How are you?

For years after leaving my church home in thr OC I dreaded running in to people...if they saw me in a store the dreaded question came out ...how are you? It was hard cause, if they really knew me they wouldnt have to ask. Today I was at church and I ran into a greeter who was in the marriage life group I was in...I was wearing my mask, I've cut off my hair, maybe she wouldnt recognize me... I got to the door and she said is that Rebecca and just gave me the biggest hug. It had been two years since I saw this woman but the question never came. She encouraged me and asked if I was in a life group (yes joined a single moms group, Not Alone). She passed on some worship songs to listen to that helped her. She lifted my Spirit when I needed it. I sent her a message after church just saying thank you for the encouragement. Sometimes you just need that.

2022 :)

I don't know if people still follow this blog. I found my old link and password. 2010...last post. A LOT has happened since then. Our kids are 16 and 14 now. We moved to Bakersfield 5 years ago, in August it'll be 6. We got divorced. I fought a long time, 10 years after Dave died (see last post). I'm ok :) I have my babies, I have a job that supports me, I have a home. I lost a lot of friendships over the years choosing to stand by my husband when we left our church. I'm still processing a lot. I was in a different place then, our babies were 2 and 3 when Dave died and I was a stay at home wife without a job. As soon as we moved to Bakersfield I went back to work full time and have been working ever since. I'm thankful God has provided for me, through the pandemic, through sickness, through the divorce and child custudy process which is going on 2 years now. My OC cell phone # wasn't released to me so, if you feel like contacting me you can email or call my new # :) rebeccamillsap@yahoo.com or 661 333-3665.

A year

One year ago today, my husband got on a plane to go bury his best friend Dave. News of his death was shocking to the both of us. The day he died, we'd just gotten home from a Thrive "Family Feud" night which Robby had made the game board for and it went flawlessly! People had so much fun, we came home so happy, then Robby got a call from our friend Daniel. Robby said sadly, "Dave's dead". Our life hasn't been the same since. He left behind a wife and 3 young children. He was 31 years old.

Driving to Bakersfield last weekend, we were 1/4 mile away from a fatal crash. Sitting on a 2 lane California Highway, we saw a helicopter land on the street in front of us to airlift injured people to the hospital. One car swerved in front of the car coming in the opposite direction and was hit. An 81 year old man did not survive the crash. Death is real and it can happen at any moment.

A few weeks ago, Robby and I saw D.A. Carson speak on "Why does God allow suffering." I wanted to share some of what was discussed that evening because, none of us know when our death will happen. Carson in his opening statements said that "if you live long enough, you will suffer. If you don't, someone will be bereaved". Cancer, heart attack, car accident, losing a child, dying to a bullet... we all know someone who's gone through it or is going through it. The worst thing is to pretend the problem isn't there. CS Lewis said "100% of us will die." Grief is something we have to deal with in this life, it's sad and very emotional.

What do you think happens after we die? Genesis 3:19 says "For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return."

The reality of death can make people uneasy, people don't want to think about it's finality. The truth is, a man's soul will always be restless till he finds rest in God. Psalm 32:1 says "My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from Him." For me, I have peace about death, because my hope isn't in this life alone. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 says "we do not grieve like those who have no hope". Through Jesus Christ, we can live for eternity in heaven with Him. There's heaven to be gained and hell to fear.

Did you know that God suffers? His Son died on the Cross, carrying the burden of our sin so that we could be with God! We know too that Christ also suffered 1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."

I know that there was a Creator God who made this earth. Romans 1:20 "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

Our kids had an art project due today which had them collect leaves of different colors. There are so many different shapes of leaves, different shades of leaves, looking at something so simple as leaves becomes so complex when you think about how those leaves came to be when we stop and look :) Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." ... "Be still, and know that I am God!" He wants us to look in awe at what He has made and give Him glory for it. Romans 1:25 "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen."

We won't have all the answers to all our questions, we can't see things from God's perspective this side of heaven, faith is required. We have faith knowing God is sovereign (in control, supreme authority) over everything. Hebrews 11:1, 3, 6 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

You need to be sure too that you have repented of your sins and have surrendered your life to Christ because we know "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME" Matthew 7:21-23.

Another thing that Carson mentioned is "dying well". A friend of theirs was slowly passing away over a period of months and through her suffering, people were praying for miracles, that she'd be healed, but we know sometimes it's not God's Will that all will be healed. Having peace with that and being able to help reconcile others to God is better than questioning "why me". Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12- that he suffered. He prayed 3 times for God to take away his "thorn in the flesh" but his affliction wasn't removed, instead God said "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” And Paul's response was "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

We all know in our hearts the undeniable truth, we can try to excuse it, come up with ways to doubt it or make up theories. Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them."

I don't know when Christ is going to return, I know it's been 2,000 years since he walked on this earth but the Bible says 1 Thessalonians 5:2 "for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night" and it'll be too late to proclaim Him as Lord of your life. What are you waiting for? Psalm 39:4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life."

We need faith, but we also need to turn from sin, repenting (a 180). 1 Peter 2:21 "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps." Carson spoke about how people say "it's my cross to bear", which really was an honor, being counted worthy of suffering for Christ. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:16-18

I know that this isn't the last time we'll experience death and grief. This has been a tough year for us. Robby lost his best friend who was like a brother to him throughout High School and was the best man at our wedding.

I don't want to have regrets of not sharing the truth with people. I don't know when my life here on earth will end. Ephesians 5:16 says to "Make the most of every opportunity" If something I've written stirs something in your heart and you'd like to talk about it, please don't hesitate to call me. I'd love to discuss whatever is on your mind.

James 4:14 "you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."



PS If you see Robby around, give him a big hug, a phone call, invite him out to lunch, you can be a great friend to him. His birthday is this coming Tuesday, November 23rd (it won't appear on your facebook pages) He'll be 31.

The photo is the last one of them taken together the last day we saw Dave alive.
Robby and Dave with their sons, Thanksgiving, 2008

A New site!

Hi everyone!
I started a new blog to keep track of the things I'm learning! It'll sort of be like an online journal of the thoughts on what I've been reading about and learning from various places. You can find the site at: http://millsapmarvels.blogspot.com

October

We thank the Lord for answered prayers!

This week has been big for our family :)
Tuesday morning, I had 4 wisdom teeth pulled. I've heard so many horror stories of friends experiences! My Mom and sister Holly came for two days to help take care of our family and we were so blessed by that! I am so thankful for all the prayers received as I'm feeling great with very little pain! Tuesday I have my 1 set of stitches removed.

Last Friday marked a huge milestone! Christian celebrated his 1st year of life! We are do thankful for the 2 children Gods given us to care for. He's now 23 pounds and has started to walk! He says "Mama, Dada, more, up and Ab (Abby) :) He can also sign "more, all done and please".




In other family news....
My father, Don, underwent heart valve replacement surgery 1 year ago and is doing great! We also received word, my sisters husband arrived home Sunday from his 15 month tour in Iraq! This was his 3rd tour.





Continued prayer for Robby's dad Greg is appreciated. His latest bone marrow biopsy showed no change. His Doctor started him on chemo, every 3 weeks for the next 15 weeks.

Things at the Millsaps are always busy! We continue to serve the Lord at Compass Bible Church and find ourselves there numerous times a week and loving it!

Abbys growing up so fast. She's going to be 3 in January and trying more and more to tell us when she needs to use the potty! :)

The kids are up and running so it's time to end this blog!

Baby Items

Hello friends!

Some of you may have a new baby, are expecting a new baby, or, know of someone who could use some items! I currently have these things I'd love to borrow out so others can use!

Within Arms Reach Side Co Sleeper crib-

Boppy cloud pattern-

Bathtub that fold down for easy storage- Jen Gray

Black Baby Bjorn-

Baby swing Laura Ashley pattern-

Infant Car Seat Laura Ashley pattern-

Extra Infant Car Seat base- Chiara Hawley

Toy mobile- Katy McCrory

Bouncy Seat Fisher Price- Katy McCrory

Nursing shawl and burp clothes- Katy McCrory

If you'd like to borrow something listed above, please just leave me a comment or send an email to rebeccamillsap@yahoo.com!

Race for the Cure

My friend Katy and I have signed up to do the 5k for the breast cancer run/walk! That's 3.11 miles ;) It's in Newport Beach on Sunday, September 28th! The race we're doing starts at 9:45 and you can sign up to race or donate funds to help support the cause! You're also allowed to bring a stroller along! The kids will be joining me!

Breast cancer is a cause that's very dear to my heart. My next door neighbor and I were very close. She gave me lots of motherly advice, spent lots of time with me when I was a child, and encouraged me in so many ways. I was the Junior bridesmaid in her wedding :) She passed away from breast cancer at 38 when I was 11 years old. Her name was Abbe, who we named our daughter after :)

http://www.komenoc.org/

My fundraiser link if you're so inclined! http://www.ockomen.org/race/rebeccamillsap
Katy's fundraiser link! http://www.ockomen.org/race/runsuperkaterun

I'm still here :)

I do apologize for not blogging more :( I haven't had a lot to write about other than that we're still here! The kids are getting big, Christian's 10 months and has 8 TEETH and Abby's 2 1/2 and very talkative! Robby's working hard still for our family. Being self employed, he's busy being our family provider. As for me, I've gotten involved in helping with the Care ministry at church this Summer and love being able to serve our church family! We're gearing up for the Thrive marriage ministry to start again this Fall! Our small group we lead is already full with 10 couples and 25 children (3 of those haven't arrived just yet!). Robby's still loving serving whenever he can on the worship team. We're looking forward to men and women's Bible study starting up next week too! We both are attending church retreats this Fall too!

We still have Disneyland passes through March and, recently joined the YMCA! I've loved taking the water aerobics course! (I've gone 4 times in 6 days!)! It's been 3 1/2 years since I stepped foot in a "GYM". Robby's swimming laps too on his lunch breaks!

We are still praying fervently for Robby's Dad who has been battling stage 4 cancer since diagnosed in May. The Doctors are still trying to find the right medication to treat all his symptoms. Please remember to keep the Millsap family in your prayers.

Also, Robby and I have joined www.facebook.com and update that often with what we're up to! If you join, let us know! :)

Latest update on Robby's Dad

Last week he went in to his Doctor in Bakersfield who recommended they remove his spleen and then start chemotherapy. He's been diagnosed with Stage 4 B cell lymphoma.

Greg decided to a second opinion and switched Doctors! This new Doctor works at a Cancer Crisis center and has a whole team he works with! The other Doctor commuted between hospitals, was a hematologist and not a specialist in cancer, and he hadn't seen many cases like Dad's.

The new Doctor is treating Greg with with a chemical treatment to try and get his body to start producing blood again. They are hoping to see results this week! Once all his treatments are completed, he'll start chemo.

The first day of treatment (Wed. the 11th) the Doctor had to stop because Greg's body started shaking and when they'd ask him questions, he was unresponsive and wouldn't answer them. He received half the treatment he needed and went back again Thursday for the second half. This time, there wasn't a bad reaction, which is a praise!

Greg had his blood drawn yesterday (Monday, the 16th) and we should know the results tomorrow (Wednesday, the 18th) to see if his blood level has increased.

Thank you for your continued prayers and concern for Greg.

Latest news

Robby got a call tonight at 7:15PM from his parents. The Doctors have confirmed Greg has B cell lymphoma. Greg has been diagnosed with B Cell Lymphoma. The Doctors have said they believe it’s low grade and that it’s treatable!

He’s having a heart scan performed Friday, June 6th to make sure it’s in good condition. Greg starts chemotherapy on Tuesday, June 10th, every three weeks for the next 6 months. Another huge praise is that he won't have to be admitted to undergo treatment! (thanks Katie for reminding me!)

Pray that the chemotherapy would be effective
Pray that attitudes stay positive and for their spirits to be up as they focus on God during this time
Pray that the Lord would bless Greg with excellent medical care and the Doctors will have wisdom
Pray that their hearts would draw great comfort in knowing God's love for them.

Thank you all for your continued prayers! We've appreciated all the emails, posts, comments and phone calls!

Not much to report!

Robby arrived home Wednesday afternoon! The kids and I are happy to see him :)

We are still waiting to hear back from Greg's doctors about his culture samples and what "for sure" he has. Once there's a firm diagnosis, treatment can be scheduled and he can be readmitted to the hospital. Once we know, I'll do another post. They said either tonight or tomorrow.

Update. Greg is home :)

Hi everyone!
Robby's Dad is HOME!

The Doctors still aren't 100% sure what he has. Apparently, both these diagnoses' have specific signs and symptoms that Doctors look for and these signs just aren't present! Robby said tonight that the Doctors say it's most likely B Cell Lymphoma but the tell tale sign usually is swollen lymph nodes and he doesn't have that symptom. The CT Scan came back looking good so that's a praise :) The Doctors are going to run a few more tests to try and further filter down what Greg has.

Most likely, he'll be admitted to a different hospital for treatment, as early as Monday. The hospital where he was doesn't do chemo. Robby said he'll most likely need a round of chemotherapy every three weeks for the next few months.

His body still is not producing blood on it's own. The Doctors gave him two blood transfusions again today since his count began to drop. This should "hold him over" till he's re-admitted next week. The procedure usually is out patient but they'll keep him overnight the first time since it can be rough on your body.

Robby's said too that with chemo, his hair will fall out and there will be side effects. We're still so thankful that Dad is still living and can be treated for whatever this is! The Doctors still are very positive and say whatever this is, is very treatable!

My husband said he'll try and return home tomorrow sometime during the afternoon so please be praying for a safe drive! Bakersfield to Mission Viejo can take a few hours!

Thank you to all our friends and family who've been praying! Thank you too for being so willing to help out while Robby's been gone! I've enjoyed some great fellowship this week! My inbox every time I open my laptop is just flooded with support and prayers!

Please continue to pray for Dad as his body fights this and pray for a FIRM diagnosis since the Doctors still aren't sure!

Robby's Facebook page summed it up the other day. He wrote "Thanking God for another day." James 4:14 says "you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." We don't know when our last day on earth might be. This really makes you wonder, what happens after I die? That's a good question! I'm glad you're thinking that! If you're wondering, please, please, call me, let's chat! There's a wonderful place called heaven that has it's doors ready to open up just for you and in heaven, there's no more death, pain or sorrow, only love. God sent His son Jesus Christ to die for our sins so that we could live with Him one day. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Again, an awesome site to read... www.howtogeteternallife.com and click on the "Umbrella Analogy" in the top right corner! It'll walk you through just a basic description on how to become a Christian today! We're not guaranteed a tomorrow!

Update! Good news :)

We'll know more tomorrow, they did a CT Scan tonight. The Doctors think that it's 1 of 2 things.

1) Hairy Cell Leukemia

2) Lymphoma

I got to talk to Robby for about 5 minutes. He said that if it's leukemia, (his symptoms are very much like Hairy Cell Leukemia) they can start treatment on Wednesday and can take as little at 5 days or as many as 14 days to treat. It's a form of cancer that's not "curable" but can be put into remission!

Lymphoma is some sort of tumor Robby said it they might need treat for 3 months.

Either case, this looks very very treatable and the Doctor sounded very positive! Robby's Dad and family are very happy! Praise God!

Robby said he'll probably come home Tuesday.

Thank you for your prayers!!!

No update yet...new test to be done today

Greg is having a CAT scan on his stomach and chest at 6:00PM tonight (Monday), no word yet on bone marrow test results! Please be praying :)

Prayers appreciated :)

Hello!
Our daily Bible reading today was 1 Kings 18. I especially remember this passage because our Pastors wife Carlynn did an awesome study about prayer and used this example in the Old Testament. We find the people of Samaria in a great famine. There hadn't been any rain in 3 years. In verse 42 we learn how Elijah prayed. He crouched down on the earth and put his face between his knees. He continued to pray this way, 7 times be bowed his face to the ground and he didn't stop praying until a rain cloud appeared. Great passage!

Last night, Robby and I came before our Heavenly Father in prayer. We prayed in this same way, faces to the ground, united in prayer for Robby's Dad.

Thursday night Greg (Robby's Dad) was admitted to the hospital with a very low platelet count. The Doctors said they were surprised he hadn't died and that if he'd cut himself, he would have bled to death. Since then, he's been receiving blood transfusions, trying to get his blood level to increase. It appears his body has stopped producing blood. We're not sure why but we do know that God is in control. They didn't have to give him a transfusion today so the blood they've given him is staying in his body. That's a praise! Today, the Doctors did a bone marrow test today at 11:30. They won't know the results until Monday. His Dad is 50 years old.


Psalm 139:13-16 "You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my Mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

Another note, it's important too when faced with serious conditions like this to make sure that you're right with God. We believe there's more to this life than just Earth. We believe and hope in Heaven and the saving power of Jesus Christ. All of our days on this earth are numbered. We know it's just a matter of time before we die. If you haven't accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, if you haven't surrendered your whole life to Him and His will, or if you're not living a life that's praiseworthy and glorifying Him, you can do that today!!! Visit www.howtogeteternallife.com to learn more. Feel free to contact me if you want to know more about Christ and how much He loves us and wants us to spend an eternity with Him! We have hope! We know that when we die, we go to a better place! We know there's more to this life! :) We can look at this grim situation with Robby's Dad and find joy! Knowing that when we die, in heaven there will be no more death, pain or sorrow, only rejoicing and incredible worship!

Please be praying for Robby and his family. His Dad's name is Greg, Mom is Terry and sister is Katie.

Our family is praying God's will be done for his Dad. Robby and I are at peace knowing that God can heal and God can call people home. We will rejoice no matter what the answer is. Thank you for your prayers!

Central Coast! 2 new posts!

Robby and I have taken a Coastal vacation every year for the last 5 years. We absolutely LOVE it! The last 3 years we've stayed in Cambria http://www.seecambria.com/"where the pines meet the sea!" This is a little town that's filled with so much fun! There's little shops, great coffee, a cute grocery store http://www.cookiecrock.com/.

Another area we love to visit is Solvang. http://www.solvangusa.com/ This is a sweet Dutch Village where you'll find lots of fun little shops and some great food!

Something we noticed during our visit is how badly these towns have been effected by the economy and also the gas prices! A lot of the stores are closing and homes and businesses are being put up for sale! These towns thrive off of tourism! Without tourists, I'm afraid these wonderful little cities might cease to exist!

We rented a vacation home in Cambria (we've visited the same home for the last 3 years) and it's comparable to what you'd pay for a hotel room in Pismo Beach! The home we rent is a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, 2 living rooms, a dining room and a walk in kitchen in office. It's very spacious and there's also wireless Internet in case you need to look up directions anywhere!

If you're looking for a fun family vacation, there's SO much to see along the Central Coast! Having gone up there so much, we're still finding fun things to do as a couple and as a family! We've picked fruit off the vine, we've gone to Maritime Museum in Ventura, Aquariums, drive-in movie theatre in San Luis Obispo, picnic lunch by Nojoqui Falls, Danish chocolate malts in Solvang at www.ingeborgs.com. We've yet to go to Santa Barbara but I'm sure there are fun things to do there too!

If you haven't gone up the Coast before, I'd encourage you to look in to it! :)

Our vacation! :)

This blog is long overdue!

Technically, our vacation started last Thursday! Robby took the entire day off work and we went to Disneyland. The kids were SO good! We spent most of the day riding NEW rides which really kept Abby's attention! We did Jungle Cruise and Autopia Cars which Abby just LOVED! We had an awesome lunch too at Country Bear! Their bacon cheeseburgers are DELICIOUS!

We drove home just in time for the kids to have a short nap in the car, grabbed our Thrive notebooks and went to church!

Friday morning, we woke up early and headed up to LA to visit with my parents :) They offered to watch our doggy Paris while we were away! Abby cried when we left, missing her grandparents and her dog! The kids love seeing their grandparents and Auntie Holly :) My Mom also lent us an awesome square pack n play which Abby slept really well in!

After leaving my parents house, the kids fell asleep and we drove all the way to Buellton! We stopped at Taco Bell for lunch and gassed up the car, then, back on the road. We stopped and shopped for a bit in San Luis Obispo then drove through to Cambria! One of our favorite things to do in Cambria is visit their grocery store! It's called Cookie Crock. What's neat is, Camrbia doesn't have any major chain stores. You won't find a Starbucks, a Blockbuster, an Albertsons, a CVS Pharmacy. We picked up some snacks and drinks then headed home after ordering dinner from Moustache Pete's alfredo to-go! Robby and I watched "Cloverfield" which was a little scary but very entertaining!

Saturday, we woke up and took the kids to the beach! This was Christian's first time! Abby loved running through the waves, getting her clothes all wet! We came home, did naps then went to a JJ's Pizza in town :)

Sunday morning, the family went SHOPPING! We hit the Pismo Outlet mall where Abby bought a new Minnie Mouse doll. We went to Gottchalks in San Luis Obispo and purchased some new shirts! We also got 2 new beach towels ;) While out shopping, Abby's window got stuck. It rolled down but refused to roll back up! The two beach towels provided a safe "window" for Abby till we were able to get it repaired (Monday morning)! We drove to dinner with the window rolled down which Abby thought was hilarious, having never really experienced wind blowing in her face on the freeway! We ate at our favorite steak restaurant in Pismo Beach called McClintocks. They have the best bacon wrapped filet mignon and comes with a TON of sides. You get salad, potato wedges, garlic bread, beans and ice cream :) After eating such a filling meal, we drove back home and everyone went to bed early! We did watch a little bit of "Monster In Law" which was playing on TV.

Robby woke up Monday and took the truck to the Ford dealership in San Luis Obispo. They were able to fix Abby's window and he was back at the house before lunch time! We had talked about possibly driving up to Monterey that day to go to the Aquarium which we'd heard was so great! We had lunch in Cambria, the kids fell asleep in the car and 2 1/2 hours later, we arrived in Monterey! It was a MUCH longer drive than Robby and I had expected! Still, Abby had fun and the kids were PERFECT on the car ride! After spending a few hours at the aquarium, we turned around and headed back home since it was 4:30 and would be DARK by the time we arrived back! I'd wanted to go on the 17 mile scenic drive that so many people have said is so fun and also romantic. Maybe another trip!

Some cute memories:
Abby saw the sea otters and kept says "SEE WATER"!
Christian was drinking his bottle when we stumbled across an exhibit for baby whales. They drink 2,000 bottles a day vs. Christian's 6 bottles a day. Facinating ;)
It was pretty cold in Monterey SO I took a cute pic of Robby, Abby and Christian in their hooded sweatshirts!

Tuesday, it was time to head back home. Even though Cambria is a 5 hour drive, we like to stop so much that it really takes about 8 hours, start to finish! We started our morning with breakfast at a nice French Cafe. We dined on hot chocolate and croissants, reminiscing of our trip to Paris last year :) Ahh :) After we ate, it was time to get everything loaded in the truck and ready to go! We left at 10-, drove to Solvang which is about 70 miles South of Cambria. This quaint little Dutch Village holds a lot of childhood memories for me. We used to go there a lot with my parents and grandparents and, I have an adorable little Dutch dress from my childhood that I keep meaning to get a photo of Abby in before she grows out of it! We enjoyed going in a few of the shops there but our kids are still too little to really ENJOY shopping or behave well while shopping! We had a nice pizza lunch, Abby enjoyed a chocolate ice cream and then we started driving again! We tried to stop at the Toy Shop in Carpenteria off of Santa Claus Lane but, it's GONE! The store went out of business :(

We went shopping in Camarillo :) It's always fun to get some new things while away from home. Robby came back with a pair of Lucky Brand Jeans and a new pair of shoes from Kenneth Cole! I enjoyed going in Ann Taylor and Gap!

Our trip ended at Grammy and Grandpa's! We enjoyed a nice Chinese Food dinner and conversation :) Our dog had enjoyed her stay and Abby was especially glad to see her!

We got home Tuesday night around 9- and I'm still unpacking from our trip! It's amazing how much laundry you go through when you're gone for 5 days! :)

I'm very thankful we were able to take this family vacation and just spend quality time together. This was our first time away from home since Christian was born :)

Testimony. Have you thought it through?

Having just read Shannon's blog, this really had permeated my mind today and has inspired me to really reevaluate things and write some stuff out!

A few weeks ago at Women's Bible study, our group leader challenged us to share our testimony. The room went silent! Having gone through the Partners Discipleship Program with church, I'd had to share my testimony with my friend Chiara who was taking me through the book. It's still a work in progress :)

Here's my testimony:
I grew up in a Christian home but I know that doesn't make me a Christian. I went to church every Sunday as a kid, again, doesn't make me a Christian. The church I went to was very much into "the sinners prayer" which you won't find written out in the Bible. As friends around me were getting saved, I came to my parents and asked them, how do I become a Christian? At 11 years old, I had a desire in my heart to become a Christian. I knew that there was heaven and hell and knew that Jesus had died on the cross to save me from sin. My parents helped lead me to the Lord through reading me scripture, praying with me and having me pray on my own, making sure that this life of becoming a Christian was what I really wanted. In March of 1992, I got baptized. This gave me a feeling of freshness, a symbol to me of being buried with Christ in His death and then raised to walk in a new life. I grew up believing that my heart had be washed of my sin through baptism.

In High School, through AWANA Scholarship Camp is when I really started to take my faith seriously. The speaker showed 2 Ray Boltz videos. The images were of a man and his son, imprisoned in modern day, because he believed in God. Another video a man was taken to trial and with the scales on the desk, they measured to see if there was enough evidence in his life to convict him of being a Christian. This pierced me. I pictured my life. Would there be enough evidence in my life to prove that I'm a Christian? I cried and I remember rededicating my life to Him.

Since then, I've tried to live a life that would show that, I believe in God, that I'm a Christian saved by faith and by grace, and that I live my life for Him.

I came home from Camp that year and put my faith in to practice. I started serving whole heartedly in our AWANA program, having a great desire for Jr. High kids to come to know Him. I felt that's such a trying time for kids, going through so many changes in life, you want to guide them on the right path. I reevaluated the relationships I had with people. Are these friends who are helping my walk or hindering my walk? I made a dating standards checklist for guys to determine who I would go out with. I trusted God with my future, having Him direct my path out of High School.

At 20, while serving on the worship team at church, God blessed me with Robby, my husband of 6 years. He's the answer to my prayers. Through everything we've been through in our marriage, God has proven to be faithful to us both and bless us in our life together. We're continually growing together in our walks, we serve together, and we're developing more of a relationship with Him. We have the same goal, to know God, to serve God and now to raise our children to know and serve Him too.

Here are the Ray Boltz videos that had such a deep impact on me.
"One Drop Of Blood"


"I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb"


Definition of Allegiance: Commitment, the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action.

For everyone 29 and under!

Did that title line catch your attention? The following statistics a girlfriend of mine sent me and I seriously couldn't sleep until I posted this for all of my friends to read. It really makes you reevaluate! I know I'm 27 and fall under the category of being "saved" in High School. Please, take a few minutes to read below.

My girlfriend Shannon (she's on my myspace top 8) and also on my friends links on the right under Primicerio) is a Christian author/speaker to teenage girls. She wrote this on her blog this week and it really had an impact on me.
It's 1:25am and this just kept running through my mind! :)

I'll list the statistics that really hit me first, then you can read her post!

61% of young adults who attended church as a teen become completely spiritually disengaged during their twenties.

Only 20% of young adults who attended church in their teen years remain spiritually active by the age of 29.

http://yourmomentisnow.com The post is Debunking the teenage alter call

Please take a few moments to read it!

Photos, finally! More another day!

Our last trip to Disneyland, Robby sat with Christian while I took Abby on Dumbo! During the 30 minute wait, as Christian just kept staring at Daddy, daddy taught him how to say "Dada"! I'll try and get a video of him saying it soon!