Show Us Your Life-Tell Us About Your Church

Show Us Your Life-Tell Us About Your Church I'd like to welcome you to my church, Calvary Chapel Golden Springs in Diamond Bar, CA. When I became born again, I developed a deep passion for the Word of God. I remember how I used to stay up at night just pouring through the scriptures. I was so hungry for the Lord and He fed my soul. Everything that I ever wanted or needed, I found in Him. Having a deep love walk with Him has completely changed my life. I am so thankful that the Lord led me to worship and fellowship at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs. The Word of God is taught line upon line and precept upon precept.

This is out pastor, Raul Ries. He truly has the heart of a servant leader. I love his straight forward, unapologetic approach to teaching the gospel of Christ. We go through the bible book by book and I have learned so much!

Although CCGS is a large church, there are many ways to get involved. I love attending our women's bible study each Tuesday. Being a SAHM, I really appreciate the fellowship. Regardless of the size, you really feel at home there. Okay, now I'm really wishing I had brought my camera to our group last week to take some pictures.

If you are ever in the area, please come to one of the services. There are three services every Sunday morning (8,10, and noon), the Sunday night Gig (7:00), and bible study each Wednesday night (6:00). Or, you can hear a message online at http://www.calvarygs.org/. God bless you!

A Typical Tuesday

Here's a glimpse into a typical Tuesday for me. I get up pretty early each morning, usually around 5:30, so I can make a hot breakfast for my husband and the kids before they leave for school. And, I like to give God the first part of my day so that's when I have my personal devotion time. I'm reading through the bible in a year again. I found a plan and it really worked for me. However, this year I'm using a different translation and going through the bible in chronological order which is a twist. I love going to the women's bible study at church each Tuesday morning. This session we are going through the instructive moments in the Old Testament and I am learning so much. I love the fellowship of being around women who love Christ and His Word. We got there a little late this morning and I forgot my camera in the car but this is a picture of the church I attend. I usually go with my mom, but she was having some car trouble this morning so she wasn't able to attend. The kids were really upset so I promised them we would go to the park after church.

Surprised? It's my favorite park in the whole world! From church, we are only about 15-20 minutes from Disneyland and the weather was beautiful today. I thought the little ones would enjoy it. Okay, mommy enjoys it the most! I packed sandwiches and drinks for us but I forgot the fruit. Luckily, those people at Disney are always thinking!

Yes, we shared one. I really didn't eat the whole thing by myself; I could have though. It was delicious! The apple had been dipped in caramel, and chocolate, and sprinkles, had a sugar candy bow, marshmallows ears, and oh my, it was so good! We couldn't stay too long though because I had to pick up my other two from school and start on dinner. We have annual passes so we go to Disneyland quite a bit. It's so nice to have a lunch there, fly on Dumbo, ride the train, and then come home.

This afternoon I'll finish up on the chores I didn't get to this morning. I never like to leave the house untidy so the house was pretty clean this morning before I left but I have some spring cleaning chores that need my attention. Today, I need to clean the blinds, windows, and baseboards in the kitchen and family room. I also need to help my fifth grader with her state report. She picked Alabama because she loves the song, Sweet Home Alabama.

We have dinner when my husband gets home from school (he's an English teacher) which is usually around 6:30. He teaches an extra class so he's home later Monday through Thursday. Tonight, we are having shepard's pie with a side salad. I need to get those veggies in to justify the candy apple I had earlier. So there you have it, a very typical day.

Spring is here!

Spring has definitely sprung! Our trees are beginning to flower and the flowers are blooming. What a beautiful time of year. We've been blessed with quite a bit of rain lately which has been great for the garden, not to mention our wallets;) It's not easy to grow a garden in the desert. This past week was my birthday and my husband bought me a wisteria tree. I've been talking about buying one since we bought the house two years ago. Isn't it beautiful? He also got me a gift certificate to one of my favorite stores, Lowe's. Hopefully, we'll hit the crown molding isle this weekend. Thank you, Dear!

He really spoiled me this year. His mom spent the weekend with us and watched the kids while we went to the movies and out to dinner. What a treat! We haven't had a date night in a really long time and had so much fun together. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe since I had a craving for their Chinese Chicken Salad, yummy.

The little ones were so upset when Grandma left. The whole day they kept telling us how much they missed her. Here they are drawing pictures for her. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family that lives close by.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Although we're not Irish, we love this holiday. Last night, the kids worked on a leprechaun trap. They decorated it with some construction paper and stickers.

I loved looking at their faces while they were doing it. Talk about concentration!

Bright and early, they headed downstairs to see if they caught one. Not this time, but they did catch some treats. I love keeping family traditions alive. Tonight, we dine on corned beef and cabbage with some potatoes and carrots on the side. After dinner, I have a short story to read to them who St. Patrick was and why we remember him. And of course, there's dessert.

May God give you...

For every storm, a rainbow,

For every tear, a smile,

For every care, a promise,

And a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song,

And an answer for each prayer.

-An Irish Blessing

Happy Birthday Boys!

Last weekend, we celebrated Ethan and Caleb's 3rd birthday, Toy Story style! They look so cute in their costumes, even if I couldn't get them both to smile. I'm so glad they could share their birthdays with each other this year. They are more like brothers than cousins.

The kitchen got all decked out for a Toy Story party. I took green wire and strung it across the shelf to the kitchen light and wired green army men to it so it looked like they were walking the tight rope onto the table. I also dangled red monkeys and parachuting soldiers from the light.

I put together water bottles with punch packets and straws. I loved the little treat boxes, aren't they cute! I filled them with water guns, a green army man, Toy Story gummies and stickers. The kids got them as a prize after they played "Buzz's Astro Blaster." I set up a table with plastic cups turned upside down and they had to shoot them down with a nerf dart gun. They had so much fun.

Here's a picture of Ethan posing with his favorite pal, Woody.

Here's a picture of the kids getting together for another game. My oldest posed as Ken and helped the little ones through a scavenger hunt where they all got cowboy vest with sheriff badges. I should have taken a picture of them. I made the vests out of white and black felt and badges out of wooden stars that I painted gold. They were a big hit.

What party is complete without a pinata? The pinata was bigger than the birthday boys!

Cake time! They each got their own cake. Although Ethan did not want anyone to cut into his, silly boy.I couldn't find my camera after that but the boys opened up their presents and played in the bounce house outside. The weather was nice and warm and we had so much fun. I love these guys so much; I know, spoken like a proud mama and auntie. I'm so thankful that God blessed our family with them. Happy Birthday, boys!