Friday, December 16, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Getting up for air...
... and finding time to do it has been the challenge the past couple months. School has definitely been kicking me hard. There are moments I keep asking myself "why did I decide I wanted to get my masters?". But, I am pressing on because theoretically I am at the half way mark, but really.... I only have a couple more classes to take after the spring, and will either graduate next December or... if the cards are oh so in my favor.... in Summer, allowing me to walk in May. That would definitely be nice. We shall see. I am very glad I chose Hope over going into a program at Poly and really value the Christian education I am also getting. Makes me wish I had that through high school.
Work being so understaffed has definitely been taking a great portion of my time. I am thankful to be working when I know so many people who are not working. I hit my one-year mark with Verizon on December 6th., and well.... I pretty much committed through 2013, since they are paying for my Grad Program (well a nice chunk of it). The quotas at work have been astronomically high, and us Sales Reps are definitely looking around saying "we won't even be able to buy ourselves two-buck chuck with this?". It has been slow in the store compared to the numbers a year ago, but we are hoping for the mad rush in the next couple of weeks.
With these two areas of my life taking much of my time, and since being back from New York have not had much time to focus on anything else I am not part of choir this year for Christmas. I finally had to shorten my commitments to get through this season, and that was the area that was the first to go. The youth group is going well though and the growth we are seeing in numbers is awesome, I think the only struggle is maturity of the kids. We don't have as many older students, and so we have a lot of moments we are taking away cell phones in worship, or reminding them about being respectful during small groups... and it is something I know will pass. We had a great little fall retreat and it was a great time to get some of our core kids to a place they could be without distractions and to truly focus on their relationships with Jesus.
It is also hard to believe that Mexico is just under 7 months away. I can't wait to go back and be in that mode. Mexico is one of the things that warms my heart because I love the coming together as a church community (with many other churches) and going to an area with a need and fulfilling the need. The gratitude and hospitality that people have is very overwhelming, and something that touches every single person who goes down there.
Tidbits: Now, that I have hit my one year mark, I can officially begin seeking a position in another store, or area with Verizon. I like my job a lot, and I still very much love New York and the culture, and I really just have this relationship with it there that I don't have anywhere else. We shall see what God does in His timing. I am looking for either my position or a position with HR, since that is the overall goal. Another tidbit is I am approaching 10 years since graduating high school and moving up to the central coast and wow, time flies. I got the invite and info for my high school reunion and I have really been on the fence about attending... and more likely than not won't be going. It is not that I can't get the time off, it is more of not wanting to make the time. I spent 4 years with people who made decisions to either like me or not. Some were very cruel to me, and I understand it was forever ago, but even if people change it is not like I know them now so I am paying to be in a room full of strangers. Facebook has also been a prominent way to keep up with the 60 people I graduated with (and no, I am not friends with all of them), so I know how people are doing. Some people and I are cordial and whatnot, but no real effort is made to reconnect beyond that and I make the time for those who are important to me and I have been making an effort to keep those few relationships. I am blessed the past few years to reconnect and have good friendships with those who graduated before me... but... not sure if for $75 bucks I wanna sit in a room, fake it (which I don't do well), and the amounts of wine I will need to drink to survive that night-- I can almost see a reply of Romey and Michelle's High School reunion.... modernized.
That' about it. My life is never too interesting, but just enough to make for a good story here and there. This season is such a busy time. I was part of our church's annual "Drive Thru Nativity" and we saw over 1,100 people come through and hopefully they were each blessed. The roommates and I will be going to the Christmas show for the Melodrama this week and having our Ugly Sweater Christmas Party this week, so we are excited about that. Be blessed this season and be praying for: school and work life balance as well as my family-- God knows the details.
Work being so understaffed has definitely been taking a great portion of my time. I am thankful to be working when I know so many people who are not working. I hit my one-year mark with Verizon on December 6th., and well.... I pretty much committed through 2013, since they are paying for my Grad Program (well a nice chunk of it). The quotas at work have been astronomically high, and us Sales Reps are definitely looking around saying "we won't even be able to buy ourselves two-buck chuck with this?". It has been slow in the store compared to the numbers a year ago, but we are hoping for the mad rush in the next couple of weeks.
With these two areas of my life taking much of my time, and since being back from New York have not had much time to focus on anything else I am not part of choir this year for Christmas. I finally had to shorten my commitments to get through this season, and that was the area that was the first to go. The youth group is going well though and the growth we are seeing in numbers is awesome, I think the only struggle is maturity of the kids. We don't have as many older students, and so we have a lot of moments we are taking away cell phones in worship, or reminding them about being respectful during small groups... and it is something I know will pass. We had a great little fall retreat and it was a great time to get some of our core kids to a place they could be without distractions and to truly focus on their relationships with Jesus.
It is also hard to believe that Mexico is just under 7 months away. I can't wait to go back and be in that mode. Mexico is one of the things that warms my heart because I love the coming together as a church community (with many other churches) and going to an area with a need and fulfilling the need. The gratitude and hospitality that people have is very overwhelming, and something that touches every single person who goes down there.
Tidbits: Now, that I have hit my one year mark, I can officially begin seeking a position in another store, or area with Verizon. I like my job a lot, and I still very much love New York and the culture, and I really just have this relationship with it there that I don't have anywhere else. We shall see what God does in His timing. I am looking for either my position or a position with HR, since that is the overall goal. Another tidbit is I am approaching 10 years since graduating high school and moving up to the central coast and wow, time flies. I got the invite and info for my high school reunion and I have really been on the fence about attending... and more likely than not won't be going. It is not that I can't get the time off, it is more of not wanting to make the time. I spent 4 years with people who made decisions to either like me or not. Some were very cruel to me, and I understand it was forever ago, but even if people change it is not like I know them now so I am paying to be in a room full of strangers. Facebook has also been a prominent way to keep up with the 60 people I graduated with (and no, I am not friends with all of them), so I know how people are doing. Some people and I are cordial and whatnot, but no real effort is made to reconnect beyond that and I make the time for those who are important to me and I have been making an effort to keep those few relationships. I am blessed the past few years to reconnect and have good friendships with those who graduated before me... but... not sure if for $75 bucks I wanna sit in a room, fake it (which I don't do well), and the amounts of wine I will need to drink to survive that night-- I can almost see a reply of Romey and Michelle's High School reunion.... modernized.
That' about it. My life is never too interesting, but just enough to make for a good story here and there. This season is such a busy time. I was part of our church's annual "Drive Thru Nativity" and we saw over 1,100 people come through and hopefully they were each blessed. The roommates and I will be going to the Christmas show for the Melodrama this week and having our Ugly Sweater Christmas Party this week, so we are excited about that. Be blessed this season and be praying for: school and work life balance as well as my family-- God knows the details.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Another chunk of my heart-- left in NY
Every time I come back from NY a bigger piece of my heart is left in a city I love... New York. Last week I went to NY to ring in my 27th birthday (I survived without too many tears). It was a great trip and two friends came along who had never been to the city; I also got to see dear people to me and it made the trip even better :) We did all the touristy things because I had some New York newbies with me... and it was fun just hanging out... and great stories to be told if you ask one of us.
I also had a few opportunities in my own time of thoughts and meandering around a city of 9 million people how much I love the city. There is always something going on, but also... the energy. Everyone is busy, but there is not this stuck up and "better than the rest" attitude that you are confronted with in Los Angeles or The Bay Area or Orange County. The diversity, the wide range of stories is just so vast. The opportunities for ministry and the churches in NY are great! The opportunities for community outreach (one area of ministry that I feel called too--- so please be praying as God continues to use me in those areas where he has me now and where he takes me).
I am very blessed to work for a great company and it is my hope that I am able to find my position or another to transfer into in NY by summer. I am open to an opportunity to use my education and the education I am currently acquiring through Hope (projected graduation is December 2012). The East Bound: Bold Moves blog will be back up and tracking the months ahead as I am goal driven and motivated and have plans for the move including saving money, reallocating time and funds, and changing my budget to accommodate my savings plan. All things to pray about, and praying for work that my performance continues to be in good strides, as those numbers help my case for a transfer once the Spring and Summer approach.
Check out the link to the pictures from New York.... too many to post, but all good ones!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100152870617915.2506899.6405389&type=1&l=db266c6a70
I also had a few opportunities in my own time of thoughts and meandering around a city of 9 million people how much I love the city. There is always something going on, but also... the energy. Everyone is busy, but there is not this stuck up and "better than the rest" attitude that you are confronted with in Los Angeles or The Bay Area or Orange County. The diversity, the wide range of stories is just so vast. The opportunities for ministry and the churches in NY are great! The opportunities for community outreach (one area of ministry that I feel called too--- so please be praying as God continues to use me in those areas where he has me now and where he takes me).
I am very blessed to work for a great company and it is my hope that I am able to find my position or another to transfer into in NY by summer. I am open to an opportunity to use my education and the education I am currently acquiring through Hope (projected graduation is December 2012). The East Bound: Bold Moves blog will be back up and tracking the months ahead as I am goal driven and motivated and have plans for the move including saving money, reallocating time and funds, and changing my budget to accommodate my savings plan. All things to pray about, and praying for work that my performance continues to be in good strides, as those numbers help my case for a transfer once the Spring and Summer approach.
Check out the link to the pictures from New York.... too many to post, but all good ones!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100152870617915.2506899.6405389&type=1&l=db266c6a70
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
This is been a crazy and busy season, and all my free time has become almost non-existent. So... let's go into a big recap!
I finished off July well, and had a nice 4 day weekend, which allowed me to visit a few friends up north, including my best friend Ali. It was an awesome weekend with some shopping in Palo Alto and grabbing pizza at the famed Pizza My Heart. I love their pizza, so it was quite the treat. I was also glad to be able to stay the night with my friends Jason and Amy and meet their newest addition, Eleanor.
August was met with lots of overtime at work, and being sick for the entire month of August with something quite mysterious. I am still recovering now, and it kinda came back this past week with a vengeance as I am now also recovering from the flu. All work and no play/rest makes Caitlyn quite sick I am coming to find. The end of August was also met with a quick little day trip down to L.A. to celebrate my sister's 9th birthday. It was also my last little road trip with Christiana who moved to Azusa to attend college. August also marked the end of Summer for my classes with Hope. I got an A in my Business Law class, which I am super stoked on, and now this Fall I am currently in Servant Leadership and Missional Entrepreneurship. So, my life continues to be busy, but one I accept.
The countdown is on as the days until vacation are coming closely. I am blessed with great friends and a friend of mine and his brother (along with me) will be going to NYC in October the week of my birthday! An awesome way to celebrate. I am excited to see friends and my Aunts (hopefully) while I am there and finally doing some touristy stuff since the boys will be in tow. Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, World Trade Center Memorial Site, and a Broadway Show (The Book of Mormon). I am very excited to reunite with my friend Bianca, whom I met through a Tripping arrangement last year, and she is one awesome girl to know in the city as well as friends from college Brian and Liz who moved to Brooklyn. I am also excited that a high school friend will be there as well, and more people are in talks to join on a week sure to be filled with some fun.
Work is going good... because it has been very busy as once again... things in Verizon are always changing! Launching new phones and 4G launching in our area on Thursday-- all big and great things for sure, and I am reminded on what a good company I work for in that with company growth comes some job security. School is definitely keeping me busy, and I will be done in December... 2012... not exactly when I was wanting to be done, but there is an end in site. Youth ministries are going well. We had 42 Junior High and High Schoolers last week, and so it has been awesome to see the attendance growing even as the school year gets into high gear. Oh, and for those who follow my car episodes... all is good with the civic as of now... but that is to be expected of a Honda.
That's about it though. I wish I had something more exciting to update on. I will post pics soon for some highlights for the past couple months.
I finished off July well, and had a nice 4 day weekend, which allowed me to visit a few friends up north, including my best friend Ali. It was an awesome weekend with some shopping in Palo Alto and grabbing pizza at the famed Pizza My Heart. I love their pizza, so it was quite the treat. I was also glad to be able to stay the night with my friends Jason and Amy and meet their newest addition, Eleanor.
August was met with lots of overtime at work, and being sick for the entire month of August with something quite mysterious. I am still recovering now, and it kinda came back this past week with a vengeance as I am now also recovering from the flu. All work and no play/rest makes Caitlyn quite sick I am coming to find. The end of August was also met with a quick little day trip down to L.A. to celebrate my sister's 9th birthday. It was also my last little road trip with Christiana who moved to Azusa to attend college. August also marked the end of Summer for my classes with Hope. I got an A in my Business Law class, which I am super stoked on, and now this Fall I am currently in Servant Leadership and Missional Entrepreneurship. So, my life continues to be busy, but one I accept.
The countdown is on as the days until vacation are coming closely. I am blessed with great friends and a friend of mine and his brother (along with me) will be going to NYC in October the week of my birthday! An awesome way to celebrate. I am excited to see friends and my Aunts (hopefully) while I am there and finally doing some touristy stuff since the boys will be in tow. Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, World Trade Center Memorial Site, and a Broadway Show (The Book of Mormon). I am very excited to reunite with my friend Bianca, whom I met through a Tripping arrangement last year, and she is one awesome girl to know in the city as well as friends from college Brian and Liz who moved to Brooklyn. I am also excited that a high school friend will be there as well, and more people are in talks to join on a week sure to be filled with some fun.
Work is going good... because it has been very busy as once again... things in Verizon are always changing! Launching new phones and 4G launching in our area on Thursday-- all big and great things for sure, and I am reminded on what a good company I work for in that with company growth comes some job security. School is definitely keeping me busy, and I will be done in December... 2012... not exactly when I was wanting to be done, but there is an end in site. Youth ministries are going well. We had 42 Junior High and High Schoolers last week, and so it has been awesome to see the attendance growing even as the school year gets into high gear. Oh, and for those who follow my car episodes... all is good with the civic as of now... but that is to be expected of a Honda.
That's about it though. I wish I had something more exciting to update on. I will post pics soon for some highlights for the past couple months.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Where you "go" I'll "go".... I will follow You!
First and foremost, thank you all for your prayers for the missions team that went down to Mexico at the end of June. It was definitely 10 days full of many blessings, and it is amazing how God turns it around and blesses us... when our heart is going down there to bless others.
10 of us from Oak Park Christian Church joined 13 other churches (I think it was 13) through Amor Ministries and Go, Inc. Relationships between the 10 of us were strengthened as we served a long side one another, and also new relationships were formed with other churches and the people in Mexico. The danger and crime did not affect us down there, and the people we came into contact with were very hospitable and nice and very different from what people think of the people down in Mexico. The first Saturday we were there teams were formed to do day projects. A few teams the day before had started a couple two-day builds, but I was on a Saturday team to pour slab so that another team could come in and do the framing. The family we were serving were the nicest people you can think of, and they try so hard to communicate with us... when really I am in their country and am trying my hardest to communicate with the Spanish I do know (which is a lot more than I thought I knew). The kids of the family were so nice with their hospitality, and were even wanting to help in mixing the cement and also digging sand to make the cement.That Sunday all of us with our site teams went to church... my site team stayed together and we went to El Arca in Tijuana, and it was such an awesome experience to be worshiping God. They knew we were coming and had a translator as well for us, but every single person we met were so loving and welcoming, and the joy these people had worshiping God was so amazing and really impacting to me. The churches we all went to (there were 3, and we all went to one of the three) were in the communities of where we would be serving that coming week, and it was just awesome (and that just describes a lot of this trip).
Monday morning we were up bright and early... 5:30am, and for anyone who knows me.... I am not a morning person... so waking up THAT early... well the first half hour I don't speak because my brain has not realized I am up and moving. We would leave for our sites by 6:15am each morning so we would get to the sites as close to 7:am as possible to work each day til 5:00pm. Amor requires all site teams to be cleaning up and off site by 5:00pm and on the way back to camp. 12 of us were on a team and some of the teams were solo on single build sites, some had doubles for a double site, and then one team had a split level duplex. My team was a double, so there were 24 of us.
We had a slow start getting our slabs down, but at the end of the day the slabs were done, and it all came with lots of digging and mixing, and shoveling. My arms were burning by the end of the day, but not in a bad way at all.Day 2 we were building the frame, and we were finally catching up from the day before, including getting ahead by starting the tar paper and getting part of the roof up (which usually doesn't happen until Day 3).
Day 4, was the finale of our build getting the second coat of stucco on and presenting the keys and gifts we had for the Vasquez Family. They are such a sweet and amazing family. They were so appreciative of the home, and even with the language barrier... the feeling was mutual of being so overwhelmed by what God had done. I think even with the family not knowing who Jesus was... they understood we loved them and were serving them because of the love we have for and in Christ. Words do no describe those moments with the families. When grown men, and very Godly and strong men cry... you know it is big. Sometimes words are not needed, and God really showed that.
What impacted me so much was how appreciative these people were of our being there, and their desire to help. One of the girls on the team was in tears because one of the girls of the family had given her a bracelet, and the girl on the team pretty much recited the story in Luke 21 "I have given only one week of my time and this little girl gave me everything she had without hesitation. Just a smile and a hug." And it really struck me how these kids just got it. And I was reminded with that how insignificant it may seem to us, and how much these people touch us... when we are just giving them a speck of ours. It was just amazing. I am so blessed for the team I was put on, because God orchestrates so perfectly. The relationships that I made with new dear friends, and strengthened ones within the 10 of us who went together.
I am so blessed. I definitely have moments where I miss Mexico and it is weird how you can meet people and know them for a week and have this bond with them. Jesus really does bring people together, especially when they love the same God and have the same love for others.
Please pray for the Vasquez Family for any seeds planted that they would come to know Jesus. They were given two bibles when we presented them the keys to their home. Pray that it would minister to them, and that they saw God's love in us through their home. Hope you have enjoyed some of the pictures, and thank you for all the prayers. I have done other mission trips in the past, and each one has left a print on my heart where words sometimes are not enough; this was no different.
Monday, June 06, 2011
I guess I can sleep when I die...
I don't recall the last time I got more than 5 hours of sleep a night, and having the craziest dreams, that have some relation to current stress in my life. I suppose I am the kind of person who would stress if there was nothing to stress about thinking that I am forgetting something, which would cause stress while I figure out what THAT is. It is a vicious cycle I suppose, and one that I have chosen to live with.
This month is already roaring crazy. Did pretty decent numbers at work last month, and was top 20 in my district, so that is always good work wise. The better I do at work, the easier my transfer next year will be. This month I am starting as strong as possible since I am also on vacation at the end of the month, so I have less time to make a good amount of money. Not that I love money, but it is definitely a necessity. Work has been so busy lately, I am barely able to catch my breath. To top it off, one of my Grad classes finished this week (Human Resources Management). This is one course I would love to have had longer, as this is the field I plan to go into long term and hopefully with Verizon. Depending on where God ends up leading. This past week I had 4 papers due, one being a 10 page project APA final paper, and a power point presentation, 25 discussion posts and a quiz... and tons of reading. Let's just say my brain is a little exhausted. And my body is right up there with it.
In about two and a half weeks the Mexico Team will be heading down, and I am trying to get well-rested for that and out of this weird cold funk I have been in for weeks it seems. I know being sick is not ideal, and so I am trying my darned-est. The highlight this week is some of the High Schoolers are graduating this week-- so definitely keep our youth kids in your prayers as they will be beginning a new chapter in their lives with lots of changes to go with it. The Mexico Team as well as it has been getting more dangerous in Mexico. Prayer that God would keep us safe and protected from harm and from any illness or injury. Prayer that we would be spiritually prepared, and for the adults who are going to have the energy to also monitor the youth on this trip. Another highlight this week is that I get to buy my plane tickets for going to NYC in October. I am going for my birthday, and to unite with my "twin"-- the other Caitlyn Lawton in the world, who is quite the awesomeness that goes with the name would entail. I am excited for that, and a friend is coming with me.... so it is always nice to share the love of your favorite city with people you enjoy being with! I am excited to see my friend Bianca out there, and Jessica (friends I made from my last trip). I also hope to catch up with friends who are going to be moving out there (Liz and Brian Crawford who will be doing ministry work in Brooklyn), and friend from high school (Tiffany Rivette!).
So.... in the midst of the insanity called my life... things are going strong-- but busy. My car is still being high maintenance. Makes me miss my Japanese car a bit, but I really do want it to run well, because overall I do like the car, and have wanted a Jetta since I was in high school... so I got one... now it just needs some lovin' and the inside will be as awesome as the outside :)
That's about it... I know nothing too exciting.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The End of the World-- No one knows the day or the hour!
This past year I couldn't go down to the pier in Pismo without some guy coming to me screaming about "Judgement Day"! I decided one day when with one of the high schoolers to engage with this guy. He went on and on about no one being worthy because we are sinners, and that I would be judged for who I am. That I need to be ready and that I should not be so carefree with my life. He proceeded to tell me that I had until May 21st to decide. Here I was thinking "okay, this guy is kinda looney, and scaring Noel.... we are done". However, it was another one of those divine appointments, and obvious answers... so I proceeded while protectively standing in front of Noel; "You are right... we will face God. I don't know when, but I know I will. I also know I have eternal life because I have a relationship with Jesus. Do I deserve one? No. But does he love me enough to die for me and want one with me? yes." It became a short debate that ended with my saying "We don't need your literature. We stand firmly on the Word of God." This man we encountered is one of very many that have heard the words of Family Christian Radio leader, Harold Camping... and he is very deceived.
Walking away I recalled the beginning of an old DC Talk song... "the main cause of Atheism today, is Christians. They speak it with their mouth, and turn around and deny Him by their lifestyle!". How true. I can't say I have never been that way. I am a sinner. I also know this, and accept this, and realize nothing can save me from me. Jesus can, and He did. In my 26 years of life, I still can't fully comprehend the gravity of God's love. Love that truly is unconditional and sacrificial. I believe it though.I have seen God work in my life; I am alive against many trials and odds. I have gone through open-heart surgery, where the odds (medically speaking) were not in my favor. God does not do things explainable to medicine. Obviously, God has had a plan for my life. How many fender benders, semi-trucks, and guard rails have I encountered (one of each actually)... and I have survived. I have been blessed by God's provision. I have had God's hand on me through heart surgery, almost losing my leg, a rough few years as a kid, he has provided when there didn't seem to be any other way. Unexplainable things.... to us....are all fathomable when God is in the equation.
So,in that... do I know I am loved unconditionally by God? Yes. I can't do anything on my own to be worthy enough. Even if I never had a bad thought... I would still sin in some other way. But God paid it. I remember Pastor Tonye said something (well lots of things that have stuck with me for years) about God's love "He is head over heels crazy in love with us!" It is active all the time. He loves us to death-- literally. And yet we take it forgranted. He also said that when we stand before God we will be told "Job well done good and faithful servant"... and we will live in eternity of utter worship... how uncomprehensible! I mean can you imagine that?? I can't. It's exciting and scary all at the same time. The moment we have been waiting for will come, and yet the fear comes from wondering if I will be ready. Will I have done all that God wanted me to do. Will I truly have lived up to being called a "Servant". Will I have loved those God wanted me to love and show that? Am I a good witness with my life at work? Around my friends? I don't need to wear a t-shirt around all day that says "Jesus Freak", but live a life that stands out from the world. The best way to share Jesus.... is to love how he did. Love each person and live like he is coming back tomorrow... because essentially he COULD. He could come back in 10 minutes or in 2 weeks, or in 30 years.... we do not know the day or hour he will come... not even his angels know. While, I am saddened that a man is using God's name for his own agenda to try and start panic, and getting millions of dollars doing it... I wonder if sadly his heart truly believes it... that he is deceiving people, and attaching God's name to it. Instead of mocking this man and saying how crazy he is or horrible... these are the people we pray for. That they would come to know God truly, not a God of wrath but a God of love, a God who saves... a God who will give you a million and one chances while you are alive. A God who wants more than anything a relationship. When things like this come up... it is a reminder that God will come back! I don't know when...only God knows...and all I can do is live my life and I pray it is honoring to Him. That he knows my heart. I pray I am being obedient to Him in how I live my life, and serving Him just with how I live my life. I hope I have made an impact for Christ, for His glory.I pray I can better fathom God's love and fully understand God... but I know that comes with knowing Him more and more. I want to be the Christian that atheists don't go "Another one of those crackpots", but rather "What is different? Where does her peace come from?".
What can I do better to ensure a "Well done, good and faithful servant". Nothing will make me any more or less worthy-- just loving Him, following Him with my life... and being obedient. Realizing it is a relationship, between me and God. I pray for our country and world... it is not pretty anymore, and hasn't been for awhile. I pray for God's protection over us, his children, in these times. The economy is creating a lot of uncertainty for people out there, and illness is coming over people, and futures are uncertain for people... I pray for His peace and comfort. That even in the hard times our joy would be overflowing. We would focus on the eternal and not the "right here, right now." I pray for false teachers and leaders whom will lead those astray that they would be convicted by God and healed and make things right with God. That Christians would unite and share Jesus and his love and grace and mercy with the nations!
So yes, Jesus could come back tomorrow! Or today. Or in a week or a month or a year. Either way... I pray I will be ready, and I pray I would fully understand and take in all of the love, joy, peace, grace, and mercy that is God.It began with God...it will end with God. There should not be fear, but peace!
Walking away I recalled the beginning of an old DC Talk song... "the main cause of Atheism today, is Christians. They speak it with their mouth, and turn around and deny Him by their lifestyle!". How true. I can't say I have never been that way. I am a sinner. I also know this, and accept this, and realize nothing can save me from me. Jesus can, and He did. In my 26 years of life, I still can't fully comprehend the gravity of God's love. Love that truly is unconditional and sacrificial. I believe it though.I have seen God work in my life; I am alive against many trials and odds. I have gone through open-heart surgery, where the odds (medically speaking) were not in my favor. God does not do things explainable to medicine. Obviously, God has had a plan for my life. How many fender benders, semi-trucks, and guard rails have I encountered (one of each actually)... and I have survived. I have been blessed by God's provision. I have had God's hand on me through heart surgery, almost losing my leg, a rough few years as a kid, he has provided when there didn't seem to be any other way. Unexplainable things.... to us....are all fathomable when God is in the equation.
So,in that... do I know I am loved unconditionally by God? Yes. I can't do anything on my own to be worthy enough. Even if I never had a bad thought... I would still sin in some other way. But God paid it. I remember Pastor Tonye said something (well lots of things that have stuck with me for years) about God's love "He is head over heels crazy in love with us!" It is active all the time. He loves us to death-- literally. And yet we take it forgranted. He also said that when we stand before God we will be told "Job well done good and faithful servant"... and we will live in eternity of utter worship... how uncomprehensible! I mean can you imagine that?? I can't. It's exciting and scary all at the same time. The moment we have been waiting for will come, and yet the fear comes from wondering if I will be ready. Will I have done all that God wanted me to do. Will I truly have lived up to being called a "Servant". Will I have loved those God wanted me to love and show that? Am I a good witness with my life at work? Around my friends? I don't need to wear a t-shirt around all day that says "Jesus Freak", but live a life that stands out from the world. The best way to share Jesus.... is to love how he did. Love each person and live like he is coming back tomorrow... because essentially he COULD. He could come back in 10 minutes or in 2 weeks, or in 30 years.... we do not know the day or hour he will come... not even his angels know. While, I am saddened that a man is using God's name for his own agenda to try and start panic, and getting millions of dollars doing it... I wonder if sadly his heart truly believes it... that he is deceiving people, and attaching God's name to it. Instead of mocking this man and saying how crazy he is or horrible... these are the people we pray for. That they would come to know God truly, not a God of wrath but a God of love, a God who saves... a God who will give you a million and one chances while you are alive. A God who wants more than anything a relationship. When things like this come up... it is a reminder that God will come back! I don't know when...only God knows...and all I can do is live my life and I pray it is honoring to Him. That he knows my heart. I pray I am being obedient to Him in how I live my life, and serving Him just with how I live my life. I hope I have made an impact for Christ, for His glory.I pray I can better fathom God's love and fully understand God... but I know that comes with knowing Him more and more. I want to be the Christian that atheists don't go "Another one of those crackpots", but rather "What is different? Where does her peace come from?".
What can I do better to ensure a "Well done, good and faithful servant". Nothing will make me any more or less worthy-- just loving Him, following Him with my life... and being obedient. Realizing it is a relationship, between me and God. I pray for our country and world... it is not pretty anymore, and hasn't been for awhile. I pray for God's protection over us, his children, in these times. The economy is creating a lot of uncertainty for people out there, and illness is coming over people, and futures are uncertain for people... I pray for His peace and comfort. That even in the hard times our joy would be overflowing. We would focus on the eternal and not the "right here, right now." I pray for false teachers and leaders whom will lead those astray that they would be convicted by God and healed and make things right with God. That Christians would unite and share Jesus and his love and grace and mercy with the nations!
So yes, Jesus could come back tomorrow! Or today. Or in a week or a month or a year. Either way... I pray I will be ready, and I pray I would fully understand and take in all of the love, joy, peace, grace, and mercy that is God.It began with God...it will end with God. There should not be fear, but peace!
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Praying May is better than March and April
It has been a crazy couple of months-- which can only indicate another crazy summer is upon me. I haven't posted any updates in a while, so as I procrastinate getting out of bed to get ready for work... I find this to be a perfect time.
Everyone has been asking... how is the new car? Well.... high maintenance :) It's true. Ironically, last week as I was driving past Kimball VW on the freeway my check engine light turns on, it's like it knows. So, another trip in and some money out and everything seems to be functioning as it should (fingers crossed).
Then there is school... which started back up this week... two classes currently and so it will keep me busy. I am really exciting to be taking Human Resource Management, as it is my true interest within my M.B.A. program. I am also taking Organizational Behavior, which is already showing signs of many late nights of paper writing and reading. It is now my goal to graduate next May!
Work is going okay. It has been very stressful, and after two months pretty much... we have a store manager. I like her... she is direct, but really good I think. So, hopefully the stability at work will happen making it a little less stressful. It definitely has a pressure in general in needing to make quotas and exceed them. I truly want to do well so that I can move up in the company, especially after graduation.
Okay, now on to my thoughts and opinions of everything else going on in the world (cause you know I have thoughts about it).
So, Osama bin Laden is dead after almost 10 years of looking for the master mind who put into motion attacks that devastated our nation with the loss of lives. We did come together as a nation on 9/11. I still remember waking up at home and my mom was watching the news, and going to school and that was all that was on in every classroom. I remember praying for those people and I remember how much fear also came over our nation from traveling to thinking of our safety in populated places. Former President Bush then started a man hunt and sent our military overseas.... and it was not in vain! Obama finished a needed job, and as much as I don't like Obama for other policies he has put into play and his leadership... it would be foolish to not give him some credit for finishing this mission! This also brings closure to many in this nation, it also brings joy and appreciation for our men and women who have sacrificed, and fought for our freedoms. A few friends on Facebook posted that we should not be overjoyed in the death of this man.... because while he was our enemy... he was also a soul lost. This man died and got the shocker of his life-- being face to face with God, and it was not what he expected. We can find peace in there is closure for the families and loved ones who lost someone on 9/11 and for the families who lost a loved one during our War on Terror. While justice has been served, it is not over. This is a time to be watchful and in prayer!
Right before this news broke out... the news stopped reporting of Lindsay Lohan's newest court cases and jail stints and of Charlie Sheen's drunken comedy show tours and focused on the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. It was all over for a week prior and there were parties being held for people watching. It was a nice change, but when the news was over from it and the hoopla had died down... I realized how funny it is we are so focused on things that don't have real impact on our lives. While the wedding is one that rarely happens in our history, and is far better from hearing about tornadoes, devastation, a bad economy, crazy celebrities... it is so easy to become enthralled. However, Kate Middleton is an example to many woman of going from ordinary woman to a true princess. I think most girls cry at the thought, and they begin dreaming about it. I got the 8 minute summary on You Tube and I do agree it was gorgeous (and a long wedding).
And my own personal heartache. For 20 years I have been watching All My Children (I know it's a soap... but a show with no reruns, and only consumes 40 minutes of my day with no commercials),and in September it goes off the air after 41 years. Being replaced with yet, another reality and talk show. And really... that is what TV has become and it is quite sickening. Why would I want to watch that? I watch TV and movies to have that little escape. Like with LOST, you get emotionally involved, but know really those people don't exist. Then there are shows like Jersey Shore, Real Housewives of...., and then hen chatter like The View... and I can't believe there is a real demand for that. So, I will always have AMC on You Tube and hope ABC changes their mind about canceling AMC.
Anyways.... prayer requests: Time Management and also for preparing for the Mexico Trip next month!
That is all for now!
Everyone has been asking... how is the new car? Well.... high maintenance :) It's true. Ironically, last week as I was driving past Kimball VW on the freeway my check engine light turns on, it's like it knows. So, another trip in and some money out and everything seems to be functioning as it should (fingers crossed).
Then there is school... which started back up this week... two classes currently and so it will keep me busy. I am really exciting to be taking Human Resource Management, as it is my true interest within my M.B.A. program. I am also taking Organizational Behavior, which is already showing signs of many late nights of paper writing and reading. It is now my goal to graduate next May!
Work is going okay. It has been very stressful, and after two months pretty much... we have a store manager. I like her... she is direct, but really good I think. So, hopefully the stability at work will happen making it a little less stressful. It definitely has a pressure in general in needing to make quotas and exceed them. I truly want to do well so that I can move up in the company, especially after graduation.
Okay, now on to my thoughts and opinions of everything else going on in the world (cause you know I have thoughts about it).
So, Osama bin Laden is dead after almost 10 years of looking for the master mind who put into motion attacks that devastated our nation with the loss of lives. We did come together as a nation on 9/11. I still remember waking up at home and my mom was watching the news, and going to school and that was all that was on in every classroom. I remember praying for those people and I remember how much fear also came over our nation from traveling to thinking of our safety in populated places. Former President Bush then started a man hunt and sent our military overseas.... and it was not in vain! Obama finished a needed job, and as much as I don't like Obama for other policies he has put into play and his leadership... it would be foolish to not give him some credit for finishing this mission! This also brings closure to many in this nation, it also brings joy and appreciation for our men and women who have sacrificed, and fought for our freedoms. A few friends on Facebook posted that we should not be overjoyed in the death of this man.... because while he was our enemy... he was also a soul lost. This man died and got the shocker of his life-- being face to face with God, and it was not what he expected. We can find peace in there is closure for the families and loved ones who lost someone on 9/11 and for the families who lost a loved one during our War on Terror. While justice has been served, it is not over. This is a time to be watchful and in prayer!
Right before this news broke out... the news stopped reporting of Lindsay Lohan's newest court cases and jail stints and of Charlie Sheen's drunken comedy show tours and focused on the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. It was all over for a week prior and there were parties being held for people watching. It was a nice change, but when the news was over from it and the hoopla had died down... I realized how funny it is we are so focused on things that don't have real impact on our lives. While the wedding is one that rarely happens in our history, and is far better from hearing about tornadoes, devastation, a bad economy, crazy celebrities... it is so easy to become enthralled. However, Kate Middleton is an example to many woman of going from ordinary woman to a true princess. I think most girls cry at the thought, and they begin dreaming about it. I got the 8 minute summary on You Tube and I do agree it was gorgeous (and a long wedding).
And my own personal heartache. For 20 years I have been watching All My Children (I know it's a soap... but a show with no reruns, and only consumes 40 minutes of my day with no commercials),and in September it goes off the air after 41 years. Being replaced with yet, another reality and talk show. And really... that is what TV has become and it is quite sickening. Why would I want to watch that? I watch TV and movies to have that little escape. Like with LOST, you get emotionally involved, but know really those people don't exist. Then there are shows like Jersey Shore, Real Housewives of...., and then hen chatter like The View... and I can't believe there is a real demand for that. So, I will always have AMC on You Tube and hope ABC changes their mind about canceling AMC.
Anyways.... prayer requests: Time Management and also for preparing for the Mexico Trip next month!
That is all for now!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
And he shall be called "Benji"
Back in February marked the final event that would end my 7 year ownership of truly my FIRST real car (I don't count the actual first one because I never drove it).
In my 2nd year of college I had gotten my real first car, which would end up being named "Champ". A car I bought that went to hell and back (and I put it there a lot of the time). The car survived some beatings, and yet was low maintenance and still going. February was the final event and maybe the right timing to finally get something else. After having the car hit by an intoxicated driver in the snow (I was visiting my family for the weekend), the damages to the vehicle far outweighed the value.
After searching for almost a month.... I found and but "Champ's" successor: BENJI! Now, Champ earned his name after a couple years but Benji earned it the first week. The new ownership started out rocky with a check engine light (and the diagnoses not covered under the lame excuse for a "warranty"). So, it took a lot of "Benj" amins to fix it (11 of them to be exact) after paying cash for it.... so he is earning it. I love it though! It is a 2004 VW Jetta GLS 1.8... TURBO! I know, I of all people probably don't need a turbo... but I love it. It is fixed and running well, so now I slowly go into the customizing stage of making it MINE. Getting my after market deck installed, and new tires in the coming month, and cleaning up some things on it... it is still gorgeous... and well overdue... Here is a pic below that many see on my facebook page currently as it is my facebook profile picture.
So for all of you who said "Caitlyn, get a new car already....!", I did it :)
In my 2nd year of college I had gotten my real first car, which would end up being named "Champ". A car I bought that went to hell and back (and I put it there a lot of the time). The car survived some beatings, and yet was low maintenance and still going. February was the final event and maybe the right timing to finally get something else. After having the car hit by an intoxicated driver in the snow (I was visiting my family for the weekend), the damages to the vehicle far outweighed the value.
After searching for almost a month.... I found and but "Champ's" successor: BENJI! Now, Champ earned his name after a couple years but Benji earned it the first week. The new ownership started out rocky with a check engine light (and the diagnoses not covered under the lame excuse for a "warranty"). So, it took a lot of "Benj" amins to fix it (11 of them to be exact) after paying cash for it.... so he is earning it. I love it though! It is a 2004 VW Jetta GLS 1.8... TURBO! I know, I of all people probably don't need a turbo... but I love it. It is fixed and running well, so now I slowly go into the customizing stage of making it MINE. Getting my after market deck installed, and new tires in the coming month, and cleaning up some things on it... it is still gorgeous... and well overdue... Here is a pic below that many see on my facebook page currently as it is my facebook profile picture.
So for all of you who said "Caitlyn, get a new car already....!", I did it :)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Long Winded.... because of long break
I have been lacking in time to post updates and blurbs and whatnot, and now as I wait to take a shower (as my roommate gets ready for bed).... I have some time.
Well... three months ago and then some days I believe... I started my job at Verizon. I am still loving it. I have to work harder than I ever have, staying on my toes, and my patience is tested on an hourly basis. I do love what I do though, and I am really glad to be out of food/beverage service, and low paying jobs :) I made it through iPhone madness, iPad2 Madness, Xoom awesomeness, and pretty soon the Thunderbolt. It never stops at Verizon, and I love it. Working 50+ hours a week, and not a standard 9-5 job can be tiresome.
February brought trials and more opportunities to be tired. As many of you know I am currently in Grad School and currently finishing up my first trimester with HIU, and I love it. I am loving the education, learning a whole lot, and having Christ and the Word as foundations for my classes and how my professors run the class is so different than from my days at Poly. I loved Poly days, but am glad God cleared the way to get my MBA at Hope :) I am learning a lot about the field of Business, and Human Resources... and know there is so much more to learn.
An event in February brought a chapter of my life to a close.... my life with my first car. Visiting my parents on a weekend that saw 8 inches of snow, also saw a driver under the influence hit my car. Luckily it was parked in front of my mom's house and no one was in it.... the end result though after one month of dealing with this guys' insurance, and issues with titles and DMV... this week my car is being totalled as a total loss, and my car becomes Non-Op... meaning... new (to me) car. So this weekend, I will be down in LA searching for the next "Champ" in my life. Yet hoping this one won't get put through the ringer to garner a name like that ;-) So7 years of having a car is a long time, I just was not ready to make the car change until I came back from Mexico in July. Oh well. Something new.
February just got better... just days after the accident and two weeks prior of being paranoid (as it was some epidemic for people I knew...) I of all people got lice. Yah. Can we say unpleasant?!?! When you have enough hair to donate to create 5 wigs.... that is a lot of hair to treat and check.... weeks prior I had been itching thinking I had it.... nothing.... been checked... I was clean... then within in days I was anything but clean. The moment I knew.... I was at Walmart with the family size pack (cause I was gonna make sure these suckers were long burned to death on my scalp).... and in hand purchased it and went home to start the treatments. Just recalling the events makes my head itch right now. Well two treatments and a clean bill of health... and replacing pillows, blankets, sheets, brushes, hair ties, combs, boiling hot water temps to clean my clothes, spraying down my house, car.... it was a nightmare.
So that was February in a nutshell. A month I would like to not have again.
So here we are March and in March I found out... I am allergic to the world. Now some people laugh... and others know I am serious. I went to the my allergist/immunologists to begin testing for allergies as we find out what it is that I am allergic to that is causing me to break out in hives and swell under my skin and lips and having it last for two weeks.... it is never consistent which makes it tougher to find. Anyway, didn't find out the source so now we are testing for Auto Immune Diseases. Lovely. Anyway, I am pretty much sensitive to everything but cockroaches (Phew... I was so worried I would be... ha). Anyway, apparently not allergic to peanuts (yeah, I know, right?!?!), but apparently super allergic to turkey and milk (yet have never gotten sick). So, now it is finding out how I am allergic to them. Also sensitive though to peanuts, soy, corn, and possible borderline allergy to wheat. I am heavily allergic to grass, 5 kinda of trees, 7 different molds, 6 kinds of weeds, cats, dogs, and my house (dust mites and household dust). So pretty much if you invent a bubble... can I live in it?! So, it is interesting. It may explain some things for my immune system being low cause it is fighting this stuff all the time, and also 4 trees in the area I am allergic to... some being Maple and Olive... oh and Oak. (yes, I am a freak of nature... I am learning to live with it).
In it all though... I am not depressed, angry..... I am too tired and busy. The youth kids are great. The group is growing and we have just started the Crazy Love series to co-incide with Francis Chan's book. I definitely recommend it. It has been going well though. Along with things going well.. God is doing great things with alot of my friendships. They have definitely changed alot and really have become more... real. No walls, and none of this "fake" stuff. I don't do fake well, and I can't fake it back... but alot of the things I was going through before... I think people have been very graceful in things and I see it as a blessing. Some people and I have mended things and others.... well I know on my end... God has been honored in my words and actions. But I can always use prayer in this area.
So, that is it.... for now.... prayers for car shopping this weekend and continued clarity for doctors in regards to my health!!!
Well... three months ago and then some days I believe... I started my job at Verizon. I am still loving it. I have to work harder than I ever have, staying on my toes, and my patience is tested on an hourly basis. I do love what I do though, and I am really glad to be out of food/beverage service, and low paying jobs :) I made it through iPhone madness, iPad2 Madness, Xoom awesomeness, and pretty soon the Thunderbolt. It never stops at Verizon, and I love it. Working 50+ hours a week, and not a standard 9-5 job can be tiresome.
February brought trials and more opportunities to be tired. As many of you know I am currently in Grad School and currently finishing up my first trimester with HIU, and I love it. I am loving the education, learning a whole lot, and having Christ and the Word as foundations for my classes and how my professors run the class is so different than from my days at Poly. I loved Poly days, but am glad God cleared the way to get my MBA at Hope :) I am learning a lot about the field of Business, and Human Resources... and know there is so much more to learn.
An event in February brought a chapter of my life to a close.... my life with my first car. Visiting my parents on a weekend that saw 8 inches of snow, also saw a driver under the influence hit my car. Luckily it was parked in front of my mom's house and no one was in it.... the end result though after one month of dealing with this guys' insurance, and issues with titles and DMV... this week my car is being totalled as a total loss, and my car becomes Non-Op... meaning... new (to me) car. So this weekend, I will be down in LA searching for the next "Champ" in my life. Yet hoping this one won't get put through the ringer to garner a name like that ;-) So7 years of having a car is a long time, I just was not ready to make the car change until I came back from Mexico in July. Oh well. Something new.
February just got better... just days after the accident and two weeks prior of being paranoid (as it was some epidemic for people I knew...) I of all people got lice. Yah. Can we say unpleasant?!?! When you have enough hair to donate to create 5 wigs.... that is a lot of hair to treat and check.... weeks prior I had been itching thinking I had it.... nothing.... been checked... I was clean... then within in days I was anything but clean. The moment I knew.... I was at Walmart with the family size pack (cause I was gonna make sure these suckers were long burned to death on my scalp).... and in hand purchased it and went home to start the treatments. Just recalling the events makes my head itch right now. Well two treatments and a clean bill of health... and replacing pillows, blankets, sheets, brushes, hair ties, combs, boiling hot water temps to clean my clothes, spraying down my house, car.... it was a nightmare.
So that was February in a nutshell. A month I would like to not have again.
So here we are March and in March I found out... I am allergic to the world. Now some people laugh... and others know I am serious. I went to the my allergist/immunologists to begin testing for allergies as we find out what it is that I am allergic to that is causing me to break out in hives and swell under my skin and lips and having it last for two weeks.... it is never consistent which makes it tougher to find. Anyway, didn't find out the source so now we are testing for Auto Immune Diseases. Lovely. Anyway, I am pretty much sensitive to everything but cockroaches (Phew... I was so worried I would be... ha). Anyway, apparently not allergic to peanuts (yeah, I know, right?!?!), but apparently super allergic to turkey and milk (yet have never gotten sick). So, now it is finding out how I am allergic to them. Also sensitive though to peanuts, soy, corn, and possible borderline allergy to wheat. I am heavily allergic to grass, 5 kinda of trees, 7 different molds, 6 kinds of weeds, cats, dogs, and my house (dust mites and household dust). So pretty much if you invent a bubble... can I live in it?! So, it is interesting. It may explain some things for my immune system being low cause it is fighting this stuff all the time, and also 4 trees in the area I am allergic to... some being Maple and Olive... oh and Oak. (yes, I am a freak of nature... I am learning to live with it).
In it all though... I am not depressed, angry..... I am too tired and busy. The youth kids are great. The group is growing and we have just started the Crazy Love series to co-incide with Francis Chan's book. I definitely recommend it. It has been going well though. Along with things going well.. God is doing great things with alot of my friendships. They have definitely changed alot and really have become more... real. No walls, and none of this "fake" stuff. I don't do fake well, and I can't fake it back... but alot of the things I was going through before... I think people have been very graceful in things and I see it as a blessing. Some people and I have mended things and others.... well I know on my end... God has been honored in my words and actions. But I can always use prayer in this area.
So, that is it.... for now.... prayers for car shopping this weekend and continued clarity for doctors in regards to my health!!!
Monday, January 24, 2011
A New Year Means.... Take on a Cause...
Every year we make New Years Resolutions to help people more, to eat better, to give something up.... and I have three great ones for you to pray about and think about in seeing if you would be interested in being part of their mission, purpose, and just giving your support. Some of you will know one of the people and their ministries or organizations-- so spread the word too on your Facebook, MySpace, Tweet it!
Campus Crusade for Christ: Inner-City
David and Jennifer Urquhart
I have been friends with David since my early days at Cal Poly. We began as neighbors in the same apartment complex, and quickly became friends. We also began going to the same church, and he really became a great friend. The next year while I was living in the Wesley House, he then became my roommate for two quarters before graduating. David was like an older brother to me (and still is). Since graduating from Poly, David went on to work in his field in Mechanical Engineering down in Orange County for Mitsubishi. Also, he married this awesome girl-- Jen! Their story is pretty awesome, so I am sure they would love to share it for those who ask :) Well, anyway... David's parents were on staff with Campus Crusade while David was growing up and David was part of this another ministry groups on the Cal Poly campus. It has been laid on David and Jen's heart to join the Campus Crusade staff for Inner-City-- in LA! Taking this on meant a lot of sacrifice. They moved from their place in Orange County and to Bakersfield with David's family to begin raising support for their first year of ministry and getting started down in LA, and just recently are migrating their efforts to Modesto, with Jen's family for the next few months.
Right now both David and Jen could really use prayer. Prayer for encouragement and just leading as God is leading them to serve Him in this capacity. Prayer that they will be used and effective in those they come into contact with and minister as individuals and as a couple. Prayer that in this time of God providing for them that they would not grow discouraged, but be encouraged. Prayers that they would round about faithful supporters of their ministry both in prayer and finances. And pray if your heart is leading to support them in their ministry financially. They are passionate about what God is doing in Inner City LA, and what God has in store in using them for it as well.
Check out the link to their blog: http://www.DavidandJen.wordpress.com
Unreasonable Institute
Erin Gibbons
Erin and I were roommates during my time living in the Wesley House. We were only roommates for one year, but we became friends and also found out we are October Birthday Buddies.... 2 days a part (well and a couple years, but that part is not important). Erin went on to work in Structural Engineering in San Francisco, and then went to Georgia to complete Graduate School work and is now back in California. She is now working with a small company and below is the tidbit she sent me in my email about what she is doing. It is something small, but has a big impact. A link is also at the bottom of her explanation.
My new little company is trying to produce a small water treatment device for disaster victims and we've been chosen as a finalist in an entrepreneur incubator program. We need to get the word out to as many people as possible to raise the money for us to attend because each person can only contribute $10.
http://marketplace.unreasonableinstitute.org/ventures/view/35/DayOne-Response-Inc
http://marketplace.unreasonableinstitute.org/ventures/view/35/DayOne-Response-Inc
Oak Park Christian Church
Connection Youth Ministries and Fellowship
Each year my church fellowship plans a trip to Mexico for 10 days in the summer. Each summer we take our High School students and any of the adults in the fellowship and head down to Mexico to do some construction building for the people and also put on Vacation Bible School's and Vision Clinics. This year is no different, and we are heading down there! I am also going to be going on this trip, and I am very excited to be going and serving along side of the students I am with all year long (as I am also part of the youth leaders), and also serving with those in the fellowship. The trip is not as costly as others and about $300.00 a person. So, we do fundraisers for this months in advance, and also ask for prayer as well as this is something that takes a lot of prayer, strength, and sacrifice. Prayers for our teens are much needed and appreciated, and others going as well (like the youth staff ;-)) Also, support for upcoming fundraisers would be wonderful. If you are interested in what those are, please do not hesitate to contact me or if you want to be in contact with the church I can get that to you as well.
(Also, we have another fundraiser going on right now... if you want to "flock" someone, and you live here in the Five Cities Area, please message me!!)
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