Jennifer ♥ Elise

Revival!

2012-02-28T12:55:00.001-08:00

I am happy (but not surprised) to report that God is moving here at Cornerstone Pentecostal Church! There is nothing more exciting than seeing people come to God! On Sunday mornings after church I have been teaching Bible studies to a 15 year old girl. She has been coming to church for over a month now, and her hunger for God has been very evident. The power of God has been all over her during our services. This past Sunday after church we were about to start our third lesson of the Bible study series we're doing, when she began asking me about the Holy Ghost. Long story short, we did a Bible study on the book of Acts instead, and she clearly saw her need to be baptized in Jesus Name. "Do we have time for me to get baptized right now?" she asked. I told her we have to fill up the baptistery first and that I would call my dad. Her mom was fine with her getting baptized and my dad filled up the baptistery between services. God moved on her again during the evening service. After church she got baptized, and because she obeyed God's Word in faith, she came up out of that water speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gave the utterance! God is so good! There is nothing like seeing revival in a small church! Thank you to all those who have been praying for our church! God is answering prayers and working in our young people. To God be the glory for the things that He has done!

Thanksgiving in my heart

2012-02-25T08:44:00.001-08:00

There is no better way to start a day than by giving God praise. Today I am thankful for such a good family. I am thankful to be a part of the church of the living God. I am thankful to be on the road to heaven! I am thankful that God is working in our current situation and that everything will work out for the good for us. (Romans 8:28) I am thankful for preachers and saints of God who have helped me when I was at a crossroads in my life as a young teenager. I am thankful to be out of the teen years as well. LOL I am thankful for God's power and mercy! I am thankful for food to eat and a roof over my head. I'm thankful for my job. I'm thankful for my car. I'm thankful for all my friends. I am very thankful for preaching. I'm thankful that we can enter in to the very presence of God. They did not have that opportunity in the Old Testament, and we should not enter in EVER without being thankful!

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (Psalm 100:4 KJV)

He is worthy! I always want to remember that all of my blessings come from Him and belong to Him. He gives and takes away. You and I are not are own. As the Scripture says, "Ye are bought with a price."

The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. (Psalm 24:1 KJV)

So, today I am very thankful for everything God has done for me. Now, it's time to share those blessings with others and let God bless them through us!

Fun at the Kifle's

2012-02-22T18:59:00.001-08:00

On President's day I went shopping with my friend Cassy at different thrift stores in the Bay Area. We had lots of fun! Afterwards I went to surprise my good friend Hanna because she didn't know that I was in the area. I ended up eating dinner with her at her house and then Anali came over. We had a great time!! It's always good to be with friends. If you want to laugh, just ask the Kifle's about some of the people that have come to visit their church in Berkeley, Ca. We were cracking up! So Hanna made some REALLY Good cookies! Probably to make up for the garlic bread she burnt for dinner! Haha Sorry Hanna....your cookies really were good though!

Anali made a "PacMan" cookie and then made it eat the dots...lol It was late, folks.

Me, Hanna, and Anali!

Dinner! :)

And....Hanna's bread. lol We ate the remaining fragments.

I'm so thankful for good friends who love God and know how to have fun! Amen?!

Praise report

2012-02-16T22:35:00.001-08:00

9 year old Jade got the Holy Ghost at Church tonight! Praise God!! I love seeing kids get the Holy Ghost!

Be Happy :)

2012-02-15T21:30:00.001-08:00

Thankful...

2012-02-08T21:43:00.000-08:00

To be alive! I was in a truck today with some people and as we were going through an intersection, a car came through that did NOT have a green light and almost plowed right into us! We swerved and braked and barely missed getting hit by this other car. My heart was pounding! When I thought about it, if the accident would have happened the other car would have probably hit us HARD right about where I was sitting. Thank God I'm okay and not in a hospital or dead! He looks out for us and I'm thankful that He protected me today and kept me from getting in what could have been a bad car accident. Thankful for another day.

Outreach

2012-02-04T16:05:00.001-08:00

We went to an interesting neighborhood today for outreach. Some of the girls and I knocked on one door and I said "Hello", so the guy said hello back. "I'm Jennifer and were from Cornerstone Pentecostal Church and we-" "BYE!! BYE!! BYE!!" The door shuts in our face. The girls and I looked at each other, turned from the door and started laughing. What else do you do, go pound on the door again? Lol People need somebody to pray for them because they are bound by hurt and bitterness. But, we kept on going and knocked some doors. There are some days where outreach efforts seem pretty fruitless, but God sees the labor. You never know what God is doing in lives. Sometimes you pray and then go knock doors and nobody's home or interested. But, I've seen God bring people in after that outreach effort that weren't even from that neighborhood. God knows how to draw on people's hearts if we'll just pray.

We knocked on the door even though the mat said "GO AWAY." lol

Pumpkins in February. One literally sunk in on the porch, it was so old!

This house had creepy stuff everywhere

And in the window watching us. lol

It may seem scary and some people live in dumps, but they need somebody to bring them the gospel. We need to go into all the world with the gospel! This is for "whosoever will, let him come." One time on outreach we knocked on a door. It was not well taken care of the and the door was black with a skull on the front. You could tell and feel there were evil spirits there. Nobody answered the door and to be honest, I felt relieved! As were were about to leave, a car pulled into the drive way. "Oh great!" I thought. The people looked kind of creepy. The girl seemed a bit high and I think the guy may have been into some sort of devil worship. Anyhow, we invited them to church and girl was so hungry for God. She began to cry as the Word of God went forth, and we had a chance to pray for her right there on the porch. It was on one of those days where it seemed nobody was answering their doors. But God has a plan, and you'll never know what He can do if you just do your part.

Happy Groundhog Day! lol

2012-02-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

This little guy is quite the creature! Or should I say big guy? He looks pretty hefty to me, but maybe it's all fur. I don't really care about groundhog day of course, I just thought it was funny when my uncle sent me "Happy Groundhog day." lol Hope your groundhog day is full of blessings! (Not that it has anything to do with a groundhog!) I have quite the day and weekend ahead of me. Looking at a house for lease today, work, church, and tomorrow it looks like I shall have a Bible study. Thank God! Good things are happening. Anyhow, you all have a wonderful day.

When is the last time you wept for a soul?

2012-01-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share a poem that my mom wrote. It gives us all something to think about.

When was the last time you wept for a soul
As tears from your eyes did freely flow
With agony over one’s lost condition
Of eternity without God, perdition?

If to win one to God is your noble goal
When was the last time you wept for a soul?
Before this great gospel we can share
We must take some time to wrestle in prayer.

Have you witnessed, it seems, to no avail?
Perhaps you’re lacking this thing called travail.
When was the last time you wept for a soul
With heart wrenching sobs you could scarcely control?

Ever take time to wonder why
Your spirit just seems so lifeless and dry?
Over this question, you may want to mull.
“When was the last time you wept for a soul?”

Pic Review

2012-01-30T19:37:00.000-08:00

I was meaning to do a little picture review around the first of the year but I never got around to it. I love going through pics, they always bring back memories! Especially when you see old church pics, you can look back and see what God has done. So, here are some pictures from the past year or so...or at least I'm pretty sure they're all from 2011. Mostly from church services/conferences.
From our church's Dedication service - April 2011

Elder Hyler preached an awesome message

Prayer

Dad and Brother Halstead

Brother Howard speaking

Sister Howard singing a special
Mom and I - Grand Canyon!

Destiny, Angel, me, and Marissa - WCC

Jessica and I!

Awesome preaching by Elder Lambeth at PCC.

Sonia received the Holy Ghost at PCC! Her legal guardian won't let her come back to church or get baptized, but Sonia really wants to come back and live for God. Please pray for this young girl who wants to live for God. We know a God that can make a way, especially when someone wants to live for Him!

Girls basketball at PCC

Altar service at P.A.T.H.

Love this - Hanna and Abel praying together

Bro. Michael Brown preaching at OnCourse At Dennys

at OnCourse

At my birthday party - Coco's face is hilarious

LOL Sorry Hanna

The kindreds after a youth service!

Rev. Andrew Howard and Rev. Coco Kifle, with a picture of food in the background of course. lol These two are hilarious.

Emily received the Holy Ghost!

God touching Sonia

Kids church! More and more kids are coming!

Bell giving her P.O.P. (Power Of Proverbs) The youth group does this

Mariana and Sasha Bro. Pace preaching our 2nd annual youth rally in April
Looking forward to more great things happening in 2012!!

For our Good

2012-01-28T17:44:00.000-08:00

I love the story in the Bible of Joseph, a young man who kept a good attitude through all the horrible things he went through. Joseph was mocked and hated of his brothers, betrayed by his own brethren, tempted by his master's wife, thrown into prison for being righteous, and forgotten in prison by the very person he helped. It is amazing that one could keep such a good attitude through all of these things. Today, we in the church go through some hard things, but we have the Word of God and we have the Holy Ghost to guide us through those times. Joseph had neither, yet when tempted by his master's wife said, "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" We cannot find in the Bible where Joseph whined, complained, or blamed God. Joseph's character was amazing.

As you go through things in your life that may seem unfair, I challenge you to remember Joseph. Did God leave him in the pit in which his brothers cast him? No. Did God leave him in the prison? No. God delivered him, blessed him, and caused whatsoever he did to prosper. I really believe this story could have gone a totally different direction if Joseph would have complained, fell when tempted, or blamed God for things gone wrong. But Joseph's story had a good ending because of his attitude. He trusted in God! He was a man of integrity. He did the right thing.

We know the story. The Lord lifted up Joseph and made him second in command over all Egypt. When Joseph was lifted up and blessed, he didn't get a big head. That's what some of us do when God blesses and lifts us up! But Joseph didn't do that. When his brothers came to Egypt during the famine to get food, they didn't know who Joseph was. Joseph could have taken revenge upon his brothers in an instant, but instead, he blessed them and forgave them. I love what he told his brothers in Genesis 50:20:

"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

Joseph recognized that God had his life in His hands. He knew that even though his brother's intentions were evil, God used it and meant it for his own good. God used his affliction to bring him to a place of power, where he could help save the lives of many people from the famine; including the lives of his own family. You never know what God will do with your life or how He will use you, if you will just have a good attitude and do what is right.

I would like to leave you with some encouragement:

When it seems the world is against you, maybe even your own family and friends, trust in God. Don't get bitter. Pray. Keep a good attitude. The Bible says "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. " (Romans 8:28)

You never know what good God will bring out your bad situation if you will but trust Him and keep a good attitude. We can trust the Word of God! We really can! It's for our good.

Testimony Time!

2012-01-22T22:37:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about church! We had great services today! We have a lot of new people coming and seeking God, and we've also had some people come back to church that used to come a while back. If you need some joy, try praying over souls and watch what God does! It brings joy to your soul to see prayers answered and sinners coming to God.

I love the church. It's the greatest thing, the best kept secret really. But it shouldn't be a secret! Not enough people know about this and we have got to tell them. I know that not everybody is hungry from God, but there are many who are, and God will use us to reach them. I'm believing God for more great things to happen! Anybody else feel that way? What is something God has done in your church or in your life recently? Testimony time! :) Please share!

The Ministry of Tears

2012-01-20T18:09:00.000-08:00

Today I listened to a message by Brother Timothy Copeland: The Ministry of Tears. It really spoke to me and I found a place to pray. He preached with a burden - the key to revival is our tears! There are so many saints who do not pray through. If we don't repent, how can we expect sinners to come to our altars and repent? If the church isn't weeping, how can we expect a revival? The Bible has a lot to say about tears, weeping, and mourning. It scares me to know that we can be so involved with things in the church, but not pray like we should. I don't want to be one of the people that is deceived and thinks they are okay just because the go to church and are involved in doing things, but does not have a right spirit because they don't pray. God forbid!
There are so many verses that talk about weeping! Jeremiah, the weeping prophet says a lot about weeping.

Jer 9:1 Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

Jer 9:18 And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters.

Jer 13:17 But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.

When is the last time you wept over a backslider? We all know somebody that has walked away from God and is in danger of hell fire. It's the will of God that we weep over lost souls. God is looking for people to pray, to travail, but there are not enough! There are few who really get there. I want it to be me that God uses to weep for souls.

Isa 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him

Great victory comes through intercessory prayer. There are times that I've longed for services to just continue in pre service prayer. Sometimes we get so rushed and in stuck in our routine that we limit God and don't allow Him to have His way. God forbid! We don't know what we will have to face in the future. Is this generation ready to suffer for what we believe? We haven't known persecution and suffering like other generations have. We have had so much freedom, and thank God for it! But if and when that time comes, we will need people who can weep and travail and touch heaven.

Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

How much more would we see happen if we could really get a hold of this? God convicted me today over this. How much I limit God with my own mind. We need vision, and we'll get that through prayer. We need Old Time Pentecost! From a 20 year old, I have heard the great stories of Old time Pentecost and longed to see things like that. They had such a hunger and desire for God. Are all the gadgets and the fast paced society limiting us, distracting us? Even calling the shots for us? I don't want to be swept away in the currents of the world.

Jer 22:10 Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him: but weep sore for him that goeth away: for he shall return no more, nor see his native country.

If you have a loved one or friend who last walked away from God, or never even known God, I encourage you to find a place to weep for them. You could be their only hope. What if God laid a burden on my heart to pray for somebody and I didn't heed the call? What would happen to that person? What if it were me that needed the prayer? I would want somebody to touch God for me. Prayer is hard work and is not always pleasant, but Oh the joy that comes when that prayer is answered! The victories that we will see! It is worth it to travail in prayer.

Joh 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

God help us in the closing days of time to get a hold of the key to revival - tears.

Good things

2012-01-17T19:17:00.001-08:00

Good things are happening in Oakley, Ca! Recently: baptisms, Holy Ghost being poured out, new kids coming to kids church, visitors in the altar seeking God, good fellowship, moves of God, etc. It is exciting to be a part of what God is doing! I love this song:

Lord, whatever You're doing in this season, Don't do it without me, don't it without me.

Do you feel that way today? I want to be apart of whatever God is doing.

I'm just a little light bulb

2012-01-15T15:45:00.001-08:00

Funny title, right? Well, figuratively speaking, I am just a little light bulb. Yesterday we had a fellowship meeting at our church with a few other churches. The service was awesome from the beginning to the end. The presence of God moved on the people. It was a blessing, and it really encouraged me and strengthened me, as it did for many others I'm sure. After looking at all these good saints from all the churches that were gathered there, I started thinking about how insignificant I am. Who am I among all these good people living for God? I really am nothing! I thought. And it's true, we really are nothing. God doesn't need us, but He does desire to use us and has a plan for each and every individual. And He really does care about us, and He takes pleasure in His people. It made me think of a string of lights. Each of the little light bulbs seem so insignificant by themselves, but when you step back and see the whole string of lights shining together, it is a beautiful sight. The church really is the same way. We may not feel like we are much all by ourselves, but we are apart of something much bigger than us. We are the light of the world. And if your light goes out, it effects the string of lights. You can see where one little light is out, even on a big string of lights. So, while we really are tiny and not much, doing our part is SO important! Don't ever think just because you're "you" and not "them" that you are not important. You are important. The reason you are important is because you have God, and God's work is important! God is what makes us something! Because without Him, we really are nothing. I'm just a little light bulb on that big string of lights, but I want to do my part and shine bright, because I am a part of something BIG. Much bigger than me.

In Weakness made Strong

2012-01-10T17:59:00.000-08:00

I found some quotes from Corrie Ten Boom, a jewish woman who went through horrible things and suffered greatly during the Holocaust. I like what she has to say.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” ― Corrie ten Boom

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” ― Corrie ten Boom

“Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.” ― Corrie ten Boom

“If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.” ― Corrie ten Boom

“What wings are to a bird, and sails to a ship, so is prayer to the soul. ” ― Corrie ten Boom

“It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability, that counts.” ― Corrie ten Boom

“You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have.” ― Corrie ten Boom

It is in times of desperation when we have no where else to go, that we realize how much we really need God. It is the times of weakness that make us strong. If you are in a critical time in your life, a time of great need and desperation, look to God, and let it make you stronger. Our trouble can either make us better or bitter. I want to always get better, no matter what I go through! How about you?

Crime Stoppers

2012-01-10T12:04:00.001-08:00

We started a new quarter for Kid's Church this Sunday: Crime Stoppers! It is about God's laws for us. We decorated on Saturday and had a lot of help, so we got done pretty quick! It turned out really good. I love Children's Church/Sunday School. It is so much fun and the simple lessons speak not only to the kids, but to the adults as well. Here are some pics from Saturday decorating day.

Liar!

2012-01-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

Today I was thinking about how much the devil really lies to so many young people. I thought about how beautiful young, apostolic ladies look. Purity just shines and the world can see such a difference. I've heard stories of people outside of the church seeing a group of apostolic girls, and they said "These girls are SO beautiful!!" Another woman out of church attended a wedding of an apostolic girl. "Those are the prettiest bridesmaid dresses I have ever seen!" Yeah, it's probably cause there was actually something to them! Not just a piece of nice material! It's the beauty of holiness that shines. It makes me so mad at the devil when young ladies in the church fall for the lies the devil tells them. You're ugly. You need make up. You look weird to everyone at school. You should cut your hair in the style everyone else has theirs. You've never let anyone touch you? Etc. The devil gets them to feel ashamed of the way they are living. I've seen SO many beautiful apostolic girls backslide and turn their lives into a bigger mess than they can get out of. It's so sad to see them exchange their pure beauty of holiness for a fake, worldly beauty. The devil lied to them big time, and they fell for it. Don't fall for the lies the enemy of your soul tells you!

Psalm 96:9 - O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

Psalm - 149:4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

The devil has definitely lied to the men as well! It sickens me to see how feminine so many men are becoming, and I have even seen it inside the church. It's a spirit that jumps on them. It's a lie - men aren't "born" that way! The devil just lied to them! He tells them You feel gay. You need to paint your nails. You're not a normal guy. You were born different. This spirit jumps on kids while they're young! I remember a young boy around the age of 11 who was coming to our church for a while. I'll leave him nameless. He told some people in our church he "felt gay." He started painting his nails. There was a spirit attacking this young boy - lying to him. Men were made to be men! There needs to be a difference between men and women, because that is how God designed it to be. America has blurred the line and that is why our nation is going crazy. Forgive me if I am rambling but this has been on my mind.

Job 38:3 - Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand an answer of thee.
(Same phrase found in Job 40:7)

The devil is a liar. God made men and women, not "its." He made us to know who we are, not to be confused about our identity. God is not the author of confusion. (I Corinthians 14:33)
God made us special, in His image. (Genesis 1:27) We were designed to have a relationship with Him and praise Him. Don't let the devil lie to you about your identity or your appearance! If he has lied to you, you can overcome those lies by having faith in the Word of God by obeying what it says. Don't fall for the lies of the enemy. Believe the Word of God!

2012-01-02T16:09:00.001-08:00

My brother recently bought me a book I wanted. I saw it on a shelf in the World History section at a Barnes & Noble book store. Its title: It Happened In Italy. Being somewhat Italian, of course it caught my attention!

It is about how the people of Italy helped thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. Many lives were saved in Italy. Not many people know much about this. Many Jews have said "if it were not for the Italians, I would not be alive." If you're interested in this type of thing, I would suggest reading it. Stories and the History of the Jews definitely capture my interest.

Fun fun

2012-01-01T23:11:00.001-08:00

I have been having fun with some apps on my phone, making people fat, bald, and old! (yes, including myself) lol Here are some pics

2012 Day One

2012-01-01T22:58:00.001-08:00

Well, today is the first day of the new year and I already have an awesome report to share! We had an awesome service tonight, and God answered the prayer of a sister in our church who has been praying for years that God would save her mom. Her mom got the Holy Ghost at our church tonight!! The place went nuts! She is getting baptized tomorrow afternoon. God is so good to us, we are so blessed. This sister from our church would always testify that God have her a promise He is going to save her mom. I admired her faith, and now God is rewarding that faith and all the prayers people have prayed for her mom. I am so excited about this. It is always awesome when God fills and elderly person with the Holy Ghost! Thank you, Jesus!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T15:12:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! I am officially off my blog fast, and I must say, God has done some good things.

As we enter into the new year, I tend to reflect upon the old year, and make a mental list of goals for the new. Every year there are good times and bad times, but the good always outweighs the bad. That is the God we serve! He is good to us even in the bad times. It's all in your attitude!

The bad that has happened this past year:

Not all the people that have come into the church have stuck with it.

My uncle passed away very suddenly

My other uncle had a heart attack

My dad's good friend passed away

The little trials and bad days that come to all of us

The good that has happened this past year:

New people have come to church and received the Holy Ghost

My uncle went to heaven

God touched a lot of people, including backsliders, at my uncle's funeral

My other uncle had a successful surgery and is doing well

My dad's friend went to heaven

God blessed me with a better job which has opened doors of witness for me

I got a Bible study with the mother of a boy I used to work with

I was able to get medical and dental insurance this year

A girl I was teaching a Bible study to received the Holy Ghost

Our church has grown spiritually

Our youth group has stepped up higher in God

We have had some INCREDIBLE services this year!

Cheryl was baptized and got the Holy Ghost a couple sundays ago!

The Lord has answered so many prayers!

We had awesome church this morning, the first day of the year!

I could go on and on, because God is so good! I'm sure more bad has happened than I can remember, but the good sticks out in my mind more! It's just a good life living for God and I am so happy to be a part of the church!

Well I must go, we have church tonight with Bro. Baker preaching. :) Happy New Year once again!

Blog Fast

2011-11-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

From December 1st 2011 to January 1st 2012, (a month) I will be doing a blog fast.
So, no more posts from me until the new year.

Hope everyone has a great rest of the year!!

-Jen

An Extended Case of Guilt

2011-11-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

I read this story online today and thought it to be very interesting. It's amazing that a man would let his conscience bother him for so many years before making a matter right. It's best to make it right as soon as we can, and not let things eat at our conscience for years. Years of guilt endured, and it could have been avoided.

Elderly man returns cash stolen from Sears in '40s
From Associated PressNovember 28, 2011 10:34 PM EST

SEATTLE (AP) — The manager of the Sears store in downtown Seattle says an elderly man has repaid — with interest — cash the man says he stole in the late 1940s.
KING-TV reports that the man hand-delivered an envelope Monday addressed to "Sears manager." Inside were a note and a $100 bill.
The note said the man stole $20 to $30 from a cash register decades ago and wanted to pay back $100.
Manager Gary Lorentson says he thinks the man's conscience "has been bothering him for the past 60 years."
Store security cameras recorded the man, but Sears officials said they don't know who he is and they won't release the video.
The store plans to put the money toward helping needy families in the holiday season.

I do respect this man for having the courage to go back and make the matter right after all those years! Pretty interesting and I thought it was worth sharing.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T22:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Today, I am thankful for:

The Truth
The Church
My Family
My Boyfriend
My Friends
A Roof over my Head
Clothes to Wear
Food to eat
My Job
My Car
My Dog
Health

And SOO much more.......God is good, and there is always something to be Thankful for!

I'm Thankful.

Thanksgiving Funnies

2011-11-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

(Some people seriously eat that much on Thanksgiving! That's called being a glutton, which is a sin! lol Really.)

Greater than Fear

2011-11-22T21:53:00.000-08:00

I found a list of phobias this evening that was quite interesting. I copied and pasted just a few of them. There are SO MANY phobias out there, it is unreal! I can't even begin to imagine being afraid of some of these things.

Agateophobia- Fear of insanity.
Arachnephobia or Arachnophobia- Fear of spiders. (I think I have this one! lol)
Autodysomophobia- Fear of one that has a vile odor
Consecotaleophobia- Fear of chopsticks
Chronophobia- Fear of time.
Dutchphobia- Fear of the Dutch
Ecclesiophobia- Fear of church. (No way, I love church!)
Germanophobia- Fear of Germany or German culture.
Hadephobia- Fear of hell.
Hamartophobia- Fear of sinning.
Helminthophobia- Fear of being infested with worms. (Someone obviously had a bad experience)
Koinoniphobia- Fear of rooms
Lachanophobia- Fear of vegetables. (Seriously?!)
Mycrophobia- Fear of small things.
Pedophobia- Fear of children (Children???)
Psellismophobia- Fear of stuttering.
Thaasophobia- Fear of sitting.
Verbophobia- Fear of words.
Xanthophobia- Fear of the color yellow or the word yellow.
Zoophobia- Fear of animals.

It is amazing how FEAR can get a grip on somebody and take them to such drastic measures. We know that fear is a spirit, and that spirit is not of God!

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind

Fear is a bondage - when somebody is fearful it is as if they are trapped. They are.
Thank God when we get the Holy Ghost we get peace!

Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

If one lives in fear, their end is not a good one.

Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

When we have the Holy Ghost (God's Spirit living inside of us) we have LOVE. God is love.

1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

There are times when the spirit of fear will do it's very best to grab a hold of us. When people are afraid, they do crazy things. When people are afraid, they don't do what they know they should do. Fear messes with minds and causes people to see things that aren't even there. Fear wakes you up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night. Fear gets people to lie so that they will be accepted. Fear gets people to sin. Fear is overlooked. Fear is dangerous. Next time you feel afraid - afraid of rejection, afraid of people, afraid of the devil, just afraid, call on the Name of JESUS! THE NAME OF JESUS IS GREATER THAN FEAR! The Name of JESUS is powerful!

Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

EVERY knee includes FEAR'S KNEE! When we call on the Name of Jesus, fear has to flee.

A few WCC pics

2011-11-22T12:59:00.001-08:00

Sahata and I (horrible pic of me) lol

The choir

They look like they just ate grumpy bear cookies...inside joke. lol

LOL

Kindreds

Hahahaha. I have no words...

Bwittany and Jennifew!

Me and Jess! Finally took a pic together! lol

Us again :)

Awesome preaching!!

Ashlyn and I!

Destiny, Angel, me, and Marissa...also known as Joe! lol

Prayer for Elder Randy Kendrick

2011-11-22T12:53:00.001-08:00

Elder Randy Kendrick is very sick with cancer right now and really needs our prayers.
Please remember to lift up this great man of God, and his entire family. God is our strength!

The family has made a blog for him with updates of his condition.

You can view it here.

The Connell family loves and is praying for this good man!

It's obvious

2011-11-19T18:07:00.000-08:00

Look at the image below. What do you see? This is not a trick question.
Did you say "a black dot?" That's what I said! And you're right, there is a black dot! So you're probably thinking "oookay?"

Ever wonder why nobody says "oh I see a lot of clean white space." It's because when something dark is there, it gets our attention and we focus on it. The little black dot is very obvious.

This is how God sees our sin. Some people feel like "hey, I'm doing good! Yeah, I have this little issue or thing I won't let go of, but it's no big deal, it's pretty small. I'm still going to church, still being faithful! I'm sure I'm fine."

NO.

God sees it all, even if it's a tiny dark spot on the surface of our heart. He sees all, He knows all, hears all. If there is something in our lives that is not pleasing to God, we need to get it right. If we don't, it can grow into a big black dot, bigger, then heart starts turning black. Sin grows when it is not taken care of. Just as mold grows in dark secret spots where there is no light or wind, sin grows in our hearts where the wind of the Holy Ghost is not blowing, where the light of the Word of God is not shining.

As the psalmist said, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

We need to repent so that God can blot our sins out.

Act 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

If we don't repent while we have a chance, and let God blot the sin out of our hearts, then our names will be blotted out of the book of the living.

Psalm 69:28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

I want to do my very best to please God. Sin is sin. If somebody commits murder and does not repent, that sin will send them to hell. And if someone tells a little lie and doesn't repent, that sin will send them to hell, too.

Its up to us where we go! If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

It's up to us!

Have fun

2011-11-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

Ελληνικού λαού είναι φοβερό!

If you want to know what this means, copy and paste the above into google translate. Set it to translate from Greek to English . click here to translate.

Just One

2011-11-18T09:27:00.000-08:00

If you could witness just ONE event in the Bible, what would it be?

Family Post

2011-11-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

Family:

I will miss you all very much now that you are going back home. I had a great time with each and every one of you. Thanks for making so many more great memories! We have the best family in the world!

The following pics are from events this past week. The funeral, the dinner afterwards, Apple Hill trip, hanging out at family members houses, and the burial service.

(Pics not really in order)

In the limo after the funeral

The siblings singing at the dinner

Nick went a little insane...

......so we locked him up.

Jeremy and Malachi

Sahata and Brady

Uncle Bub and Kai

Aww! Molly and Kai

Sahata and I after the funeral

Right after the funeral service

Brady was eating cheetos! lol

Love those eyes!

Abby girl

Abby hiding behind her drink

The girl cousins - our sophisticated pose. lol

Sisters - Mom and Aunt Kiki (Karen) right after the burial.

Malachi after he ate. :)

Cool cousins. lol Paul was eating a donut

Uncle John, Aunt Kristin, and cousin Natalie

Natalie and I

Cousins and Grandma! Natalie, Gram, me, and Nick.

Cross eyed

The boys - Nick, Paul, and Ben

lol They matched! Not on purpose either

The uncles and nephews!

Grandma reading a poem at the burial

She did such a good job!

Nick speaking at the burial. You did such a good job Nick, made me proud!

When the trumpet sounds, Uncle Tom will coming flying out of the ground! :)

Leaving the burial....but we have hope of seeing him again.

I love you all so very much!!

Love,

Jen

Family Reunion Fun

2011-11-12T21:43:00.000-08:00

Cousin Circle

My Uncle's funeral was yesterday in Fairfield, and it was an awesome service. Very well put together, a great way of remembering Tom. Most importantly, the Word of God was shared with many people who were there. That was the emphasis on the service - reaching out to others. That's what Tom did, he reached out for many people and prayed for so many. A family member found his prayer list. 14 pages long, typed out, with categories. So many names were on the list! It was incredible and very humbling. Tom cared for people. They asked for a show of hands if anyone had received a letter/card/note/something from Tom. So many hands in the place went up. Tom reached out to so many people and did it without a lot of people knowing. He was humble and had the heart of the servant. I'm going to make a post later on in honor of Tom.
Anyhow, here are a few pictures from yesterday after the funeral and today at Apple Hill. My mom's side of the family is out here and we had a BLAST with our cousins/aunts/uncles, etc.

Paul, Nick, Natalie, and Ben. New album cover? lol

My little cousins - Brady, Natalie, and Abby. Love this pic!

Brady - love those big brown eyes!

My Aunt Annie and I :)

Thanks, Ashlyn!

2011-11-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn,

I tried commenting on your blog but it would not work! :( Thank you so much for the sweet birthday post you made for me! Love ya girl!!

Being Content

2011-11-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

I read a verse the other day that I have read multiple times before, but it seemed to jump out at me this time.

1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

I don't know if this happens to anyone else, but I do happen to find myself from time to time not being content where I am at in life. I know that can be a good thing if we are not where we need to be, but sometimes it is not a good thing. Elder Morton says "The will of God is the present task." Sometimes we can get so focused on the future and where we want to be, that we forget what is going on right now! "Right now" is the future we once looked forward to. If we want to be successful at living for God, somewhere along the line we must learn to be content. Things will not always be perfect, and there will be things we simply must wait for. We will get where we want to be if we keep living for the Lord and take it one day at a time. Jesus said "In your patience possess ye your souls." (Luke 21:19)

The apostle Paul was a man who went through all kinds of things as he did the work of God. He was thrown in jail, shipwrecked, etc., but he stood strong. The state he was in was not always a good one, but there was something about Paul's spirit that kept him going. What was the key to his success? Paul wrote this in Philippians 4:11 -

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Godliness with contentment really is great gain! When we become discontent, we can lose focus of the present will of God, because we began looking for something else. Let's work for God, and be content!

Can you find the mistake?

2011-11-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

Someone showed me this at WCC, and it took us forever to find the mistake! lol Yes, there really is a mistake, and when you find it, you'll probably kick yourself. lol Have fun.

West Coast

2011-11-06T23:38:00.000-08:00

West Coast conference was so awesome! If you weren't there, order the CD's. I will make a post about West Coast Conference when I can. Things will be so busy this week with work, church, and preparing for my uncle's funeral.

But I will make a post when I can! God has been so good to us, and you know, it doesn't matter what we go through, it is just good living for God!

Happy Birthday Chloee!

2011-11-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Today is Chloee's birthday! :) I used the same picture for Eliana's birthday. lol Chloee is the one in the pink! She's a bunny. (inside joke) Love you Chloee, you're so sweet and I'm happy to have you as a friend! See you tomorrow!

highlight >> Chloee Bunny you're the best!!! :)

Good things

2011-11-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

A lot of good things have happened since the last post I made. God is already working through my Uncle's death. I know God is dealing with people who aren't right with God, and I really believe something good is going to happen at the funeral. We had to push the funeral back a little because there is so much to do, so it won't be until the 11th.

The day after Tom passed, we had an awesome church service! God really moved, and a girl I have been teaching a Bible study to received the Holy Ghost! Praise God! God has been working on people over here and we are having revival! I feel like our youth group really stepped up higher.

We have a lot of family coming in next week for the funeral, and it will be so good to see them again. My cousins who we have not seen in a few years are coming! I'm really happy about that!

WCC is coming up - Tomorrow! Can't wait! This is something I've really been looking forward too, and it is very needed right now! See y'all there. :)

Tom

2011-10-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

(Tom, with niece Abby)

Yesterday afternoon my uncle, Tom, passed away very unexpectedly at the age of 50. It was a shock to all of us and it happened so fast. Yesterday morning, Tom sent me a Scripture text. It said this:

"And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be GREAT. (Luke 9:48) It's not hard to feel the least when u know how GREAT he is! Tom"

While I am sad that he is gone so soon, I find comfort and peace in knowing he was ready to meet God. On Friday night, he had been praying and worshipping God. Saturday morning he was in the Word and sent me that one last text. Saturday afternoon, he was worshipping again, but this time he's on streets of gold. He has won the greatest victory anyone could have. I am so thankful for hope. One day we will see him again if we live for God. God is good!

Please pray for my mom and her family while they are grieving over losing him so suddenly. They really need prayer. Pray for his mother, my grandma, who lived with him. She will be needing much prayer.

Thank God for HOPE!

Intercession

2011-10-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night we had such a powerful service as the spirit of intercession swept over the church. Our evangelist, Bro. Jerry Trevino, told us there was a spirit opposing our church that did not want us to have revival. He began rebuking it and talked about intercessory prayer, and the power of God fell. Later on he had the youth group come right up in front of the pulpit and challenged us to take up the responsibility of prayer. If a youth group can get a hold of prayer together, the church will have revival. He talked to us about the youth group he grew up in. They got a hold of the spirit of prayer and would weep and pray sometimes half way through the night. People in the their church would get the Holy Ghost while they were taking up an offering, the Spirit of God would take over during choir practice and they would start having church, people would be running the aisles during pre service prayer, ect. And it was all because the youth group learned how to pray and intercede. When a church gets a hold of this, something is going to happen. The reason we do not see everything we want to see happen is because we are not praying and fasting like we should be.

Last night our youth group got together and prayed again at the church, and the same spirit came over us. We prayed around and hour and a half, and God really moved. That's how I know something good is going to happen soon. The old song says "When the saints begin to pray for the Lord to have His way, the glory of the Lord starts coming down."

God is ready to do something here in Oakley! Revival has been extended and we are having church tonight, tomorrow night, Thursday night, and both services on Sunday with Bro. Trevino. Please keep this revival in your prayers!

Happy Birthday, Eliana!

2011-10-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

Today is Eliana's 19th birthday! Happy Birthday, EliBunny! Love ya!
Hope you have a wonderful day, and hopefully I'll see you soon at WCC!

Walk In The Spirit

2011-10-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

I just listened to a message about walking in the Spirit by Elder Timothy Lackey. It was preached at Men's day in Fresno this past Saturday. What a message! Click the link below and then click on the message by Elder Lackey.
There are other messages listed as well.

http://www.cornerstonepentecostal.org/sermonmanager.php

Yes, I-know-who-I-am

2011-10-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

Here a just a few of the beautiful waterfalls in the beautiful country of Greece.

Yeah, just a few. Notice all the lovely green stuff growing around the falls! For some reason that beauty doesn't always occur in the land of the Ethiopians. It's kind of dry there. Hmm!

Hehe ;) Love ya too, Hanna!

(If this post makes no sense, read the Kifle Chronicles Blog, located on my side bar blog list.)

Also, I found some interesting Bible verses today!

Here's a great one:

"Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few." Acts 17:12

Here's an interesting one:

"In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh." Ezekiel 30:9

Oh, and this one too:

"So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled." II Chronicles 14:12

My my my.

Happy 18th Birthday, Brittany!

2011-10-12T17:06:00.001-07:00

Happy 18th Birthday to my friend, Brittany! Or, Bwittany. lol I have really grown to appreciate her these past few months! We have had some great times together. I think we get along really good because we're both just a little crazy! lol Britt has a good attitude, loves being in church, and has a willing spirit. Love ya Britt!!
Britt and I at Pacific Coast Camp 2011

Happy Birthday Brittany!!!

He knows

2011-10-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful that God knows what we need, when we need it. Today we started Children's church and just sang one sang. The Spirit of God moved and people starting praying and weeping. We never had a lesson or anything, God just took over. There were people there that needed to feel God like that, today! Myself included.

Last night, a cousin of some of the saints in our church was shot and killed. They needed God to touch them today and give them comfort, and He did. I'm thankful for comfort and peace that we can find in the Holy Ghost. While everyone was praying, a little girl who visits sometimes was there, and she began to cry as God touched her. She did not get the Holy Ghost, but I'm believing God to fill this little girl with the Holy Ghost.

I just feel like God is going to do something awesome! He already is doing awesome things, but there is more coming. No matter how much the devil fights, the church is fighting too! The Bible tells me that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church, and I believe it!

Just Be Happy!

2011-10-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

Some people are always mad. Some people are always sad. But, I want to be happy! It doesn't matter where we are in life, if we have God, we CAN be happy! We might have to pray through to get there, but we can still reach it. We have to want to be happy. People that don't want to be happy will never be happy! That's just how it goes. Some people seem to like being miserable. Not me! I want to be happy and spread it around!

I like the words to the song Elder Morton likes to sing:

The time to be happy is now

The place to be happy is here

The way to be happy is to make others happy

And have a little heaven down here

Why would the world want what the church has if we're not happy!? That's what the world is looking for! They need some peace and joy, and if we don't take time to pray and get some peace and joy, the world won't want what we have. It's time to be happy!

Victory Report!

2011-10-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we had great church! Elder Kelly Nix and his wife were with us from San Antonio, Texas. Bro. Nix preached 2 awesome messages that were both very anointed and very needed! We had a brand new visitor come yesterday, an elderly woman, and she was crying in the altar. Afterwards she said she felt good! :) God will do that to you!

I used to work with two sisters who were twins, and they have come to church a few times. I've been trying to get their mom to come, and she finally came last night with the twins, and their younger sister who is 12. The mom has really been through so much and as we were singing, she began to cry. She was raised Catholic and has not been to a Pentecostal church before, and she has been quite nervous about coming. If you keep being kind to people and get down on their level, eventually they will probably come. It's been over a year! My mom prayed with her during altar call and she began to cry again. She was really listening during the service. This is an answer to prayer and I want to praise God for it!

Then, during altar call, God really moved, and a young girl who has been coming received the Holy Ghost! When later asked if she said words she didn't understand, she said yes! The Spirit of God was all over her, and her daddy and brother who do not have the Holy Ghost yet got to watch it happen. Praise God!

Another amazing thing that happened was that a Sister in our church has a mom who she has been praying for for many years! Her mom lives in San Antonio, where Bro. Nix pastors. They have tried to meet up with her but it has never worked about. Turns out the same week the Nix's were coming here, she was coming too! So they met last night at church! And even before they met, they saw each other at the airport and didn't know until they saw each other again at church. It was definitely a God thing! I'm excited about what God is doing! This sister from our church always stands up and testifies about how God gave her a promise that one day He would save her mom, and I can just see it unfolding! I admire her faith in God! Faith takes patience!

God is working and I'm excited. There's nothing more exciting that seeing people come to God. If you need joy, go witness to somebody or help somebody out! :) It works!

Ladies Day - Fresno

2011-10-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

Ladies day at Truth Tabernacle in Fresno, Ca, was so amazing this year! The Lord really took over the service and moved in a mighty way. We started off with prayer and a song. Elder Morton told the ladies that it's "okay to be happy!" He sang another song about being happy, and told us that the first time the word 'happy' is mentioned in the Bible, it's talking about a woman. In the book of Genesis, Leah says "Happy am I." He looked up the word happy in the Greek, (beautiful language by the way) and the word happy meant 'blessed.' We truly are blessed! Sis. Dykes from Tulsa, Oklahoma spoke about being blessed and finding favor with God and with man. As she was speaking it was almost like God just grabbed the mic! She began to worship God and His presence fell all across the building instantly. People began weeping and dancing before God. There was a roar of praise for I don't know how long! It seemed it lasted forever. If you weren't there, you really missed out! Get the CD! It's not the same but it's something! I don't have any pictures from ladies day, but I sure was blessed! We had a good group of ladies come from our church, and my friend Brittany got to come as well!

Thank God for His sweet presence that gives us what we need on the inside!

Good fear and bad fear

2011-09-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

After reading certain passages in the Bible last night, and then this morning, I began to think about fear. When most people hear the word 'fear,' it doesn't bring good or pleasant thoughts to mind. Perhaps the word 'fear' brings back memories of scary, intense moments in your life when you didn't know what was about to happen or what you were going to do about the situation you were in. I can certainly remember moments of great fear that I have had in my life. Fear is commonly known as a negative thing. Fear is probably best described by the dictionary:

1. a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.

2. a specific instance of or propensity for such a feeling: an abnormal fear of heights.

We know that this type of fear just described does not come from God. He does not want us to be afraid!

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
II Timothy 1:7

God does not want us to be afraid! This negative type of fear I'm talking about can take away the ability to think clearly and use good sense. Fear can mess with your mind and cause you to see images that aren't even there. It is a spirit - the spirit of fear. This type of fear is not of God, and can be overcome by the power of the Holy Ghost! Revelation 21:7 says "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." It's our choice to overcome. God gives us the promise of the Holy Ghost, which we can have if we but obey His word. The Holy Ghost helps us to overcome come these things; We just have to let it. The next verse, Revelation 21:8 says "But the fearful, and the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

We can't make it to heaven with the spirit of fear.

GOOD FEAR

However, there is a good type of fear in the Bible, and we cannot make it to heaven without this type of fear: That is, the Fear of God.

Dictionary definition:

3. reverential awe, especially toward God: the Fear of God.

I Chronicals 16:30 - Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.

Deuteronomy 4:10 - ...Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.

Deuteronomy 5:29 - O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

The reason so many people willingly sin is because they do not fear God. God is our creator and, therefore, He is our judge. Just because you may not be punished right away for sin does not mean that you won't be punished: "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Ecclesiastes 8:11 When we truly fear God, we will stay clean, and repent when we fall. If we don't sin, it will be well with us!

Psalm 19:9 - The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

In conclusion:

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."

That's why we need to love the Word of God. It contains His commandments for us to follow. When we obey in faith, we are blessed! God is not just expecting us to obey, but He promises it will be well with us. He is leading us to eternal life! He will bless us! Don't fear the devil, Fear God!

Well that explains a lot!

2011-09-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

Received this is an email...

Study these 3 photos closely, then read the message at the bottom. It will explain lots and lots of things........ in case there was any doubt!

THIS IS INDIA . IT'S WHERE YOU CALL WHEN YOU
HAVE A TECHNICAL PROBLEM WITH YOUR TELEPHONE OR COMPUTER.

Thankful for the privilege

2011-09-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

Last night we had good church, and I got to spend some time with some friends who came to visit. It was a good night! This morning I woke and felt so weighed down and discouraged. I guess that's just how life is sometimes, up and down. No, I'm not one of those super moody, emotional people, but that's just what happened this morning. I decided to get up and read the Bible. I read in Luke where Jesus was talking about the Comforter that was going to come. (The Holy Ghost inside us) Just reading that alone was a comfort to me! All that discouragement went away. I'm just thankful for the privilege of knowing God and having hope in my life. Sometimes we get to thinking we have it so bad, but there are so many people out there in worst situations than us, and without God. And even if we have it worse that some of them, God is with us. I've heard it said "My worst day living for God is better than my best day in the world." I'm thankful today for God in my life. In the last days, which are the days we are living in right now, the Bible states that people will be unthankful. I don't want that to be me! I am thankful!

Books

2011-09-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have been in the mood to read more these days! I've been finding interesting books on some of my dad's many bookshelves and reading them. I learn a lot and a lot of them have really helped me! So here's the first book that I enjoy reading:
The Bible, of course! It just comes alive! I see new things everytime I read it. It has guided me on the road of life and has helped me to live for Jesus. I am thankful for God's Word!

Wellsprings - Thoughts from Genesis. Excellent little book! You can probably find this one through the Pentecostal Publishing House. It's almost like a little devotional book. Short thoughts, but very good!

Character Is Destiny. I have not read this one yet but I want to! It was recommended and I have heard good things about it.

A Prophet in our Time - The Life Story of T. W. Barnes. A sister in our church bought this book at West Coast Conference last year and loaned it to us. I loved this book so much I just couldn't put it down! Bro. Barnes is passed away now, but there is a website on the side of my blog that sells his books and preaching still. Awesome!

Verbal Bean: Prayer. I happened to come across this book at just the right time. I really needed it! This book taught me so much more about prayer and really helped me out. I would definitely recommend reading this book!

A.S.K.

2011-09-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday in Children's Church, God reminded me of something so simple, that I tend to forget so easily.

The following verse was read: Luk 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

I memorized this verse when I was just a little girl, but it stood out to me on Sunday. When you look at this verse in the amplified, it reads like this:

Luk 11:9 So I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you.

If we are right with Him, He hears us the first time we pray! But sometimes God is just testing our faith and wanting to see how much we really want our answer. You may have been praying for something for a long time, but don't give up - just keep on asking, seeking, and knocking. And believe! This is something I struggle with sometimes. I find my self praying for something without having the expectancy that God is going to answer. Unbelief is a sin that we must turn from. Read the end of Hebrews chapter 3 and the beginning of Hebrews 4. We see that some could not enter in because of unbelief. God help us!

Luke 11:9 goes right along with Heb 11:6: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

If you do not have faith, you cannot please God! If we have to diligently seek Him, that means we'll be praying for something more than once or twice. God wants to see how much you want it and how much faith you really have. Keep on praying!

1Jo 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1Jo 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

This is so very simple, yet at times so very hard for us to grasp! That's why Jesus wants us to be like little children. If you tell them you'll give them something, they just believe you. If we know that He hears us and we're praying according to His will, we HAVE the petitions we desired of Him! It's just a matter of time before he answers.

Read Acts chapter 10 about Cornelius. He was a man who feared God with all his house, gave much alms to the people, and was always praying. And this man was not even saved! I believe he was looking for more. God spoke to him in a vision and said, "Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God."

Because of his persistence, salvation was brought to him and his house. We don't know how long he had been praying, but his prayers and alms went as a memorial before God. I read the book "Prayer" by Verbal Bean, and the first chapter is called "Current and Memorial." He talks about how some prayers are the kind answered right away, and others are memorial prayers. They're stacking up. If you've only made 3 car payments, it's probably not 'paid in full.' It takes time!

I'll end with this thought, that I also got from Children's church. You can learn a lot there!

Ask

Seek

Knock

Just keep on asking with faith that God will reward your diligence!

Have a blessed day!

Taking Action against bill SB 48

2011-09-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

9/16/11 9:44AM Edit: When I tried to publish this post for some reason an "error" came up. It tried to stop me twice! I had a feeling that was going to happen for some reason. Hmm...

I recently found out about a bill that has been passed in the state of California; bill SB 48.
This bill is worth fighting! You can do whatever you want, but I'm going to be a part of stopping this from going through. The way it can be stopped is to get enough signatures on a petition and, with prayer of course. There is an agenda being pushed that needs to be stopped, and it won't be stopped unless somebody fights back.

What it does

"SB 48 will use all social science curriculum, including history books and other instructional materials, to teach children as young as five not only to accept but also to endorse transgenderism, bisexuality, and homosexuality. SB 48 has been misrepresented to the public and passed as a bill aimed to end bullying. But whatever the stated goal, the actual provisions of the bill say nothing about bullying. Instead, they regulate the content of classroom instruction. SB 48 requires all public schools — including charter schools — to include positive discussions of the sexual orientations of transgender, bisexual, and gay Americans in all social science courses. The sponsors have repeatedly asserted that SB 48 mandates this provocative material for California students in all grades from K-12.
SB 48 will take effect January 2012 unless its implementation is stopped. Under SB 48, public schools would begin supplementing current instruction with pro-transgender, bisexual and homosexual materials before textbooks are revised. However, once we collect the necessary amount of signatures, implementation of SB 48 will be halted until the people vote on the measure. In other words, schools will not be required to supplement instruction with additional pro-transgender, bisexual and homosexual materials because the bill’s fate will be undecided."

This is WRONG! The Bible still calls this a sin, and curriculum like this will change the mind sets of young children. And no, I'm not singling out homosexuals! If a guy and girl are shacking up and living together outside of wedlock, that is sin too. Lying is sin, cheating is sin, drinking is sin, etc. But with this bill they will be forcing the belief on young children that homosexuality is "ok." This bill will take effect January 2012 if it is not stopped with enough signatures by the end of THIS month. If you would like to be a part of stopping this from going through, you can. You must be registered to vote in order to sign, or, if you want to collect petitions you can do so if you are capable of being registered to vote, (eg. at least 18, no felony's, etc) even if you are not registered to vote.

There must be enough signatures on petitions that get to the Capitol by the END of THIS month! We do not have much time and need to take action NOW!

Click HERE if you would like to sign a petition or help distribute petitions. You can also read more about the bill at the website. Scroll down, and on the right hand side under the column that says "Take Action!" you will see a link that says "Sign a petition." You can click there to download a petition to sign, and print out more to have other people sign. You'll want to make sure there are no mistakes and everything is filled out correctly! If God be for us, who can be against us! We can make a difference!

In a world that is getting more evil everyday, we need to get closer to God everyday and take a stand for truth, or else we ourselves will fall into the mindset of the world and it's ways. I'm not interested in going in the ways of the World, but in following the Word!

Happy Birthday Sahata!

2011-09-15T22:13:00.001-07:00

Couldn't resist posting this wonderful picture of him! *cough*
Okay, he looks a lot better in this one.... lol

Happy Birthday, Sahata! I really appreciate you and all that you do. Thank you for being who you are; For living for God and standing for what is right. You have many convictions for yourself and that helps me, too. I am thankful your conversation gravitates towards the things of God, and helping other people.

Thank you for all the good memories, fun times, and for listening to me ramble about whatever I needed to vent about, even though I'm sure half the time it did not interest you. lol

I hope you know that you really mean a whole lot to me, and I am thankful to have you in my life. You've made this past year a good one for me, because of who you are. I hope you have had a wonderful birthday! ♥

Feel free to leave a birthday comment for Sahata that I can pass along to him. :)

Love

2011-09-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

So many people in the world today confuse love with lust. They don't even understand what true love really is. The ultimate example of true love was displayed upon a cross, when Jesus gave His
life for you and I. I'm thankful to have experienced true love, for I have Jesus in my life!

When we are filled with the Holy Ghost, (the Spirit of God) we are filled with love. The love of God gets in our hearts, and helps us to truly love others the way we should. I Corinthians 13:4-8 says it best:

(Charity referring to love)

1Co 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

1Co 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

1Co 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

1Co 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1Co 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

12 Years!

2011-09-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

12 Years ago today I received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost! Thank you, Jesus! He has kept me all these years. I have had my ups and downs, and I while never be perfect, but I press toward the mark!

If you have never received the Holy Ghost and you feel empty inside, it is what you NEED! What so many are searching for, yet don't know it. When the Spirit of God comes to live inside of you, it helps you to do the right thing, and leaves you with peace and joy on the inside. The world can't give it to you, only Jesus can. Acts 2:38-39 says "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." You can have it! It's for you and your children and all those that are afar off! If you want to know more, leave a comment.

To God be the glory for the things He has done.

10 years - Remember.

2011-09-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

10 years ago, September 11th, 2001, our country was under a terrorist attack. Never forget.
God Bless America!

UNITED WE STAND!

A must read

2011-09-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Coco Kifle just wrote a post on their blog called "Just Passing By." He did such an incredible job! Take the time to read it. It made me want to cry. In a good way!

Click here to read his post.

Virtual Piano

2011-09-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

Click here to play a virtual piano!

Prayer Request

2011-09-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, there has been major flooding going on back in some of the eastern states. Some of my family members live in Binghamton, NY, the area where my dad is from. My uncles (his 2 brothers) live there, and the places where they work were both completely flooded. The flooding has forced many people to evacuate their homes. My dad's mom passed away a while back and her house is for sale, but is in danger of flooding. If it gets flooded, it will cost my dad and his brothers more money, which is not good for any of them right now! So please keep this house, and my family, in your prayers if you have a chance. I have heard of fires that burn everything except for one house, because somebody was praying. God can do the same thing with a flood and put up barriers around this house. I believe it!
Flood wall

Streets and sidewalks under water

The bridge over the river. I have been over this bridge before, and now it looks like you can't even use it because it's partially under water. My Grandpa's old house right next to the river had water flowing through the second story yesterday....

Thanks for the prayers!!

New CD to listen to

2011-09-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

My friend, Denae Abbott gave me her new CD, and I love it! Thanks, Denae! It's called "In The Sanctuary," and she wrote all of the songs on the CD. Every song is beautiful and anointed. I'm thankful for people who are talented and don't let it go to their head, they use it for the glory of God and not their own.

If you haven't got this CD, I would get it! The songs will bless you; There are messages behind them all. Beautiful!

Wants vs. Needs

2011-09-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

If anyone is feeling kind, I like these pillows. My birthday is the first week of November. Just saying!

Of course I don't need them, I just want them.....

But seriously. I saw these on eBay yesterday just looking around; No, I'm not a shop-a-holic! I was just looking, didn't buy anything. As I was looking at things and later at the store with my mom, God showed me something, again. It was a reminder, for it's something I can easily forget.

Many people are spending money - going out to eat, shopping, buying buying buying, even in our down economy. It's not that they even have the money to do it, but people are empty and depressed, and they are trying to take care of that problem by getting things they want. But there's a problem, it never seems to be enough for them, and they keep going out and doing the same thing, never ever getting their need met. Just their wants.

Walking through Barnes N Noble and then Target, (my dad had a sweet tooth so we went and got him some cookies) I saw so many strange looking people. I can look back to my childhood or even just a few years ago, and it wasn't the way it is right now. People everywhere are covered with tattoos, peircings, their hair is dyed wild, and a lot of them you can't even tell if they are male or femail at first glance.

I thought of the condition of our world, and what many of these people must be feeling inside when they go out to Barnes N Noble or Target like I did. I have the Holy Ghost, I have hope for tomorrow, the hope of heaven! I have peace inside of me - but they don't. I felt so convicted looking at all these people without hope and on their way to hell. I need to reach these people, I need to be a better witness. I know it's more than inviting people to Church, I've got to take it out of the church to them so that they will want to come. This is my goal, is to be a witness.

It doesn't matter how long I have been in church, what postiton I have, or what I am involved in: If I don't pray, and if I don't witness, I'm not pleasing God. They are so many verses in the Bible that show the heartbeat of Jesus. He is not willing that any should perish! This is OUR job, the world is OUR mission field! Take it personal! I'm determined to be better at reaching these people, with the help of God, before it's too late.

He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

Proverbs 10:5

A Preacher On The Fence

2011-09-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

My dad recently share this poem with me, and it gives me the chills just reading it! Before you read, I just want to say I am thankful for the preachers that are NOT on the fence! They have helped pull my soul from hell. We need a preacher to tell us what we need to hear, and not what we want to hear. I have seen preachers on the fence that won't take a stand, and I fear for the souls of the people they are leading. If your pastor takes a stand for truth and preaches to you what you need to hear, you ought to thank God for Him everyday! And so should I!

From out of the millions on the earth

God often calls a man

To preach His Word, and for the truth

To take a loyal stand.

'Tis sad to see him shun the cross,

Nor stand in it's defense

Between the fields of right and wrong -

A preacher on the fence.

Before him are the souls of men,

Destined for heaven or hell;

An open Bible in his hand,

And yet he dare not tell

Them all the truth as written there;

He fears the consequence-

The shame of heaven, the joy of hell-

A preacher on the fence.

Most surely God has called that man

To battle for the right,

'Tis his to ferret out the wrong

And turn on us the light.

He standeth not for right nor wrong,

He feareth an offence,

Great God, deliver us from him-

That preacher on the fence.

If she should stand up for the wrong.

The right he'd not befriend;

If he should boldly stand for right,

The wrong he would offend.

His mouth is closed, he dare not speak

For freedom or against.

The most disgusting thing on earth-

A preacher on the fence.

-Author Unknown

With everything I've got

2011-08-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

I was not able to attend the first night of P.A.T.H. conference when Elder White preached, so I just listened to the CD last night after dinner. It really touched me and I so appreciate men of God who will tell it like it is, so that I won't be lost. He preached "The First and Great Commandment" in such a light I'd never seen it in before. When it was over I felt conviction and the need to pray. I would hate to go through life being involved at church, being in church, but not loving the Lord my God with all heart, and with all my soul, and with all my mind. (Matthew 22:37) There are people who will not make it because they lived a lukewarm life for God and never gave it everything. I'm determined that will not be me! Revelation 3:16 (the words of Jesus) says this, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth." There is something that the Lord hates about us being lukewarm. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be spewed out of His mouth for being lukewarm. I want to be on fire for Him and live for Him with all of my heart, soul, and mind! This won't just happen, but it has to be born in prayer, and through reading His Word. It needs to bleed into all areas of our life so that we can be witnesses not only with words, but with our attitudes, conduct, and character. With everything I've got, I'm going to give it to Him, because that is what He requires of me. I want to make it to Heaven when that trumpet sounds!

Bible Results

2011-08-29T18:03:00.001-07:00

I recently heard a preacher say this, "When you do Bible things Bible ways, you get Bible results." This is so true! It really stuck out to me and made me think of the book of Acts in particular. The early church did not keep the Pentecostal experience within four walls, but they took it everywhere. Acts 2:41 states "and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." I just got to thinking, all those souls were added in just one day! We get so satisfied with just a few good things happening when God wants to do so much more. I don't mean that we shouldn't be thankful for what God does, just a few good things are something to praise God about! But He wants to do much more, just like He did in the book of Acts. That doesn't just happen for no reason, it happens because somebody got in the Holy Ghost and got out there and did something! God isn't the one that's changed.

If we want the kind of revival we talk about having, we have to do more than what we are doing. If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got, and that's the truth! Things happen when we pray, fast, and reach out to people. It's got to be more than just inviting people to church. Jesus called us to be witnesses unto Him! We need to tell them of the things He has done for us. That is where I want to be, I want to walk in the Holy Ghost and let God use me. It doesn't matter what position you have in the church, if you don't pray and you don't witness, God is not pleased. I want to please God! I want Bible results, so I know I have to get out of my comfort zone and do more before it's too late...

P.A.T.H. Conference 2011 Pics

2011-08-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

P.A.T.H. Conference 2011 was held at the Madera County Fairgrounds for the first time! It was a great success and they had such a good turn out! If you weren't at P.A.T.H., you need to get the CD's and go next year at well! This is a great conference and God always moves in a special way. There are no distractions, it's just down to business. Were are there to meet with God, and that's exactly what happens. Every preacher was anointed and God spoke through every one of them in a special way. On Friday night Elder White preached an awesome message that was such a blessing to me and so many others! It was so encouraging and left me feeling strengthened and blessed. I took some pictures and also stole some off Diana Garcia's blog! :) Thanks Diana! She has more pictures on her blog from P.A.T.H. Sadly, me and Sahata forgot to take a picture together. lol Oh well.

Hanna's chicken nugget. lol

The girls! Bell, Mariana, and Diana!

Us in the elevator on our way to church

LOL Bell was laughing about something

Bro Pace, Elissa and Jared Pace, and Melissa Gaton singing "Jerusalem."

I love seeing little kids pray! It really touches my heart.

The "Lissas." Elissa and Melissa

Hanna and Able praying. This is such a good picture!

Hanna and I

Youth fellowship after church on Friday night

Back from P.A.T.H.

2011-08-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

P.A.T.H. conference was so wonderful this year! The best word to describe it would be 'help.' It was a big help to many people. So deep and powerful, and so encouraging. God spoke and really moved in each service. I have pictures but no time to post them now. Next post! God is SO good!

Bryan & Kaleo's Wedding!

2011-08-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Bryan and Kaleo's wedding was on Saturday, August 13th, which is my parents anniversary. :) It was the first outdoor wedding I have ever been to, that I can remember anyways. It was really sweet and I am so happy for them! They have liked each other since they were kids and everyone has watched them grow up together so it was a really sweet wedding. I didn't really get pics of the ceremony because I couldn't see very well from where I was sitting. They both sang to each other and made people cry! lol They are both so nice and have potential together! Congratulations Bryan and Kaleo Puller!!

Sahata and I before the wedding started

The groom, best man, and Pastor Rushing boppin' down the aisle. lol! Something just came over them....

Bridal party

Hanna and Coco were both in the wedding and sang together. They did a good job, aside from playing tug of war with the microphone in front of everyone. ;) Haha!

At the reception

Brandon got a little carried away

Her dress was so pretty!

Nevaeh - The miniature bride. She's adorable!

Another "priceless" picture. lol

She is so cute!!

Sahata and I. lol

Captured on camera folks....relax, it's just apple cider.

Yes, the bride and groom really did go to Starbucks after the wedding! They go there all the time and the employees have been counting down the days with them, so they went in there afterwards before they left for their honeymoon. It was pretty funny!

Bryan and Kaleo

Kaleo and I

Kaleo and Hanna

Anali, the Bride, Hanna, and me.

:)

2011-08-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

"No society brings forth tough men in a time of peace. Don't let a situation or problem blow the wind out of your sails; We need to keep a right attitude and spirit no matter what."

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

2011-08-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

Happy 28th anniversary to my two wonderful parents! They have been an example to me all these years and I am so grateful for it. Mom and Dad, I love you and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Love your favorite daughter,

Jennifer
Back in the day

Cute glasses dad....LOL

Dagon Vs. The Presence of God

2011-08-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

There is a story in the book of First Samuel chapter 5 that has caught my attention and interest. After the Philistines had captured the ark in chapter 4, they took the ark of God to Ashdod and put it in in the house of Dagon and set it next to him. Dagon was an idol/false god.

When the Philistines came back in the morning, Dagon was fallen upon his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord. They picked up the false god and put him back in his place, but when they came back the next morning, not only was Dagon on the floor again before the ark of the Lord, but both his hands and his head were cut off. Pretty funny that humans would have to pick up "god" and help him back to his place. Some god, huh? I'm thankful I know who the One True God really is!

God's very presence dwelt inside the ark, and that is why Dagon could not stand before it. Where the presence of the Lord is, the enemy cannot stand. It is interesting to me that Dagon's head and both hands were cut off.

Only a move of God can cut off the enemy's hands to work evil and his mind to influence humans to do his work.

Isaiah 10:27 talks about the yoke being destroyed because of the anointing.

Where there is anointing, the power of the enemy is destroyed! Just as the false God fell before the ark of the Lord, satan has to bow.

Philippians 2:10 says "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth"

Every human's knee, every angel's knee, every demon's knee, must bow at the name of Jesus. There is nothing greater than the presence of God, and His name; and we know that name is Jesus! I'm thankful today to have the Holy Ghost that helps me overcome the things of the world and be holy. I'm thankful for the power in it! The devil cannot stand - if God be for us, who can be against us?

Verse for today

2011-08-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

Ecc 4:13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

A friend visiteth when possible

2011-08-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

That's the proverb of the day. Yes, I made it up. lol My friend Anali finally came to visit me today, and we had a good time. Went and had a late breakfast, then hit up Target and Barnes N Noble. We also played piano and sang at my house. She is going to hopefully teach me some Spanish songs since we have Spanish people coming to our church. :)

It was really nice to have someone come visit me, it means a lot when someone drives an hour to spend time with you! Considering most of my friends are long distance and I am normally going where all of them are.

Thanks Anali, love you!

If you don't know what to do

2011-08-08T23:15:00.001-07:00

Need direction?

Worried about your situation?

Don't know what to do?

A crazy day of outreach

2011-08-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we had outreach here in our own city, which was pretty normal. You'll know what I mean when I tell you where I went later, and outreach was NOT normal! We went door knocking in the morning and after that we had a teacher's meeting and training for children's church. Then I taught a Bible study to 2 sisters who have been coming with their mom to church. Their mom is a new convert and it is really cool to see her girls starting to seek God like they have been.

After the Bible study I had a chance to go up to Berkeley and help my friends with outreach. They pastor a small home missions church in such a crazy city! I knew Berkeley was wild, but wow, I was still in shock. We did outreach at the Flea Market next to the Ashby bart station. They had a little stand set up with invitations and stuff about Bible prophecies, ect. We had keyboard out there and sang some songs while people passed by. It was definitely an experience. There were people selling masks, idols, and burning incense. I don't think I've ever seen so many people with dreads in one place in my whole life! My friends invited one guy who was wearing black and had lots of tattoos. He looked at the invitation and asked "is this about Jesus?" When told that it was, he handed the invitation back and said "I'm on the other team." Wow. The other team is going to lose.

I wish I had pictures, but I don't. Maybe next time I go to help I will have some. But you just never know, in such a wicked place, there may be a few hungry souls. Two girls walked by holding hands while we were singing. The one who was dressed more like a guy slowed down, and you could see the interest on her face. She stopped, turned around, and came over to our stand, letting go of the the other girls hand. Her partner got REALLY upset about this, but the girl didn't even care. She seemed so hungry for God. You just never know who will want this and who won't.

There we literally people in trances and on drugs around a circle of drums. It is some type of African spiritual practice (evil spirits) where people for a circle with mostly hand drums and just beat the drums. It draws the weirdest crowd and people dance and do the craziest things because they are so out of their minds, and some of them I'm sure are demon possessed. You can see it in their eyes. It was a crazy thing to see.

I'm so thankful for the truth!!

Paul's 16th Birthday Party

2011-08-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

Paul's surprise 16th Birthday Party was a big success! He was VERY surprised and had a great time with all the people that came. Not everyone could make it because some were coming back from Donkey Rock that same day, but there were still a lot of people there and we had fun!
The famous Banner! Nancy made one for Paul and we hung it up where he could see it when he walked inside.

We made paper airplanes with messages on them for Paul and threw them when he walked in the house. Paul wants to become a pilot - that is the reason behind it.

I didn't get any pics of when we yelled surprise and threw the airplanes, but these pics are right after we opened the door and yelled "Surprise."

Later we all walked to the park to play basket ball. The guys played a game and the girls played Horse and Out at another hoop.

Crazy people. :)

Paul with his cake, sunglasses, crazy birthday hat we put on him, and knife. lol

The Hat

Singing Happy Birthday

Blowing out the candles

Present!

Misty, our dog, LOVES trying to open presents. Paul was throwing her the tissue paper and she was going crazy with it! It was pretty amusing for everyone watching him open his gifts.

Thank you to everyone who came and made the day special!!

4th of July pics

2011-08-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

I have been overdue as far as pics go from everything! 4th of July, and then next, my brother's surprise 16th birthday party. On the 4th I was in Madera with Sahata at the fire work stand. We stayed there for a while and then went out to eat with my dad, his pastor, and Bro. Klann. Then we came back and stayed at the fire work stand the rest of the day. We had a good time considering we hardly did anything! Just sat in the very hot heat all day. Oh, and they had to put a fire out in the dumpster because someone put firework stuff in there! Eeek! Everything was ok though!
Some pictures that a little girl from Sahata's church was taking. She likes the camera. lol

Aww, good times. Sitting there doing nothing! lol But when you really enjoy being with somebody it doesn't matter. :) Hope everyone else had a good 4th of July as well!

Service last night in Berkeley!!

2011-07-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to church in the interesting city of Berkeley, CA. If you have been there, you know what I mean. We had church with their church, and we had such an awesome service. If you live in Berkeley you need to go to International Pentecostal Church on Chestnut St! There were not many people there and it was in a small space, but God moved all over everyone in that place. Bro. Baker was supposed to be preaching but him and his wife sang a couple songs and God just took over. After we had prayed a while, Bro. Baker got up and said a few words to the young people he felt he should say. It was really good.

Afterwards they fed all of us chicken, rice, and salad. I didn't have dinner that night, so I got seconds. :) Thank you to the Pastor's wife for cooking for everyone! (Sis. Kifle) It was great to be with their family, especially HANNA! We had a good time catching up and fellowshipping. Hope we do it again!

On the way home we had a fun car ride. My mom and 2 girls from our church were singing really loud and "having church." lol Pentecostals know how to have FUN!

First, then.

2011-07-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

I have noticed in life that many times certain things that we would like to have or want to attain must be preceded by a certain accomplishment. It's like stepping stones or stairs; You must first start at the bottom to get to the top. You can't get to the top without first being at the bottom. When a young person enters the work force, they don't typically go out and get hired as manager, because they have no experience. They must work their way up: There are just some things that must come first.
The other day I was reading my Bible and came across a passage of Scripture that I have seen many times. This time it stuck out to me a little more and I saw something new, which I would like to share. Psalm 51:10 - 13 says this: "10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee."

Verses 10 - 11 are the 'First." Verse 13 is the 'then.'

We need to realize that before we can show others the ways of God, we really have to live it.

FIRST:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

If we don't have a heart that is clean towards God, and if our spirit is not a right spirit, how will be able to show others the way to heaven?

"Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me."

We need to be led of the Spirit of God, and stay close to His presence. Sin seperates us from God. We can't have sin in our lives if we want to be used of God to lead sinners to Him.

"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."

If we have no joy in our lives, we are just like everybody else. The world doesn't have real joy, and they need to be able to see a joy and a peace in the people of God that they cannot find out in the world. Sure, we all have bad days and we don't always feel joyful, but we can receive joy even in the hard times through touching God in prayer. If we will press through our feelings and touch God, He can give us peace and joy in the midst of a trial, and I have found that to be true.

So, when we have a clean heart, we are staying close to God, and we have the joy of God in our lives,

THEN:

"Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee."

If we will live how we are supposed to live and do what we are supposed to do, we will see revival. If I stay full of the Holy Ghost, and I have that joy and peace in me, then I can show people the way to God, and I will see sinners be converted. We'll see our churches fill up! The hard part is US. Overcoming our flesh. We can do it with the help of God.

Remember what needs to come FIRST, and THEN we will see results.

Thanks for reading today!

Macro Plastics Fire

2011-07-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

I got a flat tire last night on the way to revival service, so my dad came and put on my spare tire, and I got my normal tire fixed today. On the way to get it fixed we noticed a lot of smoke in the air, far away. My dad said, "Wow, that can't be a cloud, it's gotta be a fire." It was a LOT of smoke. I kind of forgot about it as the day went by, until my aunt text me and asked if I had heard about the fire.

Turns out the Macro Plastics plan she works at had a major fire. She called 911 - said it looked like a bomb had exploded. I am SO glad she is ok! Especially after I searched for pictures online and came across these:

Needless to say it was quite the day for her. I'm thankful for God's protection. As far as I know there are no confirmed injuries.

Prayer

2011-07-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Some of you know there were 3 kids in church, Hannah, Wyatt, and Joe, who were hit in a head on collision by a distracted driver. Hannah's neck is broke and she is going in for a very serious surgery right about now. Her spinal cord was severed, and now it's no longer severed. Praise God! Her brother Wyatt is out of the hospital, and Joe had surgery on his legs and is doing good. Please pray for a complete recovery to all three of this kids, and that God would guide the hands of the surgeon. This is not first hand info, so sorry if it's not totally accurate! I do not know these kids personally, but they need lots of prayer.

Happy 18th Birthday, Coco!

2011-07-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

Publically announcing today is Coco's birthday, and he is now 18. Everyone knows who Coco is, and you can wish him a Happy Birthday in the comments section! Coco is the tall Ethiopian brother I never had...lol Happy Birthday Coco!
I still remember when you were young and I was taller than you. Long ago. Have a good day!

Youth Service with Burbank Youth

2011-07-25T15:48:00.001-07:00

The week after Pacific Coast Camp, Elder and Sister White came to be with us and brought their youth group! Elder White preached a great message, "Overcoming Satan's Bluff." We had a good altar call and fellowship afterwards. Some young people from a couple other churches came to be with us as well. They were a blessing to our church!

Elder Phil White

Eliana's poor broken toe...

Abel, all alone...is that 2 baskets of food? And what's that symbol in the corner of the table? lol :)

Kindreds :)

I was bearing Eliana's burden.

Does that guy have a purse? Wonder who that is....lol Won't mention any names. No, don't worry, it wasn't his. But that's what happens when you decide to wear one, people take pictures.

This picture is priceless. Meaning, no price. It's free...nobody wants it. lol Just kidding. :)

Awesome Church - Pics!

2011-07-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had great church for both services. We have Kid's Church in the sanctuary before our regular morning service. We have been having more and more kids come recently and it's great to see pews start filling up! Our theme right now is "King's Orchard," and the kids are learning about the Fruit of the Spirit. It has been really good!

2 big kids in the back...no eating in church guys! ;)

Kids singing a song

Bro. Zach giving his P.O.P. (Power of Proverbs) Our youth group does this the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. One of us does a little devotional on a verse from Proverbs. He did a good job! :)

I have been teaching a Bible study to this girl and her younger sister. They come to church with their mom, who is a new convert. This was the first time she ever prayed like this! God really moved on her and I know it won't be long until she gets the Holy Ghost!

Young people praying

This young girl below got the Holy Ghost at Pacific Coast Camp this year. Her mom has not let her come to church very much since then and doesn't want her to be baptized. Please pray for this young girl and her mom. God can make a way! God really touched her again yesterday morning.

Thank God for all that He is doing!! We went door knocking on Saturday and had some good contacts made. A girl from our church who was on the same team as me knocked on a girls door who was very interested. I walked over there and we started talking with this girl. She's 19 years old and she was asking a lot of questions about church. We encouraged her to come and she said she wanted to come by. She came last night with her mom and God really touched both of them! They had tears streaming down their faces and were reaching out to God. Bro. Baker was with us both services. We did not have any preaching in the morning service because God just took over. Sunday night God took over again, and while people were praying Bro. Baker started talking about the woman with the issue of blood, and how we all have a problem and need to reach out to God like she did. People came to the altars and God touched them. It's exciting to see God touching people like this! I love it! It's what it's all about. Who says door knocking doesn't work? :)

Yesterday

2011-07-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at church we had a young couple come in and sit in the back. I could tell by their attentiveness and the looks on the their faces that they were really listening and soaking up everything in the service. After service my dad was talking with them and asked how they found our church. They responded, "We're just looking for God. We know we need him." The girl was about ready to burst into tears. It made me wonder, how many people out there that look like they have it all together are really searching for God? People know they need Him. I want God to lead me to these people. People have no direction and are wandering aimlessly. An evangelist preached at our church Sunday morning and talked about the verse that says "save yourselves from this untoward generation." Meaning, this generation has no aim! They aren't going anywhere, but floating through life with no purpose. Thank God we have a goal and can press towards the mark.

It doesn't really matter where God places us in the body of Christ because it is not about us, but about the Kingdom of God and reaching these souls. Some people put an emphasis on certain callings or positions in the church, when really every single member is so important! If I can just win souls I will be happy! To pray, to know God's word, and share it with others is what I want to do.

Well....

2011-07-14T23:41:00.000-07:00

Our internet went down again and will not work from my laptop which has all my pictures on it....soo, I cannot post pictures of everything I was going to. May be a while, who knows!

In the meantime, God is doing good things in our church! There are new people and new Bible studies. I have one right now with a small group of young girls and I am hoping to get another one soon!

Sahata has been at camp Donkey Rock as a counsellor so I haven't got to talk to him much this week. :( But I guess it's a good thing it's this week because I got a canker sore and it's hurt to talk all week long! Thank God it's finally starting to get better.

Next week I lose one of my favorite clients at work. :( It's hard when you work with these kids and see them improve, and then you have to let them go. But I'm so glad to be a part of the improvements and for the contacts made through my job and opportunities to be a witness.

Have a good week everyone!

Update

2011-07-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

I have been pretty busy lately and I know, haven't posted. lol Well, the past week has looked like this:

Thursday - Worked. Then Elder and Sis. White brought their youth group up from Burbank and had service with us! Elder White preached an awesome message and we had a good altar call. We really appreciated them coming, and it was nice to meet new people and see my bunnies again. (Eliana and Chloee) lol I have pictures that I will try to post soon!

Friday - Worked! Then went on an adventure afterwards. lol

Saturday - Had a good Bible Study with 3 new young girls in our church. It went well and they want more! Thank God. I love kids, and young people in general. They're my favorite. Then I went home and Sahata came over and spent the day with my family here at the house. We had dinner and then went out for ice cream. We bought a basketball at Target and then played HORSE and OUT at the courts by our house. When it got dark there were fireworks so that was fun to watch!

Sunday - Good church!!!

Monday - For the 4th of July my dad and I went down to Madera. I spent the day with Sahata at the firework stand and we went out to eat with some people later on. Then came back to the stand and watched the kids set off fireworks at night! Pretty cool! My mom didn't come because my dog has been really sick and in the hospital. :( Poor thing, I feel bad for her. She is slowly getting better, thank God.

Tuesday - Went back to work! Then my dad, brother, Matt from our church, and me went down to Bro. Thomas's church in San Jose for a revival service he invited us to. It was a good service!

Wednesday - Worked more and went on another adventure later.

Today - Worked! We have Bible study tonight at church. :)

I have pictures of most of the big events that I'll post later! Hope everyone is having a good week!

Pacific Coast Camp Pics - Pt. 2

2011-06-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

Bro. Green!

Elder Frazier preaching - anointed!

Sahata and I ♥

Bro. Hyler III with his glove on his head. lol

People watching the staff vs. campers game

Hanna and I on the last night

Emily and Shaunessy

Sierra and Ashlyn

She is such a doll!

Bro. Trevino

Elder White

Elder Lambeth and Sahata

Brittany and I

Lots of pics with everyone after church! Emily and I...

Roulini and I....

Mariana and I...

Chloee, me, and Eliana. We were so tired!

Jeremy and Stephanie look like they could be bro and sis - more so in person.

Steph and I before we left camp...hmm who's that guy smiling at Steph in the background? lol

Thank you SO much to all the wonderful staff/board members who put this camp together! It was a big help and blessing to so many people, I really appreciate it!

Pacific Coast Camp Pics - Pt. 1

2011-06-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

So many good things happened this year at Pacific Coast Camp. God really touched me and spoke to me, and I know He did the same for many others. A young girl in our church received the Holy Ghost on Tuesday night! This was an answer to prayer! She told me later, "It felt good getting the Holy Ghost!" She was excited and I saw a change in her almost immediately! She wants to live for God but does not have support at home. Please pray for this young girl who wants to be in church, her name is Sonia.

Her auntie, on the right, was healed the next morning! She has had back problems and has been in pain for a very long time! She was wearing a back brace and she took it off in the altar, smiling! "I don't have anymore pain! I'm throwing my pain pills away!" Praise God! She ran the aisles at church on Sunday and I haven't seen her do it in a long time, God really touched her!

Sonia getting the Holy Ghost!

Cousins

People staying late in the altar to pray

Sahata and I

Sahata and some guy from Mexico with a TAN! lol jk

Coco being himself

Roulini, Myself, and Emily

Cafeteria

Elder Brad Lambeth - anointed preacher!

This object lesson was amazing! God is so good!

The most hilarious basketball game ever!

Back from PCC 2011

2011-06-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

We made it home safely yesterday evening from Pacific Coast Camp! What an amazing time we had this year, God really moved in the services and some incredible things happened! I'll post pictures sometime soon! We had a great time!

This Thursday the youth group from Burbank is coming down to our service kind of on their way to do an outreach effort this weekend for someone else. I'm looking forward to that!

I'll post soon!

P.S. If you were not at Pacific Coast Camp, you REALLY should get the CDs!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T21:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful Dad! If it were not for him I would not be where I am today. He has helped me in so many ways and has always shown his love to me. I love you, Dad!!

Thank You Jesus!

2011-06-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

God blessed me today with a raise in pay for my job! I had my 90 day review today and I was not really sure what to expect. The categories reviewed were:

Interpersonal Style and Skills
Professionalism
Self Management Skills
Organizational Skills & Values
Teaching Skills
Behavior Management
Student Support
Data Collect
Overall Conclusion

They gave me great scores for all of the above! I either met expectation, exceeded expectations, or got an 'O' for Outstanding. Wow! I totally felt like I did not know what I was doing when I first got this job, but God has really helped me, and I know all the credit goes to HIM! Because I seriously needed help!! lol Isn't amazing how God helps us and then blesses us? I do not deserve his goodness in my life.

Well, this weekend I will be teaching a Bible study to some young girls from our church who asked for one! I'm praying it goes well and that God will open their eyes to the truth and give them a desire to obey it. Then my cousins are coming over! Sunday is church, Monday I am going to the funeral of some dear friends mother, and then after that I am leaving for Pacific Coast Camp.

I hope everyone is having a great week! God bless!

Prayer Request

2011-06-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

Please pray for my friends Marlana and Sophia, who lost their mother yesterday. They need God to comfort them like only He can. Their dad, Bro. Malerich also needs our prayers.

Memorial Day Pictures

2011-06-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

Now that our internet is working properly, I can post some pictures from the Memorial Day Picnic in Madera. It was such a nice day and there was a really good turn out!

Sahata and I

Cassia! This was actually after the picnic at someones house.

Andrew and Sahata split a Tri-Tip sandwich - they look starved!

Baseball

Friends! Elyssa, Melissa, and me.

Me and Sahaters. lol

An Awesome Weekend

2011-06-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend was really incredible. We had our Stewardship Seminar with Bro. Mayer this week was great and very helpful! I learned a lot about what the Bible has to say about finances and how we handle the money that God has put into our hands. We finished with the seminar on Saturday night. Sunday morning we had such an awesome move of God! We sang a few songs and then some people came up for prayer and the Spirit of God fell so strong on the congregation. People were healed!! 2 or 3! And God really worked in peoples hearts and just touched us deeply. Sunday night it felt like we picked right back up where we left of. Bro. Mayer preached and God's presence was so strong all over the building. People were weeping under the thickness of the Spirit of God. Those 2 services were really landmark services in our church. It was amazing - you would have had to have been there to know.

I feel like God is really going to give our church revival!! We just need to keep praying and reaching out to people and God will give the increase.

My dad's birthday was on Friday and we celebrated with the Mayers at the house after the seminar. Happy Birthday Dad, you're the best!! :)

I'll be working this week and I have a new kid tomorrow. Then a few graduations coming up that I'm going to! Congratulations to all the grads out there for all your hard work!

-Jen

June 1st Update

2011-06-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

Our internet has been down and I've getting on through dial up, mostly for work purposes. I haven't posted in a while because of it. Dial up is pretty slow! lol

Anyhow how, good things are happening with church and God is working on people, it's exciting! :) I'm believing God for more. This past Saturday I went down to Hanna's birthday party in the afternoon and we had a great time. It's so good to be around other young people that want to live for God and do things right! We all had a great time.

On Monday for Memorial Day we went down to Madera for a big picnic. There was baseball, volleyball, and some of us hit a giant beach ball around for a while, which was pretty fun!

Yesterday was a bit stressful because of a mistake I made with work! I had the wrong schedule and so I wasn't at the shift I was supposed to be at. Oops! I felt horrible! Looks like everything will be okay though. I will be busy this week with work and a financial seminar we are having at the church.

That's all for now! I hope everyone is having a blessed week!! :) Happy June 1st - can you believe we are just about half way through the year??

God bless!

God is good!

2011-05-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

Our interent has been down and I'm logged in through dial up right now. It's pretty slow! I just wanted to post real quick about yesterday. We had an awesome church service and we really heard from God. There was a word of prophecy and it ended with "this is the generation to whom all things are come, even my coming."

God is coming back soon, and we need to be ready!

He really touched me last night in my spirit and I needed it. I'm thankful God knows what we need and is right there for us! He is so good to bless us the way He does!