Senior Airman Ontai

Congratulations for making it to Honor Guard!

Its amazing how one's life flashing before your very eye! Derrick is my oldest child and the furthest one away from home. Can I add the only one away from home! As a young girl barely knowing anything about life, I gave birth to this bundle of life when I was 19 years old. My life was a big mess and then on top of that I got myself pregnant. I remember walking into Planned Parenthood and the female worker coaching me on aborting my unborn child. She was trying to convince me that abortion was my only choice. Im glad I was stubborn and listened to what little sense I had inside of me. The only choice I had was already made. I chose to have unprotected sex and got myself pregnant. Now I had to grow up and become responsible in raising a baby in a world that to me was so upside down, chaotic, and one big ball of confusion. How was I suppose to do that when my life was a complete mess? I had no idea, but I knew for better or for worse this little baby and me was on a journey of a life time....and now look at the picture above..."Senior Airman Ontai". ....too proud of you son...mom loves you soooo much...Hurry up and come home....Im so longing for one of your hugs!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

One Thing I Know for Certain...

Celebrating Joshua homecoming from the Marines

A friend reminded me of my blog and I had to think for a moment, "what blog?". I had forgotten about this page for awhile now wrapped up with all of life's responsibilities. I had forgotten that journaling was once a big part of my life. Being able to write and journal so not to keep things bottled up inside. Journaling for many including myself was a big part of a healing process.

As I read through some of my postings from the past, I became caught up with emotions. Some happy and some sad. So much has happend since my last post, but yet good or bad ...I do need to say I am so truly blessed to be where I am today. I have developed friendships with true joy and laughter...oh yeah and some tears (but tears to heal) and its all good. I've grown more spiritually and I thank God for all He alone has done in my life. He has sustained me through the many challenges and yet as many times as I have stumbled He has continued to pour out His grace upon my life.

Life is full of so many uncertainties...job loss, family moving, even loss of life, but the only one thing I know for certain is... "...He will never leave you nor forsake you..." Deuteronomy 31:8.

Dole Plantation 2010

Its amazing...yes beautiful island of Hawaii...but the plant...the Pineapple Plant!! A local soooo proud to view a Pineapple plant for the first time in her life! Is that crazy or what?! I know its been almost over a year now, but hoping in to say 'aloha' to all friends and fellow bloggers far and near! The Dole Whip they have at this Dole Plantation is worth a second trip(and to die for on a sunny day!) just to sit there and enjoy another whip!! The kids will totally enjoy the maze that challenges you to find all the 'hot spots'.

So much has happened thru the course of time, but there is one thing that hasnt changed nor will ever change ...JESUS LOVES YOU AND ME!!! Now that's awesome!!!

I Love My Madi!!

Isnt she beautiful!!! This is Madison...she is my granddaughter. She made 1 this past May. She lives in Lousiana with her mom, Sarah. Her daddy lives in Florida. I guess things happen for a reason, but whatever is going on between the parents should be kept that way...and Madi should be able to have both mom and dad in her life. All I know, is that I am praying for God's intervention and that He alone will knock down the strongholds of Satan and restore this marriage and family. If you are a prayer warrior, please join me in prayer for the restoration and the protection of God upon the lives of Derrick, Sarah, and especially Madison.

A Tribute to My Soulmate

14 years ago you walked into my life and you have been walking by my side every since. You are a genuine example of a loving man and even more of a genuine example of a Godly loving man. I hid behind a brick wall, but slowly with your kindness you helped me remove a wall of emotions brick by brick and helped me to stand. Day by Day, week by week, year by year, you showered me with compassion and unconditional love. I just want to pay this tribute to you 'Just Because'....and because you so much deserve it and more! Love you always~n~forever...me

God is Good All The Time...

...And ALL the time GOD is good!!! Its been almost five entire months since I have blogged. I've missed blogging and reading all my favorite blogs, but Im back and ready to go! Im excited to catch up with my friends in blogland and to write again on how good God is in our lives every day! Summer has come and gone and the children are all back in school except for our youngest. We are easing back to homeschooling starting with 2 of 4 kids. Soccer Season has also starting and four kids on four different teams will be both challenging and a blessing. From Team Mom to Referee...we will be extremely busy the next few months. Im glad they are in soccer and being active. It runs off all the energy in them so when they go home hopefully some of that stored up energy will have been taken out on the field. This Friday starts Awanas. For those of you that are not sure what Awanas is...its christian based bible study groups for children. They earn badges for bible verses that they memorize. Awanas is fun filled with bible quiz tournaments, competitions with other local Awana groups, and camp just to name a few. Im blessed to have them be involved in Awanas and being equipped in God's word, not to mention meet other children learning the same thing...the Love of Christ! Now I must hurry and visit my fellow bloggers and catch up with my reading and see how everyone else in blogland have been. So I say 'good night' and God bless and end this post for now the same way I began it....God is good ALL the time...and ALL the time God is good! Keep on Believing ~ Liz

Is God's Word Enough?

I got a call today at work from my husband. He said to take a look at the front page of our local newspaper. I turned to Honolulu Advertiser and the article was talking about the homeless. The homeless has always tugged at my heart. But today would be different then any other Homeless article that I read in the past. Then I took a closer look at the picture of a 20year old homeless woman and the caption under the photo that would cut at my heart. She was candid and gave her name as Sassely. As I stared at the photo, I realized Sassely was one of my sunday school students. Quiet and not participating much in class, I found myself encouraged and blessed every time I seen her at church. She always seemed to bring a smile to me. What happen to this little girl that is now a homeless young woman living at a park? At her age, she should be in college or beginning to start a job career. Instead she is wondering where she will go now that the park she has been living at for the past eight months is not permitting the homeless on its lawn. I do know what I taught in Sunday School class years ago and I know without a doubt God's word never ever goes void. I love this girl....but more importantly, God loves this girl and God knows everything about Sassely. Why this post? Because it cut at my heart. Choices we make 'today' will result to our 'tomorrow.'

Show Me The Money!!

So what's up with our economy today? When I was growing up I really thought there was a money tree, but nowadays society is barely making it to their next pay check. Your next door neighbor might have just been given a notice that their company is closing their doors. A family member may have just been laid off. It seems no matter which way you turn, its right in front of you! How are you handling your finances during this difficult time? Do you have a job that you feel safe and secured? I've been at the same job going on thirteen years and I feel pretty secured. However my husband's job has definitely been effected by the economy. I also I had a call from a friend, that her salary has been decreased. She has been working at this same company for years! I guess one never knows...I do know one thing for sure....If God can feed the birds of the air, how much more will HE provide for us?! God Bless and always BELIEVE....Liz

BAD HAIR DAY?

It has been awhile...and so much things have happened! I had a whole month off from work and now dreading to return back next week. so back to the 'title of this post...'Bad Hair Day'. Have you ever had a bad hair day? I cant even count the days anymore its been so many! So I took the above picture (courtesy of my cuz Tammy)to a popular hair cut place and told them I wanted my hair cut the same way. Now comes in your part...this is me about an hour after my haircut...do the styles at all look alike? Make a comment and let me know what you think!

The hair stylist tried to do a totally different style altogether, but I tried to gear her back to the picture. Well I think next time my cuz will need to cut my hair the next time she's in town. God Bless & Believe ~Liz

Whose In Your Mirror?

No one could tell me what to say or do...I was in charge of my life at last! I knew everything and more. I didnt need anything from anyone, epsecially this so call religion, 'Jesus Christ' that people tried to throw on me! I could do all and more and needed no support or direction from anyone. I said what I said...didnt care. Can my damaging words really destroy someone? Good because that's what I wanted by the end of the day. I wanted everything I did and say to destroy those that hurt me. I needed to keep going doing whatever so I would forget about the hurt. I drank and drove recklessly and supposely enjoyed the so call 'night life' Until one day I woke up and realize the only person I really needed was, 'Jesus Christ'! YES, the woman in the mirror was the one I was running from because she couldnt face the hurts and rejection that she had recieved. I definitely learned I had no self respect for myself and needed a 'renewal of life' desperately. Well its been almost 23 years since this time in my life and I must declare that God is soooo good and has seen me through all and more and HE has and will always be there for me! Try writing how much you hate and despise and you will realize how much all these 'seesaw' of emotions will point straight back to the man/woman in the mirror.
God Bless and Believe ~Liz

Hey you PRAYER WARRIORS

Calling all you prayer warriors out there! Without being specific...can we unite in prayer for a very special friend of mine. We all know how the enemy is out there wanting to STEAL, KILL and DESTROY whoever and whatever...but we also know that the prayer of a RIGHTEOUS man is powerful!!!! So lets unite and stomp on the enemy and know without a doubt, that HE who began a good work is FAITHFUL to complete it. My friend knows CHRIST, but is going through a really difficult time in his life and the enemy is working over time. We all know how God can move in one's life and how we cannot even begin to understand His ways. Please take a few minutes and pray for my friend that he will 'trust in the LORD with all his heart and lean not on his own understanding...that in all his ways he will acknowledge the LORD and the LORD will direct his path.' God Bless and I am BELIEVING ~Liz

A New Beginning With New Challenges...

I have to start a NEW ME! This past year I have been learning more about my health. I've learned that I am at high risk for cardiac disease in more ways then one. Being in my forties and knowing my father died in his forties of cardiac disease doesnt put me anymore at ease about my health. Missing a few days of my meds, shows me that my BP is dependent on these little critters and the evidence is there when I miss a dose or two. As my HDL continues to lower, I know now that I am at even a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. I didnt know there is no real symptoms to show you have low HDL until you have a stroke or heart attack (unless if you do labs). I also have been mask-dependent nightly for the past five years...without this rubber device harnessed around my nose and mouth I could stop breathing in my sleep completely! Now that this is all said and done, like I said I have been learning so much more about my health....this will be 'A New Beginning With New Challenges.' GOD BLESS & ALWAYS BELIEVE ~Liz

Got Prayer?

Have you heard that prayer is powerful? well if you havent...let me be the first to tell you, 'the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.' When people pray...things happen...I mean really happen. God's word never ever goes void. I have seen firsthand God move in my life and in other people's lives. When things go wrong and you seek God, He moves as you let Him lead....its so unreal to see God move! Infact right now ...I am praying...guess who for? I am praying for YOU! ....God Bless & always BELIEVE ~Liz

Missed Opportunity!

20 years ago, I volunteered at a local hospital. At times, when there were no flowers to deliver or charts to file, I would seize the opportunity to visit with some of the patients, particularly the elderly. One patient was being transferred to another floor to reside there until a vacancy opened up at a nursing home. We got to know each other more and more as days passed. Her husband and grandson was faithful to come every day and take her for a walk in her wheelchair. By this time, I was reassigned to the information station in the main lobby and would see her daily and soon looking forward to our daily exchange of smiles, hugs and our 'how are you doing today?' greetings. She never missed a day of coming by....well okay maybe one day, then two days...by the time the 3rd day came with no sign of my new friend, I decided to surprise her and go up to her room after my shift had ended. As I informed the nursing station of who I was looking for, a nurse in turn shared that we lost the patient 2 days ago. I of course smiled thinking that the nurse was new continued to look down the hall for my friend. In a minute, another nurse confirmed the story by saying, 'there wasnt a day that went by that her husband and grandson would come and take her walking.' My new found friend had died of a massive stroke. The hardest part for me as a Christian was I never did talk to her about Jesus with all the opportunities that God gave me. If you are a believer reading this post please take every single opportunity to share the Gospel to all around you. Tell someone how much God loves them and how much He sacrificed for them. You never know if you will get another opportunity....today may be your last chance to reach that person! And if you are reading this post and you dont know Christ, please comment and I will glady tell you of His compassion and sacrifice. God Bless you my friend and always always BELIEVE~Liz

Coupon Clipper

The living here in Hawaii can be expensive. So my question is: where can you find good coupons to use for any type of savings? I have a big family and always looking for ways to save money. I clip coupons from the local newspapers, midweek, magazines or where ever they offer it online. I went to my local Walmart early this morning before work and found out they are no longer accepting printed coupons from the internet. The reason because people are now trying to give 'fake' coupons to try and get 'free' items. One of my favorite coupon is one found in the Local Midweek. Baskin Robbins offers a buy one 2-scoop sundae, get one free. Another coupon I enjoy using is the family coupon for Chuck E Cheese, which is found in the local newspaper. I love Chuck E Cheese over any other 'token' entertainment because its only 1 token for any game! What does God have to do with coupons? Coupon or No coupon, God provides for all of our needs as we seek Him with all of our hearts...

What's Up For Your Saturday?

So what's on your agenda for this weekend? dad will be taking our oldest fishing and mom will need to find something to entertain the remaining four. I think I will do an instant replay of last week and go to the Water Park. We did try the Zoo last week Saturday, but didnt realize the parking was going to be totally crazy and crowded with the local police directing traffic. Oops did someone forget about the annual Martin Luther King Parade! So then the next resort was for the better...thank God for annual passes! We ended up at the Water Park and I think that's what we will do again tomorrow atleast for a couple hours. Leave me a comment and tell me what your plans are or what you do for fun with your family. I think I will go blog visiting....let me know you stopped by...I love to read comments from my visitors! God Bless ~Liz

ME time!!!!

Oh how I long for a few minutes of 'me' time!! With 5 young children in the home, its hard at times to find 'me'. Oh but with 5 young ones, one definitely needs to find some 'me' time! I think I want to take these few minutes and imagine what I would like to do with 'me' time. I would read anything to do with growing closer to God books. I love to read and I would spend hours on end in Borders or even the library looking at all the books. Just me and books! To sit by the waters with a good book would be wonderful and oh so awesome! I like to read Barbara Johnson, Max Lucado, James Dobson, Joni Eareckson, bible devotions, Joel Olsteen. I like to walk around Walmart and enjoy going to thrifts shops and of course my first stop is always the book section. I like to sit in a nice massage getting a pedicure. For more pleasant 'me', time, I would sip a Jamba Juice or visit a local Coffee Bean. OMGooosh how time flies, its time for homework and backpack check, clothes prep, hot choco for the kiddies, night time prayers and constant reminders of "its time to go to bed" or " stop playing in there!". God Bless and yes...somehow I will eventually find 'me'time, but for now...the kiddies are calling 'me'~God Bless Liz

Preach From It!

When the world gives you a platform….. preach from it! I gave my personal testimony of how I came to know the Lord for the first time over 15 years ago. I remember it like yesterday. It was at a huge Christmas production, which seated over 1000 people. I must say it was one of the biggest challenges in my life. My hand was shaking so much, I couldn't hold the microphone, so they clipped a mic to my blouse! When the 4 days of giving my testimony ended, I told myself I would do it again 100 times over, if to give God all the glory! Shortly after, I was on my way to the Kingdom of Tonga, to share the Love of Christ and share again my testimony. One doesn't need to present themselves to hundreds of people or travel across country to share what God has done for them. A platform can be as simple or complex as one allows it to be. A church, school gymnasium, a backyard. A platform is anywhere you make it to be. The audience can be the members of a big church congregation, your neighbors, a co-worker, family, friend...even the unfamiliar face seated next to you on the plane or the stranger at the bus stop. If you genuinely love the Lord, share it with someone...anyone....dont keep it to yourself! The world has and will give you a platform...so when the world does do that very thing...get up and preach from it. For the Lord said... "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15

God Bless and Believe ~Liz

Friendships...

Friendship is something that I treasure and hold close to my heart. My friends are few, oh but how I love them and I do indeed considered myself blessed! They mean more to me then they will ever imagine. Karen has been with me forever and although I havent seen her in a very long time, our paths always seem to cross. We did so much together and have so much childhood memories....Donna is such a beautiful woman of God and I will cherish our friendship forever! We've known each other for years! We've laughed together, cried together, and laughed together again! She loves me for who I am and always reminds me how much I mean to the Lord and how much He will never leave me nor forsake me. She has such a huge heart and I consider myself blessed to count her as one of my 'few'. My closest friend is my awesome, loving soulmate! I truly am blessed to have him in my life. God knew exactly what I needed, when he blessed me with Mark. He does everything for me and more. When it comes to friendships, Im hoping the same for my daughter. That she too, as pictured above with a friend that has moved away, will have friendships that she too will grow to treasure.

Blackberry Blessing

I am so excited! I was in need of a new phone and been checking out Ebay, but nothing really caught my eye. Of course, my contract wasnt up yet so I wasnt ready for one of those 'free' deals. I couldnt really get anything too expensive, but at the same time needed something reliable. At work, my friend Wanda was sharing her new phone she just got and said she got it because she wanted something new.....it just so happen that she still had her other phone....and she chose me of all people to bless! Thank U Jesus! Its a Blackberry 8320 and I love it. Of course, I need to get the phone unlock so I can use it with my carrier, but her carrier will be giving the code for 'free'! Oh yeah and I must say its in Brand New Mint condition! The photo does no justice! Again, God is good all the time....God Bless and BELIEVE ~Liz