VOD: Gracious Words

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Proverbs 16:24 NIV

http://bible.com/111/pro.16.24.niv

Recently, I took a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area to visit family, namely cousins with whom we grew up and spent many a summer. 

I recalled fondest memories of learning to swim, dancing, playing games and laughing very loudly and enjoying each other's company.

Through the years we've always kept in touch and stayed connected via social media, email and text messages (what would we do without our electronic devices?), even meeting new cousins and getting along as though we've known each other for decades!

One thing is for certain that no matter how many weeks, months or years go by before reconnecting again or seeing each other face-to-face, the exchange of endearing terms, words of encouragement and accolades for one's accomplishments are ALWAYS spoken with the deepest sincerity. We truly TRULY love each other very much. 

This trip was packed with healing power for me so desperately needed from the minute we stepped foot off the plane to the rapid-fire barrage of play-by-play text messages received from our cousins who were on their way to the airport to collect us all. When at last we reunited, the heartfelt welcome greetings and hugs met our eager countenances!

Reminiscing through childhood memories, experiencing new adventures and creating memorable moments today (and this is just Day 1 of our mini-vacation) were just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. 

The take away for me today: the spoken gracious words from my cousins and my aunt were so heartwarming, just as the Bible says, were like "...honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Therapeutic. Serenity. Comforting. Healing.

May we always speak kindness to one another and give willingly from the heart, just as God has done for us with His Son.

May you ever be blessed where God meets you.

VOD: God is Faithful

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV

http://bible.com/111/2th.3.3.niv

There's a saying I tell the kids and it goes something like this: "Your 'ewww' could be somebody else's 'yum." Think about that for a second. I'll wait.

The same applies to your trials and tribulations, your vices, your temptations and your evils.

What could be easy-peasy, walking-on-easy-street could be another's struggles and pitfalls.

What I experience today as an obstacle in my life, could be a triumph in another's journey. 

Whether you're facing a road block, a fork in the road, a detour or a rerouting, no matter how small the utterance or how loud the pondering, staying steadfast in prayer shows the most immeasurable of faith we have in God that He will carry us through to the light at the end of the tunnel.

Even if our puny minds cannot fathom it now, God knits our lives the way He sees fit and these set backs are just snags in our fabric that only He can mend. 

It is my hope this rings true in your life as it does mine.

May you ever be blessed where God meets you.

La Mirada Christian Church

 Today I visited La Mirada Christian Church in La Mirada, Calif., where I was drawn to hear the sermon of Pastor Shane Womack, former head pastor at Knott Avenue Christian Church in Anaheim. It had been a while since I visited KACC and only recently I learned Pastor Shane was no longer there, but instead had been the guest pastor at LMCC.

La Mirada Christian Church

Calling and texting a few friends from KACC, a good friend, Anna, met me there and we had fellowship together. We even took a SnapChat and selfie together!

Me and long-time friend, Anna, visiting La Mirada Christian Church

All kidding aside, this small but charming church (12104 Los Coyotes Ave) is nestled in a quiet neighborhood off Imperial Highway and Los Coyotes Avenue in La Mirada with only one service at 10:15am on Sundays.

 The stage was small-to-medium sized equipped with a very basic set up: a grand piano, acoustic drum set, bass player, two worship singers (female soprano and female alto) and a worship leader. Small they were, but mighty in praise!

Outside the main entrance to the sanctuary.

Worship music led the service with today’s contemporary Christian music (NOTE TO SELF: remember to write down the songs of the day and artists), and if you know anything about me, I absolutely love and adore worship time because it is so fulfilling to your soul and allows emotional expression, but it is also a pre-cursor of the morning message.

The church patio area leading to the lobby.

We read from the book of Philippians 3:17 to 4:5 centered on The Keys to Joyful Living “Pathways of Joy.” Points around the message were:

Philippians 3:17-4:5

·      Be imitating (v. 3:17) – If “imitation” is the highest form of flattery, we should “imitate” those who are walking in the Lord.

·      Be weeping (v. 3:18-19) – Jesus wept for He knew what was to come, but yet He sought God’s will. We should continue to seek God’s will in our own lives.

·      Be anticipating (v. 20-21) – For we know not the hour for when He will return, therefore be ready.

·      Be standing (v. 4:1) – Be rooted, be faithful, and be immersed in His foundation.

·      Be harmonizing (v. 4:2-3) – Get along with one another.

·      Be rejoicing (v. 4:4) – Rejoice in the Lord always.

·      Be forbearing (v. 4:5) – Share the Word.

I trust God will speak to your hearts with this little message.

May you ever be blessed where God meets you.