a Mary moment...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost..... Amen

couldn't help but have this song sung in my head....I would sing it out loud but its 11 p.m. and I have 5 other people living in the house that wouldn't appreciate it me using it as an alarm clock when they have just gone to bed.

why this song you ask? Well...my heart just felt like praising my Daddy in heaven for unexpectedly blessing me...for no reason that I can think of but just to have Him communicate His love for me. How he does hear the silent prayers or questions of my heart...and how He creatively and lavishly expresses it...such gratefulness springing out of me that I couldn't help but cry...(but good tears) just a side note...if you don't already know...tears are a part of my life... back to the topic....yeah...i couldn't help but cry...humbled at how He extravagantly loves!!!

I woke up...had an awesome time eating up the book of John chapters 14 and 15...(i suggest you check it out...good stuffs) got out of bed, got ready for the day, made breakfast...a turkey omelette and a peace of homemade switzerland recipe sunday bread...and all of a sudden...Brandie (Southern Californian and proud of it), friend, sister, roommate, co-laborer to go into the nations..sat right next to me and spoke the most meaningful words a friend could say and it was as if it was from the very mouth of Jesus to a newly released school leader...."I was praying this morning and felt led to let you know that I have committed myself to pray for you..." Over the past two years of being a part of Holoholo Ministries...God has taught me the importance of praying for the leaders GOd has placed over you. As a part of the body, I am called to pray for my leaders and to hear these words...yeah....I couldn't help but cry...humbled at how He extravagantly loves!!! It was one of those Mary moments where she treasured the goodness of God in her heart.

3D - Do Da Dishes

On September 2,3 and 4, 2004, Westside Eagle's Pop Warner football teams and cheerleaders had a fundraiser at one of Kona, Hawaii's big events, The Lilioukalani Canoe Race. The only food booth set up at the pier on Ali'i drive for that weekend. People were there from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. and at times people stayed back to do security making sure the equipment were safe.

It was my first year helping out: from set-up, food preparation, cooking huge loads of rice, taking orders, serving food, watching some of the parent's children, driving to and from the plaza for pick-up and drop off of things needed...it was a busy but a great weekend.

As a staff of Youth With A Mission's Holoholo Ministries, I had prayed for opportunities to meet people from the community and the church I had been attending called Solid Rock Ministries. It turned out to be God's answer to prayers. I met choken (a lot of) people. I came as a stranger and additional man power but left as a part of the ohana. I left more blessed than when I came. Also grateful with the new connections I had made that I know didn't end after the fundraiser or that weekend. It was hardwork but well worth the circle of kisses on cheeks, hugs, smiles, and future greetings to come. I didn't need to talk much...all it took was a smile and a good attitude washing the dishes...and an openness to doing what needed to be done.

Who would have thought that doing the dishes would open doors into the hearts of people in the community? No longer just a face...now we know each other's names.