Cuff links, French cuffs and Pinstripes
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
Tuesday, December 29
A Parent's Love
Tonight Sheldon and daddy are enjoying a father and son time of bonding. They are going to Youth Convention. Sheldon called and said, "Mom I could have a me and you night or daddy night. What do you think I should do?" Of course I tried to encourage him to make up his own mind, and he further responded by saying, "I need some input here, mom."
I am thankful that he is spending time with daddy and going to church. My heart is filled with joy and thankfulness because he has such a wonderful, Godly example to follow. He sees and hears his daddy pray. He watches his daddy at Church and sees how he worships God. In a nutshell, he sees how his daddy lives on a day-to-day basis.
Parents, strive to be a Godly example for your kids. They truly are observing what you do.
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Friday, December 11
Do you ever really stop to consider your life experiences? Some of my experiences have have been rather challenging, but one thing for sure, I have determined to always serve the Lord.
I can remember the times that as a teenager when I was not allowed to go to church. My heart ached for opportunity to worship God, for the fellowship of my church family, but whenever I asked my parents if I could go to church, sadly enough the answer was no. I remember those lonely days and the tears that I cried, but God was faithful through this time of my life.
I also remember a time when I could not decide if I should return to college or continue taking piano lessons. I made the decision and placed this dream of playing the piano on hold as I pursued a college education.
These are just two examples of dilemmas that I faced. As I look back over my life, I can see God's gentle hand guiding me. God truly was preparing me for what I am today. Those lonely days made me realize that God is always with me. What I thought was a sacrifice of not playing the piano, God has blessed me to play this instrument today. My education and career are now a blessing because I am able to work as we continue to follow after God's plan.
Your life is a series of chapters, but God is the author; God is faithful! Just put your trust in God because he knows what is best for you!
I can remember the times that as a teenager when I was not allowed to go to church. My heart ached for opportunity to worship God, for the fellowship of my church family, but whenever I asked my parents if I could go to church, sadly enough the answer was no. I remember those lonely days and the tears that I cried, but God was faithful through this time of my life.
I also remember a time when I could not decide if I should return to college or continue taking piano lessons. I made the decision and placed this dream of playing the piano on hold as I pursued a college education.
These are just two examples of dilemmas that I faced. As I look back over my life, I can see God's gentle hand guiding me. God truly was preparing me for what I am today. Those lonely days made me realize that God is always with me. What I thought was a sacrifice of not playing the piano, God has blessed me to play this instrument today. My education and career are now a blessing because I am able to work as we continue to follow after God's plan.
Your life is a series of chapters, but God is the author; God is faithful! Just put your trust in God because he knows what is best for you!
Tuesday, December 8
Words of Advice
IMG_0053.jpg
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
If you have lived long enough and you are honest with yourself, at some point in your life you have felt those ugly envy pains. You may have even uttered the words, "Oh, if I had her life, I would be so happy." God knows what is best for you and you are living a life according to His plan and purpose. I like what Lysa Terkeurst says in her book Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl:
"I am not equipped for her good.
I am not equipped for her bad.
I am not equipped to carry the weight of her victories.
I am not equipped to shoulder her burdens.
I am not equipped to be her in any way.
I am, however, perfectly equipped to be me.
Therefore, thank You, God, for only entrusting me with what I have and who I am."
When you view it from this perspective, you realize just how blessed you are to be you!
Saturday, November 21
Tuesday, November 3
Friday, October 30
Laughter - Have You Laughed Today
Oct. 2009 112Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc
Sometimes a picture simply speaks for itself. No matter what you are facing, laughter truly is a special gift to be shared with friends. "Carry laughter with you wherever you go." (Hugh Sidey)
Monday, October 12
C.H. Spurgeon said, "There should be a parallel between our supplications and our thanksgivings. We ought not to leap in prayer, and limp in praise."
You want to leap in prayer and praise! God is worthy to receive our praise and adoration. When you come to church, remember to praise Him! It is through your praise and adoration that God is able to give you strength. When you are at a low ebb in life, that is when you should fervently praise God. If you want to be an overcomer, keep on praising God. Praise is beautiful and God is worthy of our praise!
You want to leap in prayer and praise! God is worthy to receive our praise and adoration. When you come to church, remember to praise Him! It is through your praise and adoration that God is able to give you strength. When you are at a low ebb in life, that is when you should fervently praise God. If you want to be an overcomer, keep on praising God. Praise is beautiful and God is worthy of our praise!
Tuesday, September 15
Monday, September 7
Ten years ago, God blessed Mark and I with an adorable boy--Sheldon. Today, September 7, 2009 Sheldon turns ten.
Sheldon, we love you so much, and we are thankful that God blessed us with such a remarkable child as you! You bring such joy and happiness into our lives. I love your sense of humor and that fact that you have a passion to serve God. You are my sunshine. Love you!
Sheldon, we love you so much, and we are thankful that God blessed us with such a remarkable child as you! You bring such joy and happiness into our lives. I love your sense of humor and that fact that you have a passion to serve God. You are my sunshine. Love you!
Monday, August 17
Saturday, August 8
Are You Wasting Your Seconds?
july 09 039
Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc
For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness. ~Author Unknown
Further, those minutes will add up to hours and then days. Anger is a very real emotion that if left to fester can turn into hatred. We are encouraged to love one another. Stop wasting your moments and begin by focusing on the the positive rather than the negative. Stop being angry and choose to be happy. Put your trust in God and He will restore you!
Friday, July 24
Pray More Than You Criticize By Mark Driscoll
Pray for the shepherds. Pray for them more than you criticize, e-mail, gossip, or blog about them. Pray that they would have a discerning mind to know who is a sheep. Pray that they would have a thick skin. Pray that they would have a humorous outlook. That they would laugh at themselves, that they would have a tender heart toward Jesus and the sheep. That they wouldn't be hammered, that they would keep a tender heart, that they would have a humble disposition, that when criticisms are true, they would repent. That they would look at a criticism for a kernel of truth to be sanctified by. Pray that shepherds would have encouraging families, that their wife would endure all the criticism, backbiting, people who would use her to get influence, that she would remain close to Jesus and be a place of refreshment for her husband, that she would know her job is to keep her husband from despair—not by always agreeing with him but agreeing that she will always be for him. Pray for his children as people take shots at his family. That his children would not go astray because critics love that. Pray that one of the elders in the church is a good sniper. That he could spot people who are trying to take down the pastor. If the pastor tries to do it, it's a lose-lose situation. Some of you elders here need to get in the middle. Pray that the shepherds would have evangelistic devotion, that they would not just feed the sheep, but that they would love the lost. That they would not waste their time checking their ratings and overlook Paul's admonition to do the work of an evangelist. That they wouldn't be so buried in firefights that they can't see more people become sheep. Pray for the shepherds, that they would learn selective hearing, that they would listen to their elders, that they would invite into their lives good counsel. Not everything that is said is worth a hearing. Shepherds can become so hard-hearted that their ears are closed and they spend time justifying themselves when they shouldn't. They need to know who to listen to, who to heed, and who to not to. (Mark Driscoll)
Sunday, July 12
Are You Creaking?
Cheerfulness is what greases the axles of the world. Don't go through life creaking. ~H.W. Byles
When you hear a creak, you immediately want to find out where it is coming from so that you can rectify the situation. Creaks are annoying, but once you find the source and put some much needed grease on it, then the creak is gone. So the next time you hear yourself complaining, take time to change your negative words into encouraging and uplifting words. By doing this small act, you will then spread much cheerfulness and enrich someone else's life! So,"let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." ~Marcel Proust
Tuesday, June 23
Blissful Ocean
Monday, June 22
Best Dad
IMG_0872
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
Babe, we thank God for you, the Best Dad. You are a faithful friend and are always making us laugh. When we need a hug, your arms are always open. There is no greater joy than watching you lead Sheldon. You are a prayer warrior, and a man of great integrity. We love you!
Thursday, June 11
Pure Gold
During my morning devotional, this scripture caught my attention:
"Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory. (The Message, 1 Peter 1:7)
God is so faithful. Sometimes our faith is tested, but God's greatness always amazes me. Just when you think it is over, God steps in and shows just how much he loves you. Have you ever had one those moments? In those moments when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, God is still there! God is our provider and faithful friend.
Friday, May 29
Being There
"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends."
This quote reminded me of my most recent trip to San Jose to see a dear friend of mine. No matter where this journey takes you, you will always have friends.
This quote reminded me of my most recent trip to San Jose to see a dear friend of mine. No matter where this journey takes you, you will always have friends.
Monday, May 18
Another School Year
I can still remember the first day Sheldon actually attended a public school. I cried, and he was very excited. Now, four years later, he is a fourth grader and soon to be a fifth grader. He is already looking forward to the fifth grade "clap out" where the whole school lines up and honors all the departing fifth graders. I know this day will happen sooner than I think. I find it hard to fathom that summer vacation is just around the corner! It seems like just yesterday I was waking him up for the first day of school. His fourth grade year will soon be a memory etched in my mind. This year has not been without struggles, but He has matured so much! Thanking God for such a wonderful child.
Saturday, May 2
Caution: Avoid Complaining -- It's Not Good for You
"Complainers attract other complainers while repelling positive people . . .. When you complain about other people, you have no time to love them." (John Mason) You need to praise people more than you complain about them. Oftentimes, complainers are lonely, desperate people always seeing the cup as "half empty." Complaining is simply a negative habit that can be changed. "If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it." (Anthony J. D'Angelo) Instead of complaining about someone or a situation that you face, begin by thanking God for the very thing that you are complaining about. You just might find that there really was no need to complain, you just need to view your situation and/or that individual from a positive perspective. Or more importantly, simply change your way of thinking.
The morale of this thought is: "If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain." (Maya Angelou)
Monday, April 27
Concerning Jealousy
Quote: “Jealousy is a tiger that tears not only its prey but also its own raging heart”
Jealousy stems from a false perception, and if left to fester, will turn you into one miserable individual. When you feel this ugly emotion trying to gain control, you need to remind yourself that you will not in any way, shape or form allow yourself to entertain such mean, spirited thoughts. Whisper a genuine prayer and begin thanking God for his many blessings! When you get your focus into proper perspective, it is then that you are able to love the one that you are jealous of over.
Saturday, April 25
Love
Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other -- it doesn't matter who it is -- and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other.
-- Mother TeresaSaturday, April 11
Fun In the Sun
"The more fun you have, the greater your value to yourself and to your society. The more fun you share with others, the more fun you have."
There is no greater fun than being with friends. We have had a memorable week of spring break, and we are only too thankful to have spent time with friends.
Thursday, March 26
Dearest Babe,
Happy 15h Anniversary! Thank you for always being the bright star in my life! You are not only my husband, but you are my dearest and best FRIEND. You listen, encourage, and challenge me to always strive for higher heights. Thank you for being so loving and understanding. When I laugh, you laugh. When I cry, you are there to wipe the tears but most importantly, you are apart of my life. During these past 15 years, we have experienced so much together! God blessed me with you, and I am forever thankful and grateful!! I did not just marry an ordinary man, but someone who is extraordinary and who puts God first and foremost. You are a strong leader ! Thanking God for you always!
Together, we are a team charging forward!
Happy 15h Anniversary! Thank you for always being the bright star in my life! You are not only my husband, but you are my dearest and best FRIEND. You listen, encourage, and challenge me to always strive for higher heights. Thank you for being so loving and understanding. When I laugh, you laugh. When I cry, you are there to wipe the tears but most importantly, you are apart of my life. During these past 15 years, we have experienced so much together! God blessed me with you, and I am forever thankful and grateful!! I did not just marry an ordinary man, but someone who is extraordinary and who puts God first and foremost. You are a strong leader ! Thanking God for you always!
Together, we are a team charging forward!
Friday, March 20
Your Melody
Your life is a reflection of how finely you play your tune.
“One man gets nothing but discord out of a piano; another gets harmony. No one claims the piano is at fault. Life is about the same. The discord is there, and the harmony is there. Study to play it correctly, and it will give forth the beauty; play it falsely, and it will give forth the ugliness. Life is not at fault. "
“One man gets nothing but discord out of a piano; another gets harmony. No one claims the piano is at fault. Life is about the same. The discord is there, and the harmony is there. Study to play it correctly, and it will give forth the beauty; play it falsely, and it will give forth the ugliness. Life is not at fault. "
Thursday, March 5
“Let me be a little kinder, Let me be a little blinder to the faults about me; Let me praise a little more, Let me be, when I am weary; Just a little bit more cheery, Let me serve a little better those that I am striving for. Let me be a little braver When temptation bids me waver, Let me strive a little harder to be all that I should be; Let me be a little meeker to the brother that is weaker; Let me think more of my neighbor and a little less of me.”
Saturday, February 28
The Unexpected Rose
Today was an extremely busy day, but I am thanking God for the unexpected little things in life that we simply take for granted. Tonight as I was watering my plants, I noticed something marvelous-- a tiny rosebud about to burst forth into a beautiful rose. Then Mark posted a blog about enjoying the process which brings me to my point tonight.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the process of doing that we fail to notice the small wonders around us. We are always thinking, "Oh, I can't wait until." Dreams and goals are great, but you can't afford to despise the long, desolate times that you must endure for awhile or until you get there, so to speak.
I have come to the realization that any time you set out to do something great, it requires quite a bit of time, effort and patience. My prayer is Lord, please help me to enjoy the journey. There will be long, weary days but a miracle does await if you remain steadfast. Weariness will set in, but God is forever faithful and His strength is sufficient!
I am just thankful for the sweet rose that I beheld at the end of my busy day because I was reminded of God's faithfulness and how marvelous He truly is.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the process of doing that we fail to notice the small wonders around us. We are always thinking, "Oh, I can't wait until." Dreams and goals are great, but you can't afford to despise the long, desolate times that you must endure for awhile or until you get there, so to speak.
I have come to the realization that any time you set out to do something great, it requires quite a bit of time, effort and patience. My prayer is Lord, please help me to enjoy the journey. There will be long, weary days but a miracle does await if you remain steadfast. Weariness will set in, but God is forever faithful and His strength is sufficient!
I am just thankful for the sweet rose that I beheld at the end of my busy day because I was reminded of God's faithfulness and how marvelous He truly is.
Meet Eva
Eva the snowgirl --isn't she beautiful. Eva started out with snow, then they added glasses, a scarf, and finally hair--my hair. Just one memory that we will always remember and laugh about. :)
Tuesday, February 24
Youth Retreat 2009 - Spectacular With Many Memorable Moments!
Meet Philana, aka super woman. She can honestly do anything she sets her mind to accomplishing. She presently plays the piano, leads/teaches our praise team new songs, and stays involved in whatever area we need assistance in. But this event is remarkable.
Here's the story. While on our youth retreat, we decided to play an old fashioned game: hide-n-seek. With each passing session, the girls were becoming more and more creative. One young lady, Ariel, hid underneath the bathroom sink. (Keep in mind that she is about 4'11" and weighs maybe 80 pounds.) Another young lady, Priscilla, climbed into a high loft, and this required great skill on her part. The crowning hider, in my opinion, was Philana. I believe her slender frame reaches 6 feet, but she somehow managed to fit herself in to a storage box. Yep, thats right a storage box. As the boys were seeking for her, someone finally decided to take the lid of of the box and out popped Philana who was only too glad to be found because she stayed in this small box for well over 20 minutes! This event needs to be aired on Ripley's Believe It Or Not!
Our youth retreat was nothing short of spectacular. We prayed, laughed, cried, and bonded with each other. All in all, it was one memorable event that we will never forget!
Here's the story. While on our youth retreat, we decided to play an old fashioned game: hide-n-seek. With each passing session, the girls were becoming more and more creative. One young lady, Ariel, hid underneath the bathroom sink. (Keep in mind that she is about 4'11" and weighs maybe 80 pounds.) Another young lady, Priscilla, climbed into a high loft, and this required great skill on her part. The crowning hider, in my opinion, was Philana. I believe her slender frame reaches 6 feet, but she somehow managed to fit herself in to a storage box. Yep, thats right a storage box. As the boys were seeking for her, someone finally decided to take the lid of of the box and out popped Philana who was only too glad to be found because she stayed in this small box for well over 20 minutes! This event needs to be aired on Ripley's Believe It Or Not!
Our youth retreat was nothing short of spectacular. We prayed, laughed, cried, and bonded with each other. All in all, it was one memorable event that we will never forget!
Monday, February 16
Monday's Humor!
Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin. Their leader, Osama Bin Lucifer, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.
However, there have also been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. This group appears to be very weak. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.
Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.
Which cell group do you belong to?
Saturday, February 14
Happy Valentine's Day!
"Love is like playing the piano. First you must learn to play by the rules, then you must forget the rules and play from your heart."
-Unknown
Wednesday, February 11
Just a Thought
Remember, happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think. ( Dale Carnegie)
Wednesday, February 4
Facing A Challenge
This quote is taken from the book, Rock Solid Families: "When faced with a mountain, I WILL NOT QUIT! I will keep on striving until I climb over, find a pass through, tunnel underneath, or simply stay and turn that mountain into a gold mine with God's help." You must be determined if you are going to climb that mountain. You may be tired, but keep on moving forward and do not quit. Even if you move one small step at a time, eventually you will reach the top and conquer the challenge that you face. With God all things are possible; just keep climbing!
Tuesday, January 27
Unlimited Opportunities
Observe the ocean; it seems endless. Its vastness reminds me of unlimited opportunities. “In the law of God, there is no statute of limitations.” (Robert Louis Stevenson) The only limits you face are the ones that keep you from pursuing your goals.
Saturday, January 24
Daddy's Words
Sheldon walked in the room explaining a situation concerning a friend of his. After telling me what was happening, he said, "Let's pray." It is these sweet words that bring tears to my eyes. For you see, on many countless situations I have heard his Daddy say these exact words. And yes, we prayed. We believe in prayer because prayer truly does change any situation that you face.
Somedays I stand in awe of just how quickly time passes. I recognize the door to the innocence of childhood or those simple carefree days where it is all about playing is inching to a close. A new door is dawning; a door that entails more responsibility -- a door to change. Sheldon is growing up so fast, and I am thankful that at the tender age of nine, he has an understanding of his need to pray. He truly is following in the footsteps of his Awesome Daddy!
Somedays I stand in awe of just how quickly time passes. I recognize the door to the innocence of childhood or those simple carefree days where it is all about playing is inching to a close. A new door is dawning; a door that entails more responsibility -- a door to change. Sheldon is growing up so fast, and I am thankful that at the tender age of nine, he has an understanding of his need to pray. He truly is following in the footsteps of his Awesome Daddy!
Friday, January 23
Missing You!
If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. ~Claudia Ghandi
Yes, we are missing you! Sheldon said, "Mom, I miss daddy's jokes. You know, they really are funny!" We love you!
Yes, we are missing you! Sheldon said, "Mom, I miss daddy's jokes. You know, they really are funny!" We love you!
Wednesday, January 14
Your Influence
Scott Adams stated, "You don't have to be a "person of influence" to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they've taught me. "
How many people have influenced you? Many people have been influential in your life. Where would you be without those who took time to listen and spend time with you. It is only when you choose to isolate yourself that you cutoff those they are able to help you the most. You need to be receptive to those around you because you never know when one small act of kindness or word of encouragement will change your life.
Monday, January 12
Friday, January 9
Strong Women
Mark sent this quote to me. I do not know the source, so I cannot give credit for it, but here it is anyway:
A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape ...but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...
A strong woman isn't afraid of anything ... but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...
A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her ...but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...
A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future... a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them...
A strong woman walks sure footedly ...but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls...
A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face ... but a woman of strength wears grace...
A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey ... but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...
Thank God for the "strong women" in my life. Mom, is probably one of the strongest lady's of faith I know. She has endured much and yet her faith in God never waivers. She is definitely a pillar of faith. We love you mom!
P.S. And she can play quote a "mean" game of ping pong. Her serve will get you if you are not careful. :)
A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape ...but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...
A strong woman isn't afraid of anything ... but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...
A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her ...but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...
A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future... a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them...
A strong woman walks sure footedly ...but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls...
A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face ... but a woman of strength wears grace...
A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey ... but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...
Thank God for the "strong women" in my life. Mom, is probably one of the strongest lady's of faith I know. She has endured much and yet her faith in God never waivers. She is definitely a pillar of faith. We love you mom!
P.S. And she can play quote a "mean" game of ping pong. Her serve will get you if you are not careful. :)
Thursday, January 1
2009 - Happy New Year
One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things. ~John Burroughs
Happy New Year everyone! Today is the first day of this marvelous new year 2009, and I am looking forward to great victories!
Happy New Year everyone! Today is the first day of this marvelous new year 2009, and I am looking forward to great victories!
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