HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY Michelle

One of my friends, Michelle, turned 40!  Of course, you have to have a PARTY!!!  No matter if they say: I want the day to skip me by, I don't want a party, I don't want anything, I want to ignore the fact that I am turning 40.  


Kathy & I have been planning this deal for several weeks and today was The Day!  I won't go into all the laboring details that will bore you on how we got this to work and obtained a list of fiddle players she knows and plays music with whom we had no connections with, but let me tell you persistence and determination pays off!  


We got the guest list completed of friends and mailed out the hand made invitations.  With 21 RSVPs, we started firming up our plans.

The Menu:

Marinated Grilled Chicken

Cilantro Lime Rice

Veggie Skewers

Roasted Carrots

Balsamic Glazed Asparagus

French Bread

Sweet Tea

Water

Oreo Mud Pie

Strawberry Cheesecake

The plan was for Michelle to meet me at my house at 7pm so that I could take her out to dinner, in this case a restaurant of her choice and she picked Del Norte.  BTW: If you are a local and have not been there, ummm, they have really good food!


I love planning parties, helping with parties and hosting parties...but the one thing that I have not mastered is how to plan the event, cook some of the food, be the host...AND take PICTURES!  Yah, you got it, I can't seem to do all that though believe me I wish I could.  So, the following are the last minute shots I got.  You will have to use your imagination as they are missing all the really pretty, nice finery and details that made this event so special...some of which were white cloth napkins with napkin ring, clear glass goblet sparkling with an ice cold beverage, the individual name place settings with a pink stamped flower, the white plates before they were filled with food, the mix of white flowers with a touch of deep purple, and a picture of everyone with the party girl!

in my backyard, the Guests enjoying the evening and visiting after dinner

Joy, Michelle, and Sherry {L-R}

Joey with the guitar & Jillian with the fiddle

they played us 3 pieces

Joey with the guitar & Michelle with the fiddle

they played us 2 pieces

It was a really fun event and I am grateful to everyone that came and participated for this special occasion for Michelle!  and doubly sweet for everyone that was such a good sport when I burnt the bread when I put it in the oven to get it hot...wow, that was some charred french bread top!!!  

Quotes

There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.

― Charles Dickens

Saturday's...

sometimes Saturday's are spent being lazy: sleeping in, reading a book, hanging out by the pool...sometimes they are spent doing a fun project: refinishing a piece of furniture, sewing something for the home, making a new outfit, painting something to give it a fresh new look...sometimes they are spent doing not so fun projects: cleaning out the garage, extra yardwork, extra housework, and other mundane projects that take lots of work...sometimes they are spent still working on clients work that didn't get done during the week...


but I must say - they ALWAYS fly by!!! and somehow another Saturday seems a way off, but one will be here again in just 7days!


What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday?

update on tests...

Many of you that know I have been having some health issues and was asking for prayers and patience as I awaited the results of the Lab Work and a Adrenal Test that were done 6 weeks ago...today was the big day for the results.  I must tell you, that I have mixed feelings over my appointment...my Adrenal Test showed that my condition/problem is worse than the test I had done in 2009.  This is good news in the fact that what I have been experiencing is reflected in the outcome of the test results showing the condition is real, once again confirmed and clearly outlines why I have such an extreme battle with fatigue; but it was difficult for me to absorb and hear because that means the treatment plan for nearly two years has not improved my condition...yet.  I came home from my appointment and took the rest of the day off of "work" and spent time out by the pool in tears. I do not want to loose heart, and I am determined to change what I need to change to have different results...results that will create healthy adrenals that will inturn help my ongoing hormone disease and issues.  In the meantime, I continue to covet your prayers.  A new treatment plan is in place, repeat labs is scheduled to be done in 8 weeks, and I will be doing more research on this topic to become even more educated and in learning more, hopefully help myself!  In the meantime, I continue to seek the Lord for His strength to face each day.

verse to reflect on...

I am eager to learn all that you want me to do; help me to understand more and more.
Psalm 119:32  (CEV)

Quotes

Be who you are in every situation. 

– Michael Johnson

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