THE ALABASTER BOX

2009-11-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

Praisin' Lil' Pentecostal
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
(Psalm 104:1,33)

Laughter - Have You Laughed Today

2009-10-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

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)

2009-10-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

youth convention 2009 032
Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc

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!

2009-09-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

IMG_0977
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

Proverbs 16:24 reads, "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

2009-09-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

IMG_0963
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

Happy Birthday, Sheldon.

2009-09-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

07080110.jpg
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

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!

2009-08-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

july 09 004
Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself." (Harvey Flerstein)

Are You Wasting Your Seconds?

2009-08-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

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!

Pray More Than You Criticize By Mark Driscoll

2009-07-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

FTRA1
Originally uploaded by MAPryorWords by Mark Discroll:

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)

Are You Creaking?

2009-07-12T22:05:00.001-07:00

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

Blissful Ocean

2009-06-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

IMG_0894Originally uploaded by MAPryor

“May your joys be as deep as the ocean, your sorrows as light as its foam."

Best Dad

2009-06-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

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!

Pure Gold

2009-06-11T12:45:00.001-07:00

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.

Being There

2009-05-29T17:49:00.001-07:00

"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.

Another School Year

2009-05-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Caution: Avoid Complaining -- It's Not Good for You

2009-05-02T10:21:00.001-07:00

"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)

Concerning Jealousy

2009-04-27T18:31:00.001-07:00

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.

Love

2009-04-25T11:05:00.001-07:00

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 Teresa

Fun In the Sun

2009-04-11T11:11:00.001-07:00

"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.

2009-03-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

IMG_0331
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

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!

Your Melody

2009-03-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

youth snow trip 09 023

Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc

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. "

2009-03-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

FlowersFromChurch
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

“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.”

The Unexpected Rose

2009-02-28T23:55:00.000-08:00

Deb's Cuts

Originally uploaded by MAPryor

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.

Meet Eva

2009-02-28T21:23:00.000-08:00

youth snow trip 09 047

Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc

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. :)

Youth Retreat 2009 - Spectacular With Many Memorable Moments!

2009-02-24T21:21:00.000-08:00

youth snow trip 09 104

Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc

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!