Same 'Ole, Same 'Ole

My Alpha group is surviving. There is a couple Tim and Sara, that always are able to spark lively conversation. I was able to share my transition from NY to NJ, just relying on the Lord.

The song that I have sang all day is Your Great Name by Natalie Grant.

I am working on the last wedding that I am involved with, Praise God. I don't think I can take any more.

I have the photo station and seating chart. My creative juices aren't flowing like they use to. I am now going to try and the bride says I am using her wedding as a test run. Yeah, that would be true if I was with someone.

I was suppose to do the 31 days of singleness. I didn't do more than one day, PITIFUL!



I can't wait til Saturday, Alpha Day Away at some retreat. Then I am going to a festival on Sunday. Can't wait. I love my friends.

I will try and post some pic soon,

Shakira

A Wedding in D.C.

I attend another wedding this weekend. It was one of the best this year!

I had a blast. I spent time with family.



Wedding Signage









He places the ring on her finger.....

Mor pics to come.



Christian Singles' Groups



I am part of a singles group and were are currently going through some issues. It's a co-ed group of singles, unmarried or single again. And of course, some people are interested in each other, and at times the feeling isn't mutual. So we try to mitigate the circumstances so either party isn't hurt. But sometimes it is not possible, but then there are times they are. But women can get catty and publicize the situation to the entire group. I detest that! I hate when people aren't discreet, or not considerate of other peoples feelings.

This happened to a dear friend of mine. I feel badly for him. I have even cried, IN PUBLIC, for him because of his situation. But I feel some of the ladies are a little to harsh. One woman was going to tell him to his face that he was socially awkward and use examples of an incident that didn't occur to her, to let him understand how he feels. I was apalled.

I know I have to speak up and put an end to this, somebody has to.

31 Days of Blogging Series

I have decided to do the 31 days blogging series. It didn't take long to choose the topic I would be blogging about for 31 days. This has been something I have been struggling with for some time. It has changed as I have matured and changed. My topic is Being Single and Loving Jesus.

I have struggled for sometime about being single. I prayed that God would protect me from men until the right one came along. But I have always loved my "husband" and "children" even though I don't have either. I been convicted of loving "them" and not loving my Savior enough. My recent prayers have been to feel the love that I have for the Lord. I actually felt it a couple of days ago. I woke up and felt immersed in the love. But I want to be in love with Him. At the same time, I for one time in my life I want to be content in being single. It doesn't have to be a long time. But I just want to be content in Jesus alone, because He is the only one who can truly satisfy my want and desires, that no husband or child can begin to quench.

So today is the beginning of a brand new me. I know I can't do it alone. But through Him, I know it is possible. The other thing I am working on is properly tithing  and tithing on time on time. I know so much can happen through tithing. But most importantly I want to be obedient to God. I can't wait to see what happens in the next 31 days. Please pray for me as I embark on this journey to walk closer with the Lord.

This morning, I read this Focus on the Family article about dating a divorced person. It is something that I have had many questions about. But I just want wisdom on. At the end of the article they have three circumstances, with scripture referenced, that they back are acceptable to divorce and remarry. That is something that I will have to work the courage to ask my pastor. This is a concern because, I am part of a group of men and women, and the majority of them are divorced. They are a great bunch of people to hang out with, but am I going to get married hanging out with them? I don't know. Only God has the answer. Only time will tell.
The article I was reading:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/christian_singles/being_single_and_faithful/reentering_the_dating_scene_after_divorce.aspx

But alas, my concern is me at my current status not what could be or should be.

I bid you farewell until tomorrow.

S

Singles Retreat & A Wedding

Oh, the retreat was great. I got to bond with Beth, Lizette, Corrie. We had a great girls weekend.

But to cap the weekend. I got an email on the way home, that Nic and Rachelle are getting married. I can't believe it! I am so excited for them. God has been talking to me about marriage, just getting a better understanding what a huge change it brings to your life, But it was phenominal to get this great news. I guess 2012 was the year to get married. I have been invited to at least 9 weddings this year (and attending 6). The best will be Rachelle's. They have been good friends for so long.

I can't wait until November 24, 2012!

Renewed

                                                                                  ** Originally composed 3/16/2012

I feel renewed today. Yesterday at church, I witnessed 7 baptisms and testimonies. It was awesome, truly a blessing. I laughed and I cried with the work God has done in these individual lives. I went shopping with my mom. WHich I love to spend time with her, she contiues to be a blessing even if her daughter is old. After I went to my small group at Pastor Andy's house. We started a 10 session video series taught by Paul Tripp. IT was very moving for a 30 minute session. It forces you to analyze yourself and

Questions

                                                                                                ** Originally composed on 3/15/2012

I have been researching christian "flirting" recently, and I wonder if a girl should tell her suitor to refrain from Christian "flirting". It can be a distraction. I feel maybe a girl can become enamored with the attention that she receives from the gestures, instead of who he is a child of God. These gestures are by no means sexual in nature at all, but nice acts of kindness. Thoughtful deeds, extra attention, is so sweet and special, like helping a woman with her coat, or staying back and keeping her company while she finishes her task,when everyone has moved on to the next segment. Just that attention to detail speaks volumes. But does that take away from getting to know her suitor? When she looks back at past interactions, why does the nice overtures come to mind first? And not he is a man of integrity? Or, his heart for God? Should a woman say something to her suitor with the risk that he may be offended? Or he might totally turn it down (or off?) and you are left like a "buddy" and lose all the attention? And what do you say when you want him to "turn" the nice gestures back on? All these questions and more are floating in my head and I am not sure how to proceed? Maybe through time, things will be more defined. (Of all places I am putting this on the internet. Am I crazy?)

Sandy Cove

I am going away this weekend with a great, great friend Beth. We are going to a retreat in Maryland. I am so excited. Its at Sandy Cove. I know it will be a powerful weekend. I can't to see what God has in store us this weekend, maybe our bond with Lizette and Corie will grow. Only God knows how we can use this opportunity to glorfy Him. Pics to follow.

I am in awe of Him

Yesturday, was AMAZING!!!. God used me in a profound way, that I thought would never happen. It was finally my turn. Some non believers in my Alpha class were talking about the Sermon on the Mount legalistically (second session) and Rod Flynn, TOLD me that he was going to ask me to speak next. I mouthed to him, NO!, NO!, NO!. But he wasn't paying me any attention. My heart was pounding. I couldn't think of wht to say. Iws hoping he would for get. HA! He didn't. He turns to me (I sat next to him) and ask me to share my thoughts. We were discussing the Sermon on the Mount". I spoke from my heart. Correction, the Holy Spirit spoke thorugh me. I was amazed on the timely miracle. The non-believers thought that the sermon was figurative. I told him it was LITERAL. I made it clear, Jesus made that plainly clear, that we are unable to get to the Father without Him. I am so greatful Jesus used me. Rod Flynn, Mr. & Mrs. Appollino, Miriam Willey. They all told me how well the message was received. I started to second guess it. But how do you second guess God's work. HE USED ME! He used  me! I can't believe He used me.

The words were just flowing. Once I was done Rod picked up. I had to stop him and started talking again. My heart goes out for this couple. But God did a mighty work in the Cafe' last evening. I can't wait to see if he does it again at the Singles' Retreat this weekend at Sandy Cove with Beth. I can't wait.

Summer is over! But it was a great one. Maybe the best on record. Every weekend I had a function. But, August was mine. Every weekend I went out with a great group of friends and truly had a great time. I went to Beth's Birthday Barbeque, then Phil's Neice &  Nephew's 100 Day celebration, and then we went to the beach at Beth's parents house. That was such an GREAT day. I had so much fun. We had great icecream at Dom's in Manahawkin, NJ

Here is a pic of my friend on Long Beach Island by the Light House.

Beginning of A New Season

Well fall is here! I can't believe summer is over. I look back on this summer are one for the record books. I was talking with Hil and we reminiced about how our group bonded the night of Qihvah's wedding. We went bowling and then went out to Friendly's to celebrate my birthday (unbeknownst to me).

I want to do a brief recap of the last part of the summer with my friends at Fellowship. I hope to flesh them out on a leter post. So here goes:

7/28
Bowling & Friendly's
Attendees:
Bowling Team A - Sandy, Rob E, Phil, Jeanie
Bowling Team B - Me, Beth, Karla, (& unfortunately Tom)

8/4
Pool ( I didn't attend)
Attendees: Sandy, Rob F., Phil

8/12
Beth's 40th Birthday BBQ (I met her mom & dad)

8/19
 Mom's Birthday

8/25
Gavin & Zoe's 100 Day Celebration
Attendees: Phil, Me Sandy, Beth
Friendly's
for dessert. This was the night the iliteration "Phil Fong's fault" started!

8/26
Pastor Andy's & Phyllis's Game night
played washers with Phil, Sandy, Jim, Me
He would pick up the washers, and I would pick them out of his hand.

(Found out Pastor Don lived next door. Met his wife and walked through their garden and saw their chicks. Held a chick for the first time.)

9/1
Beach Day
Car #1
Beth (Driver), Sandy, Rob E, Rob F

Car #2
Phil (Driver) , and Me

(The coinage of the "Magificent 7")
Dinner @ Beth's Parent's house
Mr & Mrs. Brewster, Aimee, Beth, Rob F, Rob E, Sandy, Phil, & Me ( Karla couldn't make it)

9/2
Met up with the Brewster's and picked up my wallet.
Lunch @ Sage Diner
Attendees: Jeanie, Rob F, Rob E, Me

9/8
Pelham Bay & Golf Course
we didn't meet because we wanted to meet every other weekend. This weekend I went to Marcia's Menu tasting

9/9
First day at Equipt w/ Rebecca Sharp

Lunch @ Perkin's
Attendees: Phil, Aimee, Rob F, Me, Beth

FOCUS
Paul Tripp Study Session #5
Breakout session Small group
Phyllis, Sandy, Dale, Rob E, Phil, Diana, Me
(Phil talked about his son and still not being able to see him)

9/15
Alpha Leader/Helper Training
Attendees: Gwen & Me

Pitch & Putt
Dinner @ Applebee's Across the street
Attendees:
Team #1: Pastor Andy, Phyllis, Phil, Rob F.

Team #2: Me, Beth, Sandy, Carabeth, Dale


9/16
Support Karla and hear her sing (we all sat together for 11 service)
Beth, Me, Rob E, Rob F, Kristen (Rob F friend), Sandy, Phil, Karla, Jim,  Gwen (satin the pew behind us)

Lunch @ Angelo's
Attendees: Dale, Rob E, Rob F, Karla, Beth, Me, Phil

9/19
 ALPHA
Dinner Table - Diana, Nneka, Phil, Sandy, Ling

9/22
 Visit Karla in the hospital (Hopewell, NJ)
Attendees:  Me, Gwen, Phil, Beth

Barnes & Noble
Bought a hard copy of The Shack for Phil to finally read

9/23
Lunch @ Perkin's
Attendees: Phil, Rob F, Me

Ollie's Discount Stuff
I bought Charles Stanley Bible (for me) & Phil bought Children's Book (for his son)
He told me about a patched up bsketball his friend gave him recently and it reminded me of a ball he use to play with
his son.

FOCUS

Paul Tripp's Study session #6
Small group - Phyllis, Me, Beth, Jeanie

Spoke about wanting to get married and have babies

I read the following off of Caroline's blog in  and I think it rings true for me right now.
"If fact, if I were to share all the little pieces with you it might make you have anxiety too. ha! But no matter what, I keep reminding myself that not every blessing comes in the way we think it should come. And not every ugly/hard thing is bad. I am finding that these hard things just might be big blessings in disguise. A part time teaching job might not be so bad. And money is just money. He has faithfully supplied my every need from the moment i was being formed in my mother's womb.











He knows the end. I am in the dark but He is light...He can see it all."



I have a million and one questions about issues that I am currently going through. It seems that I could flee and avoid a lot of heart ache. But the Lord never saif the road would be easy. At times I have thought, I have live my life straight, I never got my self caught up with different issues  I don't have baggage from my past. Does it make sense to know at 30, to get myself caught up a situation now? It seems so "greener" in everyone else's life, why can't it be green for me, I would even take baby green! But I realze I am being selfisand only focusing on myelf. Ut I believe in what I have always said. I want to only do things that glorify God and futher His kingdom.

Also, on Savannah Hill Conner’s blog (on April 4, 2009), She wrote, " i ran across this quote from matt chandler. i'd be lying if i didn't say i wish i hadn't read it, but it's good. really good, actually. and i am challenged by the truth in his words...







"my problem was this, I found the world crammed full with neat Christian girls and very few godly women. i would meet girls that were beautiful, and who were talented and who were morally upright and pure, but there was no love, no strong passionate love for Jesus Christ & His kingdom...and there was no drive to be completely His, there was no essence of, "i love the Lord above all things".






to love Jesus above all things..."


I WANT TO BE THAT GIRL.

Today is my favorite day of the week. FRIDAY!!!! Yes, I get to go home, and stay up late and sleep late Saturday morning. I love it. I especially love it because, I went to bed last night at 10:30pm and woke up at 1:05am, and could not go to bed for the life of me. I did everything, This has been my delimma for the past 4 weeks. It seems that the only time I can relax is on the weekend in my own bed. No more housesitting for me. I will forever miss my home land :(

New York City! I will always love you, but you are no good for me. So I went out with my new friend ( inpromptu lunch) about two weeks ago! I can't believe it. My first outing. I almost said no, I'm such a dunce. But, thought about it and said yes.He was so gracious. I was going through something trying and he was there for me. I need someone to talk to and I am glad it was him. I wonder what God has in store for me. I right now need not to question HIM and lean not on my own understanding. But enbrace God and all of his glory, for he has my best interest at heart. I hope to see my new friend this weekend. I didn't see him last Sunday, because he was sick, but he did email me. But he never replied to my email. What is that about? Get it together buddy. I don't know about this (of you)! Let me be patient, for he has been extremely patient with me.

Many Blessings,

Transitions in Singleness: A Work in Progress

Wow, 2 posts within hours of each other. I am just going through a lot right now. This is all brand new to me and I don't know how to handle everything, anything for that matter. Today, I came across this passage from “Laurie’s Life” blog dated 12/10/10. It’s funny how when you are single you can become so frustrated and there seems to be now resolution of finding your husband, But when there is a possibility of someone, you wish you could go back and cherish your singlehood. I have a pattern of always looking back and not being present in what’s going on now today. I need to cherish the singleness that I have and at the same time enjoy my new friendship. Whatever God's plan is for my life, I pray that I am totally submissive to His will for me and I am reassured that He only wants the best for me.


Laurie says:

I feel like the Lord has prompted me to encourage a single girl or two today.I remember when I was single that the holiday time was usually the hardest for me. I always wanted a man at Christmas time! I want to remind you today that God loves you more than you can ever imagine.Have patience in waiting for God's very best for you! I promise that waiting on HIS CHOICE will be better than you can ever imagine. I always wanted to make something work out when I was lonely and that is never the wise thing to do. Let the man pursue you!Enjoy the life God has given you today! Don't look to your future with anxiety. Rest in the fact that you have lots of wonderful things to look forward to. I can never have that first date with Steve again or our engagement,etc.The verse that I have said over and over this week is James 4:8, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."He is the cure to your loneliness. You can have the best husband in the world and still be lonely. ONLY GOD can complete you and give you what you need.HIS timing is always perfect. HE is never late!

I really needed to read this. I have been fasting, praying and reading on all this stuff. And these encouraging words are a much need help. This is not the first time I have read something like this. But, sometimes you can't fully appreicate the message until you're in a different place in your life, and it might be too late. I hope it's not for me.

I know I make like it's the sadest thing in the world, but I am excited too. I know I will look back at this time and wish i was enbracing this change, but it's hard!

New Chapter: What's Next......

Last night Alexis and I went to a screening of a movie on the Lower East Side. I want to refrain from mentioning the title of the movie because of its graphic and crass nature. (I should have read the plot before seeing it.) But I told her my big secret and I felt so sad after. I knew if this does come to pass, that our relationship will dramatically change. I know it will never be the same. Last night I thought back to when she was pregnant with MIchelle and I knew then our relationship was going to change. That she was on the cusp of something awesome: Motherhood. And now I am wondering if I am about to turn the page on a new chapter in my life. Is it finally my turn, this is what I always wanted and I am so sad about how its going to totally change everything I hold dear. But, I know I am not doing it for me, but my heavenly father. I want to honor Him and do His will for my life, because only good can come of it. I only want to do whatever glorifies Him and that brings glory to His kingdom.

Its now 8:30am and I am at work, smh, with a big deadline hanging over my head. I will add pics later.