RandoM Thoughts

My Heartbeat

2009-02-14T11:11:00.001-08:00

The youth at The Pentecostal Church of Hollister are awesome! Each of them are very special, unique and dear to my heart. They have amazing gifts and talents and are not afraid to use them. We live in a wicked world. They have struggles that we probably have never had to face, yet, they continue on and choose to serve him. They live in a world (some live in homes) that does not acknowledge or honor God. If we struggle as adults imagine how much more they must endure. They are doing their best to live a Godly life. Let's do our VERY best to help them along. Please pray for our young people. Pray for our children. The enemy of their soul is relentless and does not stop; why should we? When you see a young person struggling, instead of condemning them, love on them, pray for them and listen to them. It will take all of us doing our part to make a difference in these young men and women’s lives. I wholeheartedly agree with my Pastor, children, young people need boundaries. They need to know that some things are just NOT OKAY; end of discussion. They want you to lead them and guide them. They of course will never admit to it.

It has been so heavy on my heart lately that we are not fighting enough for our young people; this includes our children. Folks, everything in this world is trying to kill our children. The world is molding them and shaping them to conform to it’s theology and morals.

As parent’s we are first and foremost responsible for our children’s spiritual walk. Let’s make sure we are setting the example, especially, before we expect anyone else to. It is our responsibility to teach them the ways of the Lord. Be mindful of their prayer life, what they read, watch and listen to. We must take them to Sunday school, every church service and yes this includes youth services as well.

Titus 2
1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Titus 3
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

God Bless our YOUTH!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T10:29:00.001-08:00

I was going to post 1-45 reasons why I love Christmas, but I missed that boat. Next year.

I love a new year..I love the idea of starting fresh and new. I really feel like this year is going to be the year of tremendous breakthru not only in my own spiritual life but also for our church. I believe there is victory and blessings to be had in 2009 despite what we hear on the news. I know God is willing and able, we just have to believe and step out in faith. I don't want to be the same in 2009..I CAN'T be the same!

Since, I am so good at frequent postings..HaHa..Here's a picture recap of 2008. It's going to be long, so make your self a nice cup of hot chocolate or tea and sit back and enjoy! Love ya all!

God's Mercy

2008-12-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

I've said it, you've said it and it's preached; Without God's mercy where would we be. Do you think there is a point when the Lord has had enough and mercy is removed from us? I have been in a place where God allowed me to feel what it was like: without his presence, mercy, forgiveness, hope, etc.; but I will get to that later. Sis. Hurst posted a blog that touched me deeply http://iluv2prshim.wordpress.com/ and as I sit here writing this post I am consumed, overwhelmed with tears of sadness and thankfulness. You see, the Lord knocked on our hearts door in 92' shortly after Marcus was born. Kirk met Bro. John Berrera at his work, who set him up with a bible study with Bro. & Sis. Robert Espinosa. I was 20; young, dumb and with child; and completely and totally weak. We had our bible study and even invited my cousin over; however, I can tell you that even to this day there was nothing I heard that made a difference in my heart, at that time. Why? It is because I was not willing to give up some things in my life. I had to change and was not willing to. God's creation can be so stubborn and stiff necked. I was and I turned off the word of God and the man God placed in our life to lead us to his truth. My cousin did not. She accepted the word of God and so began her journey walking with the Lord. What became of us? Hell on earth, is how I can only describe it. The thing that gets me is that it did not have to be so, had we just surrendered our will to the Lord's. I believe he was trying to spare us from the things we went through. Needless to say my cousin later told us that just when she was about to give up on us; stop inviting, stop praying I came to the Lord. For me it was the preached word and a desperate desire for forgiveness that I knew only God could give. The preacher laid it out and said, Do you want your son to go to hell because of your sins and immediately I knew this was truth and desired change not only for me, but for my innocent child; who was now 3. To the altar I went and asked God for forgiveness. I will never ever forget the wonderful feeling of peace and love; true God given love. I received his glorious gift and while speaking in tongues my cousin asked me if I wanted to get baptized. Immediately, there was a struggle between my flesh and mind versus my spiritual man. My flesh and mind was yelling NO, NO, don't do it. Right then I felt God's presence removed from me. Despite everyone around me I was in place, state of mind if you will, that was void of any emotions, hopeless, dark, destitute, lonely and empty. There are really no adjectives that can do justice to what I experienced. After realizing what it would feel like without God in my life, I made up my mind and said, "Yes,yes I will" and have never looked back since. I know without a doubt had I said no I would have missed my opportunity to be saved and I would have been lost forever. I am completely and totally sold out to serving the Lord and honestly desire his will above all else. Can mercy be removed from us? I believe for me it would have been.

I urge you, please don't stop praying and inviting loved ones and friends to church. So what if they reject you and when it looks like they are at their worst rejoice and praise God. Don't mumble, complain, or look down upon them, because such was some of us. You cannot give up. You don't know when they just might say yes and forever be changed.

Voter Beware

2008-10-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

I received this email this morning and thought it to be very thought provoking. What do you think?

OLD VERSION:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!

MODERN VERSION:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast.

How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green.'

Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, 'We shall overcome.' Jesse then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper's sake.

Nancy Pelosi & John Kerry exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.

Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer.

The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ants food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it.

The ant has disappeared in the snow.

The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote in 2008.

My Little Girl

2008-08-11T22:49:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we celebrated Vanessa's 11th Birthday. When she woke up Saturday morning I asked her how she felt. To which she replied "old". LOL. As is our family tradition the person of the day decides where we eat and what we do. This year Vanessa wanted to go to Grandma's house first (to open presents), then do lunch instead of dinner. After lunch and school shopping we headed off to Santa Cruz beach boardwalk. It is hard to believe that my little girl is growing up. She is such a blessing. She is very kind, funny, unique, loving and smart. I feel privileged to be her mother and have enjoyed watching her grow into her own little self.

Pismo Beach

2008-08-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

A little late, but mentioned nonetheless. In July our youth group went to Oceano Dunes fka; Pismo Beach. Oh, what a time we had. I could mention that we got lost, and stuck in the sand, but I will not as others have already posted about the series of misfortunate events on their sites. I will note that; the weather was perfect, company was great, hearing the ocean roar in the morning was awesome, riding the sand dunes was gnarly, and making precious memories was priceless. Click on Tina's Pix's.

Philippians 4:8

2008-08-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Perspective: the science of painting and drawing so that objects represented have apparent depth and distance; the aspect in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed.

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about how different our perspectives are and how they vary so widely between individuals. I do not want to live as an ostrich with my head in the sand, but my desire is to be able to paint a picture of hope, beauty, delight, and happiness concerning my future and that of others. It takes no effort or talent to tear down, destroy, and to think only about the worst in something or someone (God forbid).

How are you mentally viewing things? Do you find yourself always talking about the negative or are you looking for positives in all situations and people? Do I have my moments? Sure, and thankfully, I have a husband, and a wonderful Friend, who keep me grounded.

So, today, I choose to think on ; whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise think on these things.

Servant Leadership

2008-07-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
07-04-2008

"Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt 20:26-28).

A rider on horseback, many years ago, came upon a squad of soldiers who were trying to move a heavy piece of timber. A corporal stood by, giving lordly orders to "heave." But the piece of timber was a trifle too heavy for the squad.

"Why don't you help them?" asked the quiet man on the horse, addressing the important corporal.

"Me? Why, I'm a corporal sir!" Dismounting, the stranger carefully took his place with the soldiers.

"Now, all together boys - heave!" he said. And the big piece of timber slid into place. The stranger mounted his horse and addressed the corporal.

"The next time you have a piece of timber for your men to handle, corporal, send for the commander-in-chief."

The horseman was George Washington, the first American president.

Whenever someone mentions your name does the word "servant" come to their mind? Jesus modeled servant-hood to twelve young men and changed the world. If you want to see others become servants you must model it yourself. George Washington was a great example of a Christian leader who was a great soldier and servant to those he led. No wonder God used this great servant to establish a new nation.

Moses was also a great leader of men. The Bible says that Moses was the most humble man on earth. That is why God could use him to lead hundreds of thousands out of slavery into the Promised Land.

Pray that God makes you a great humble servant leader of others.

Independence Day

2008-07-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

What does the 4th of July mean to you? Our Nation is not perfect, but I am thankful that I am an American. I truly cannot comprehend what dedication, struggle, and sacrifice it must have taken for our forefathers to declare independence from the British Empire. What would our lives be like had that never occurred? Today, while I enjoy barbecuing with friends, and our annual fire work observation at a local middle school I will remember those that have fought and continue to fight for our freedom. God Bless America!

2008-07-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary

2008-06-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Forgive the immodest dress, lol, but this was me back in 1992. Hence, the big hairdo, white nylons, pumps, peach and teal decor. Today, my husband and I are going to take the day off to celebrate 16 yrs of marriage. He always tells everyone that we've been married longer than we have, because he counts the 'dating' years as well (19 yrs. in Dec.). It is hard to believe that I have been with this man for half of my life, and yet at times it seems as If we are still barely getting to know each other. I guess that happens as you grow and mature; your thoughts, actions, and hopefully behaviors change. I love my husband very much. He is patient, strong, confident, caring, compassionate, wise, reliable, honest, and he has a great personality. He works very hard to make sure his family is comfortable, safe, and secure. He is a man of great character. I thank God daily for what he has done for us, and I cannot wait to see what's in store. So, here's to another 16 yrs., babe, I love you.

Temporay moment

2008-06-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh! I am not 37, I am 36!!! I cannot believe I did this and would not have even questioned it if I had not read my own profile! LOL..I must be suffering from one of the disadvantages of getting old.

2008-06-23T12:21:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am not sure what happened, but as I was typing in a title for my post below, my computer went nuts and published the post before I instructed it to! Anyways, I was going to name the post & say thank you to my friend Liz for the email.

I cannot believe it has been two months since my last blog. When I started this, I told myself I was not going to go months and months without posting like some people...ehmmnn (clears throat), but obviously, I have not taken heed to my own advise which is to NEVER say "Oh I would never do that."

So, I will try to sum up two months for you. In May we had Mother's Day, which was great. I received cute cards from the children and two outfits from my husband (which I picked out for myself). In June, Marcus started his first summer job working for Valenti Farms selling cherries. I am so proud of him. He gets up on time, early, and works a full day with no complaints. His motivation of course is pay day! On June 6th, we started our first street service at the park, which we plan on doing every other Friday during the summer months. It was awesome and we are so excited to see God work with the youth in this new venture. The HPC youth are THE BEST! We have such a great group of young people. They love God, they're sincere, friendly, fun and funny, to list a few adjectives. I celebrated my birthday! 37..is not really so bad..Is it? When am I supposed to start feeling old? I went roller skating with the youth weekend before last & had a blast, even if I am an old school skater and I did not even suffer for it until 3 days later (this is when I noticed my gluteos maximus was not quite right).

Okay, so this bought sums it up..I hope all of my blogger friends will be satisfied and I will endeavor to try my most best to post more often. Until then..

Kid

2008-06-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a
bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to
touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, 'Grandpa, did God make you?' 'Yes, sweetheart,' he answered, 'God made me a long time ago.' 'Oh,' she paused, 'Grandpa, did God make me too?' 'Yes, indeed, honey,' he said, 'God made you just a little while ago.'

Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, 'God's getting
better at it, isn't he?’

What Matters Most

2008-04-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been thinking a lot about what matters the most to me. Isn’t it funny how this usually happens after the death of a loved one? Why do we not appreciate what we have when we have it? Why does it take a death in the family or some sort of tragedy in our life to happen in order for us to stop & smell the roses? I love my family very much. I have a wonderful husband. He is my all, my very best friend. We have been together for 19 years. Sure, we had to go through our growing up years together and there have been hard times, but that is what has made us what we are today. My kids are great. They are friendly, curious, rambunctious, extremely busy, and they love God. I would not have them any other way. I am so thankful for my family and how God has kept us and blessed us. I am also thankful for my friends. They know just what you need when you need it. I have a great life. I cannot complain. Take some time out of your busy schedule to spend time with your loved ones. Sit down and talk to them. Give them your undivided attention. Those dishes, clothes, and other household chores can wait. Today, let your loved ones know now how important they are to you.

Good Bye For Now

2008-03-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my Grandfather Fred L. Stites passed away. He was a great man to me. He has been a constant in my life. I have many, many great childhood memories of us being together and doing fun things. One of these memories that immediately come to mind is that he and I used to love to play slap jack. He would get so much enjoyment out of the fact that this little girl of ten could not catch his hand fast enough before he moved it away. He spoiled me rotten. There was never any wrong I could do in his eyes and I must say that is exactly how I feel about him. He was an avid gun collector. He loved to fish, ride horses, and hunt. He was most comfortable at home in Oklahoma with his brothers and sisters. There is not enough space, nor time to tell you all about this man that I called Grandpa. I thank God he gave me such a caring and ever present grandparent. He will be missed terribly.

Hello Blog World

2008-03-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

I have decided to join the masses and become a blogger myself. For a while now I have enjoyed visiting my friend's blogs and figured I'd give it a try. I have always enjoyed writing and hope to fill these pages with daily thoughts, fun and encouraging stories, and maybe even a thing or two about my family. So here we go;

This past week I had the privilege to go to Bakersfield along with 15 of our kids from our youth group. We went there to attend an annual four day youth conference. There we joined approximately 4,000 other young people from all across California ages ranging from 12-25ish. I know some of you might be aghast that I would consider this a privilege, but I do. I witnessed first hand young people full of exuberance and a love for God that others have said no longer exists in our youth of today. Our youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but of today as well. We have some of the most talented, outgoing youth that I have ever seen. They are honest, full of desire, intelligent, sensitive, and extremely hungry for change, and for more of God and his glory. They are tired of church as usual. Do not get me wrong they are NOT tired of our gospel message in Acts 2:38, nor are they tired of Holiness, Revival, Heaven, and Soul Wining. They are just tired of the same ol same ol. If allowed, they can help us break out of the box and expand our territories.

I am pleased to report that I attend a church that understands the value of our youth, and it is because of this that our youth are provided opportunities to teach, preach, minister in music, and to outreach in our communities. They are not shoved in a box and asked to conform, but are allowed to grow and become everything God wants them to be for HIS Kingdom and Glory.

I am truly excited to be apart of God's Kingdom in these last days and even more excited about seeing destiny fulfilled in young people’s lives as they allow God to move into their heart and become their everything.