Here we are!!! More to come later, if I can figure out how to do a slideshow.

Well, I lost the first signature, so here's a new one. Check out my pic. on my profile. It caused me great pains to get, but I am learning so much. Thanks Ginger! Next on my list is to do a slideshow of my pictures. Don't hold your breath though ; p

After four attempts, I finally have a signature I am somewhat happy with. Thanks Emma!

A Word of Encouragement

My new Bible study class is on soul-stirring conversations with God. It's by Priscilla Schirer and the goal is to continue developing our relationship with God, through meaningful conversation. Anywho, the verses this week are on the tongue and how we should use ours to edify, encourage and build each other up. From my weekly verses, you can see this is a goal and need in my life. So, I thought I would share this story from a devotional I read earlier this week.

There was a little boy taking a walk with his mom one day. He noticed all kinds of treasures, rocks mostly, to pick up along the way. By the end of the walk, his arms were loaded and, actually, he had to repick many up as they had fallen along the way. He made it back with his treasures, but upon opening the door something caught his eye. He immediately dropped all the rocks and such, for they had lost their value. His eyes were fixed on something much more important than rocks, his daddy!!!

We need to remember this when we carry burdensome treasures around. We have a heavenly Father, if we have a relationship with Him, who is desiring us to give Him our burdens or treasures every day. Sometimes, we need to do as the boy did: drop everything and run to God. If one doesn't have that relationship yet, they can! For God longs that each of us come to him for the only relationship that will never end. This can be found only in the One who has always been: Jesus Christ. So no matter where we are, there is hope! Next time I see you I hope we each have empty arms, because Jesus is carrying the load for us, so our arms will be available for a nice hug! Lovingly, Tricia

I thought this was incredible. Every new parent should be required to watch this before they have kids, not to put fear in, but to remind each of us that life is a gift from God. No matter if we live 99 days or 99 years, we should cherish each and every life.

7 things...

Well, I feel challenged by Jill and Jamie, so let's see what I can come up with...here are 7 things about me:

1. My husband and I knew we were "right" for each other after about 2 weeks.
2. I graduated in the top ten percent of my class.
3. I met one of my best friends when I was 10 mos. old and we haven't lost touch.
4. My first car was a '65 mustang, that my mom got when she was a teenager. My husband hates that I sold it for something modern(with air and FM radio)
5. I love peanut butter and chocolate ice cream (Umpqua brand at Winco)
6. I used to work at GE Capital in the collections dept. across the freeway from the Anaheim stadium (home of the Angels). I loved this job!
7. My first job was at Baskin Robbins. I worked there for two years, became a shift manager and made cakes...I started when I was just 16 and quit after graduating highschool. It was great, except for the extra pounds gained.

Well, I guess that's it. My 6 word memoir... I am not perfect, but loved....

Very encouraging....

I just watched a very disturbing youtube about Oprah and "her" new church. Let me know if you want to see it. I can email it to you. Anyway, as I was getting the girls ready for kindergarten, I decided to ask them a few questions. Where is God? Is God in a flower? Even (for you Ginger) is Jesus perfect? Could He have sinned? They answered beautifully assuring me that God is not a flower and yes, Jesus is perfect so he could not have sinned. I asked why is there bad in the world. Answer from Merrily: because Adam and Eve sinned. Then, Merrily said, " Mom, why are you asking us baby questions?" I LOVE IT!!! WOW!!! I told her some people unfortunately don't know these simple things so we have to tell them. I really was just making sure I was being clear in teaching them, but she sure blessed me with that answer.

God bless!

I am honored that you all are thinking of me this week. Thanks girls! We had a great time at Disney and walked our bums off. We got all the girls on the "big" rides at Disney and they all had fun. I think the last day was the best as we were more relaxed and hit the favorites one more time. Wed. (today) we drove to San Diego and the Wild Animal Park. We saw some wildlife, but the kids (and ourselves... aching feet) were so tired that we didn't enjoy it as much as we could have. There really was just a lot of walking. Jeanine, I know what you mean. We could've used a day of nothing too. We left early and came to our hotel and took naps and then a swim before dinner at Macaroni Grill...yummy restaurant. Tomorrow is Sea World, which should be great. I was thinking of you tonight as you're at coffee night. So, what was the discussion. I am dying to hear!!! As nice as vacation is, it will be good to be back.

Just an update

Well, we made it to CA safe and sound on Sat. afternoon! It is very nice here, so nice that I've forgotten it's only April... it feels like summer...nice!!! We did have a scary moment when we saw smoke coming from the hood of the van. We pulled over, turned off the air vent and it stopped. Today, we tried to use the air...it gets warm quickly when you only can crack the windows because you're going 70 on the freeway... well, it made a strange noise right a way, so we immediately turned it off. I guess we'll deal with that when we get home. Tomorrow, it's off to Disney! We'll say hi to Mickey and Minnie for you...

Out of the loop....

Well, it has been a loooonnnng week without my computer. After many problems, it is finally back in order. Thank you Lord Jesus! I went to all your blogs and honestly felt a little overwhelmed. I've missed so much!!! And since we are going on vacation, I don't have time to respond to all of it. Plus, since I will be gone, I am sure I am going to miss much more. Oh well, such is life.

Like Jill, I too feel that I could make a full time job out of blogging, spending probably too much time here. So, I will refrain for now and return when I get back. I will pray for you as you come to mind while I'm away. If I come to mind, pray for me too. Any time God puts someone in my mind or on my heart, I always take that as a hint from Him and pray.

Just to update, my verses for the next few weeks are Philippians 4:4-9. It's kind of long, so look it up if you don't already have it memorized. I know you'll recognize it!

Love, Tricia