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.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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.....
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!
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!
Friday, July 24, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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.
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.
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