Tuesday, November 25, 2008

*Fortune Cookie Favor!*



So technically, I shouldn't be looking at these sort of things YET. But, I'm human and a girl. So I am. Look what I found, they're fortune cookies that you can put your own personal message in! You can have them normal, dipped in chocolate, clear wrapping, personal message, colors, etc. Totally cool right?? I love it. This is a possible favor idea!!! <3>

Monday, November 24, 2008

Though the enemy attacks..

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23

Thank God for all He does! And no I'm not just posting this because it's Thanksgiving time.. I mean it. This past week a situation went from bad to worse! But with His blessing, my family is still together and going strong. Even though the enemy tries throwing tons of things at us (and me) like: financial argument with the man, brother sent to Jack's, Aunt has lung cancer, temptation..etc. Even though temptation is my biggest problem. I fear him no longer. The enemy has no place in my life.

Though sometimes he tries (REALLY HARD) to get a foot hold in our lives, we know that we have power over him. When he makes obvious attacks on me, I know it is him and not the Lord so I can instantly rebuke him. For the other, not so obvious, times I will probably mess up but I have a God who is loving and forgiving! This verse is just a reminder that God has everything and we shouldn't want from him.
He will in fact, lead me to places where I can be sustained and find rest. He will bring healing to my heart, He will lead me from there on paths that are right and good. Even in the darkest of paths, when the most prominent of evil exists in my life, my fears are calmed because I know he is there with me. Praise Jesus! He is an awesome God and I will thank him everyday of my life!
So this is just a simple reminder for anyone who is going through troubles, big or small, He is with you!
On a brighter note: I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving with the fam bam and going to Monterey.. I'm also looking forward to December because of Christmas and maybe, hopefully a surprise :):) And check out the Birthday countdown, HOLLAR! :)


Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The saga continues..

I can't get into detail now, because I'm at my grandma's.. But PRAY for my family. We need it. I hope this all gets better, like when we take Juan to Jack's tomorrow, before we pass the point of no return.. well some of us at least!

On a brighter note, my man got a blog.. check it: semans.blogspot.com

Night. <3

Monday, November 17, 2008

Where is My Life going?

For the most part, this blog has been carefree and lively. It has just entailed the daily happenings of my life.. my other blog has been the more personal one, for the most part.. Well get ready to get personal..

The thought in my head at the moment: Am I where I am supposed to be in life? Is this really my purpose and my call? What if some of my mistakes in life have took me on a different path?

These first two bible verses are verses that every Christian knows and I've memorized them from Sunday School a long time ago. The second verse has been an argument against abortion for as long as I can remember. But at this point in my life they both play key roles. Jer 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations."This verse is so comforting knowing that God set out distinct plans for me.. all of us.. but me! He thought about how he wants myself to make an impact in this world.. At the same time, it's disheartens me a tad. I mean, let's face it, we've all made mistake.. some huge, some minor. One of my thoughts was what if my mistakes took my on a different path in life? A different plan than the original one God has in store for me? But then He told me, not to fear, our God knows everything, even before it happens (which is hard to understand sometimes, but true). He is ominicent. Psalm 147:4-5: ''He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.'' So I now know that some of these thoughts were just my mistrust in myself and honestly, maybe even a tad mistrust in God. I am the type of person who double checks things.. I wanted to make sure that everything on my plate is actually supposed to be there. And it is.

Honestly, the youth group that I am a leader of... is a large part of the reason why all of this came to my mind. The youth and some people from the past who tried to ruin what I had with them. But the bottom line is.. I messed up, but that was 2 years ago. I'm forgiven. I haven't done anything like that Since!. Bottom line. (But this is all a little background, I guess?!)

I have always been a Christian, since I was little. I've always known that I was going to be a Youth Leader (of course back then, I thought I would be a youth pastor after going to a Christian college). I've always loved God. But sometimes I didn't put him first in my life. I put a best friend that I had before him and sometimes before my family (sorry, bout the nose piercing dad. lol). This has nothing to do with her and all to do with me. I let other influences get the best of me.. and until lately, I thought that was going to haunt me forever. But our God is a loving and forgiving God. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God". But my problem was.. I wasn't forgiving myself!
Mark 11:25 "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." I was still holding what felt like this burden of guilt, despite me asking the Lord to forgive me several times.. until I finally realized, DAH SAM! LET GO! And I gave it to him.. and he took it from me.. Our sins are as far east as they are west.. as long as we don't try and get them back. Ya know?

Now this is the hard part. 1 Pet 2:11 (NRS) Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. The devil knows my weaknesses.. He's not a stupid enemy.. He knows how he can try and get into our minds, families, friends, relationships, and he can try to tempt us. But the one thing I keep in mind is that the devil does all of that because he has already lost. "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death" (Revelation 1:18). So yes, I did mess up.. the devil knows that and once we realize that he has NO power over us.. we should take Glory in that.

John 16:33 — "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." We will all have troubles. But I have decided to us my troubles and my past to better the future. I live a great life now. I am trying to live a sanctified life now, because I don't want to be satisfied with just being a Christian. I want it to be more of who I AM. People will come against you, even those who call themselves Christians. People will hurt your and deceive you and try to bring you down. But have FAITH. The Lord has been through all of this. He knows our pain, suffering, and what we're going through. He should be the only friend or best friend we need.. of course others are f

So this is at the point to where I am in my life. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" I trust the Lord with all I am. I trust that he knows my future, he knows my past (and still forgives me), He knows the choices and battles I face on a day to day bases. But if I wake up with the attitude of "Good morning God, What're you doing today? Can I be in it?" Honestly, it changes my whole day and mindset. Nothing can try and ruin it. I know that this youth group and this church is where I am supposed to be. I know that I live a life that they can look up to, and I can be an example. I know that my family will be behind me no matter what. I know who my true friends are. I know that I have a man in my life who I love and couldn't imagine being with out him. I know my dad is always there to come to for advice, or just to listen. I know these things now because of what I have been through. I know that simply saying the name of Jesus in a stressful situation or a big mess... allows everything to go away. It allows Him to be in control, once more. I love the place where I am in my life right now. I will continue to move forward and to Let God take over.

These are kinda just for me, but they're the things I need to continue or start to do:
1) Continue to be in prayer. Keep that open line of communication with God
2) Give Thanks. I have a great life and am always thankful of it
3) Get into his word. I love to read, but have fallen away from it for awhile. I need to get back to it. I want to know everything about God.
4) Be prepared. (For everything and anything) For youth, for the temptations to continue flying my way.. cause the devil knows i'm on a rampage :).. for life.
5) Find ways for the youth ministries to grow. Get these kids started on a sturdy foundation of what there faith really means to them.
6) Get ways to outreach to them community, family, and friends. I don't want them to be left behind!

This is my hard part that I need to do. We all should do. Matthew 5:44-45 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. I told you it was hard! lol


So my parting words are this: Jesus Loves You. All of You. Despite your past, he loves you and wants a close and intimate relationship with all of his children. He is there waiting for you with open arms.. let him in. find him. I hope this looong post helps some of you like it helped me. Have Faith in all you do. And if for some reason, you don't know who this Jesus person I'm talking about it? Or you don't have a personal relationship with him? Email me: samiam4evao6@gmail.com I'd be glad to share with you. Have a good day!!!!




In a song by Unhindered (on my playlist) "Holy Is Your Name", it states these lyrics:
You are my creator
I'm gonna sing to you forever
And let the world proclaim
Holy is Your name
You are my creator
I'm gonna sing to you forever
And let the world proclaim
Holy is Your name

You're in my mind, You're in my heart
You're always near, You're never far
You bring me joy, You give me peace
You love the world and even me

Will you be left behind?


This video is intense.. but true. The time is coming. Will you be ready? Do you know who Jesus Christ is? Will any of us be ready? I know everyone says The End is always coming.. every generation it is announced.. but I really believe it is coming soon. His people need to get ready! We don't want to be left behind!!!!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Life with the Girls..


Tonight my cousin, Tracy, is hosting a Girls Night In!! And let me just tell you.. I'm EXCITED! It's going to be all of my cousins: Ashley, Katie, Me, Heather, Tracy, Tiffany, Amber, and my aunts: Kelly, Nana, My mom, and my grandma!!! Hollar. That's most of the crazy women in my family, all together under one roof for fun, games, food, and laughter! We are a hilarious bunch of women. We're going to get make overs and facials too.. thanks to Tiff. So I am going to get off here and go help cook and set up for the night's events! I just thought I'd fill you in.. pictures will be up soon :)

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Holidays are vast approaching!



The holiday season is fast approaching.. I can tell you, I'm nothing but excited!!! I love my family. I love it when we're all together, even with the occasional drama, and I love the fun/games/good times we have when we're together! But as with any other Holiday season.. this one will be a tricky one!! I now have to try and add all of Matt's family into the Holiday Festivities, whom I love :) Not to mention, I LOVE cooking. I love making new things, inventing new things, or just sticking with the Holiday favorites. And it totally helps that I'm a good cook!

So far the schedule is as reads...
Thursday: My family will have Thanksgiving at my house at 2pm, unless mom changes it again. (I tried to get it to start at noon and mom thought it was a bad idea, because it's early. Not to mention, my family has a tendency to be late :) Then around 4, we will have to head down to Monterey to go visit Matt's brother and sister, Tip & Deb. (So when we get married, they're going to be my brother in law and sister in law... and I'll have nieces!!!! Just a tid bit of exciting news) I love going to there house, it's a cute house, fun time.. but not so much relaxing! lol.
Friday: Matt's parents are divorced and his mom lives in Alaska. His dad and dad's girlfriend, Gary and Terry, don't care when we all get together for dinner. So we'll probably do Friday at their house. I'll bring along my delicious pies like last year.. and we'll have a good, family dinner. It will probably be the five of us: Robert (his brother), Terry, Gary, Me, & Matt. Which is a lot quieter than Thanksgiving around my house.. you know the 50 people in my immediate family!! lol
December: His mom comes down in early December. I'm excited because I like his mom and her husband, Cherie and Thom! They come down from Alaska a few times a year and we always visit them when they do. We'll probably do dinner when they come down and before they leave. I guess it will be our Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner with them?!
Oh, and from what I know.. December is supposed to be a "special" month :) It already is my favorite time of year, but this year maybe a little more special! :)

When it gets closer to Thanksgiving, I will post my "Thankful Blog". Who knows? You may even be in it!!!

Happy Holidays, thus far! God bless!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Harvest Party!!!!!!!!

So at the bottom of this post, I included a slideshow (I hope it works cause I'm kinda slow at this thing) of my pictures from the church Harvest Party. I can proudly say it was a big success. It did sprinkle a little, but we prayed for the Lord to hold the rain until we were done. He did just like we asked. There's was a good amount of people coming through in different spurts. There were plenty of volunteers. The costume contest went good, I think like only one person tried to be scary in it. The Fear Factor went great too! It wasn't as gross this year and Brandon even added an obstacle, so that was fun for the kids. Madison, my cousin, ended up winning! You go Girl! So all the stress and planning, Debbie and I put in, totally paid off. All of the volunteers, hard work, creativity from both church totally paid off too. I'm excited that Antioch church was involved this year because next year will be even bigger and badder. Brentwood church has already offered to help, as well. So I'm very excited to plan that next year as well!!!!

That day and night was totally fun too. I was babysitting Jay's three girls.. who I totally love. They call me their aunt.. lol. So we had a mini sleepover at their house after the Harvest Party. Let's just say Matt got an ear full of girly talk that night!! lol. We did get a scary interruption though.. Some guy in a scary face mask knocked on the door.. So I answered it and I was scared but the dude was like "Can I have Candy?". I was like "No, Sorry we don't have any". The dude was persistent and kept asking until I had to ask him nicely to leave and shut the door. Then the guy started turning the handle trying to get in.. I was like "Babe, YOU take care of it!" lol. Meanwhile, Maddy started crying and Amanda and Sarah were totally freaked out! So Matt asked them to leave and opened the door one last time only to see Audrey's face in the door. I was SOO relieved but kinda irritated at the same time. Needless to say the girls were totally relieved! lol She just stopped by to scare us and say hellooo!!!!!

Slideshow

Oh, and then the following day was the Cal Vs. Oregon game. Oh my goodness it was cold!! For those who don't know, Matt's dad bought us Season Passes to the Cal Football Game.. it was a father/son tradition that he graciously invited me in on :) and I LOVE it. I love sports, but actually being there in all of the live action is SO exciting!! But anyway, that game we knew it would be cold.. but not raining!!!!! Matt's dad came a little more prepared than us because he had a water proof jacket on. Matt had layers of clothes on and a waterproof jacket on as well.. Meanwhile, I had a long sleeve sweatshirt on and a cotton (you know the water absorbant stuff) sweatshirt on. LOL. I was soaked. Before halftime, I had to go by a poncho because I was freezing and my sweatshirt must have weighed like 20 lbs. But it was an exciting game! We won and I had a LOT of fun..especially since I love the rain!!!!!!!!!!
Overall.. a good weekend! <3

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

So I made this collage thing.. kinda cool huh?! I like it. I'll make more soon!
Posted by Picasa

The morning after..

Okay so I'm still a little bummed!!! Glover got re-elected!?! How, I dunno. Prop 4 failed. McCain failed.

BUT Prop 8 PASSED!! THANK YOU JESUS.

:)

So I have to study for a test and relax just a tad because I've been up since 5am EVERY morning!! So I believe it's nap time :)

<3

More to come..

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Oh My..

So I can't necessarily say I am totally shocked.. as I'm watching the news right now. But I honestly was hoping this would turn out completely different. Obama is our first Black President... That's a history changing moment!!! I can honestly say that I would've preferred a woman (Sarah Palin) to be the first in the White House and McCain have one. Obama is underqualified, scary, his middle name is Hussein for goodness sake (lol personal opinion), for abortion, for gay marriage, for stem cell research...etc. Goodness, I cannot believe it! lol. I'll get over it.. sooner than later.. hopefully, or I'm MOVING! lol I am honored to say that I was alive when our first black president was elected.. but I wish it was one with better morals.

And as of right now Prop 8 and 4 are passing, Agopian is ahead of Glover, so maybe it won't turn out to be such a bad night :) (teasing, of course). But with that said, only 9% of the votes have been counted.

P.S. So I'm not a poor sport and I am a respectful person... so give me a day to get used to the fact that he's President.. and then.. I will get on my knees and pray for our leaders nightly. I will respect the position that he will uphold.. and I will pray even harder because HE is in it. I will pray that come January 20th.. things won't change as drastically as they could possibly chage. I will pray that I can make more money before he proposes all these taxes and harms to small businesses!! (lol) and right now I'm praying for Agopian, Yes on 8 & 4!!!!!!!!

And if Erik was in his grave, I'd know he'd be turning in it! lol

Ok more later on: the election, Harvest Party, and Life :)

<3
god bless america Pictures, Images and Photos