Wednesday, February 28

Something To Think About


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Originally uploaded by MAPryor.
This week has been rather hectic, but I wanted to post a quote:

All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible. (Orison Swett Marden)

Do you have a goal? If so, always remember that it is not impossible to reach. Your goal will motivate you to strive for higher heights!

Tuesday, February 20

Scribbles in the Sand


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Originally uploaded by MAPryor.
I believe this picture speaks strongly to the heart. I spy a love message, a child's hand print and a mother's footprint! I am also reminded of the well-read poem Footprints in the Sand. I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who watches over us. God is so awesome; He supplies our every need! He walks with us on a daily basis, and if we take time to listen, He speaks to us.

Here is a passage taken from the NIV Bible (Pslam 40): I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn't slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God. More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abadoning themselves to God.

I just want to say that I am thankful!

Saturday, February 17

Friendships Are Like Flowers


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Originally uploaded by MAPryor.
What a beautiful morning. The sun is shining, and it is beckoning you to go outside and enjoy it's warmth.

This morning, I was watering my plants, when I noticed that my graceful geraniums were alive with bright, vibrant pink flowers. These flowers brought me to my next thought: Friendships are like flowers, they spring up at unexpected moments. When these moments spring up, they are so enjoyable. Enjoy your friends and always remember: A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails." (- Source Unknown)

The above quote from Jana's blog really struck a note with me because many times in my life my friends have reminded me to sing! Friendships grow when we take time for one another. Maybe it's an e-mail, an unexpected visit, or simply chatting with your friend, but it is important to stay connected. Friendships are too valuable to neglect.

So, on this lovely day, I am spending it with my two best friends, Mark and Sheldon. Everyone, have a great day!

Our Valentine


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Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc.
After viewing the lovely pictures, I chose this one to blog on because it captured a laughter moment. When you laugh, something deep inside awakens and your whole disposition changes! As E.E. Cummings said, "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." I am glad to say our day was not wasted because we laughed quite a bit. Sharing moments like these are nothing less than spectacular. The food was scrumptuous, but the time of fellowship was priceless! I look forward to our next couples' event. We had a fantabulistic time together.

P.S. Joe and Alice we appreciate your thoughtfulness! Kathy and Ariel, thank you for taking care of Sheldon. He always enjoys spending time at your house.

Friday, February 16

The Flying Bullet


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Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc.
Our day was winding down, when Mark asked me to go down the hill with him. I was not too keen on the idea, but I thought we would have one last run--or one last great memory for the day. This final run really was a great memory.

Mark kept trying to coax me up the hill a little higher, but finally we stopped on what should have been an easy run. However, the snow was slick, and like a flash of lightening, here comes Mark himself. Everyone commented on how fast he was moving. Well, he came to the end and landed right in the middle of a mud hole. Unfortunately, he was no longer on the tube, so he landed rather strongly on his bottom. Of course, he jumped up laughing, but before he could stand up, he slipped into the mud hole. Hence, that's why he is splattered with mud!

We even captured this moment on video. This will be one of those moments that we will never forget.

Wednesday, February 14

Hug OC

Don't forget, today is the day to send someone you care about a hug.

What is Hug OC?

We love Orange County! We think this is the greatest area in the world; we're happy to call it home and we're happy to call you our friend and neighbor! A part of our love for God is expressed in our love for fellow man and we launched the "Hug OC" campaign to say just that - WE LOVE YOU OC!

God has been good to us, we could never thank Him enough for all the god things He has done in our lives! We'd be happy if you came to worship with us, but if we never see you again, know this - we love you and God loves you!

May your life be blessed because of His love!

Monday, February 12

Yep, She's About to Blow Up the Tube


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Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc.
Here is a classic picture of Philana. I have a feeling she is wondering if this tube will blow up or not. It sure would give her something to blog about. After all, she has blown up a donut and a potato! Thankfully, Sabrina took care of the cooking, so nothing blew up. However, she did set the fire alarm off! I guess it would not be a "Philana" moment if we did not have something to laugh about.

That's My Man


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Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc.
I have quite a bit to blog concerning our fabulous weekend with Youth Alive and C2C, but until I can form my thoughts, here is picture of my favorite person, Mark. Perhaps I captured the moment when he was thinking about his new blog.

Monday, February 5

Record Timing

We just broke a Pryor household record. Dinner in less than an hour! It is no secret that I am not the best cook. With our busy schedule, we tend to dine at various restaurants rather than cook at home. However, we are endeavoring to find quick meals that we can enjoy at home. Sabrina mentioned how quick and easy it is to make enchiladas. The word quick caught my attention. The key to making these fabulous enchiladas is cooking the chicken in the crockpot and then it is just a matter of shredding the chicken, layering your baking dish with tortillas, sauce, chicken, cheese and heating this wonderful meal in the oven. For any busy mom, this meal is a sure success. And I am glad to say it just became a Pryor favorite.

The joke around our house is "dinner is ready when the fire alarm goes off!" Thankfully, no fire alarm sounded, and we were able to spend some family time around our table.

Saturday, February 3

Kids are Precious


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Originally uploaded by MAPryor.
This morning, I was looking at our photo album and this picture of Sheldon and Jacob caught my attention. I can see just how much these two boys have changed in such a short time. When you think about how quickly time passes, as parents we need to grasp every opportunity to instill inner braces that will withstand against the pressures that they may face. Here is something to think about:

"If a child lives with CRITICISM, he learns to CONDEMN.
If a child lives with HOSTILITY, he learns to FIGHT.
If a child lives with RIDICULE, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with SHAME, he learns to feel GUILTY.
If a child lives with TOLERANCE, he learns to be PATIENT.
If a child lives with ENCOURAGEMENT, he learns to be CONFIDENT.
If a child lives with PRAISE, he learns to APPRECIATE.
If a child lives with FAIRNESS, he learns JUSTICE.
If a child lives with SECURITY, he learns to have FAITH.
If a child lives with APPROVAL, he learns to LIKE HIMSELF.
If a child lives with ACCEPTANCE and FRIENDSHIP, he learns to find LOVE in the world."

The above quote is powerful because we as parents are shaping our child's character. We must never forget that we are one of the greatest example that they will follow!