The Journey

M&M

2009-08-21T12:25:00.005-04:00

M&M ~ Is it candy? Is it initials for names? Is it a name of a dessert?
None of the above ~ it's our Woman 2 Woman Mentoring Program at Oasis Church

Mentor & Mentee....

Over the past couple of years I have been involved with the program as a Mentor to several ladies in our church... all the while I was a Mentee to the Program Director... Tonia Melton ... unbeknown to me and while God was moving and doing different things with our Women's Ministry - He was using Tonia as my Mentor... I could not ask for a better Mentor... She is not only my Mentor, but my "girlfriend", my sister, my encourager, my confidant, my example, she is my accountability partner... She has helped me on my journey of life with where I have been, where I am going and where God is leading me. I was so blessed to have Tonia in my life to help me through when my mother was so ill. Today I am a better woman because of the influnce of a Mentor in my life... Thank You Tonia!

Now you need to consider how you can become involved with The Mentoring / Mentee program at Oasis Church! On a daily basis I watch ladies connect with other ladies and do life together! I watch as they travel their journey of life ~ how they share some of the most funnest moments and then some of the saddest or even intimate times of their lives. Each lady encourages and supports each other on this journey that God has before us!

Where are you on this journey? Are you doing life without a "girlfriend"? You need not - get involved with Oasis Church Women's Ministry! Ask how you can get involved...

American Idol Concert...

2009-08-03T14:14:00.003-04:00

To end our summer vacation and to celebrate our 31st Wedding Anniversary - we decided to take Kodie and David with us and we attended the American Idol Concert at the Arena... Wow! We had a great time... dinner at Cheesecake Factory and then on to the concert and we finished the evening up with Milkshakes from Steak-n-Shake! It was a fun evening - making memories on this journey of life with the family...

Evening Out...

2009-07-28T22:25:00.002-04:00

Tonight was a great evening out... We started with a movie first - he had picked the movie "Proposal"... it was a great way to start our evening... I laughed so hard I was crying...

After the movie we went to Ruth Chris Steak House... delicious dinner!!! Of course, we had to have dessert... That topped the evening off...

This was a very special evening... Thank you James Brown... I love you...

I would marry you all over again - our life is much better now than 31 years ago!
Whoo Hooo!!!!

Happy Anniversary ~ 31 Years!

2009-07-28T08:59:00.004-04:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!!!!
Remember that day...oh so young (and we had no idea what we were doing)... but God did and He kept us together...through thick and thin

On this journey - Today we are celebrating 31 years married to the same person!

Happy Anniversary James Brown...

I love you more today then I did then ~ you are my best friend...

Thank you for being there for me...

Our Summer Vacation and then back to work...

2009-07-20T15:50:00.009-04:00

Well it has been a month since I've shared my journey...

We began our summer journey with taking the kids to Washington, DC for 6 days... WOW ~ THAT WAS AWESOME! Loved the history...

Then we came back ~ got clean clothes and traveled to Naples, FL for the Rogers' Reunion..

We finally came home July 5 and everyone had to get back to work...
Jim back to church, Kodie babysitting all over, David is working at Chick-fil-a and I'm not working (at least not for a paycheck that is)...

I am volunteering as the Director of the Women's Ministry this year at Oasis Church. I absolutely love it! I have found my passion ~ my heart's desire... I am so content in God's will with this position.

I will begin sharing my journey more this year as God continues to unwrap all the gifts He has in store for our family...

Kids off to camp 2009!

2009-06-18T22:29:00.003-04:00

On this journey - there are times it is hard to let them go. As our kids were preparing for camp, I was excited for them Tonight at 6pm 50 kids plus adults loaded 1 greyhound bus, 1 shuttle bus and 1 car and headed to Gatlinburg, TN... As they proceeded to load the bus, my heart was heavy... I realized that this is Kodie's senior year in high school and I will have to let her go and let her have wings... Please pray for me this year! I think this will be another bittersweet year! Our daughter is growing up into this beautiful young woman right under my nose... God is awesome and as I give her her wings to fly, God has given me our son at home to help me through. David is a 10th grader now and he also is growing into this awesome young man for God. I couldn't be any prouder of two great kids that God has allowed us to parent! Thank you Kodie and David ~ I love you...

Gatlinburg, TN 2009 with Pastors and Wives

2009-05-30T11:33:00.002-04:00

The wives had an awesome time visiting with each other ~ catching up and having fun! We shopped till we dropped ~ we ate till we were full ~ we laughed till we cried and loved every minute of each others company. I am so blessed to serve a church with such God-lead pastors and work together with such special wives. I am amazed to see how God is moving and using us in all areas at Oasis Church. I thank God each day for the opportunities He has given me as I serve Him at Oasis Church!

Prom Night... 2009 CCA

2009-05-22T18:39:00.001-04:00

Mothers Day 2009

2009-05-11T10:54:00.003-04:00

Life can be bittersweet... Here is another Mother's Day and I do not have my mom... I so missed her, but I know she is so much better off sitting at the feet of Jesus. She was my example - and if I could only be half the woman she was I would be blessed...

But I also see how God has truly blessed me with two amazing teenagers - Kodie (17) and David (15). Thank you God for making me their mother!

Busy day in the Keys yesterday...

2009-04-18T09:30:00.004-04:00

Yesterday - Friday - April 17th - We spent the afternoon and evening in Key West. Toured the Light House and also took the Conch Train tour of the entire city of Key West. We had dinner at Crabby Dicks. It has been 12 years since we have been and the tour was very interesting... The kids will remember this trip - they don't remember much of the last trip because David was 3 and Kodie was 5...

Can you see Cuba?

2009-04-17T09:42:00.003-04:00

Dinner at Mangrove Mama's

2009-04-17T09:28:00.003-04:00

Shopping in Key West

2009-04-17T09:11:00.002-04:00

Thursday afternoon we spent the day shopping - shopping - shopping in Key West. We also went to the most southern point of Florida and we saw Cuba! And of course we eat dinner at Mangrove Mama's...

Sunsets

2009-04-16T12:47:00.003-04:00

When I look at God's handiwork and realize the beauty in the sunset... how can anyone question there is no God... enjoy!

David and the "tea party"

2009-04-16T12:43:00.002-04:00

Our son is so politically involved... while we are on vacation, David got very involved with the Tea Party in Big Pine Key, Florida

Dinner last night

2009-04-16T12:39:00.003-04:00

We had a great dinner at a place called Boondocks... Food was delicious!

Vacationing in Cudjoe Key Florida

2009-04-16T12:32:00.002-04:00

We are on our vacation... relaxing, reading a book, enjoying the family... What better time is this!

Springbreak coming...

2009-04-06T16:40:00.003-04:00

Beginning next week - Monday after Easter... we are on spring break....YEAH! We are headed out of town for a couple of days... Key West here we come... We have been blessed... some precious friends from Vero Beach gave us their place to use for the week! WOW - God is awesome... keep up with us next week!!!! Until then.. Have a Blessed Easter!

Touch Project Night

2009-03-28T15:30:00.006-04:00

Touch Project night!

Sometimes in this journey of our lives, we are presented with opportunities that do change our perspective on life. I think this might have been one of those nights. We get so wrapped up in OUR own busy lives, we forget what is going on or not going on around us. I had a unique opportunity to collect clothes, toiletries and food – pack them up with a small group of caring individuals and proceed to downtown Miami. Not knowing what to expect – but eager to serve where God might use me! Jim, David and I (Kodie was unable to attend at this time due to her knee) along with our Community Group from Monday began preparing as early as 6:15 pm on Friday, March 27, 2009. We were cooking 300 hotdogs, putting together gallon zip lock baggies filled with toilet paper, toothpaste, foot powder, soap, socks, etc… along with sorting through bags of donated clothing to prepare for our trip to Miami. It was now 8:30 pm, we had a short devotion and prayer and off we loaded into our bus, vans and cars ready for the task before us. As you will see in the pictures, there were probably 25 committed Christians ready to serve where God was leading us in the desolate streets of downtown Miami – where most people try to stay away from! I must say the first stop was very overwhelming to me – I really didn’t want to get out of the bus – I felt I needed to stay and “protect” the bus. But God was nudging me… As I sat and watched in amazement as the others were the hands and feet of Jesus – handing out food and supplies… So many telling us “God Bless You”… when we should have been saying a blessing on them. It was so sad when we began turning people away – “I’m sorry I don’t have any more toilet paper or toothpaste” – as small as this is in our everyday lives – and we didn’t have enough to hand out to 150 individuals throughout the night. Well, by the second stop – I was not sitting – I wanted to be the first out of the bus… I wanted my feet and my hands to be Jesus! I wanted to touch these lives some way… I began serving up food ~ every plate I made up I quietly blessed it for the one it was going to. Our community group made 16 bags of chicken, rice, salad, pineapple cake, and “flan”. Yep ~ the flan was a big hit… they kept coming back until it was gone! The pictures I have attached tell so many stories… You need to find a way to be the hands and feet of Jesus… WE need YOU to help at Oasis Church! Help with supplies, donate clothes or fix a meal… or donate an evening of your time. We rolled back into the church parking lot at 2am… What are you doing to help? Step out of your box! – Dare to be Different!!!!

Red Envelope Day - March 31 - Need Your Help!

2009-03-16T22:08:00.004-04:00

Sometimes when you turn your TV on or read the news somewhere you find that certain basic principles which are moral and spiritual in essence find themselves among the rest of the news. That is the case of the rights of the unborn. A teen who, instead of just listening to the news and putting it aside, is taking a stand. Our son, David Brown, who is 15 not only believes in the sanctity of life, but feels so strongly about it that he has been moved to action.

Read what David says about it ...“Red Envelope Day caught my attention because it is such a great and creative idea. It is easy to accomplish and is a peaceful and reasonable way to express our voice… (for the unborn and for life). I plan on getting as many envelopes as I can and filling them out and putting them into the hands of people who would be willing to put a stamp on the envelope and mail it out. I wish to get as many envelopes as I can into kids’ hands who want to make a change in this country and stand up for the rights of the unborn. I hope that all around America and the world at least 53 million envelopes get sent out to recognize the 53 million children killed due to abortion since abortion became legal.”

I hope you are also inspired and choose to join David and our family on this endeavour. One person can do something, but many can accomplish so much more!

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, everyone of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them”

Psalm 139:14-16

Birthdays - come and go....

2009-03-16T13:30:00.003-04:00

Sometimes birthdays are just spent doing something on the spur of the moment... no plans, no itineraries, no direction... Just get up and go wherever you decide. This particular morning my two sisters Cyndi and Tonia (before my mom died, she said Tonia was one of her daughters) picked me up and off we went to Knaus Berry Farm in Homestead, FL had a cinnamon bun and a strawberry shake (WOW was that good)... then we went to a Tea Room Restaurant in Cauley Square - no reservations, just walked in and had lunch (WOW - we ate again). Then on our way home - we decided to stop at Dolphin Mall - (WOW - we had to snack again) and shop some more!!!! Sometimes these kinds of birthday's are the best! Came home and Jim took me and the family out to Bahama Breeze... (WOW more good food)... Then came home and had 2 cakes... (WOW - more food)... I can certainly say we ate ALL DAY LONG!!!

In Memory of Sally Rogers... Relay for Life

2009-03-13T22:00:00.004-04:00

Tonight my sister and I along with my niece, Brittni, went and walked the Relay for Life / American Cancer Society at Walter C. Young. It was a very special ceremony. The luminaries lite up the entire way around the track of those names who have fought the fight of cancer. Our Mom was one of them. Mom fought lung cancer for 9 years and now she is reaping her rewards ~ sitting at the feet of Jesus! As much as I miss my mom, and wished I had her here - I am glad she is no longer in pain and she has her perfect body! I am so blessed to have the time I had with my mom and all the special years we had together. Mom passed away 1 1/2 years ago - but it is still so fresh and I continue to cry for her - but I have the assurance that I will see her again in Heaven. Thank you Jesus - Give my mom a kiss!

Community Group...

2009-03-10T09:58:00.004-04:00

I love community group... I have the privilege of leading a single mom's community group in our Oasis Church. God called me about 3 years ago to start this group within our church. I have realized that the journey in our life does not always turn out like we want... As you will see in these pictures, God led one young lady, Kodie, to use her small community group from CCA to bless the life of one of Oasis' single mom's with a baby shower. When Salustria joined our group, she felt so alone and no where to turn and 7 months pregnant. Today, Salustria is at "home" within our community group. Our "mom's" have opened up their arms and welcomed her into our group... giving Salustria the love of Jesus. They truly are the arms of Jesus. They truly know what it means to share the love of Jesus. Even when they have nothing - they find it to share with another single mom who is down on her luck and looking for her way. Who are we to pick up that stone and judge when Jesus could do the same with each of us - but does not... Jesus loves us in spite of our mistakes and failures. God is awesome! Thanks for community groups...

Working World

2009-03-08T12:54:00.003-04:00

David has now joined the working world... At 15 and ready to conquer the world - he began working at Chick-fil-A in our local Pembroke Lakes Mall... He hasn't gotten his first paycheck yet -but I think he has it spent... Yeah David!!!!

Another Birthday Celebration

2009-03-02T11:25:00.005-05:00

This journey has given us another milestone. This past weekend we celebrated David's 15th Birthday! Wow!!! Can you believe he is 15??? I can remember the day we brought him home... And now look at him... started his first job outside the home and getting paid. Next week driving... What's next??? Girlfriend??? (I think there is one - ??- )... God is so awesome to me as a mom, I am so blessed to have the worlds best kids!!!

Valentine Weekend

2009-02-15T17:25:00.003-05:00

Our Valentine Weekend began with going to Vero Beach and meeting some very dear old friends. Ken, Bonnie, Granny, Cordie and Rich. We are blessed to cherish the old times we could share together and realize that no matter how long it has been since we have seen each other, we pick up from right where we left off.

New Job

2009-02-04T20:40:00.002-05:00

On this journey of life, God has brought me to a new road. I have begun to work for a web-based company called LifeClassroom.com If you read my blog - check out this new site and see how we can help your company. God has allowed me to begin working for new company which I am very excited about. It is taking me a little time to understand and really know all the ins and outs of the company - but by the end of February I am excited to see where God is leading me. In January I asked God to expand my territory and WOW look what he has done for me... I am reaching places all over the United States and into Canada. Thank you God!

Life is tough...

2009-01-06T19:14:00.004-05:00

Sometimes in this journey of life we are made to push ourselves ~ right now in this journey, our daughter, Kodie has been given a bump in the road that she must overcome. On December 5th, Kodie was playing basketball and with just 2 minutes left before halftime she went down and she went hard. She tore her ACL and her meniscus flipped. On December 16th, she had surgery to repair everything. Now she is having the fight of her life - she must fight and endure this pain to get back to where she was... If you know Kodie, she is a fighter ~ take a moment to pray for her. This has been so hard on her (and me as her mother to watch her have to go through this). I know that my God is sufficient and will supply all the strength she needs...

Continue on this journey and watch what God will do!!!!

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-05T10:01:00.004-05:00

Have a Blessed New Year!
Love,
Jim, Kodie, Debby & David

Christmas and friends

2009-01-02T19:02:00.003-05:00

This journey has given us new friends back in Vero Beach. Who would have known that God would bring us back around to Vero - Sebastian area. Since we were unable to go and see snow (since Kodie's injury), we had to get out of town, so we went to North Melbourne and stayed on the beach! It was an awesome 5 days... We just vegged out and watched movies, enjoyed the beach and ate, and ate, and ate...

Chick-fil-la Tourney

2008-12-22T17:38:00.004-05:00

The Lady Eagles from Calvary Christian Academy won the Chick-fi-la Tournament! Kodie was on the sidelines routing her teammates on.... Congrats to the team!

Kodie and George

2008-12-14T20:36:00.004-05:00

Okay - here is another part of this journey that God has put us on... Our daughter, Kodie has a young man in her life, George Millar. He met Kodie at CCA last year. Then God moved his family to Vero Beach (where we use to live). And now they have this "long distance" relationship. We met him about 3-4 months ago and then he had to have the "dad interview" and I'm quite impressed ~ he is still around. He really likes Kodie and treats her like a lady. He is a Christian and his life really shows how much he loves God. We are so blessed and are thankful for new friends in our lives on this journey!

Basketball...

2008-12-14T10:04:00.003-05:00

Sometimes in this journey - we have many bumps and bruises... Beginning the Basketball season, Kodie was know by ALL the high school coaches. She was averaging 17-18 pts a game and about 13-14 rebounds and having the best season yet, but then on Friday night, December 5th, Kodie played basketball with CCA against Hollywood Christian School. Just before halftime ~ Kodie went down screaming... now after a long week of doctor visits and some intense therapy, Kodie has a torn ACL and her meniscus has flipped. We are blessed - we have one of the Miami Dolphin doctors who specializes in knees taking care of her. She is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, December 16th. Please remember to pray for her - she will be out for the rest of the season and has a hard road ahead to be prepared for next year's season. I know my daughter can do it! Just yesterday, she wants to make sure that she takes this "bad" and finds the good in it! #33 may be on the sidelines for the rest of this season - but she will be back stronger and better for next season...God is always in control of our lives and He has the best for us!!!

The Jingle Jog 5K

2008-12-14T09:59:00.002-05:00

I am so proud of David! He ran the Jingle Jog 5K in Sunrise. At first I thought I was going to have to run with him, but several of his friends from school decided to run/jog/walk with him! Our kids never cease to amaze us. Good going David!!!!

Happy 17th Birthday - Our Daughter ~ Kodie!!!

2008-11-27T09:07:00.003-05:00

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Today is Kodie's 17th birthday. We are so blessed to have such a beautiful, young lady. We are so proud of her as she is becoming the young lady that God wants her to be. Kodie serves in so many areas ~ she is a small group leader both at school and for our middle school girls at Oasis Church, she also is a KidsWorld Teacher. Kodie is a Junior at Calvary Christian Academy and a great student. Kodie or better known as the "KODIATOR" plays Varsity Basketball for CCA (if you haven't seen her play you are missing out - it is fun!!). Everyone knows Kodie ~ either at Oasis Church or at CCA, Kodie is known for her sweet smile and caring attitude. If you don't know Kodie ~ you are the one that is missing out on the blessing. God is a very special part of her life and the light does shine through her! Happy Birthday Sweetheart! We love you!!!

Community Groups....

2008-10-25T15:00:00.005-04:00

I have been sharing about Community Groups all week. On this journey of our lives, I feel that community groups are important. The following pictures are some of our dearest friends. They became our dearest friends because we all were in a community group together. We studied The Purpose Driven Life together. When we moved from Sebastian to Pembroke Pines, we plugged ourselves into Community right away. We laugh together, cry together, celebrate big family occasions together, and of course we eat together.... Even though we ALL have moved on to different various other community groups, we still do things together...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALTER!!!!!

Baptism...

2008-10-21T19:37:00.001-04:00

Immediately after Monday evening, Christine was baptised!!!! Congrats To Christine!

More eating...

2008-10-21T19:32:00.001-04:00

Community Group...

2008-10-21T19:18:00.002-04:00

Jim and I are blessed to lead a community group at the church on Monday nights! This particular night we were just having fun and eating! We enjoy each others company...

Community Group...

2008-10-03T07:24:00.003-04:00

Our church has many community groups (small groups who do life together). I am privilege to lead a small group of single moms. They are the best! They have taught me so much about life. Single moms do it all - they have no spouse to share the daily ups and downs of life with. They totally depend on God for all their support. God becomes their husband... He is there to carry them, to encourage them, to support them, to love them... These ladies are so resourceful, they can stretch a dollar like no one has ever seen. But the thing that sticks out most for me is when someone else is in need - they are there for them. They go the extra mile for someone else. This past week I was on the receiving end of these ladies. My dad has been in the hospital this past weekend, and he has been so sick with a cold and bronchitis... These ladies decided to help me out with meals ~ no not just meals / they brought food for the next two weeks. I personally want to thank my small group! They've got it! They understand what it means to SERVE! Thank you ladies!!!!

Today... September 19th

2008-09-19T19:43:00.009-04:00

Today - a year ago - My mom met Jesus! Now I know she is a whole lot better off than us, but I sure would have kept her here on earth longer (yes I am very selfish). But at the same time that my mom met Jesus - a new precious life was born. I was so privileged to know this precious life - it is Ryan Higdon.

At the same time that my mom went home to Heaven, Ryan was born. It's pretty neat to see a life go to heaven and one born into this life. Ryan is born into the family of one of our Pastors, Jeremy and Jeanine. (I will always remember Ryan's birthday). I pray that mom's spirit will live on within all of us - the giving, servant's heart that she had. I am so privileged to have her as my mom. Thanks mom for this life that you gave me and raised me! If I can only be 1/2 the woman she was...

As I was looking for pictures, I realized she was in heaven with two of her dear friends... MaryAnn (she was so special to mom) and Frank (was her neighbor for over 50 years)... enjoy a couple of their pictures.

Frank....

Mary Ann, Carrie Ann (her daughter) and Brim (her husband)

Today we had breakfast at my mom's favorite restaurant! CRACKER BARREL... and took flowers to the cemetary.

Thanks for reminiscing over my mom this past week. This was a very hard week - but just another part of the journey that Christ has me traveling...

World's Best Mom!

2008-09-17T20:05:00.003-04:00

I was so blessed to have had the World's Best Mom! There was nothing she could not do - except live longer... enjoy some memories as I post more pictures....

Let's remember some more of Mom...

2008-09-16T09:04:00.002-04:00

Mom was the best! She was a real servant. She always put others before herself. My mother was a fighter - she fought to the bitter end! She loved life! I know that she is continuing her full and complete life at the feet of Jesus!

Remembering my Mom

2008-09-14T20:24:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that this week will be one year since my mom passed away. It still hurts! I thought it would get easier ~ but it hasn't. There are so many things that have happened this year that I just miss picking up the phone and talking with her. The one thing I would share with you on this journey - is to enjoy the precious moments with your mom! That is the one thing that no one can take away - are your memories! and I have a lot of them and I cherish all of them... Enjoy the pictures as I find them this week!

Remembering 9~11 Where were you?

2008-09-11T11:25:00.002-04:00

As I contemplate back 7 years - where was I? what was I doing? how did I feel about American? how safe did I feel living here in the United States? It makes me realize how grateful I am to be an American, how privileged I am to live in the US, and how blessed I am to be a Christian. I pray for those individuals who lost loved ones on 9-11. It may be 7 years, but the heart never heals completely from the loss of your loved one. Thank you God for the assurance of eternal life in heaven with you and our loved ones!

Dodged another storm...

2008-09-11T09:45:00.002-04:00

For the last couple of weeks, we seem to be putting shutters up ~ take shutters down! We have been blessed that these storms have only been a nuisance. Our prayer is for the islands - they need our help. Ask yourself what you can do? How can you help? This very well could be us and we could need the help. What would you want or need? This journey again is taking us down a road with small potholes - an inconvenience - but again we must reflect on the goodness of God and find the best out of everything. We also pray for our friends and loved ones in Texas that are preparing for Ike. Keep praying!

School Days ~ School Days ~ Dear Ole Golden Rule Days....

2008-08-25T19:54:00.003-04:00

Yes - today was Kodie and David's first day of school at Calvary Christian Academy in Ft. Lauderdale! David is a freshman this year and Kodie is a Junior! Wow - I am feeling old. They are traveling their own journey ~ the one that God has for them. I am excited to watch how God works in their lives on a daily basis. I am truly blessed to have the best kids! Thank you God!

School is around the corner...

2008-08-22T18:08:00.004-04:00

As you will see the pictures say it all! Our teens begin school on Monday. Another part of this journey in our lives. If you had asked me two weeks ago, were my teens returning to the school of their choice? I would have told you No. About 5 weeks ago, when I was thrown out of my boat to change the course of where I was going on this journey, it affected my entire family. See with no job, my teens will be not be attending the school of their choice. After many discussions with the kids and praying a lot, they understood perfectly that God had other ideas of where they needed to attend school. I contacted the school and requested their records. Now - that is where God showed another side. The registrar refused to withdraw the kids and let God work this out. That night at 10:30 pm, we received a phone call explaining that God had done a miracle! Our kids were attending the school of their choice for FREE until I found the job that God has for me. WOW! When you think you have God all figured out for your life, and then He throws a huge Miracle - curve in this journey of our lives. Our teens will begin school on Monday at Calvary Christian Academy (both in high school, David in 9th and Kodie in 11th) ~ this is their desires of their heart! I am waiting to see God work another miracle ~ the job that is the desire of my heart!

Community Group

2008-08-18T20:57:00.005-04:00

As you travel this journey of life, one important thing to be involved with is Community Group. I am so blessed to be leading a single mom's community group / Bible Study at our church on Thursday nights. The picture is a baby shower that the group gave to one of our newest ladies. There are so many bumps and curves and pot-holes on this road in our journey of life, that it is so refreshing to share it with such a great group of ladies. I am blessed to be leading this group and watching how God supplies their needs (and even their desires).

Read the following testimony....

I wanted to share with you my storm story so that you could share to others that are going through one of there own. I do not do well speaking in front of others so I ask if you could speak on my behalf and share this with our church members.
If you can recall my storm started right about in December of last year when I emailed you asking for your prayers in regards to a relationship I was in that had turned violent and I was in fear for my life and my children lives. You referred me to Pastor Brown, let me say that I am forever grateful to you for bringing him into our lives and forever grateful to the church for all that was done for my family and me since December of last year.
I have never felt so loved and cared for by a church like I have with yours. Well back to my story…
After I was a victim of domestic abuse, I did not know where to turn I was in fear for my life and my kids. It took me 3 months after the first attack to finally get rid of this person from out of our lives, but I did not do it alone, I had Pastor Brown behind me 100% encouraging me and I had the Lord on my side.
In the mist of this thunderstorm, On March 6th, 2008, I lost my Job of 7 years, I felt lost, and I kept saying why??? Why now?? I cannot handle all of this, I was in the process of getting a restraining order to rid this man out of our lives and now I loose my Job?? What have I done to deserve this? Was my question to the Lord….I was dumbfounded, lost my thoughts, I was going in all directions and I felt like I was in a twister of a storm, not knowing where to turn or go….I felt like the carpet had just been pulled from up under my feet and all the stability that I had work so hard for was taken away from me in seconds! But never feared I had Pastor Brown right behind me and guiding me and praying with me and letting me know that there is a reason for everything that happens in our lives and that God is in control, not us….
Well, one week after I lost my Job, on Good Friday if I recall correctly, a very dear man who I called my father was diagnosed with cancer, three tumors in the Brain and it metastasized from the Lungs. Right there I finally lost it!!! I kept asking LORD why! Pastor Brown was with me and he suggested that I should come one Thursday night to meet Debby Brown, (his wife) that she has a single mother’s group that she holds every Thursday night at the Pines Campus. Well I came and since then I have not stopped coming. That group was a huge blessing for me and they were there for me, they shared tears, laughter and supported me through my ordeal.
In the first week of April I was granted a restraining order for this individual that brought me so much agony. Would you know that not only were my friends and family there in the court house to support me, but Pastor Brown and my father who was just release from the hospital early that week was right there too. I am forever grateful for there support and the church will always be a part of our lives. Not only was he a great support but my family and I never went hungry and the Church was there to help in whatever we needed.
Now since I was without a job I was able to take dad to his medical visit’s and help my mom in whatever they needed, while the other siblings had to work, which was natural. I told my brother and sister that I will do it and that I would be honored in helping my father fight this horrible disease. I can tell you that I interviewed and applied in over 30 jobs or more and dad was wanting to me to find a job and not worry about him and I told him he was more important than a job at this moment and I prayed with my community sisters to have God lead me in the direction of a good job when it was time for me to have one…..I found a job on June 9th that offered a higher pay than my last job and less than 2 miles from my home.… J
Dad was very happy for me…….., but then he died 4 days after……..he only lasted 2 ½ months, he died June 13th, of this year…..and it was not until a few day’s after his funeral that I realized what GOD did……he took me away from my stability ( one week before dad was diagnosed) and created a storm for me, but he had a reason and outcome at the end of this storm for me….even though I went through horrible times, I was the chosen one to help dad through his fight with his disease and his Journey to be with the Lord. And before the Lord took him from us, (1 week before he died I found a job) the Lord found me a job and let my dad rejoice that I would be ok now, and gave him the peace that we will be good now, and then he went to be with the Lord only 4 days later after I found employment…….So yes did I go through a storm…most definitely, but the clouds have opened up an now we are recovering and moving on. Thanks be to GOD, Pastor Brown and most of all OASIS CHURCH that they were and still are with me and have never really left me……..
The single mom’s group was there for me every Thursday praying and giving me support. I love those girls and we have a great team and I hope that more single moms would come join us. We really have a great time, through good or bad we are there for one another. So please consider joining a group, the journey is great and you get a lot back in return and you can actually mature more in the word of the LORD…there is always room to grow….we never stop learning in our lives…and GOD has a plan for each and every one of us….but it is up to us… as Christians to listen to what he is telling us and follow his steps….
I now volunteer for the church on Sunday’s and I enjoy every moment of it….I owe so much and this is one way that I feel that I can give back to church, for which I call my family…..I also do it in memory of a wonderful man….my father….God bless…. Katie

A Curve in the Road on this Journey!

2008-08-11T19:36:00.003-04:00

Today is Monday, August 11th! Another bittersweet day in this journey. A dear friend and her husband have been unanimously voted as the new pastor of my home church, where I grew up, graduated from high school, was married and made a lot of my life long friends. But as this journey unraveled and God moved this man into this position, if left me at this time without a job. I know that God has His hand upon this, for I saw the writing on the wall that God was calling Dennis and Faithe DaCosta to First Baptist of West Hollywood and I truly am excited for both of them. But at this time, I am waiting now for God to show me the rest of the story. Where does He want me to minister? Where does He want me to work? What does God want to do with my life? I am asking a lot of questions at this time? My husband is tossing out many opportunities... My kids are asking a lot of questions right now? Where will this journey take all of us? This does make one stop and ponder over the things that God has for you - it makes you search scriptures and spend a lot of time in prayer (not only for others - but also for yourself at this time). I know this is a curve and not a cliff - God always takes care of those that are His children...

We are home...

2008-08-06T20:45:00.003-04:00

We arrived at 12:10 am ... We had a very special friend, Kevin, pick us up at the airport (must be a friend that would pick us up at that hour). We had the best time of our lives - we can't stop talking about all the things we did. Our journey to California is over, but the new journey of back to the real life ~ no more vacation (right now).

Headed home today...

2008-08-05T10:56:00.002-04:00

We are headed home today! Sad to leave - it has been an amazing vacation! But also happy - I have missed our kids terribly (but now they are at camp). I have a few more days at home to adjust back to Florida time... Every couple needs to take vacations so they disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other. I'm sorry to say this is probably the longest vacation that Jim and I have had alone together... It was awesome!! I want to thank my dear husband for the trip of a lifetime ~ you are the best, I love you more now than I did 30 years ago!!!!!

Napa Valley, CA

2008-08-04T00:48:00.003-04:00

Today we drove out of the mountains and now in wine country, Napa Valley, CA. We are staying at a B&B. Really nice - still cool 57 degrees! We ate a very nice Tuscany Inn. It made us begin to plan our next big trip ~ our 35th Anniversary. In the meantime we began to plan our next family trip! (Try to guess where kids...???) I think that God has given me a direction for my new journey - using different people we have met on this trip. I praying for a stronger direction. God knows what is best and already has the road prepared ~ now I must travel.

Yosemite is Awesome...

2008-08-03T01:04:00.004-04:00

Today we got up and left our hotel at 6:45 am and did not return until 9:45 pm. We spent the entire day in Yosemite Park. WOW! The pictures say it all. Those Redwoods are HUGE and the giant mountains, the waterfalls, the unbelievable sights... Our God is the world's best painter... How can anyone not believe in God after seeing the sights we saw today. After we returned from our all day excursion, we were trying to find a place in Yosemite to have dinner. The first place closed 5 minutes before we got there, the 2nd one was too big of dinner, the third place only served drinks, so by the time we got to the 4th place - we just decided to eat there. While I went to the bathroom and wash my hands, I heard all this commotion outside and Jim breaking down the bathroom door yelling at me to get out the building was on fire and it was near the propane tanks. So we got out of there and fast... went on down the road and had a very nice dinner! God is so good to always take care of us... Enjoy some pictures...

In the Yosemite National Park!

2008-08-01T23:22:00.002-04:00

We are now in the Yosemite National Park at a place called Riverside Inn. There is nothing to do here. Everything closes by 5pm - a whole lot different than San Francisco. No cell phone! It is really nice and quite. It is a good place to unwind - and watch God work during your storm.

Last full day in San Francisco...

2008-07-31T23:52:00.002-04:00

We have had another awesome day... Began the morning with breakfast at IHOP (found it right around the corner from the hotel). Then off to the boat ride to Alcatraz! Wow!!! Lots of history. We enjoyed that. Then we spent the day touring the city of San Francisco, rode the trolley up and down the city, walked down the crooked road, and did some shopping! My feet are tired tonight. Ate Italian dinner with shrimp and Mrs. Fields cookies of course w/ milk and coffee and called it a night!

A New Day

2008-07-31T00:14:00.003-04:00

Today was a great day in California! We spent the day on the wine train... Napa Valley was beautiful. Came back - went to dinner at Bubba Grumps ... and the temperature dropped... cold!!!!! God is doing amazing things in my life as I learn to depend upon Him totally on this journey. How he can give you such peace in times of a storm...I know what it is like to ride the wave in the storm as I am experiencing a big wave in my life right now.

Sometimes the journey is rough...

2008-07-30T01:36:00.003-04:00

Sometimes in our lives we are dealt a handfull of surprises. Some good and some not so good. I think it is how we handle those surprise, those opportunities, those storms that continues to make us the people we are. But how do we know what are the right answers? How do we know what God truly wants for our lives? A lot of prayer, a lot of reading His word, a lot of wisdom from "Godly" people, and knowing what do to with all those answers. I am at that place in my life. God is truly stretching me. I have the world's best husband, and I am so blessed to have a wonderful family and truly the best friends that God has to offer. This journey that we are all on affects the lives of all those around us... It truly is a journey that only God can lead.

Enjoy a few of our pictures from our journey this week.

We are enjoying ourselves!

We made it!

2008-07-29T00:46:00.002-04:00

It is now 12:47 am Florida time.... we just finished eating dinner and came back to our room. It is 56 degrees.... a little cold for me...but what a fascinating city so far. Of course we have stories to tell already. The trip to the hotel was an experience. Our trip here was uneventful - good weather. We have had a great day. Look forward to sight seeing tomorrow- and of course some shopping!!!!

Today is our 30th Wedding Anniversary!

2008-07-28T08:56:00.003-04:00

Today we are celebrating our anniversary - this is our 2nd honeymoon. This morning we are flying to San Francisco! I've added a few pictures of us 30 years ago... Aren't we cute! I think Jim

is better looking now... I love him more today than I did 30 years ago.

Leaving Tomorrow!

2008-07-27T15:34:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow we leave on our anniversary trip! We are so excited... Pray for us and our children as we go away...

Two More Days...

2008-07-26T15:32:00.003-04:00

This is Saturday - we leave on Monday. Just got back from picking up Kodie at the airport (she just returned from 12 days of BB camp)... as a mom I missed her very much. I am busy getting ready for our big trip. I am so excited. Before we leave, everything must be in order (including a clean house)... Check back tomorrow!

Upcoming trip!

2008-07-23T21:46:00.003-04:00

In 5 days Jim and I will be celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary! We have planned an awesome trip - better than the 2 day honeymoon on Key Biscayne, FL or the 25th anniversary weekend in St. Petersburg, FL. Keep reading for this journey...