Thanksgiving 2007

I made it home through the snow to Denver to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with my family. The Holdaway, Glenn. Brown Thanksgiving was a huge success this year! We enjoyed a delicious meal from Mimi's Cafe and enjoyed the usual Holdaway festivities as we stuffed ourselves silly. The best part is that no one had to clean up! YAY!!

I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday as well!

We love you!!

Tea at the Ritz Carlton Hotel

The girls and I had the pleasure of spending Saturday afternoon at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Fransisco for the Lovely Mrs. Janelle Hyatt's 26th birthday. All and all the day was a huge success! I definitely want to go again!

Sophie, Amy, Janelle, Jeni, Katie

Sophie, Amy, Janelle

Amy & Janelle

Jeni & Katie

Finger Sandwiches YUM!

Cucumber Sandwich

Janelle's Birthday Strawberries

Amazing Grace

I watched a wonderful movie last night called “Amazing Grace” last night. The song “Amazing Grace” has been one of my favorites since I became a Christan 14 years ago so I was excited to see what the movie was about. I really had no prior knowledge as to the origin of the song and was surprised it was associated with the slavery abolition movement in England during the early 1800’s. This movie really shed light on how much work it really took to get slavery abolished. I am so grateful and thankful to live in a country where slavery has been eradicated.

"Amazing Grace"

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

That sav’d a wretch like me!I

once was lost, but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears reliev’d;

How precious did that grace appear,

The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come;

’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease;I

shall possess, within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who call’d me here below,

Will be forever mine.
John New­ton, Ol­ney Hymns (Lon­don: W. Ol­i­ver, 1779)

History
John Newton wrote this hymn some time after converting to Christianity in the village of Kineton, in Warwickshire, England. The lyrics are based on his reflections on an Old Testament text he was preparing to preach on, adding his perspective about his own conversion while on his slave ship, the Greyhound, in 1748.
The melody most often used for this hymn was not original (nor was Newton a composer). As with other hymns of this period, the words were sung to a number of tunes before and after they first became linked to the now familiar variant of the tune "New Britain" in William Walker's shape-note tunebook Southern Harmony, 1835. [1]
There are several tunes to which these words have been sung. "New Britain" first appears in a shape note hymnal from 1829 called Columbian Harmony.


Shape Note version from 1835.
The melody is believed to be Scottish or Irish in origin; it is pentatonic and suggests a bagpipe tune; the hymn is frequently performed on bagpipes and has become associated with that instrument. This tune seems to have been firmly established as the 'standard' for this hymn after an arrangement of it appeared in a series of popular hymnbooks in the early twentieth century. (See also the versions in the Sacred Harp article.)
Another tune to which it has sometimes been sung is the so-called "Old Regular Baptist" tune. It was sung by the Congregation of the Little Zion Church, Jeff, Kentucky, on the album The Ritchie Family of Kentucky on the Folkways label (1958).
Newton's lyrics have become a favorite for Christians, largely because the hymn vividly and briefly sums up the doctrine of divine grace. The lyrics are based on I Chronicles 17:16-17, a prayer of King David in which he marvels at God's choosing him and his house. Newton apparently wrote this for use in a sermon he preached on this passage on New Year's Day 1773, and for which he left his sermon notes, which correspond to the flow of the lyrics[2]. (He entitled the piece "Faith's review and expectation.")
The song has also become known as a favorite with supporters of freedom and human rights, both Christian and non-Christian, in part because many assume it to be his testimony about his slave trading past. The song has been sung by many notable musical performers, including iconic folk singer Judy Collins.
The hymn was quite popular on both sides in the American Civil War. While on the "trail of tears," the Cherokee were not always able to give their dead a full burial. Instead, the singing of "Amazing Grace" had to suffice. Since then, "Amazing Grace" is often considered like a Cherokee National Anthem[3]. For this reason, many contemporary Native American musicians have recorded the song.
In recent years, this song has also become popular in America with drug and alcohol recovery groups, particularly Christian ones, at celebrations of how they "once were lost, but now are found." SOURCE http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Grace

Cute Kid

I was talking to a coworker earlier today about babies and being a cute kid. I of curse piped in the Josiah (my nephew if you hadn’t already figured that out) was “The Cutest Kid in the World”. What he didn’t figure was that I was going to say I was “The Second Cutest Kid in the World” when I was young. I have to say I was quite adorable from birth until around 5th or 6th grade. Then came the “ugliness” that didn’t dissipate until I was about 20 lol! (I’m sure my mom would ague that one). So anyway, I came across these pictures of when I was runner up as cutest kid in the world and thought I’d post them. Hopefully the “ugliness” pictures are still locked safe away in the bottomless pit of my parents basement.

Go Green!

Today I am really struggling with the reasoning behind a 3 hour conference call that I’m actively participating in but obviously not paying attention to. It took exactly 24 minutes for all of the participants in the call to understand the instructors simple command of -“Click the second link. Type your name. Click Enter Meeting”. I being the techno savvy person that I am was able to log into the call after exactly 45 seconds.

My second issue with this call is that it’s regarding “going green”. Don’t get me wrong “going green” is a great idea. We should save money and energy if at all possible. But I don’t need a 3 our phone call to tell me that it’s a good idea. I feel like they’re beating a dead horse. Or maybe I just feel like beating a dead horse… maybe I should start paying attention…..

Jesus Take the Wheel

I came across this the other day when I was reading through some things I had jotted down. I wrote it a little over a year ago. I thought I'd re-post it. It's still as true today as it was a year ago!

______________________________

I had a conversation yesterday with a friend about letting God control your life. Letting God control my life is something that I really struggle with. I am one of those people who really like structure, organization, planning, and order. I like to know where I’m going, when I’ll be there, how I’m going to get there, and what I’m going to do when I arrive. The lord has really been dealing with me about it lately and I relayed this analogy to my friend that has helped me stop and let God do the work. Say you are a passenger in a car and God is the driver. You start out on your journey by jumping in the car with both feet. Not really caring where you’ll end up and just excited to spend some time with God. As you drive you start talking to the Lord and He starts to tell you a little bit about where you’re going and what you’re going to do. After a while you start to get impatient. It seems like it’s taking forever to get to your destination. Looking at the highway a head you realize that you are about to hit traffic and that will delay your arrival even more. You casually mention to God that you know a shorter route that would avoid much of the traffic a head. God thanks your for your input but continues down the road toward the traffic. Now you’re annoyed. You KNOW that the other way is much faster so instead of just trusting that God has you on the right path you yank the wheel out of His hands in the direction of your short cut. As soon as you take the wheel BAM! You’re in an accident. You were lucky this time it was just a minor fender bender. Not major damage other than being shaken up and a little bit sore. But now you’re off the highway. You wind and twist and have several near misses with accidents. Finally you realize that you’re lost. So you swallow your pride and hand the wheel back to God. It takes a little navigation but before you know it you’re back on the highway headed to your destination. Along the drive you forget that God is, well God, and you take the wheel a few more times and unfortunately get into a few more accidents and eventually lost, again. You even blame God along the way for a bit of it! (how silly we are!!) However, the Lord is patient and always there to help when asked but like a gentleman He never forces His will on us. Eventually, you are so tired and bruised from all the accidents that you just give up and completely give Him the wheel. You are tired, hurt, frustrated, your car is in pieces and is barely running. But as soon as God has the wheel He drives you straight to the dealership for a tune up. Before you know it you and your car are as good as new! With God behind the wheel you start back on the highway and on your path. While He’s driving you start talking to each other more. You realize that while you had the wheel you were so focused on getting yourself out of the messes you got yourself into that you had neglected your relationship with Him. The more you talk to Him the more you realize that He DOES know exactly where you’re going and how to get you there. You do still run into traffic and hit a few pot holes along the way. But the ride is much smoother and the ware and tare on your vehicle is much less. I know it’s easier said that done but letting God take the wheel really is the best option out there. It’s not always fun or easy. It’s often painful and confusing. But ultimately God does have a plan and we will get where He wants us to go.

Sunday School!!

We had our 2nd annual Sac-Hop Sunday School harvest party on Saturday. We had over 20 kids show up for the big event! Our party consisted some of the best pizza I've ever had (complements of Round Table Pizza). We played games, gave away prizes and decorated our favorite pictures and put them into frames. All and all a huge success!

Thursday morning musings

Sometimes I think I forget that God is in control of my life. I try to do stuff on my own and it inevitably gets screwed up. Then like magic I remember that it’s not up to me. It’s all up to Him. The pressure and stress leaves and then everything falls into place like it’s supposed to.

It’s like the little kid reaching for something they need or want high on a shelf – Instead of asking their dad to help them they try everything possible to reach what they want. They’ll grab a bench that’s too short. Try to jump, leap, spin in circles and eventually fall on their face. Finally, after they are frustrated and worked up they’ll ask their Father for help. It takes Him all of 5 seconds to do what took us hours of frustrating work to fail at. I think I’m slowly but surely learning what I can control and what God control. And allowing God to be God and take care of what He does best - taking care of me :o)

Rock'ntober and josiah

This weekend is a bit of a blur. We had a good turnout for Rock’ntober. The spirit of God really moved in the concert and we were able to make some good connections in the community. I would like to thank everyone who helped us to pull this off. It was a lot of work and your help is appreciated more than you know. Thank you for allowing God to use you for His Glory.

In other news – Josiah is still adorable :o) For your enjoyment I’ve attached a few pictures of THE cutest kid IN THE WORLD Mr. Josiah Brown. He was Spiderman for his pre-school Halloween party.

Apparently he thought his teacher was a little scary. I tend to agree!

The cutie!!!!!

Rock'ntober!!

Napa Pictures

I went to Napa last weekend for a little R&R. Here are a few pictures I took along the way. Enjoy!

The Adventures of Jeni and Jo

Once upon a time Jeni and Jo were playing at the parental units house when along came the evil grandpa monster. In order to avoid the teribble fate of death by tickling the wise young Josiah hides behind the couch.

After a few minutes of silence Jo peeks out to find Grandpa aka papparazi awaiting trying to catch him off guard.

Enter Auntie Jeni always willing to protect her adorable nephew. Their method of escape? The old hinding under the blanket trick.

Unfortunately Grandpa isn't as old as he seems and find them quite quickly.

A struggle ensues and eventual defeat by the evil grandpa monster. Jeni is unable to save from his tickle fate.

The End :o)

Tired

I know I know it’s a miracle! The Blog is updated once again! LOL Well I’m just about to head back to Sacramento from a very hectic and exhausting trip to Denver. I managed in the span of three days to pack up my remaining belongings in Denver, send them on a truck to Sacramento, clean my house AND squeeze in as much Jo/family/friend time as humanly possible.

My dear friends even sacrificed much needed

sleep t o eat breakfast with me Saturday morning at 8:00 am. Apparently I rank pretty high on a few peoples list and I feel pretty special about that! LOL

All and all it was a good trip despite of my terrible attitude, forking out an extra thousand dollars for my move and not sleeping.

I guess that doesn’t sound too great but I got to see a lot of people that I care about so it makes it all worthwhile.

Zion Leon

Zion Leon

Many of you may remember Mike, Andrea and Zion Leon from their time in Denver a few years ago. As you may know, Zion was diagnosed with Autism about 4 years ago. Zion is currently 8 years old, in the 3rd grade and attending Jefferson Elementary School in Sacramento. Zion is privileged to be in a specialized class room of only 6 students all which are Autistic. This allows Zion individual, specialized learning and care. Since entering this program Zion’s speech, writing and reading have greatly improved! His vocabulary has increase and he is able to site read/write many words and phrases.

This year Mike and Drea have asked me to help with donations for Zion’s class annual fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds are used directly for Zion’s class. All monies collected are utilized for computers, supplies, fieldtrips and classroom aides throughout the school year.

Zion will be participating in a class jog on October 5th. Last year he ran 8 laps on his own! He had a great time (he likes to play tag. He thought he was chasing the kids around the track!). Zion’s personal goal is $500. If you are interested in donating please contact me for details. Donations are due to the school by October 4, 2007.

Thank you for your love and support! Zion is a GREAT kid and I know he and his family appreciate your help!


Facts About Autism
Autism is a developmental disability, which usually begins before 3 years of age and is a life-long disability.
The incidence of autism is approximately 1 out of every 150 births.
People with autism have a normal life span.
Autism is 4-5 times more prevalent in males than in females.
Presently, there is no cure for autism. However, there are various treatment options to ameliorate the symptoms.
Presently, there is no known single cause for autism. However, autism is not caused environmentally by a child's upbringing.
Research indicates that people with autism learn best through a structured environment.
Autism occurs in all countries and within all socioeconomic classes.
Research indicates that the earlier the intervention, the better for people with autism.
Source – New Horizons in Autism www.nhautism.org

Good news!

About a year ago one of my good friends had the unfortunate and devastating experience of losing their 9 day old child. I have been amazed by their faithfulness to God and perseverance through out this trial. They took comfort in knowing that everything happens for a reason and that they were held close by the hands of the Creator. Today when we spoke I was given fantastic news! I’m happy to announce that she is pregnant again and with another boy!

Congratulations Thea and Micah!

Excuses

Excuses

I’m full of them right now as to why I haven’t updated my blog in the last two months. I’d have to say that the biggest one would be time. Previously I’d update my blog while I was at work. But lately things have been going ninety miles an hour from the moment I walk in the door until the second I leave. Two weeks ago I started tracking exactly what I do while I’m at work. I discovered that I do an insane amount of work for one person. Both my boss and I do. We’re currently using these ever changing and ever expanding list of task to petition the all mighty director (think pointy haired boss from Dilbert) to get us some help. If that doesn’t work I may take up residence under my desk to eliminate my commute time so I can spend more time in the office.

Now I bet your wondering why I have time to blog today? Well the truth of the matter is that I don’t. However, my boss has taken today as a sick day. And as they say – While the Cat’s away the mice will play! Lol

So my life isn’t all work. But by the time I get home the last thing I want to do is get on the computer and write about it(another excuse). I’ve been keeping busy with church and hanging out with friends. Danny and I (Danny is the youth pastor) have been doing a lot with the kids in the youth group lately. We’re currently working on a Christian concert scheduled for the end of October called Rockn’tober. We have 4 or 5 local Christian bands scheduled to play in the park on 10/27/07 (I’ll post more details later. Hopefully!). We also helped with a community event last weekend called Celebrate Natomas. We handed out about 1000 bottles of water to people at the event. Not to shabby for a church of only 65! And yes, I dressed up as a clown for our

Sunday school department. I’ve attached a picture for prosperities sake.

This Friday night we had a family fun night at Scandia. It’s the equivalent of Boondocks for those of you from Colorado. We had a blast! Luke and I (I live with Luke’s family) went on this Giant ride called the “Scandia Screamer”. I think it was the most fun I’d ever had on a ride. This thing goes up 168 feet in the air and spins you all over the place. The catch is though that you can’t scream! There’s a noise ordinance because it’s near a residential area. If you scream the kick you off the ride! Luke was absolutely hilarious on the on the “Scandia Screamer”. I laughed so hard I cried! Below are pictures from Scandia!

Adam after his world famous hole in 1!

Adam with Mr. Zion who does not like to have his picture taken.

Randy & Tina - I live with them and their family.

Me, Freke (our new friend from Holland) and Danny

Brittney, Lattavia and Dawnminique waiting for the go-carts.

Pastor D showin' us how it's done

The girls showing their driving skills.

The boys taking the game wayyyyy to seriously!

Let’s see what else… I still make it up to Stockton pretty often to see Janelle and the crew. Maddie and Tristan are getting so big. I remember when they moved to California and Maddie had not teeth and couldn’t walk. Now she chatters on all the time and is in ballet lessons! She’s such a cutie! Tristan just started kindergarten a few weeks ago and seems to like it pretty well.

OH I’m coming to Colorado for the weekend! I am coming out to get the remainder of my belongings and bring them to storage in Sacramento. I still haven’t had any takers on my house. If anyone is interested in renting it please let me know! 888 sf 1 bedroom 1.5 bathroom loft. Great location in Denver! Only $750/ month!

Love you all! See you soon!!