reflections on today's message...

Why Love God?

if I don't have Love...I have nothing!

Love:  Penetrating consideration into the needs of one loved, in order to bring about rich and abundant life, fulfillment and complete satisfaction.

Should I live a life of self-denial, to serve a God I cannot see?

Love God with all your heart, soul and might.  God will work with you if you let Him work in your heart...He will use you.  Serve the Lord.

Love with a pure heart.  Don't put out your light for the world to see or you will stumble.

reflections on Tyson's life...

Today is the memorial for Tyson Motto.  


In my heart, I wish I could be there...I wish I could see the pictures that will be shown, listen to the words said about him and his testimony for God, hug his family and let them know that the God of all comfort is there available to comfort where we can't...I wish I could.


I have followed lots of the comments on Facebook about Tyson and had conversations with others about their relationship with him.  The things everyone has to say about him are a clear message of the fact that he was loving, spontaneous, friendly to all (children and adults alike), he enjoyed having fun, made sure he enjoyed life, spent lots of time in God's creation, was always smiling, and showed an evident love for the Lord in his life and this was seen by all he came in contact with.  His life touched many people.  He made it clear that he was there to be your friend.  He was there to include you.  He was there to help you.


When someone leaves this life suddenly, we all are faced with again the fact smacking us in the face that life is short.  The person we love is gone.  Suddenly.  But we all know we have no guarantee of tomorrow...but it still gives you an awakening, if you know what I mean, because life has its way of turning into a routine and we forget that life is a vapor and will fly away like a dandelion.


Being 6 years older than Tyson and a girl, I didn't pal around with him like many did so I personally don't have as many stories as many others will have...but because he is a friend of my brother's and my parents were very good friends with his parents and we stayed often at their house when we were visiting their area for the weekend or attending the large camps, I was around him frequently, more in my childhood than in recent years.  I would love the chance to tell him some of the little things I noticed and the testimony he was to me, even from a distance.  If I could, I would love to ask him some questions...lots of questions, because I like to ask questions...things like:
...how he made time for everyone when the demands of life and schedule is always pressing in on you? (this is personally something that is a HUGE struggle of mine.  I am constantly always evaluating and reflecting on with the demands of a job and home and life, even though I am single and many people think that it should be simpler for me - I seriously believe things just seem to take way too much time and life is way more complicated than it was meant to be...ummm, another post on this later)
...what did he choose to focus on daily to keep the grin always ready on his face?
...what was his favorite verse in the bible?
...who was a mentor and role model to him? and why?
...what is one nugget he would leave with me?
I know I can ask them here, but it won't generate those "deep conversations" everyone talks about having with him.  I don't know if he is able to read all these things we are saying and writing about him...don't you think that would be cool if he could?  Wouldn't it be awesome if he could fly a note down from Heaven so we could know he was watching?  Regardless, can you imagine Tyson bounding into Heaven with his enthusiasm?  His grin?  Him running around greeting all his old friends who went before him?  However it is and whatever he is doing, I know he doesn't regret not being here with us...I know he is enjoying walking the streets up in glory land!!!


The things Tyson will leave with me as memories and things I want to implement are:
...making sure I make time for my friends!
...making the most of life, each and every day, and have fun with it!
...encouraging whomever I make contact with, letting them know they are special because God created them and ultimately LOVES them, no matter if I ever see them again!
These are the "Tyson Things" that will stay with me.


Link to News Video re: the Memorial ~
http://dig.abclocal.go.com/kfsn/video/2011/07/01/110702_KFSN_6PM_Teacher-Remembered.mp4
http://www.kmph.com/category/170789/video-landing-page?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6015505&flvUri&partnerclipid

word for the day...{enthusiasm}

en·thu·si·asm

[en-thoo-zee-az-uhm] noun

absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; lively interest; an activity, or pursuit in which such interest is shown


Enthusiasm - The word "enthusiasm" comes from two Greek words, En and Theos, which literally means "God within".

I still care about you...

Terry...I still care about you and love you VERY much.  


I still want you to succeed. 


I still wish I knew how to help you...more...more effectively...more thoroughly...more.  


I still wish you wanted a different life, one that only God can give full peace in. 


I still wish you would make that first step, then a second step and a third step to improve your situation.  


I still wish you lived here in Texas...even if I had not talked to you in years (because you were not able to be contacted)...even if you were sent out to me on the bus unannounced.  


I still wish I had more pictures other than just one with you during the time you lived here in Texas.  


I still wish that mom & dad were on the same page and trying to help you...encourage you...helping you learn to be disciplined...instead their opposition grieves my heart.  


I still wish you had continual fellowship to encourage and strengthen your faith and friendships.  


I still want you here in this life...but I know that this choice is only yours.  


I still wish you saw your potential.  


I still wish you would reflect on that one conversation we had at my house when you broke down in tears about the differences you saw in me from when I lived at home.  


I still wish for you to desire to have a different life.  


I will still reach out to you...even if you don't respond, or respond in anger.


I will still pray for you...daily.  

Quotes

“remember that stress is not allowing God to have control in the situation because he is the one that gives peace”...


taken from a post at http://jukesjourney.wordpress.com/2011/02/08/patience-is-a-virtue/

verse to reflect on...

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.  

Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Quotes

Love well.......laugh often......and live for Christ!

luv u old roommie!

My old roommie, the one from when I first moved to Texas cracks me up!!!  I can't tell you how many times I have texted her and she says "Who is this?"  Tonight I said, "your Courageous Journey buddy.  I'm still not in your phone.  Aeeeh."  :)  Don't you love it when people do this to you???  I mean, she & her two kids and my sister and I all lived together in an 800 square foot house with one bathroom, for a whole year!  How can she forget me???  She has been in my phone since I got a cell phone...Wow!  What can I say?  Love you Joy.

Quotes

You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him.

– Anonymous

reflections on today's message...

What is Your Heart's Desire?


What does God want in my heart? a committed heart with a single minded focus to seek His will. Are you willing to show by your actions, words, enthusiasm, lifestyle, commitment, that you are dedicated to serving the one true God in the way He wants us to?  (First to your own Friends and Family...Second to the world we live in.)


What's important to me: to be comfortable in today's culture or to love and serve my God with my heart, soul and mind?


Psalm 139:23 & 24   Are you ready to truly and honestly say:   Show Me...Teach Me...Lead Me...on You I Wait


I Corinthians 10:23


Satan works in millimeters at a time, dulling our senses, bombarding us, to the point we are unwilling to say no (to anything). Satan can and will confuse our minds until we are unclear as to what our heart's desire is.  Any distraction can make us loose focus and understanding.


Submit to God. Draw Near. Purify Myself. Love with a Pure Heart.  (James 4:7&8, I John 3:3, I Peter 1:22) 


Proverbs 3:5-10  He must influence the small mundane decision everyday to clearly understand what your heart's desire is.


Don't let God become secondary interest in your life!  What is your heart's desire?

song ~ save a place for me

Save a Place for Me
by Matthew West


Don't be mad if I cry
It just hurts so bad sometimes
'Cause everyday it's sinking in
And I have to say goodbye all over again
You know I bet it feels good to have the weight of this world off your shoulders now
I'm dreaming of the day when I'm finally there with you

Chorus:
Save a place for me
Save a place for me
I'll be there soon
I'll be there soon
Save a place for me
Save some grace for me
I'll be there soon
I'll be there soon

I have asked the question why
But I guess the answer's for another time
So instead I'll pray with every tear And be thankful for the time I had you here(chorus) 


And I wanna live my life just like you did
Make the most of my time just like you did
And I wanna make my home up in the sky
Just like you did
Oh, but until I get there
Until I get there
(chorus)

a memory of a time with Tyson...

My mind has been running through memories with Tyson...unfortunately, my photograph collection is only in digital format now because I never seem to print them since converting to that type of format and camera...plus all other photos are either in boxes or packed away for the someday project I plan to get organized.  This is the last one that I can remember right off the top of my head of one of my last times with Tyson, we stayed at the Donohoe's house and this picture was taken before we all split in different cars to head to December Camp.

Virginia December Camp 2006
guys (left to right):  Todd Swanson, Clark Tarwater, Tyson Motto, Troy Swanson and Jr Gomez
girls (left to right):  Marie Donohoe, Brooke Payton & Misty Gilbert

verse to reflect on...

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. - Psalm 90:12


Life has a way of putting things in focus for you when events happen! Use them as lessons to tweak your path of success and focus your goals on things that really matter!!!

more on Tyson...

This was found on Tysons refrigerator:

Hugs are cheap, Smiles are cheaper, Words cost thought, Thoughts costs care, Care is free. 

So smile with a Hug; Invest your thoughts with words that care; Make somones day IF you dare.

a friend has made it HOME!!!

Tyson Motto is on many of our hearts and minds today with the tragic news of what has happened to him but the awesome news that he beat me to the end of the journey! His friendliness, warm spirit, and sincere faith spoke volumes...he always bounded over to say hi, with a grin from ear to ear, and made sure he let you know it was good to see you and give you a hug.


Growing up, my family made trips to the Visalia, CA area often...usually long 3DayWknd trips.  Tyson is 2yrs younger than my brother but they were pals and did things together, and I got to know Tyson during conversations with him on those trips.  We stayed at his parents house periodically as my parents were good friends with his parents.  Being very much a "girl", I didn't do much with Tyson and his brothers, but Tyson always went out of his way to include me, even if the answer was no.  I haven't seen Tyson as much since I moved to Texas but when he would make trips back here, he always made a point to say hi and touch base.


Times like these help us to focus and remember what is important and you can't help but evaluate your own life. What would be said about me if I had been gone yesterday? 


May the testimony of Tyson Motto's life be used to further the honor and glory of our Lord & Savior who gave his life for us. Prayers for all the Friends and Family nationwide who are grieving the loss but Thankful to know where Tyson is!


Links to news video's on the tragedy:
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=8210263
http://www.kmph.com/story/14974814/dinuba-high-teacher-drowns-near-three-rivers
http://www.cbs47.tv/news/local/story/Dinuba-High-Teacher-Drowns-in-Keweah-River/ulpTH0dDSUSX69oSGbdGRw.cspx
http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/06/24/2440006/man-dies-after-being-pulled-from.html


Link to his profile at the school:
http://www.dinubausd.org/dhs/profile/-tyson-motto

why do we change our concept as adults?

I have been doing some evaluating of my own life due to some circumstances with unexplained fatigue and lack of sleep...and I want to share them with you.  I even hope to get some ideas and feedback...  


When we are born, our mothers work very hard to get us on a schedule of sleeping and eating.  Really, a pretty strict schedule.  You know like eating every 2hours, sleeping at a set time in the morning and afternoon for a nap and then down for the night at a certain time, etc.  The schedule changes as we grow, but we are kept on some sort of routine as school children and told "you can't stay up late, you have to be ready for school" or "you can't eat that now, it isn't snack time or meal time yet" or "you don't need any extra food, you have had plenty".  We know that eating and sleeping are one of the two key elements into the development and health of a child.  


So why does this concept change when we become adults?  Why do we change are eating and sleeping patterns when we become adults?  Why do we think we have suddenly matured beyond the need for regularly scheduled nourishment with food with set meal times and set portions?  Why do we think we have matured beyond the need for regularly scheduled set times for sleep and length of sleep?  Or why do we think we are more mature if we can skip a meal or go without sleep?  Why are we told that this is good when we have built a foundation for years saying it isn't?  Just because we are not "growing" in height or weight (for our good - not because we are eating too much), does that mean we still don't need this routine?  Don't get me wrong, I do think we need to grow up from a child's mentality and realize that if you are not fed on the dot at 6pm for dinner that you will survive and will not die nor pass out and that tears for not being fed right this minute is not necessary; however, I do feel that we swallow concepts that are not right as adults in these areas.  What do I mean?  


We don't have time for breakfast.  We rush out the door because of some very important meeting or appointment we have to make and tell ourselves it is okay...we will eat lunch later.  Or we shrug it off and say breakfast is not that important, yet we were told all our growing up years that breakfast boosts your metabolism and helps you have brain power to study.  We stay up late do accomplish all these tasks that never seem to get done.  We tell ourselves sleep is not that important, we have a deadline, we are big now and don't require this or that much sleep.  Yet we were told all our growing up years that sleep is necessary to be recharged, to have energy, to replenish our resources, to remain healthy.  So why do we do this?  Is it because society places a higher regard to these tasks?  Or because we believe that we are adults and can be a superwoman/superman and none of these laws of life and health apply to us anymore?  The more I have thought about this correlation between children and adults, the more I think we have some flawed concepts.  


Why do we change our concepts as adults?

verse to reflect on...

delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

day didn't go as planned...

My day didn't go as planned...and even in the midst of great technology services, when you are stuck on the freeway going 0mph, no laptop in the car, your current book you are reading at home (which is something I never go away without because I am one of those planners and you never know what will happen or where you will be sitting and waiting), no knitting in the back seat to spend time getting caught up on, no cheat sheet with you to do manual payroll from your client...and by the way at 4.30pm in the afternoon when you are fatigued beyond words and so wish you could curl up and fall asleep right there in your comfy car...what do you do?  Well...you talk on the phone...you send text messages...you check email...you post on Facebook that you are going 0mph on the freeway for 45minutes and counting...and you pray.  You pray for patience, that you wait this inconvenience out that has hindered you getting home to finish client work.  You pray for the things that are on your mind.  You pray for those you love.  You pray for those that are obviously in the wreck ahead of you.  You pray...many prayers.  Seriously though, there is only so much talking on the phone, text messaging, email checking and Facebooking you can do...LOL!  


I felt so unproductive and so tired...but I ended up being so grateful I didn't fall asleep in my car.  Why?  You see, I was in the middle lane and the lanes on both sides of me were moving...we weren't.  I finally seized a gap in the fast lane and moved over.  When we finally got moving more and I rolled past the truck that was in the middle lane going nowhere, guess what I found, the driver was sacked out asleep!!!  No Joke!!!  Someone should have gotten out and woken him up because I guarantee you when he woke up, he would have been embarrassed, on top of the fact that he was creating a major road hazzard!  But sitting still for that long with the Texas sun blazing on your face, who wouldn't want to just go to sleep???


But having said that, I am grateful that I was okay and not involved in a wreck, let alone one that was a fatality...seeing things like that, always make you appreciate another day to live, no matter the circumstances, no matter how much life is hard for you, no matter how much of an inconvenience it is.

You never know what your day will bring forth...another reason I vow to be ALWAYS prepared! ...and today, I really wasn't prepared.

verse to reflect on...

The LORD is good,

a refuge in times of trouble.

He cares for those who trust in him. 

...Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

prayers...please

My friends, I need your prayers.  


Life has been hard for me of late.  There are days I feel I am coping, managing with Gods strength, learning more of my limitations and how to say no...and there are days I feel I am completely falling apart.  Without going into all the details, the critical problem is that I am having some major fatigue.  Hours of sleeplessness when my body should be sleeping.  There are known medical issues that are hormone related, but I must await (for me it is a very long and difficult wait of 6weeks) for the results of extensive blood work and other tests done.  It is an exercise in patience and trying to continue to find things that help me cope until my follow-up appointment scheduled the 1st week in July.  If you think of me during the day, will you pray for me?  It has been 2 1/2 months like this and I am loosing heart.  My doctor has been very helpful in the past and I hope that resolution can be made soon!  I know everyone has suggestions...please, right now, all I need or want is prayers.

Quotes

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.  - John Ruskin