Friday, April 27, 2007

Our First Gaither Concert

This past Wednesday Joel and I got to attend our very first Gaither concert, here in San Diego. We had so much fun. Joel prayed we would get great seats and we did. We sat in the ground seating 5 rows from the stage. It was so exciting to see the singers right in front of us and not on the big screen. The music was awesome. We got to hear some of our favorite songs sung by our favorite singers. We even go to meet some of them.
Russ Taff has been one of Joel's favorites for years, he even sings several of his songs. After the concert we were able to meet him. I love Russ Taff not only for his music but also for his passion. Every song either moved him to worship or to weeping. We also got to meet Marshall Hall, from the Gaither Vocal Band, and two of the vocalists from Signature Sound (my new favorite group). It was a great evening and we will definitely go to another one.

Joe and Marshall Hall

Joel and with two vocalist from Signature Sound

Friday, April 20, 2007

Happy Birthday Dad

Last night we celebrated my father-n-law's 75th birthday. His actual birthday isn't until the 24th of April, but because they are headed to the Philippines today we had his party early. Let me mention here that Mom and Dad will be gone for two weeks and covet your prayers. Mom will be ministering during Ladies Conference and I think Dad will be preaching also (not to the ladies, but to churches). But I digress, we had a festive time honoring this great man. I love my father-n-law so much. He is a man of integrity and great wisdom. Whenever Joel and I go to him seeking advise he is always there to give us wise counsel. He has given so much of his money and himself not only to his family,but to the kingdom of God.
We held the party at Art and Rosa my brother-n-law and sister-n-law's home here in Chula Vista. One of Dad's favorite foods is barbecue so we feasted on some more good barbecue and side dishes made by all of the daughters. (I have to say my potato casserole was wicked good.) After dinner and the opening of gifts we watched a tribute that the family put together for Dad. All in all we had a fabulous time. It always so great to be with people you love. Here are a few pictures from the party.



The Birthday Boy


His true colors show

Let the feasting begin

The feasting

The cake

Blowing out his candles

Opening the presents

Art and Rosa

Warren and Jennifer with Alivia

Sunday, April 15, 2007

A Fun Day

Can you believe this my second post in one week? All my babies are asleep and I have time for myself. What am I going to do? Since this is my favorite hobby these days, I think I'll blog for a while.
We preached for Bro. Andrew Buxton this afternoon who has a Home Missions work in La Mesa, Ca.We had a really good service and it was great being able to fellowship with them and their five children. Yes, you read that right, five. WOW!
This past week Joel was on vacation so we just hung out and did nothing. On Friday however we decided it would be a crime to live in this beautiful city and not take advantage of some the sites. There is an oceanography institute in La Jolla with an adjoining aquarium and we thought Alyssa might enjoy all the fish. Not only did she enjoy it but here enthusiasm was felt by all who got near her. Of all the interesting things I learned,the most remarkable thing is that a grey whale who weighs 35 tons can swim 5-8 mph. That's good concidering how large they are. Just thought I would share that with you.
I started Alivia on cereal this week and she loves it. A few days later I added applesauce, she hasn't quite taken to that one.
Here are a few pics, I hope you enjoy.


It was a miracle she didn't drown!


Alyssa feels of the starfish.


Daddy and his girl


Sitting by the tidepools


Joel and Alyssa playing in the sand


Jonah's says "hi"


Isn't it beautiful


Her first tastes of cereal

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Easter Sunday


We spent a lovely Easter weekend with Joel's sister,Jana, and her family in Sacramento. They attend Bro. Mark Morgan's church in San Franscico. Yes, for all of you who are wondering they do commute 2 hours twice a week to go to church. It's a good thing they only have one service on Sunday. The service was great and the church was full of visitors. The music department put on a special program. The prescence of the Lord was surely in our midst. The Lord spoke through Bro. Morgan and the Holy Ghost began to do a work. I know one girl recieved the Holy Ghost. Before the service closed we did something that I thought was so incredible. Bro. Morgan said he had once heard a minister say " There was no one there that day to applaude Jesus for dying on the cross". So we as a church applauded Jesus for dying on the cross. So many times we weep and cry over the cross and on Easter we rejoice for the resurrection. I want to rejoice in the cross because without the cross I don't have anything. No Holy Ghost. No deliverance. No healing. No peace. No joy. Nothing. He gave His all so I could have His all.


It was so good to see Jana, Calvin, and the girls. Sorry I don't have a lot of pictures my camera batteries were low. I did get one of the girls. I'm such a sucker for sailor suits and when I saw these at Macy's I just had to get them. I call the girls my little Navy Beans. Get it. LOL.

Friday, April 6, 2007

Everybody Get in the Ark

This past Sunday we preached for Bro. Cupoli in El Monte, California. We had two great services. While we were there we got to experience their annual Sunday School contest. This year the theme was Noah's Ark. The church is divided into two teams--Ham and Shem. Each team gets points for visitors that come to Sunday School. This past Sunday one team alone brought over 35 visitors. At the end of the contest they will be giving out various prizes to those who brought the most visitors.

When we walked into service there was music and balloons and animals everywhere. A huge ark was standing in the alter. Every Sunday a portion of the ark has been added as well as a skit to tell the story about Noah and the ark. Next Sunday the final piece, the door, will be put into place. In addition to shutting the door, the church will be presenting the final skit. They are expecting a full house (Bro. Cupoli said that if they reach 500 he will shave his head in church during the Sunday service) and mighty move of the Holy Ghost.

I think if there is one outreach we must have in our churches it is the ministry of Sunday School. In today's world it is a necessity for us to reach the children in our communities. Of all the places we have preached the El Monte church impressed me the most with their burden for Sunday School. The not only have this contest but the children take up their own offering for our Foreign Missionaries as well as an offering for the upkeep of the church bus. It was so incredible to see these kids excited about giving to the Kingdom of God.


Shem's team