Saturday, March 29

The Golf Swing--The Swing of Life


The Golf Swing
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
Golf combines two favorite American pastimes: taking long walks and hitting things with a stick. (P.J. O'Rourke)

The golf swing is really unique. You have to stay focused and keep your eye on the ball; no sneaking a peek before you smack it into the air and it sails away (hopefully straight). Before you even look up, you can feel the motion of whether or not you have swung just right. Too hard, and the ball just flops. When you truly have connected, you know that it is a beautiful swing and then you look up and confirm just what you thought. When you try too hard and use too much force, sometimes you simply miss the mark. It is your natural swing that counts; it's the natural rhythm that makes the most difference.

Life is much like the swinging of a golf club. Some days you feel connected; your groove is naturally right and you are connecting in the perfect manner. You have chosen the right "club" to make the right hit. Sometimes you use the driver because you need the distance; you need to really make an impact. Other times, you may choose the putter or maybe you simply need to give small words of encouragement. Whatever the club, it is your natural rhythm that makes all the difference. What you do naturally will always outshine your forced actions. Natural motivators have a way with people, but if you let this same individual try to become something she is not then, her rhythm becomes thorny and unnatural. Stay connected and flow with your true, natural rhythm.


“A book is a part of life, a manifestation of life, just as much as a tree or a horse or a star. It obeys its own rhythms, its own laws, whether it be a novel, a play, or a diary. The deep, hidden rhythm of life is always there/that of the pulse, the heart beat.” (Henry Miller)

Friday, March 28


14yr Anniversary 002
Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc
We are always so touched by your thoughtfulness. All of you truly surprised us. Thank you for sharing our 14th wedding anniversary. Also, thank you for the beautiful roses, gift cards, and the spectacular presentation!

Memory... is the diary that we all carry about with us. (Oscar Wilde). Thank you for sharing a page in our lives. We love you!

Wednesday, March 26

Happy, Happy Anniversary!


Mark @ Balboa Pier
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
Today is a momentous day because 14 years ago, I married the most marvelous man! Babe, thank you for years filled with much love and laughter. Together, we have experienced and grown so much, and I am so blessed to be married to you. You are the wind beneath my wings. And yes, I'll always save the last dance for you; I love you!

Sunday, March 23

Sheldon's New Suit


IMG_0165
Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc
"I like the red shirt and shoes because that is what Bryce would wear." I laughed when Sheldon told me this, but it made me thankful that he has chosen a great role model to follow after. I miss the days when I could pick out his clothes and shoes, and he would just wear what I bought. Now, he is developing his own sense of style, and I am standing back and allowing him room to grow. (Yes, he picked out the suit and shoes.)

Young people remember that there are kids that are admiring you from afar off, and they are trying to be just like you. Always put God first and continue to be a bright, shining example.

Deb's Cuts
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
Today is the most significant day of the year. We are celebrating the resurrection of our Savior. What a glorious day. I am thankful that one day Jesus died on a cross so that we could be saved. As Robert Flat said, "The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances."

Happy Easter everyone!

Saturday, March 15

Ladies Spring Fling - 2008


ladies retreat 2008 073
Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc.
Hats off to our Ladies Spring Fling. We had a fun-filled afternoon with much laughter and lots of tasty food. You know, sometimes just hanging out with your sisters is just what the doctor ordered. Whenever I have spent time with the ladies, I always leave with a smile on my face.

Thank you ladies for making this such a happy event. Thank you Bernice for allowing us to share your home, and thank you everyone for all the scrumptious food. I am looking forward to our next time of fellowship.

Friday, March 14

Life's Sweet Fragrance


Appreciation Flowers
Originally uploaded by MAPryor.
"The longer the teabag sits in the cup, the stronger the tea. The more God's word saturates our minds, the clearer our grasp on whats important to him and the stronger our prayers." (Steven Esteso) Sometimes you have to be steeped in the heat, but to God be the glory because He is giving you strength.

Oh, thank God for days when you can simply sit back and smile because you recognize the greatness of God. You know that everything is going as planned and there is no need to hurry. Steep yourself into the things that count and release the mediocre things. Quite simply, enjoy those moments when you can just breathe.

Tuesday, March 4

Long Winding Road


nothing more than a silhouette
Originally uploaded by serni.
As I sit here tonight there is an old song that is running through my mind "I really can't turn back because someone might be using my track." This song talks about a long, winding road.

My journey has not been free of heartaches. Recently, I have encountered a few bumps, but one thing for sure I have made up my mind that no matter what comes my way, I will not turn back. I will not give up! I will stand by Mark and share his burden and passion for reaching a city. I will decrease so that God may increase in my life. I will keep my focus on the One who can change any situation. I will listen to that still small voice that guides and directs me. I will be encouraged because someone took time to call and say I care.

Could it be that we forget about who is following us. We sometimes want to take the easy way out and just take another pathway. God help us to be more cognizant of our actions because someone truly is following after us. You may not be aware of the footprints, but you are affecting someone. You have a responsibility to not quit. You just need to trust God and allow Him to continue leading and guiding you, but quitting is never the answer.

Saturday, March 1

Experience The Spontaneous


DSC03145.jpg
Originally uploaded by MAPryor.
All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous unpremeditated act without the benefit of experience. - Henry Miller

When I think of growing, I often think of spring because it is a new season that seems to spring forth overnight. You can look at the same tree for months, and then one day it catches your eye as you see it with vibrant flowers. And you ask yourself when did that happen? It seems as if it was spontaneous growth, but we know that this special growth was in the works, we just were not aware of those silent, dark nights.

You will experience silent nights when you feel that no one understands you. You will have times when you feel as if you are all alone and no one cares. You will shed silent tears in the wee hours of the night. But remember that God is with you and He cares. Those silent times are just the "water" that will one day give life to something grand. Those silent times will one day become your personal spring time as you rebound and realize that life's lessons are just preparing you to become a better person. Joy always comes in the morning!