ok, soo i'm into reading my old papers, this one i didn't even remember this untill i read the whole thing, its crazy how you can forget things in your life soo quickly! I just thought the last statement was reallly interesting, that how it got onto my blog! Cheers!
"My personal encounter was one I will never forget…
It was a chilly damp night in March, and I was apart of a group of Elim students bringing the Warm Light to Monroe Street. With all of my schooling information stored in my head and on my heart, and multicultural tracks in my pockets, I felt ready to take on the world!
I felt like an animal looking for its prey, seeking the meek and lost sheep.
Finally at one encounter a deeper conversation started with a man named Jimmy.
We started talking about the weather and March Madness, and then the big topic was introduced…. Jesus.
The “topic” of Jesus came into our conversation as Jimmy noticed some tracks in my hand and asked what I was holding, as he glanced over very curiously. He seemed to act in a manor of knowing everything I was talking about, but with every question it became clearer that he was a bit off to say it nicely. I asked him if he had seen the Passion, and he said no that he didn’t see it because the movie was his story. He proceeded to then tell me how he had died in 1983 and then was brought back to life after 3 days.
By then I was wearing a puzzled look on my face as I tried to regain my thoughts, and get back on track. I then told him that I thought he should go see it because he had such a strong tie to Jesus, and what He went through. He didn’t agree with me, so we moved on in our conversation.
We talked for a while longer, until I saw that the conversation wasn’t going to go anywhere because he kept trying to take over the conversation.
At one moment, when I said to myself: “this is conversation over,” he asked me a question. He said: Do you believe in the Trinity? And I said yes. Then he continued to quiz me on what each part was. Then he told me that there really were four parts, and that we were part of the Trinity, making it four.
So, I politely gathered my composure, and excused myself from Jimmy’s conversation with mainly himself, and went on my way on the streets on Rochester.
I learned a lot from my first encounter of sharing the gospel. I learned that when someone is trying to take over the conversation, that it’s a good idea to get out, because you will never win. I learned that even though you can keep bringing up the point of the conversation, and even asking them specific questions of salvation, that if they feel confident in their knowledge they will disregard your words. As if you said nothing at all.
As the night came to a close, a statement was made. “The people are rejecting Jesus not us personally.” As I chewed on that thought, I first felt good, and relieved that I wasn’t being rejected. But on the long ride back to school, it hit me. People were ready to reject a perfect man, and in return, eagerly ready to except a mere sinner who was saved. What a sad statement to end a night on…"
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
soo, a true story written by... ME
so, i'm sitting here eating Sour Patch Kids, my favorite candy in the world, and reading some of my past writtings, do you wanna read one?, ok here it is:
"Before the planned creation was nourished with growth, and after the seed was planted into two hearts, God already held my name in His hands. A meeting, then a courtship, with letters in between, a marriage was set, and the “plant” sprouted with ease. A foundation of God, love, trust, and faith, they brought me into the world with great approval on their face.
The beginning of my life sounds so poetic and surreal, and in a way it is. In a world where hate flourishes and love is a dying necessity, God blessed me beyond belief.
Born on a cold, misty morning, as the sun unwillingly peaked from blankets of clouds, one of Gods creation entered the world. Wales, Great Britain wasn’t home for the new parents, but it would serve for their little ones first part of life. November 1st, 1984 was the date the Doctor wrote on the crisp birth certificate. Mother and fathers signatures were filled with ink that flowed with excitement and love. A new chapter in their life had begun.
On the plane ride homeward bound to America, the new parents anticipated the reactions to their first child God had given them. The plane landed, guests were greeted with love, the parents moved back into Buffalo, God still flourished in their lives, and new adventures took place.
My roots had been set, and now three years had passed. Gods’ overwhelming love and will in our lives was still growing, but our place where we planted our home, had moved to where God called us quite frequently.
In this particular town where we invested our time in this particular church, a magician was working Gods’ awe and awesome power into a children’s ministry. Barely able to contain myself, the excitement filled my 3-year-old body and soul. God had swept me up like the dove out of the magician’s top hat.
Since that day where God officially entered my life, He has been my life. Picture yourself as a little girl, freckles and pigtails, witnessing to other little girls and boys on swing sets and merry-go-rounds. That was me. I was preaching and teaching God’s love into every encounter with another human being, proving the point that every dream has to start somewhere. My dream was sprouting like Jack’s Bean Stock, reaching higher and higher into territory unknown, with excitement beckoning every onward step.
As my teen years approached daily, middle school, youth group, children’s choir, and in my mothers shadow, were the places I was found. God still served as my Lord and Savior, but a feeling of more yearned inside of me. The love of children had always filled my heart, like marbles fill a velvet bag, precious and preserved, always ready to play. The dream of traveling to parts unknown across the world to show my Fathers love to children, sounded like a question that knew the answer.
This is when I truly believe that God opened my heart up to the purpose He had for my life. He put into my heart that tingle of traveling, and preaching His love into children’s lives. Later on, as I would look back on my life and wonder, “why was I so blessed?” the answer was obvious. I was fed daily with love and support, and to most people this was the perfect home life. In return for this gift of family love and support, it enabled me to show the same to the less fortunate; in other words, I was blessed, to bless.
With my parents’ constant support, they helped me research Costa Rica, which I felt was the place that I should travel and minister Gods’ love. Under certain circumstances the trip was cancelled, but the dream was not forgotten; like a good chapter in a book, taking the hard step of placing the bookmark in the climatic spot, coming back to it when the time is right. God placed a decision of taking a step of faith and listening to the Author, (God) instead of the naive reader (me).
Middle school came to pass as quickly as a night flower dies at the break of day, and High school was the next big flower in my journey. My life as perfect as it had always been, began to be even more of a blessing to me as the stories of failed marriages, and adolescent rebellion, filled the halls of my school, which flowed into my ears daily. It was hard to be the “only” kid who could not relate to kids my own age who had been through Hell. Quickly my parents become a raft of rescue to the drowning teens in my school. Spoonfuls upon spoonfuls of love, was my parents method. The kids whose parents had no interest it their lives, soon become the interest of our lives, and we as a family grew and grew with every addition of young spirits. Growing up with this type of home life was a gift straight from Heaven, like fresh manna floating my way daily.
The stage is set, the props are mounted correctly, and the actress is anxiously awaiting the Directors next move of orders. With this picture of God giving the orders, and I as the actress playing the part of myself, the brief thought of my personal hopes and dreams can get in the way. But, through daily remembrance of God’s positive plans, and His position of the planter of my dreams and desires into my soul, keeps me encouraged and at ease. “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
My dreams of missions are in blossom, and the season of Spring will be eternal in my life. Cool winds may come my way, but the Gardener of my life and soul is protecting me, and building me stronger. Therefore, I know I am safe. Bring on the frost."
~Psalm 46:1-7~
The beginning of my life sounds so poetic and surreal, and in a way it is. In a world where hate flourishes and love is a dying necessity, God blessed me beyond belief.
Born on a cold, misty morning, as the sun unwillingly peaked from blankets of clouds, one of Gods creation entered the world. Wales, Great Britain wasn’t home for the new parents, but it would serve for their little ones first part of life. November 1st, 1984 was the date the Doctor wrote on the crisp birth certificate. Mother and fathers signatures were filled with ink that flowed with excitement and love. A new chapter in their life had begun.
On the plane ride homeward bound to America, the new parents anticipated the reactions to their first child God had given them. The plane landed, guests were greeted with love, the parents moved back into Buffalo, God still flourished in their lives, and new adventures took place.
My roots had been set, and now three years had passed. Gods’ overwhelming love and will in our lives was still growing, but our place where we planted our home, had moved to where God called us quite frequently.
In this particular town where we invested our time in this particular church, a magician was working Gods’ awe and awesome power into a children’s ministry. Barely able to contain myself, the excitement filled my 3-year-old body and soul. God had swept me up like the dove out of the magician’s top hat.
Since that day where God officially entered my life, He has been my life. Picture yourself as a little girl, freckles and pigtails, witnessing to other little girls and boys on swing sets and merry-go-rounds. That was me. I was preaching and teaching God’s love into every encounter with another human being, proving the point that every dream has to start somewhere. My dream was sprouting like Jack’s Bean Stock, reaching higher and higher into territory unknown, with excitement beckoning every onward step.
As my teen years approached daily, middle school, youth group, children’s choir, and in my mothers shadow, were the places I was found. God still served as my Lord and Savior, but a feeling of more yearned inside of me. The love of children had always filled my heart, like marbles fill a velvet bag, precious and preserved, always ready to play. The dream of traveling to parts unknown across the world to show my Fathers love to children, sounded like a question that knew the answer.
This is when I truly believe that God opened my heart up to the purpose He had for my life. He put into my heart that tingle of traveling, and preaching His love into children’s lives. Later on, as I would look back on my life and wonder, “why was I so blessed?” the answer was obvious. I was fed daily with love and support, and to most people this was the perfect home life. In return for this gift of family love and support, it enabled me to show the same to the less fortunate; in other words, I was blessed, to bless.
With my parents’ constant support, they helped me research Costa Rica, which I felt was the place that I should travel and minister Gods’ love. Under certain circumstances the trip was cancelled, but the dream was not forgotten; like a good chapter in a book, taking the hard step of placing the bookmark in the climatic spot, coming back to it when the time is right. God placed a decision of taking a step of faith and listening to the Author, (God) instead of the naive reader (me).
Middle school came to pass as quickly as a night flower dies at the break of day, and High school was the next big flower in my journey. My life as perfect as it had always been, began to be even more of a blessing to me as the stories of failed marriages, and adolescent rebellion, filled the halls of my school, which flowed into my ears daily. It was hard to be the “only” kid who could not relate to kids my own age who had been through Hell. Quickly my parents become a raft of rescue to the drowning teens in my school. Spoonfuls upon spoonfuls of love, was my parents method. The kids whose parents had no interest it their lives, soon become the interest of our lives, and we as a family grew and grew with every addition of young spirits. Growing up with this type of home life was a gift straight from Heaven, like fresh manna floating my way daily.
The stage is set, the props are mounted correctly, and the actress is anxiously awaiting the Directors next move of orders. With this picture of God giving the orders, and I as the actress playing the part of myself, the brief thought of my personal hopes and dreams can get in the way. But, through daily remembrance of God’s positive plans, and His position of the planter of my dreams and desires into my soul, keeps me encouraged and at ease. “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
My dreams of missions are in blossom, and the season of Spring will be eternal in my life. Cool winds may come my way, but the Gardener of my life and soul is protecting me, and building me stronger. Therefore, I know I am safe. Bring on the frost."
~Psalm 46:1-7~
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
we had to bribe, BIG time, hehe...
Sooooooooooo, Miles told me he wanted to be a Bee for our church's harvest fest, soo like a good little mommy, i made him a Bee outfit. ((Susie, i know you are proud)) I found a very yellow sleeper at a thrift store, a friend gave me black felt, 2 destroyed coat hangers, and a pair of white stockings later, a Bee was born!! He failed to mention that after I spent a good amount of effort on the bee that he would refuse to wear it, no matter how much chocolate i bribed him with, lol.... Sooo we started with other costumes lying around the house, a tiger, Tigger, Winnie the Poo, then when he "wasn't" looking we slipped on the Bee, with chocolate shoved in his mouth.. hehe, awful i know. BUT, he has grown to like the bee, not love, but like, sooo, YAYY! We will still have to bribe the night of the party, BUT, nothing a little candy cant do...
See the chocolate?? For those who would think this is interesting, its a Pineapple Lump...
See the chocolate?? For those who would think this is interesting, its a Pineapple Lump... NZ style...
Monday, October 27, 2008
it has begun.
welll, yes its not even Thanksgiving yet, BUT none the less, a Christmas movie is playing in our VCR... yes, and its not the first, it started, eeeeek, about a month ago!! AH, i know i'm bad.. BUT Miles love "Crim-iss" as he calls it, and wellll so do I. Thought i could get a blog in, BUT Levi wont have it! Got to go....
Friday, October 24, 2008
an update!
SO! Here i am friday morning, Miles and I are up, no Bryce or LEvi, just us.. we are watching Jonah, a Veggie Tails Movie. I have a nice cup of cocoa, well it was nice, now its half gone, and luke warm.. ew. I've taken allll my vitamins, calcium, prenatal vitamins, and a new one fenugreek. Susie knows this one. Levi has been sleeping through the night, sooo in return my milk supply is well, low. (12 hrs of not feeding will do that to ya!) Soo, i did my research, and remember that Susie took this stuff, so off i go. I hope it works. Lately I have been ichy, ichy for something new, I was thinking of in Spring '09 of stating school, possibly for Nursing, then i wanted a dag, then a cat... I'm not content feeling, like i need something new! I realised starting school was probly bad timing, cuz we want more children in the future, and we all know a dog is a big bad decision for us, lol, had a dog for 2months and returned it, And a cat is a bad idea too! When Bryce and I were first married we got a cat from the New Zealand version of the SPCA and well, after about 2wks we returned... haha, SOOOO, pets are BAD for us. So, what does this mean?! OH well, maybe its the start of a new season, the leaves are falling and its getting cold, so maybe i feel like something should be starting. Maybe its the thought of another year gone in my life, my birthday is in about 1 week. I am soo excited for it, Bryce is taking me to a 6 flags theme park, just me and him for the whole day! YAY! I''m gonna eat cotten candy till i'm crazy! haha, cant wait! Ok, well that was a little update on everything, nice...
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
today.... cookies!
What can I say, I make cookies from a bag, add 1 egg and a stick of butter, stir and ta-da, cookie dough! But it only costs $1 something and it makes for creativity, cheap fun, self confidence for little Miles and lots and lots of memories. I highly recommend cooking with your kid-o's. They LOVE it and get a real joy out of seeing their creation. Especially if its chocolate chip cookies.... Miles rolled alllll the cookies and placed them on the sheet to bake. He did it all, even picking out an occasional chocolate chip to munch on.. hehe. We had fun, and all for a little effort on mommy's part, and a $1.and some odd cents.
So got out an make a memory!!
Its goood, especially with milk.
((sticky fingers shot, on the way to the sink for clean up, then MUNCHing time!))
So got out an make a memory!!
Its goood, especially with milk.
((sticky fingers shot, on the way to the sink for clean up, then MUNCHing time!))sleeping update
Sooooooooooooooo, this wonder of a baby boy has done it, last night slept through the night...
No joke, from 7pm to 7:30am.... wow
I also weighed him this morning, and I'm pretty sure it read 17lbs.... yikes!
No joke, from 7pm to 7:30am.... wow
I also weighed him this morning, and I'm pretty sure it read 17lbs.... yikes!
Monday, October 20, 2008
BIG BOY
Levi's shirt explains it all...
My boys.. I do love them very, very much..They are about 2 years and 2months apart,
BUT, in this picture they could be twins in weight...
((((LEVI is ONLY 3 1/2 months old))))
Don't they look the same size?
YIKES, i know...
I promise Levi is only getting mothers milk, lol...
See Levi's blueish eyes??
Miles was very tired after the photos, just look at his exhausted facial expression!!!
Friday, October 17, 2008
hehehehehe.....
10 days old....
...3 months later, and KA-POWY!!!!!!
Dont know if this allowed on Blogger Land but, too cute to pass up!!!Wednesday, October 15, 2008
a milestone
Levi slep last night from 7:30pm to 5am....ate... then went back to sleep till 8:30am....
...who is this child?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
mini fall photo shoot..hehe
Harvest time here in VA, very chilly mornings, with crisp fall leaves under feet. We have our pumkins picked and now all we are waiting for is Thanksgiving, our favorite time of year.. yummmmmmmm. I love turkey, and turkey loves me.
Levi being very patriotic, I only thought it appropriate, it is Columbus Day, lol.
"WE DID IT, no more pictures ma', now we can relax..."
Levi being very patriotic, I only thought it appropriate, it is Columbus Day, lol.
"WE DID IT, no more pictures ma', now we can relax..."Saturday, October 11, 2008
zoo trip #2
"ROAR!!!"
OKkkk, maybe not "roar" but something loud looks like it should be coming out. hehe.So, we had a great, tiring trip to the zoo, we always come home sooo tired,
and ready for longgg naps. We went with our friends, and my parents.
It was such amazing weather, maybe like 76 and with a slight chill in the breeze.
GORGEOUS.... The leaves are starting to turn into bright colors, and all I can think
of was how much I wanted apple cider, yummm...
BUT, we did munch on home made carmel popcorn,
easy to make and so good to eat!
My little ones cutie face I had the privilege to stare at alllll the way home...
Friday, October 10, 2008
Our God is soooooooooo BIG!!!
"Our God is sooo BIG,
So STRONG and so MightY,
Theres nothing our God can not do!"
Thursday, October 9, 2008
oh brother, here goes...
Dearest Susie, http://mnssams.blogspot.com/ has sent me this diddy!ok, soo here goes, 7 weird/ random facts about Christina Anne Taylor:
hmmmmm, here goes!
1. When I was younger, maybe 10, my Grandpa and I on a trip from PA to NY, would stop and cut off "nice tails" from poor innocent road kill.... raccoon, bunnies, you name it. I kept them in my American Girl Doll box, and brought them to school for show and tell.... yikes i know... in High School I would meet people and they would ask "Hey wernt you that girl who brought road kill tails to class?" yeahhhhh, i was "popular," lol....
2. I have a birthmark on my left thigh that looks like a butterfly.
3. I have sung on stage in Carnegie Hall, NYC.
4. I met my husband the same place where my mother met hers.
5. I have weekly nightmares about my teeth falling out, random eh??
6. I had my 1st date with my future husband on November 1st, He asked for my fathers permission in marriage to me November 27th, got engaged January 4th, and married that coming July 2nd... fasssssssssssst. Oh and had a baby the following May.
7. My favorite food will alwaysssssssss be mashed potatoes, plain n perfect!
sorry guys, lol...
Sarah @ http://knsfunk.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
3 months old
Not the best photo, BUT for some reason i do just love it...
Yesterday Levi turned 3 months old, time is going soo fast! Its getting cold here in VA, and no more shorts for our outgoings, brrrrrrrrrrrrr. This weekend we are thinking of going apple picking, then coming home with our bounty and cooking up yummy apple goodies! On the Miles front lines he is kinda starting to be potty trained, like, one day with just undies, then the next just a diaper, then maybe a day with half diaper and half undies... yes i know its not the best approach, BUT with a 3month old its kinda difficult to focus solely on a child on a potty. A day ago Miles and I were sitting out in the former plentiful garden, him eating one of the last summer tomato's and me braiding a grass bracelet for him to wear. Its times like those I wish the last days of summer would last forever, with its carefree feel and warm memories. BUT, a new season is raising and change is in the air. And with that we will move on either by choice or by force, cuz winter aint stopping for no one, lol..... yes, soooo insightful. hehe...
"Happy Fall Everyone!"
Monday, October 6, 2008
this is funny..
Sooo, we went to go and get our tradition photo's with pumpkins dressed as Tigger, and this was what we got from Levi... He looks very similar to the pumpkin, lol. More pumpkin pic's to come, got to go feed the child then OFF to BED! Whoo-Hoo!!!this ones for you Susie...
Aint that the truth???
Our home group right now is doing a study on a John Piper book called Dont Waste Your Life.
Our home group right now is doing a study on a John Piper book called Dont Waste Your Life. I have read the book through and it has and IS changing my life!! I HIGHLY recommend it, if you are willing and EXciTEd about why we are truly here, Not JUst tO be mOm's...
YiKEs, speaking to mYselF there...
Love to all...
Love to all...
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