be interesting)
9. Knit or crochet
8. Play some awesome riffs on an electric guitar (Christy you so ROCK!)
7. Fly a plane (so I can travel the world)
6. Scuba Dive
5. Build a house
4. Totally rebuild a VW engine ground up
3. Sew
2. Ride a unicycle
1. Surf - and actually be GOOD at it. (it's been awhile)

2007-02-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, I've been tagged. My friend Christy (www.cedge4jesus.blogspot.com) tagged me to share my 10 movies that I cry over (or cried about... something like that). I have to try and remember.... Here it goes.
10. Any movie where an animal dies (those are too numerous to mention here cause I always cry at those)
9. Million Dollar Baby ( I tried not to cry but, who can stop it really)
8. Life is Beautiful
7. Hope Floats (when the mom passes away)
6. Steel Magnolias
5. Wild Hearts Can't be Broken
4. Dead Poets Society
3. Schindler’s List
2. Green Mile
1. Fried Green Tomatoes

Ok, these are just the few that I could remember. There are a ton more. Tag, you all are it! :)

2007-01-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Few more before and after photos :)

2007-01-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hello again! Wow, I'm actually remembering to post blogs. Crazy! Anyways, I promised a few days ago that I would put up some before and after of the boys room. I had so much fun redoing it. Jeff and I went and got them a new dresser and TV unit (well, new to them but they were actually used= in amazing condition though). We put up all the furniture in their room Thursday night. Then Saturday morning we went shopping for storage containment units and went to work. Christy and I worked from 12 noon til 10pm that night organizing, cleaning and reshaping this room. I hope when you see the pictures you will begin to feel the need for cleaning. We had so much fun but I do say, I think my children own more than their share of legos but hey, it's their passion (aloing with a millon Star Wars toys...they have some cool ones of those too). Thank you so much my friend for all the work you put in that day with me. Thank you Jeff for carring the dresser down stiars (it was upstairs where we bought it from - again Jeff, I wasn't even thinking about that...I was focused on the deal :) ) and then back up the stairs at our house.

When we got home late that night, they were so exctied to see their room. It was a total surprise for them and they totally didn't know it was coming. Garret was mostly exctied about finally being able to reach the dresser and get his own clothes out (it's been helpful for me as well. It's allowed him to be more independant now). Ethan was exctied that he can finally build his lego creations and leave them out for all to see (the shelves really made a difference in their room). I just love my little guys so much, I wanted to give them a room they could love and want to play in but yet, no get lost in their own mess. It has given them the freedom to just be kids and not have a huge pile of toys at the end of the day.

The room has been so successful that ever since they cam home, it's stayed clean. It's a new record let me tell ya. If you want any tips on organizing or anything, just let me know. I live for this kind of stuff! :)

2007-01-08T15:27:00.001-08:00

Timmy. Timmy has been in our lives for 3 years now. He has been my boys little roommate and while we were redoing my boys room (see tomorrow's blog, have to download pictures still), we noticed something wrong with Timmy...He wasn't moving at all. I reached in and picked him up...stiff as a board. Our little Timmy the turtle was dead. I cried. I never thought I would get so emotional over the little guy. I felt so bad for him though. He was at our mercy, in his little cage thingy, and we let him down somehow. I did all that i knew to do, but yet is wasn't enough. It was so hard to tell my boys this morning about Timmy. I found him last Thursday but they had just gotten home late last night. Ethan just looked out at him, Garret lost it and just boo hoo'd all over the place.

We're not sure how he passed. He really was the best turtle ever. He would "knock the rock" on the glass when you would put your fist up to the glass. I loved it when he would climb up on his little log and plant face first into the ground...he was always the extreme thrill kind of a turtle. Thank God we would come home in time to flip him back on the right side. :) He really was the coolest turtle ever.

We are having a service tonight in his honor as we bury him. The boys wanted this kind of closure. If you can, just say a prayer for my little guys. Timmy's passing was rough on them.

2006-12-27T16:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas time, come and gone. Just wanted to put up a few highlights of my Christmas time this year. Went up to my mom's house on Saturday. Actually I went up Friday night after doing a worship set for a Set Free ministry in Escondido. Spent the day shopping with my mom and helping prepare the dinner. It was so much fun. Kinda miss doing that with her now that I live an 1 1/2 away. Jeff took the boys around to see his side of the family. Their first visit was to their Papa Danny (Jeff's dad). They had a nice time there.

Then onto seeing Uncle David and Auntie Rachael and Morgan. IT was so cute cause my boys got these toys from Mc Donald’s that were for girls and thought that Morgan would just love them and they wrapped them up to give to her. They were right, she loved them. I think cause she knew it was from their hearts as well. Oh, and they wrapped a tooth brush for her as well. I don't know, again, it was just from their heart.

Then Jeff took them over to see Uncle Darren and Aunt Nadyne. However, she was out shopping with her mom (as I was also at the time) :) but they saw their Uncle Darren. It was a nice time there (they got to play with Peanut, their toy poodle).

After all that we all met back at my mom's house for a wonderful dinner. My brother was very late but there none the less. We all exchanged gifts and everyone enjoyed each others presence. My mom got me gift cards to Ulta (hair and makeup Mecca) and to Starbucks (Mmmmm Chai Latte). I was surprised to get anything really cause a few weeks before she paid for me to get my hair done. That was totally awesome cause it was so long over do and, I love the new "do" we created as well. Trying to grow my hair out hasn't been easy. That will be a while another blog. :) It's so good to spend time with my mom and dad. Kinda miss having them near by.

Christmas Eve was spent at church as we had great time of fellowship. Had a candle lighting service where Christy and I led worship and sand Christmas songs. Then we ate tamales with our Spanish speaking brothers and sisters at our church. Then went back to our house and opened gifts from each other. Got some really AWESOME stuff. Jeff got me $100 in spa certificates and Christy got me a watch, a beautiful picture that I wanted for my house (which I went to go get and mysteriously it was already bought...never even thought that Christy got it.) and Pooky. I'll take pictures tonight and upload them tomorrow. Oh, and she also gave my entire family the gift of seeing the Nutcracker Suite. Her mom Ully got me something cool too - a DVD on massage therapy. That's a gift that keeps on giving (to all those around me) :)

Christmas day was awesome as well. It felt so good to bless my kids with gifts. I have never been a real big fan of the whole Santa thing with my boys. Just kinda got started with the first one (family and all) and it was hard to keep it from the second. Jeff and I decided that we are no longer going to be living this Christmas lie and wanted to get the holiday back to it's original purpose - to celebrate Jesus' birth. So, we told our youngest son Garret that there's no such thing as Santa, but that long ago there was a man who would give toys to children but he died many years ago. But, there's one that still lives that we need to celebrate this season...and we shared with him the birth of Jesus and the importance of His sacrifice. He took it well and now we can leave the lie behind us all. :)

I got so many wonderful things and I want to thank everyone. I hope all of you that read this had a wonderful Christmas this year.

2006-12-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Please remember its not about the gifts given or received, or even about the ham or turkey you left in the oven too long...but this is the time we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus. Without His sacrifice, we all wouldn't have any hope.

2006-12-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

Hello to you all! Sorry I've been slacking on writing here. I always wonder who's reading this anyways...maybe I'm just babbling on about nothing to myself...who knows.

Anyhow, I wanted to just share a bit about my last weekend. Totally meant to put this up yesterday. I got a Christmas present early. Don't you love it when you get those! I was just minding my own business this last Sunday, waiting for my best friend Christy to come over and help me wrap presents (I had to hurry and wrap hers up before she got there - wouldn't be too good if I had her help me wrap that one huh). I had boxes, paper, gifts, EVERYTHING laid out all over my bed. Looked like Christmas threw up all over. Then, there's a knock at my bedroom door. I asked who is it (thinking it's my kids and I don't want them to see the presents all over) my friends voice came through "It's me". I got excited cause I really needed help with all the Christmas that threw up all over the bed. So I threw open the bedroom door to see my Christy, standing there all dressed up nice with pretty earrings in her ears and her hair up and pretty and she smelled good too (not that you normally don't my friend). I was surprised by her wrapping attire and asked "Umm, you're dressed really nice to help me wrap". That's when with a big smile she handed me a card and yelled "Merry Christmas!" I opened the card and it told me to get ready NOW cause at 5:30pm (only a few hours away) my whole family was being taken to see the Nutcracker Suite and the San Diego Civic auditorium. YAY!!!!! I jumped for joy and quickly got my dirty little boys all cleaned up and handsome and threw some stuff on my self (got to wear my pearls, it was fun!)

This was such an awesome present on so many levels. I was able to see the Nutcracker (that I haven't seen since Jr High and it's just my most favorite too!) with my family. I had been wanting my boys to see it just forever and give them a great experience. They so enjoyed it which made me enjoy it even more.

Thank you again my dear friend Christy. This early gift was a total surprise and very thoughtfully planned out. You gave from your heart and it will be a memory that I will carry forever, and so will my family. :)

2006-12-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness I had so much fun yesterday. We went to a women's tea thingy that I totally didn't want to go to but my best friend talked me into it. I'm so glad she did. We spend Tuesday night shopping for awful dresses to wear and get all silly fancy. I think we did a good job accomplishing that. :) We had tea and cute little finger foods that were almost too pretty to eat (notice I said almost...they were yummy!)

Here's a few pic's from the event.

2006-11-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

Hello and happy Tuesday to you all! I actually got thru the Thanksgiving holiday unscathed. :) It actually was a wonderful time at my mother in laws house in Arizona. My boys had such a great time just being boys out there. They rode their bikes, shot their BB guns and just had fun. Jeff and I had a great time too getting up at 3am to get to all those great holiday deals the day after Thanksgiving. We actually got some REALLY great ones. One of my favorite buys was a Casio EXILIM digital camera- it's super nice. I've included a few pic's from the camera here in my blog. We also got the boys some great stuff as well. I would put it on here but on the off chance my oldest figures out this blog and sees it, it would be hazardous. :)

My mother in law has this cute puppy too named Midge. She's about 6 months old. She's a chihuahua mix with something else. She kinda looks like a miniature German Sheppard.

Well, looking forward to Christmas now. The next month's blogs will probably be all about the holiday's and all the craziness that will take place in my house. Enjoy!

2006-11-22T11:35:00.000-08:00

Well, it's almost Thanksgiving. This is really my favorite holiday. Kinda feel bad for it cause it gets skipped over so many times. The retail world jumps from Halloween straight to Christmas without giving our little Turkey friend a second thought. But really, this is an amazing time to reflect all that we are thankful for. So in this blog, I would like to share my thankfulness.
I'm thankful so much for my beautiful children - Ethan and Garret. Althought this is hard to write at the moment cause they've stomped on my very last nerve today however, maybe this is the best time to get my heart and mind back into perspective. I love them so much. Ethan has a heart of gold and he prays every night for the people in South Africa for their hearts to be open to the gospel of Christ when he comes to share it with them. Garret's laugh will make anyone's heart joyful. His blue eyes melt you and his hugs warm you all up. I'm thankful that God has blessed me with these wonderful boys.

I'm very thankful for my best friend Christy Edge. She means so much to me. I can't ever imagine picking anyone better to be that person to me in my life. Not that she's always nice and let's me have my ay but because she's open and honest enough to point out those dark places in my heart that God's needs to refine. And she doesn't do it in an arrogant way, but a loving way that leads me closer to Jesus. She doesn't come up under me, but stands beside me in all situations, still allowing the Lord to lead into he way He want's me to go. She's helped me see who God created me to be and to learn to love that person inside. She's cried with me, laughed with me and even hurt with me. Thank you Lord for sending me Christy to share your light and to encourage me in this life.

And I would also like to say I'm thankful for Jeff, my husband. Although over the past year I would say it's been difficult but, I'm thankful. He's really changed over the last year. He's a wonderful father to my boys. They have "Man Night" every Tuesday and just to see how they look forward to that encourages me. He's become a great provider for this family. Just recently got a great city job and it's really filled that financial gaps. And he's learned to listen to me more and to help where he can. I know he's starting to see the Franny God created and is trying to get to know and love her the way God intends.
I'm also thankful for my mom and dad. They have helped me so much in life. I can't even list all the things they've done for me, it would be a huge list. However, I do want to mention one thing - they have always believed in me. No matter what new venture I was on, they stood with me believing I could do anything. They have bought me so many instruments and such that have really helped me get musically where I am today. Thank you so much for believing in me mom and dad.

Most of all I have to thank Jesus for the sacrifice He made for me. That even when I was yet a sinner, he died for me. His love has no comparison and no boundaries. I am thankful for His unending grace and mercy that I seem to need on a daily basis yet, it never runs out. God, you truly amaze me in all that You are. That you created the universe and named every start yet, formed me in my mother's womb and gave me a purpose and a plan, for good and not evil. Thank you Lord for giving me hope in this life. You are truly amazing.

2006-11-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh!!! I just totally came across the funniest website today. Check it out at http://www.mistupid.com/people/page027.htm I'll be adding it to my fav blog/websites as soon as I figure out that feature on this blog. But for now, log on and check it. These are bad metaphors that college students used in their essays. Wonder where these kids are working now.... Microsoft? Hmmmmmmm, who knows. :)

2006-11-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

Ok, I've been trying all morning to get the pictures I took of the new stuff I got Riley however, it just wouldn't work. So frustrating. I was able to get this picture off the web. This is the new toy I got for him but it doesn't have the rope attached to it. Just the stick part but that's what it looks like. I so wish I could get the picture up of his Padres collar - it's hip happenin'. Oh well. About to go get him in a few minutes. YAY for Christy!

2006-11-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

Christy, never, NEVER do this to Riley!!!!!! (previously known as Duke) Don't make him go through this kind of agony ever again...poor puppy. What kind of people do this kind of horid thing to their beloved four legged friends anyways! (If you are one of them, I'm sorry but really, does it look like he's enjoying this?) Don't get me wrong though, there are some dogs that have little hair and live in cold climates and need some assistance but this, this is pure crulity! He didn't enjoy this at all. Bad owners...bad!

I'm so excited though. Today is the day to go pick him up from his previous family. We got a new name for him (as shown above). RILEY! Duke didn't really fit ya know. Actually, his full name will be Riley Scout Edge. I liked Scout and that almost was his name however, the consensus from most was Riley. I'm grateful that Christy still honored me by using Scout as a middle name.

I went out last night and bought my new "nephew" a few things. I got him a Padres Dog collar and a cool squeaky toy that's shaped like a stick (cause his previous family mentioned he likes sticks, not really balls). We are about to pick him up in about 3 hours.

I am soooo excited to get him. For a lot of different reasons. You see, my best friend Christy is totally amazing. Any of you that has had her for a friend knows she's one in a million. I have heard so many storied about her last dog Ashton and how much she loved her and how it was such an amazing dog to Christy. I wanted so bad for her to have that again. I feel she deserves the best and a loyal companion to be by her side always, to have someone to tell all her stuff to at 3am if she wanted to (although Christy, I am still available then if you want human feed back) :)

Congrats my best friend, I pray that he's everything you want and that he become your faithful companion. :)

2006-11-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

YAY! Here's some more pictures of Duke. One is him at Christmas time last year in Texas (where he was born) and the other is him in the travel trailer of his first family. He traveled a lot with them, he even went kyaking! Crazy! So excited to meet my new nephew this Friday. :)

2006-11-14T10:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, went WAY too long between blogs. Went to Ecuador and got out of my groove. Just wanted to take a moment today and congratulate my bestest friend in the whole wide world on getting a puppy!!! Well, he's 3 years old but, a puppy to her. He's so cute. His name is Duke. He's a German Shepard mix and he's the cutest thing. We went and looked at him on Saturday and got to know him a bit. He's going to be just perfect for her. We were originals looking for a small dog but Duke is more of a medium dog but he just "fits". He's very obedient and very trainable. He plays dead when you go "Bang Bang" and he gives high fives. I'm so excited cause it's kinda like I'm getting a new nephew and I hope he comes over often to play. Congrats Christy on Duke...or whatever you change his name to...if you decide to. :)

2006-10-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, this picture goes with the Ecuador blog. :)

2006-10-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get pictures up here on my blog of Ecuador however, it's just not working. I will continue to try so please, be patient. Hopefully my words will be captivating enough. :)

My best friend Christy is in Nashville right now. She flew up there yesterday to spend time with a dear friend just before she goes in for serious back surgery. We all pray that the surgery goes well as Jennifer has just been in so much pain. Praying for you Jennifer, I know God's hands will guide the surgeons. Love you.

2006-10-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

WOW! Just got back from Ecuador. What an amazing trip. God truly showed His power in so many different ways. I would like to post a few stories here of God's amazing power and His faithfulness to divine appointments.

We did our prayer walk over the community on Sunday. As we were in the streets praying, a few people came out to ask what we were doing. In the crowd was a woman who's house I had just prayed over. We shared the gospel with each one of them but still, this lady just stuck out to me and I felt the Lord leading me to pray with her more. After the crowd dispersed, I asked if I could speak with her for a bit. Turns out she was rededicating her life at that moment. At one time she was always evangelizing to all her friends about the true love of Christ. She had gotten busy as she got older and life had overtaken her. I met with her for the several days after and equipped her again to evangelize the community there in Coca. By the time I left she and her husband made contact with the pastor there and had committed to being a strong foundation for the church.

Another amazing story is about a young man named Edgar. On our second day there in Coca, we had actually begun going door to door with our translators and nationals (those that actually lived there and attended the church in Coca). I had prayed with a young man at one of the homes. I went back the next day to disciple him but he wasn't where I could locate him. On our trip up the river in canoes (yes, CANOES) he was one of the young men helping us and translating from Spanish to the native language there. Turns out that he went the next day to a friends house that was being discipled by another team mate. This young man was so on fire for God he was soaking up all he could! He had already committed to the pastor and the church to do whatever he could to reach his community in Coca for Christ. It was then I realized I'm not the main ingredient, God is and when He makes an appointment, its always met no matter who is or isn't involved.

Ok, one more. :)
Satan tried so many ways to stop what God was wanting to do there in Ecuador. One of the many schemes he tried to pull was during one of our evening rallys where we were showing Narnia is Spanish. Our goal was to take the relation of Aslan to Christ and share the gospel in that fashion. About half way thru the Police showed up and wanted to arrest us all. Our leaders were able to talk them into just taking them down to the station along with all our passports for questioning. The rest of us that remained began to pray that the Lord's will be accomplished. Shortly after we prayed, a hot wind blew from no where and took the sheet/screen we were using and blew it all around. We grabbed it quicdidn'tand didn't skip a beat. Then, as the movie drew to a close, our leadeweren'till weren't back to bring it all together to explain the correlation between the movie and the sacrifice God made for us thru His son. No one there really knew how to bring it all together. Thank the Lord that my dad had read these books to me all my life. The Lord equipped me on the words to say and by God's grace 3/4 of the crowd (about 75 people) excepted Jesus! Just shortly after, all our leaders returned. God truly is AMAZING!

I know this is a long blog however, there's just so much God did while I was there I want to share it with everyone, to know God's greatness and I pray that these stories encourage you, uplift YOUR faith and trust in our Almighty God.

Look for ways today to allow God to work mightly in or through you. When all hope looks lost, know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Sometimes He allows us to be in situations to stretch our faith and to grow in Him. He will never let you go anywhere, do anything without His ultimate hand knows He know's your coming and goings and will always have His hand on you. Trust Him this day, and those there after. :)

2006-10-02T17:05:00.000-07:00

Craziness craziness!! I'm trying to get everything ready for Ecuador and it's been such craziness! I have to say though I'm so thank full God has already done such amazing things! With the promises of funds coming in, I now have enough for my trip! Yeah baby, I'm on my way to Ecuador!!!! WOO HOO!!!

But yet, in all the excitement, there's still so much to accomplish here. I actually work at the organization that I'm going with to Ecuador and I have 2 other trips leaving around the same time. So as I'm preparing personally for the trip, I'm having to prepare 3 other teams (my own included) to go overseas. It's such an honor and pleasure to be a part of this amazing organization however, little crazy at the moment.

So as you all think about me this week, please pray for my team and others as we're about to set out. Pray the the ground in which we travel will be ready to receive God's truth. Pray for safe travels as well. Love you all!

2006-09-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

Ecuador!

I'm so excited. About 3 weeks ago God laid it on my heart to go to Ecuador. Jim (the leader for this trip) happened to mention it to me one day about praying if I should go. It started something in my heart and I prayed, God said Go, I obeyed. so here I am, a week and a half away from leaving. Some of you probably don't know but I work for a missions organization called e3 Partners. My job is I handle the logistics of sending different teams out on short term missions to work with the nationals and help build up the church body in different countries. I have been here since January of this year and have helped numerous teams and helped team leaders get these trips up and going. Now, God has finally called me by name and told me to go.

I have at times questioned if I heard the Lord and all. I mean, he only gave me 3 weeks to raise support (it costs a bit to go on these trips - airfare can be costly) and I knew that within my own means I couldn't afford it. I am almost there now in my fundraising - only a few hundred to go. :) This has been a real test of faith for me. I sometimes have issues trusting, yes, even trusting in my Almighty God. But I have to take rest in the Lord and know that if He told me to go (which I know He did) that he will make the way.

So, when you all think of me or Ecuador, please pray. I'm leaving my 2 beautiful boys and my husband behind for 8 days. Keep us all in prayer. Thanks!

2006-09-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

There's so much in this life I don't understand. I don't deal with death too much. Actually I haven't in awhile. But this last Friday night I got a frantic call from one of my precious kids (I was a youth pastor for 5 years) and she was crying saying her mom was gone. At first I thought maybe she had run away or been kidnapped...but then she cried, "She's dead". I was speechless. I knew her mom. I loved her mom.

But, then she asked me the question, "Where is she at now?" How do I answer? I know she didn't attend church. I knew she wasn't faithful to the Christian faith...but I knew her heart. I knew she knew God was real, and that He loved her. But had she accepted Him into her life? I personally never knew but...who only knows really but God. So I told her "I can't answer that question. I can't say really if she's in heaven or hell. God truly knows the heart and it's not for ANY person here on earth to put her in either place. Have hope that the light you showed her rang true in her heart and that maybe at the last moments, she excepted and will meet you in heaven". I just kept telling her to have hope. I also encouraged her not to let anyone put her in hell...No one knows but God (I said that cause there's a few people who might have contact with her that might try to tell her that bologna!)

Candace if you're reading this, I love you. Have hope that you will see your mom again. She was a precious soul and she will be missed. I will miss her. Have hope in your God. Although we don't always know why or understand (which I certainly don't at the moment), I know our God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has sent you a comforter, the Holy Spirit. Lean on Him and surround yourself with those of like minds. Let Logan comfort you and be he arms of strength you need. Call me with anything, I will do as I can. If anything, I will just cry with you. I love ya girl.

2006-09-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

Finally got the Ipod to work.. Actually, Christy got the thing to work. I was Mike Garcia til today, now... my Ipod knows me by name... FRANNY. It was so awesome to finally see my name on the screen. And to have my songs in there as well. YAY!! Turns out the silly docking station I bought doesn't work. The Geek Squad at Best Buys were awesome in helping me out with everything yesterday. I didn't even buy it from them and they still helped. Yay Geek Squad!

All is well now in the land of Ipod. Peace and tranquility.....

2006-09-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

So frustrating. Can't get this Ipod to work. It was used but still, was promised to work. I'm pretty sure it's the docking station. I plug it all in but it's not registering on my laptop that anything is there to HotSync. And it won't charge either. I'm pretty techy and this all should be easy but I've had such a hard time with it all. I'm starting to feel very very lame. If any of you all have words of encouragement or advise, that would be great. (sigh)

2006-09-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

Check it out! This aired last night on the TV show Deal or No Deal. My .5 seconds of fame!!! YAY!

2006-09-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, a little about me...

Yeah, that's about it. Just kidding. Thought I would post a picture here since I can't figure out how to on my profile. I play guitar and drums. I love music, playing it, hearing it, surrounding myself in it. I currently play on the worship team at my church but I have also played at different outreaches here around San Diego. Just was offered last weekend to do some coffee house gigs at a place up in Orange County (oh yeaaaaah, the OC)

There's a lot more to me but, you'll just have to read all the blogs to get to know it all...well, not it all cause I do run deep but, at least it's a start. :)

2006-09-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Today is the first blog I have created here. And what a great day too. My bestest friend Christy Edge's birthday! YAY! Happy Birthday Ukmud!

I totally surprised her yesterday and kidnapped her for her birthday present. I got approval from our work and everything to take the day off and I took her out all day. We had so much fun. I also thru her a surprise birthday the week before. What's funny on that one is that she helped plan it. She thought it was a girls night out thingy... Hehehehehehehehe.

Well, hope you all enjoy this blog. I'll try and keep it hoppin... Just hang on for the ride!