In our time of Need.

Lately I've noticed so many people struggling with the lost of a loved one. I have even found myself in that place recently.

As most know I lost my dad almost 9 years ago. To this day I still feel the pain. I have my moments of deep sorrow but I have learned to cope with his loss by knowing that one day I will see my dad again.

It's difficult to lose someone you love and look up to. It's even more difficult to be with someone who is going through that same struggle. You're left speechless. You don't know how to say I'm sorry, because you know that those words are useless in the moment.

You feel as you no longer have anyone to count on. WHOA! WHAT?! WAIT!!! No one to count on? Elisa, you're kidding me right??? Yes I'm talking to myself. I need to because HELLOOOO.. we DO have someone to count. We just don't always use our resources wisely.

If you haven't guessed it let me spell it out for you. J-E-S-U-S! That's right, when in doubt count on Christ. And when your not in doubt, count on Christ! Praying is everything, wither you cry, shout, plea, beg, silently, in groups, just pray.

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Could it be....

That the fire alarms went off because we were hit by lighting?

So once again, not a single neighbor has checked on us. Only this time every house on the block is filled with people. I'm not going to let it bother me we're out of here in 3 weeks.

Lord, please help to seal my mouth. I don't want to be anger with my neighbors.....

Because I am waiting...

It's been a few days since I've written. I'd like to say I've been busy but really I haven't. Most know Sunday was my birthday. I so badly want to go eat at Tequilla Mexico's but didn't. Instead we had the pleasure of being invited to Jim and Deb's house. As always we always have a blast there.

The weather did put a damper of the swimming but the desert we had there made up for it! We had angel food cake, cool whip, and fresh out of the garden raspberries flowing over the top. It was ooohh sooo good!

Yesterday I had the chance to better get to know one of the homeschool moms. She stopped by for about an hour or so. I must say, I think I can learn a lot of from her. Her and I will be teaching infants and toddlers "Baby can read". How awesome is that?!

Today we got a set date on when we will be moving out of here and in to the RV. Our official date is Aug. 21st. Here is how we will be cooking. Not always but most of the time. Today and tomorrow we will slowly close off one room. I'm thinking that room will be Sierra's.

Anyone who would like to help us move, be my guest!

From Crystal

Camp and BBF
During Camp I thought we were going to be playing games and having fun, we did have fun, but we didn’t just play games. Every night we had service. At the beginning I didn’t feel much, but the last few days changed me. I was crying out to god asking him if he could show me his love. I wanted to feel his love and not just come to church because I was being forced to. I cried out to him for two days asking him to show me his love. Then Thursday came and everything changed. I cried and along with that crying I felt his love and felt it in my heart. My heart just became heavy and I wanted to know everything he had for me. But he spoke to me and said that he wanted me to worship and that what I was feeling right there is what I needed to show other people.
As my heart was still feeling heavy I started speaking out loud and felt everyone passing me and putting there hands on me and praying for me. Every time someone would pass I started talking louder until the pastor prayed for me. After he finished my voice was no longer there. Then a couple of other people came and prayed for me. I cried. Then I heard god say that I was going to bring other people to him and I was going to do something amazing, something bigger then I could think of. I cried and spoke in tongues.
It was different then I had thought, it was more like all the feelings I had were coming out of my mouth, loud and amazing.
After camp was over I didn’t want to leave because I thought I was probably going to loose this wonderful feeling. But as I left I realized God was always with me, sure I’ll miss the people I met and the games but those are all memories. God is much, much more then a memory.
As the weekend passed I never forgot about camp but then came the beginning of Branded By Fire. The first night of BBF I wasn’t expecting much but as we started the service, it was awesome! We danced and sang to almost every song. The music was amazing, I loved it. But, it wasn’t the music or the preaching, or the singing that mattered it was God. We missed so much at home but nothing compared to god’s love. My love for God grew bigger at BBF and he kept telling me that I was going to change people’s lives and I was going to do great things, bigger things then I could think of.
I cried and couldn’t stop crying, I kind of didn’t understand why god gave me so much and I felt like I wasn’t doing enough. He told me I was going to do amazing things but before I could do that I had to take baby steps and be willing to give up some of my friends. I wrote a couple of bulletins on Myspace expecting some of my friends to delete me but instead they talked to me more then ever before. I met more people and the people I already knew were talking to me more. I didn’t know what had happened and by the time I knew it BBF was over.
So Camp and BBF ended. But now I have a fire in me I intend to keep on burning and never let it go out. My passion for God, and spreading it through other people is what I plan on doing. So I just want to thank God for all he’s done for me these past two weeks and I’m not planning on turning back to my old life, I’m going to keep pushing forward.

My father has spoke!

It never seems to amaze me. My kids are on their last day of Branded by Fire and boy have they changed. They ARE on fire!

I feel excited right now. I'm not even close to being stressed but I'm full of energy because of what the Lord has done for us!

Trust our unchanging Lord.

I know I’ve left some people wondering what is going on in our lives and why I am suddenly selling a few things. I think it’s time to drop the bomb!

Let’s start here; I started school!
The last time I attended school was 20 years ago. Isn’t that something? 20 years later I have become a bit interested in receiving an education. I came to the conclusion that I was not getting any younger. That’s right we do age up. Oh sorry, trying to keep myself convinced! I also figured that a bit of friendly, fun, educated competition wouldn’t hurt the family. Within the next 2 months the whole family will be in school, yes that includes Sierra. Egh, yesterday I realized that ummm, yeah, I’m frightened by the fact that I’ll be corrected on my writing. Hello, I’ve always known that I cannot use correct grammar to save my life. But darn it, I refuse to let fear overcome me! Satan move out of the way because there’s no stopping me!

Next, well the kids have had such spiritual growth in their lives far beyond any words. I have not always been the best mom to them, but I knew that despite my attempts to “perfect” them, the only thing that would make the biggest impact in their lives would be Christ. I knew this as a (an addicted to drugs and alcoholic) teenager. I knew the best way to be able to sleep was to walk (and follow) in his footsteps. After all, why do you think he leaves those prints right in front us?

Back to the kids.
This week they are attending “Branded by Fire”. Crystal is digging the praise and worship. Mikey well he thinks he cool because he just does. And as cool as Mr. Stud thinks he is, God is shining through my stinky pre-teen. What a blessing this has been for my children and our family. I think what I’m going to do is have them say a little something on here. Yeah I think it sounds like a great idea.

Hehe; Next topic.
I have recently met the greatest, inspirational, blessed, and full of life people. I hold the friends I’ve made in the past close to my heart. Very few, but I love them and I know they love us even with our imperfections. They have become my family and I can’t imagine what life would be like without them.

Then comes the people at church. They seem to kind of like us (poor them). We adore them! They don’t know this but they have already helped us in more ways than they know. I gotta say this; the only negative part to them is that their kids are taller than me!!! Now please help me understand this. How could this be? Over all, they really have been a blessing in our lives and I look forward to watching them grow and vice versa.

The homeschool.
Though I have not known them long, they seem to connect as one body. , just as it should. There are no torn limbs but one full body. Wow...What an awesome group of devoted Christian ladies. I can’t wait to learn them. They have truly left me speechless. And already they are my sisters and I love them dearly.

Jim and Debbie.
Words can’t express the relationship that has grown (quickly). They have become a huge part of our family and have been a real blessing in our lives. Mike now calls them Jeb because he tends to mess their names up pretty bad and that is how it comes out.

Lastly on this area. The corpsmen at the clinic. Though I only hang out with them to eat (as the Navy does) they too have made a huge impact in our lives. This is the way you treat your fellow corpsmen. This is true commitment to your Navy.

HAHA! We’re MOVING!!! Yep we’re moving, BUTTTT not from here!

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such thing as you have. For he himself has said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you”.

We’ve observed, we’ve listened, and we’ve made the final decision. We will be moving in to a 5th wheel for 18 months! That’s right sweetheart, we’re about to downsize. We’re going to pay off all our bills. We’re going to grow as a family. We’re going to have faith in Christ. We’re going to look at making this place our home! Ahhh feels so good to let you all know. I’m sure you’ll have questions and I’m sure some will come with hard criticism. And that’s okay, but (Hebrew 13:6) what can man do to me?

That’s it people….it’s time to clean and do some school work. If you have any questions can you ask here please? I don’t want to repeat myself so I’d prefer that it all be answered in one spot.

We’re excited!! We’ve lived in a bedroom for a grand total of a year and 2 months (with the kids). Only this time; we’ll have full access to the kitchen without question! We love you all and again thank you for being supportive!

On Medical side of things.

Q. What are the plans for developing novel H1N1 vaccine?

A. Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for control of
influenza, and the U.S. government is working closely with manufacturers
to take steps in the process to manufacture a novel H1N1 vaccine.
Working together with scientists in the public and private sector, CDC
has isolated the new H1N1 virus and modified the virus so that it can be
used to make hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine. Vaccine
manufacturers are now using these materials to begin vaccine production.
Making vaccine is a multi-step process which takes several months to
complete. Candidate vaccines will be tested in clinical trials over the
few months.

Q. When is it expected that the novel H1N1 vaccine will be available?

A. The novel H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall. More
specific dates cannot be provided at this time as vaccine availability
depends on several factors including manufacturing time and time needed
to conduct clinical trials



Q. Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the novel H1N1
flu?

A. The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the novel
H1N1 flu.

Q. Can the seasonal vaccine and the novel H1N1 vaccine be given at the
same time?

A. Clinical trial results will be necessary to confirm that novel H1N1
and seasonal vaccine will be safe and effective if given at the same
time. We expect the seasonal vaccine to be available earlier than the
H1N1 vaccine. The usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to
cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get
their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.

Q. Who will be recommended as priority groups to receive the novel H1N1
vaccine?

A. Based on what we're currently seeing with respect to the virus and
epidemiologic data, states, communities, and health care providers
should begin planning strategies for how they will vaccinate younger
people (children and younger adults), pregnant women, healthcare
personnel, and people who have underlying health conditions. The
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other federal
advisory bodies will continue to monitor the virus and review
epidemiologic data over the summer. We'll be looking to the ACIP and
other stakeholders, as well as the public, as we move forward in our
planning. It is possible that vaccine priority groups will differ from
earlier guidance as more data becomes available however it's very
important for planning to continue based on information currently
available.

Q. Where will the vaccine be available?


A. Every state is developing a vaccine delivery plan. Vaccine will be
available in a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics
organized by local health departments, healthcare provider offices,
schools, and other private settings, such as pharmacies and workplaces.

Q. Are there other ways to prevent the spread of illness?

A. Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you
cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home
from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting
them.



Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds
and other social distancing measures. These measures will continue to be
important after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can
prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.

Q. What about the use of antivirals to treat novel H1N1 infection?

A. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an
inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from
reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your
illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent
serious flu complications. This fall, antivirals may be prioritized for
persons with severe illness or those at higher risk for flu
complications.

On a sad note..

I found out today that a friend from Japan passed away on the 6th of this month. She leaves behind 2 girls 13 and 4 years old. She had been ill for quite some time but this still has hit me.. Please pray for husband as well. He is/was in the Navy. I'll find out more information (hopefully) this evening. They disconnected the machines at 1:26am....

The apple of his eye.

Yesterday we had yet another dinner date with a civilian contractor, who once was a Officer of the Army. We got there pretty late. My husband was offered a civilian job starting at a G12 step 6. I really can't explain that to most of you as it is sort of confusing. Let's just say we'd be well off and could make Milton our home. BUTTT I don't think the Lord wants us to settle yet. As good as the money sounds and how much we really need the money, we quickly answered no. I'd assume the Lord gave us the words to turn it down.

Plus, I like the what the military offers. We both do. We enjoy the fact that we now move every 2.5 years, the steady pay checks (even if we only make it payday to payday), the community, people from very different backgrounds, the experience my husband gets, and the fact that Mike LOVES his job.

I also know that there are negatives. I could very well lose to my husband to war. At the same time, I got a feeling that he has recently accepted Christ as his personal savior. So I feel confident knowing that if I lost him; I would soon see him again.

For some reason listening to them talk last night made me think about my dad. My dad also served (for the Army). I was thinking about Mike, then my dad, then Mike. I kept doing this through out the night. When we left I wanted to cry. I began to truly miss my dad to the point where it felt like I had just lost him. I was worried, hurting, stressed, mourning, and even more. I silently sat there with tears ever so slightly rolling down my cheeks. By the way, I even woke up with a heavy heart.

Was this how I was to be the rest of day. NO WAY! I knew I needed to hand it to God. This was my troubles and I need to give it up. I know that God doesn't want us to worry, nor does he want us to feel heavy in our hearts. I got online and low and behold was my answer. I started to read a short story about a homeschooled girl and there it was.

Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Verses 6-18 talk about worry, anxiety, stress. All that I felt last night and a tad bit this am.

It happened. God was watching over me and he knew that my devotion to him would overcome the worry that came on. I have now left it at the "alter". This is in Gods hands and only he knows what will happen to us and where and when will we go.

Isn't it amazing that God looks to us in such a way. He took me in his hands and relieved of my worries. I'm his child. Like any daughter to her father, I'm the apple in his eye...

Clean house and baked cookies!

And the least that I can do....If give my life to you.. Thank you Jesus!!

My kids come home tomorrow. I'm stoked! I pray that they arrive safe and sound. Mom is ready to see her babies! My house is clean and still no dirty socks. They will have cookies upon their arrival and Mikey will get some tacos and sis will have some homemade tortillas.

I'm hoping they took an enormous amount of pictures.

Please pray for all the kids to get home safe. My kids are coming home!!!!

Blessed be the rock!

As some have asked; yes the kids have gone to camp. Today is their third day. As most know I'm suffering (ever so slightly) from separation anxiety in a funny way of course. They will be back on Friday and I can't wait for the stories they'll have to share. The Lord is working in thier hearts right now and I thank God that they were given such a opportunity as this one.

I can't remember us ever having a chance to do something like this some 20 years ago. Give or take a few years..lol! As much as I'm missing them (I'm sure they haven't had time to think about us) I know they are being blessed in more ways then I can imagine.

It's amazing what you can do when 3/4 of your children aren't home. I've cleaned over and over again. My third day of not even a dirty sock. I've had time to pray out loud, silently, and with others. I've read the bible more then I ever had since going to church (over 30 years). Sierra has learned to read more. Yes, all this makes me happy, but it would make me even happier knowing that my kids were here to disrupt my time.

Funny as it seems, all the kids that usually come over have been stuck in their homes. Lucky parents!

Next week Sis and Mikey will be headed to Branded by Fire. Again, another first for me and them of course. You must Google it. It is truly an event worth going to for young teens and pre-teens. I am so proud of my kids right now. God is good; isn't he?

Lord, if ever there was a time, please fill me with patience and love and with a sealed mouth.
I pray this because at some point last evening (while sleeping) my mother called. I called her back this morning not knowing who I was calling. I didn't recognize her voice because I woke her up. The first thing I asked for was for my nieces and nephews. I miss them so much. I'm not sure if my mom called to see how we're doing or to perhaps "argue". I'm okay with her calling. I just need to act christian like. I know I'm not perfect and am only human, but I also know that one slip of tongue would give her a reason to come at me.

This is the time to practice, "Love as Jesus loves us".

Anyway, I have found myself having a heavy heart for a young lady who recently lost her mom. I ask that you keep her in your prayers. "Young lady" is determined to get through her loss by living in the word of God. I am proud of her as I, myself, was never truly strong enough to get past my dads passing until I lost what I once had. She knows her mom is singing Hallelujah. I do intend to be there for her for as long as she needs me.

Boy I miss my dad, but I too know that one day I will see him again. And when it's my time to leave this world I want my children to know that they will not have to worry but give praises in his name that I will live an eternal life. Jesus died for us to forgive us of our sins. He was that loving! He is that loving! In return I will sing praises in his mighty name and can't wait to see him when he calls for his daughter.

Anyway, I miss my kids....

My answers..

I did get my answers last night. I prayed like a friend mentioned, I pondered, I talked to my aunt, and finally the answer came to me through a kind voice. I won't share for now because I do need to get ready to go to church but I do have a couple of of scriptures I'd like to share.

Jeremiah 33:3

'Call to me, and i will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

Psalms 51:12

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me by your generous Spirit.

What's your answer?

Such a question was brought to me just now. I'm sitting here looking for an answer. Maybe I already know what it is, but really I feel so clueless. Help me a little.

"Is there a chance that God is using stress to get your attention?

An off kind of day.

I woke up last night feeling like I wanted to puke my brains. Same for today. Why do these things happen when I'm late? I'm going to wait one more week and then see what has to be said about it.

just a few pics.

You can click here.

What beautiful days here!

I've had to get off my allergy meds so that I can go back on Monday. It's freaking me out, a lot! Fortunately it's been raining outside and on occasion we get have been getting pounded with blankets of rain. I'm thankful for the rain because it keeps me inside and away from an allergy flair up. So; Dear Lord bring on the rain!!!!

Yesterday we had the great pleasure of inviting a young family of 7 over dinner. We haven't known them long at all. It's still nice to see such a young Christian family adore each other like they do. I would only hope that one day our paths would cross and that we will have the opportunity to get to know them much better.

They leave here on Friday as the Lord has other plans. I wish them the best on their next journey.

Did I mention they are 5 wheeling for the next 6-12 months?! This is one of those journeys we can learn from. It's going to be very interesting to see what take place in their lives in the days to come!

May God bless you Graham's on your many successes that await you. We will continue to praying for you.

You got to love the military. There is always another place they find for you to call home. At every door step you come to it's always time to make new friends and at times know that the friends you met at your last duty station you may never see or hear from again. I feel like this time around for us is not the case. God has us here for whatever reason and I know that this is one place I will surely miss when it's our time. We've been so many great people in so little time. Thank goodness for another 2+ plus years! Hopefully we can add 2 years on top of the time remaining here.

Please hear me...

In a way this if for me. An old friend of mine brought up my mother. Yes, My mother and sister are still living. I know I rarely mention them.

When I left CA I vowed never to go back unless the military took us back or God forbid something were to happen to a family member. I still really do feel that way. California is NOT the place I want my children to grow up at. Plus, we really can’t afford the cost of living there.

I know where I’m going with this I just have to make sure that I word it correctly.

Since moving to Florida our family has truly been blessed. Why would I want that change. Well honestly I don’t. I had my surgery 5 weeks ago and since then I’ve met some of the most awesome people! It almost makes me want to stay here despite my allergies. So what if I have to take shots all my life! WHO CARES! I love it here!!

Anyway, I’m different then those back in the central valley of California and they don’t care too much about the kids and I. I’m okay with that BUT boy do I miss my nieces and nephews. I learned today that some things have yet to change. I really hope that one day they will. I pray that one day my mom will begin to come back to church. I wish that my sister would find her life peaceful. I really do. I don’t hate them, but rather I don’t totally agree with their lifestyles at the moment. Does that make me a bad a person? I’m not saying that I’m perfect, because I come with a large amount of faults. I’m sure they would have no problem making mention of the mistakes I’ve made.

I have tried so hard not point fingers. I refuse to do that. All I can do is laugh about it all. I can not recall ever having a sisterly relationship with my sister and that is sad. I do miss my mother, but prefer that I had a mom. I do hurt for them because when the times comes I hope to see them in heaven where we could all feast together. I worry about them and a lot of times wonder if I’ll get call saying they have passed away; perhaps from drinking and driving.

I wouldn’t doubt that one day they will read this and I’m unsure of how they will respond. I’d like to say I’m not a bad person but sometimes I feel that I am.

The only family I’ve come to know is the military families and those who have impacted our lives throughout the 14 years of service.

It truly breaks my heart that my immediate family has no faith in Christ. I do know that God hasn’t let go of them. When they call for him he will hear them and guide them. He is such a loving and forgiving God. Oh dear Lord, I pray that you touch my mom and sister. I pray that you forgive me for keeping my distance. I pray that they will look to you for forgiveness and that one day we can become a family we once had. I plead to you Christ that you find some way to show them that you still love them as long as they ask for your forgiveness. Please, please Lord, protect those children and guide them, and bring them close to you, because through them Lord, you will bring my mom and sister to you……Please dear God hear my cries…….

God is in CONTROL!!!

It's a great life without worry. Now if I can remember that day and night I'd be set!
I feel like this message isn't just for me. That's probably why I keep posting it. Man, The Lord is really using me right now!! Isn't it awesome when you leave Christ in control?

Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield unto them that
put their trust in Him.
Proverbs 30:5

He really is amazing. I love my father.

hey you, yeah you! Looky here..

The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.

Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.

Worrying is more harmful then helpful

God does not ignore those who depend on him.

Worrying shows a lack of faith and understanding of God.

There are real challenges God wants us to pursue and worrying keeps us from them.

Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.



Matthew and Luke say this:
Do not seek what you should or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.


Praise the LORD!! Hallelujah! This is just what I've been waiting for!

WHEEWWW

I'm tired. I know what's on my mind but can't put it into words this evening. It's been one of those days. We'll be going to church in half hour and then home to thank the Lord for another day and get a good night's rest.