Dear Jennifer

In preface to this letter, I would just like to say how thankful I am for the family of God. Please, if you find this to be of any value, insert your name instead of mine.

Dear Jennifer,

First off I want you to know that I thank the Lord for you. I see what a great work he has done in your life and the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ dwells with you. I hear reports of your faith and your diligence in your pursuit of Christ and the Lord is well pleased.

You have faced many trials in your life, but you walk in victory. I urge you to keep up with the momentum that the Lord swirls you into and to stand boldly in the calling He has set before you. For he has called you to be a demonstration of his truth, and of which you have been qualified through Jesus Christ. May you always allow Jesus to have preeminence in your life, for He has superiority over all things.

Here is a trustworthy saying: the Lord in faithful to fulfill the promises of His word. For His love will cover over a multitude of sins. You no longer walk among the dead, but you are resurrected to participate in the life of Christ. He has freely justified you through faith in Him.

So, since you have been freely justified you can now walk in the grace that Jesus Christ has given you access to. Stand boldly before the Lord in His throne room of grace, for He paid the highest price of your admission. You are a daughter of the King of Kings and by birth have gained the right to a divine inheritance, one that can never perish or fade away.

Therefor, rid yourself of everything unworthy of being presented in the presence of God. For His presence is holy. All hate, shame, anger, brokenness, bitterness, deceit, and hypocracy must kneel before the name of Christ. But be a partaker in goodness, knowledge, self-control, perserverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. For love will abound forevermore.

I write this to remind you always of the love that our Lord Jesus Christ has for you. That Jesus himself sits at the right hand of God and interceeds on your behalf, that you may be one with Him as He is with the Father. Therefor, dear friend, since you already know these things to be true, be on the lookout for those who will try to corrupt your mind and cause you to fall from your secure position in Christ. But may you always grow in the grace and knowledge of who Jesus is, the author and perfector of you. To Him be glory both now and forever, Amen.

Bethel- and Momentum

Speaking of History- a funny thing happened. I went up to Bethel to visit the healing room they have and on Friday night (my birthday), I received a book by Eric Johnson from Bill Johnson who was speaking that night. It is now Monday and I just finished the book I got, which is titled Momentum. I find this funny because I have been studying the history of Redlands to get a feel for what has already been done to better understand what we can do... I think the Lord is really good at giving gifts...

So on this subject, Momentum satisfied my hunger for a movement of God to be started, or rather, continued. I can hardly begin to describe what I am feeling inside, it is almost violent. Sometimes I feel like throwing things across the room and screaming just to see if something miraculous could happen... This is very strange urges coming from a passive person. But my intent is clear... I'm ready.

So what now? I've read another book, I've been in scripture... Now what? Well, it's time for reality. It's time to help people understand their reality in the Kingdom of Heaven. It's time to understand our destiny, which is closely tied to those around us. It's time for us to realize that our community is going to be the ones that anoint us and send us out, just as Jesus did with his disciples. It's time to recognize that the more we make this life about us the more dark this works becomes. When will we choose to see the light in one another versus seeing the darkness? There are millions of people dying, literally, for an encounter with an alternative reality. Will you be the ones standing next to me? Or will you be the ones persecuting me? There are only two camps in the eyes of the Lord, and I want you in my camp.

Lord, I thank you for what you have done in those who have lived before me. I pray that you will light a fire under our seats to help this generation to wake up and understand the impact we have in this world. Thank you for your covering of grace over us as we eagerly wait upon you and learn to walk in what we have found. You are worth every sacrifice I will ever have to make because your sacrifice is worthy of my life. Thank you.

Until then, I will be making a fool of myself in the presence of God, I suggest you start getting weird too.

Redlands: A Place I Call Home pt. 2

I finished the book on Redlands 'Old Timers' today on my lunch break at work. I was almost late going back because I couldn't put the book down! I still have to digest some of the stories from the people at the beginning, so I don't even know where to start! All I know is that I see Jesus all over these pages, working in the lives of people who offer everything they have for the betterment of those around them. Who doesn't love stories of redemption, crime fighting and restoration?!

Lewis Jacobs: When I read about Jacobs I get a picture of a man truly after business. It seemed that it

didn't matter the type of business he was in, it was the adventure itself that seemed captivating. He went from owning a store, to owning a saw mill to opening the first private bank in San Bernardino County. Through the bank, Jacob's was able to fund several projects that directly affected the growth of the cities in our valley. Just a few accomplishments were:

1. Panamint Stage Line, which made San Bernardino the supply center for mining

2. Arizona Stage Line to Yuma and Tucson

3. California Southern Railroad to San Diego

4. Electrification of the street car system

5. The citrus industry in Redlands and Riverside

He also loaned money to Judson and Brown to build the Bear Valley Dam in 1883. I am sure these were only a handful of the many things he was able to do with the resources he had gained from opening the bank. I can only imagine what it would be like to have the resources to fund the first steps of transportation into my city, or be a lender for business and exploration! For a brief article on some more history check this out!

Thomas J. Fitzgerald: Coined 'One of God's Gentlement', Father Fitzgerald came to America, Colorado to be specific, from Ireland to help in the recovery of his illness (not mentioned what it was). After a death diagnosis, he lived four more years in Colorado until he moved to Beaumont. When people learned that he was trained in the priesthood, they desperately wanted him to start a catholic church here in Redlands. At the time, Catholics had been highly persecuted by Spaniards and Indians and only about 10 Catholic families were left in the area. He finally accepted and started his work as a priest.

The thing I find most interesting is his attitude toward his community. He was a catholic, of course, but despite the recent history of persecution he went out of his way to meet the needs of his whole community, not just his church. He was on call day and night, without regard to denomination or race. He kept a hospital room to be ready for any emergency. It is noted that he was solely responsible for shifting the mindset of his community toward Catholics. "It is no mean achievement to have changed the thinking of a community and that is what Father Fitzgerald did." I would love to be able to put that on my resume: Skills: Excel, Outlook, Erasing prejudice, Organization......

Its not always what we do, but who we are that leaves the greatest impact, for if I do one million deeds but refuse to love a single person, I will go unseen... and even worse, Jesus himself will remain confined in the human eye. Its not for business, but for adventure! Its not for church, but for community! Its not for riches, but wealth in resources! Its not for me, but for all who desire to dream! Today is a day for redemption if you simply set aside the things that continue to tell you you can't, and just follow your feet because chances are you'll end up on someone's doorstep!

Until next time, have another full day of work, love, rest and of course a delicious cup of coffee!

Redlands: A Place I Call Home

There are plenty of reasons why I love living in Redlands.

1. The weather is pretty much amazing... I mean, it gets hot but its really only 'hot' for about two weeks, and it barely gets cold enough to wear a beanie.
2. Redlands is super close to the mountains if you want snow, and super close to the beach if you want waves.
3. It's where I grew up so chances are anywhere I am, I have (mostly) fond memories.
4. There is such a rich history here that I believe is rather unique... and this is where I find my inspiration to write today.

I checked out this book called "Redlands and Certain Old Timers" from our historic library and within two pages was already captivated by it. It is a very small book but written from a perspective that speaks very highly of the people who were the first to settle in this area.

Interesting fact #1: The first person to own property in what is now considered Redlands was a woman. She was also the first to open a passable road between here and Los Angeles. Her name was Maria Armenta Bermudez.

Interesting fact # 2: The Pledge of Allegiance was written for the 400th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of America, it was also used in the patriotic program which Redlands had on that same day. A first grade teacher at Kingsbury School had her class salute the flag at the end of each day if there had been no tardiness or absenses. A man by the name of General Lawton had his son in her class and when General Breckenridge visited, he witnessed the salute by the first grade class. He then went back to Washington DC and requested the salute be done at an large gathering. This was then written to the first grade teacher by Mrs. Breckenridge:

"All the distinguished men and women in the East were there and the children gave the salute, which was beautiful and impressive and created much praise, enthusiasm and applause. It was mentioned as coming from the California children. I thought that you would like to know it, since it is all owing to you."

Since then, the salute to the flag has spread over America.

It is very interesting learning about the history of the place you live. It is so easy to just live your daily life without recognizing the foundation that has been laid out for your town. It is easy to assume that it's just a city. But cities are where people dwell. That means there are stories associated with those people. This book really only gives a short glimpse into these stories, but on my quest in learning the history of Redlands I thought an appropriate place to start was with people.

Until next time, when you are walking downtown stop and take a look at the plaques you find on the outside of the buildings, you never know what you'll find!

Obscenities

This Christmas has been full of obscenities... That's right... I said it. Obscenities that I will remember for the rest of my life.
One: I spent a worry free afternoon at the Yardhouse with my mom and brother while waiting to see Sherlock Holmes, the second best movie of the year
Two: I finished the fifth season of Dexter on Christmas Eve
Three: I went for a lovely hike around Lake Gregory with my mom and Pearle after opening one of the best gifts I have received, my own socket set!
Four: This one is by far the most obscene, a visit from my best friend ever, Karen Bush.... I have missed her more than anything in my life to date!

This is for you, Karen. I hope to update this thing more so we can not only Facebook stalk each other but also creep out on each others blogs!

Another new blog series...

My life is an endless series of changing series...

Yes. This is how I feel most of the time. Everything changes so quickly, before I know it I am going to bed wondering where my day went. Not to say that my day is not full or I didn't get any work done. It is quite the opposite really. It's not a walk in the park to try and open your own business and the reality of the matter is that it is going to take a lot longer than I realized. But I think I am slightly prepared for it.

Anyways, I have known the fact that I don't like to journal (sorry to break it to everyone but blogger is a journal) so it seems natural that I don't post blogs, and when I do it's about all sorts of random things. BUT I have come to a point that I need to write down my thoughts, because I have a lot of them unfortunately.

So, here it goes. It's short.

I have learned that life very much sucks and there is nothing I can do about it. BUT, the good thing about that is I can accept this fact and move on with my life. I am not forced to sit in front of a mirror and recollect all the shitty things that have happened. I CAN MOVE ON, and I will. God has provided me a way out of the system that society wants me to be a part of and I chose to accept it.

Next time there will be more substance, I promise, this is just a start.

New Blog Series: My Brother

So, I went for a long walk today with my mother and Teresa and we discussed the subject of me writing a book. After several attempts at reading books written for Christians I have resolved to write a book that would solve everyone's problems. It would solve everything from "How to Save Your Marriage" to "How to Get Married" to "How to be a Woman of God" to "How to Poop Like a Christian". So I would write my book and call it, "Its Answered" and it would consist of 200 blank pages until the last one and it would have one line on it saying, "Seek after the Heart of God and all this shit will be taken care of."

Simple.

But now that I am on to my second book I thought this one could be a little more thought out. You know, require a bit more brain power. I know, I know. How could it get better than that? you're wondering. Well, it just might.

As we were all walking, stories about my brother Joseph, I call him Joe, came up. For all of my readers, or lack there of, my brother is autistic. This only means one thing, he is very stubborn. So as we were laughing about all the little things he does to piss us off, Teresa mentioned I should write my next book about Joe. I laughed and said in my head, 'There's plenty of things he does that would fill a book.' But it dawned on me, what a great idea! So I'm going to start writing about memories I have of my brother and what it was like growing up...

It starts with Chapter One: Background

This is by no means a literal book. But a journal so to say. It won't be edited to look fancy or sound proficient... it's about my autistic brother for crying out loud, who doesn't care about grammar. So as long as these ground rules are accepted, I shall divulge.

It is my intention to reveal the life lessons I have learned through Joe. There have been many. I also have learned quite a bit about God through my brother because he views the world differently than I do.

Some of my earliest memories of growing up sort of mend together into one large scene. I can picture the apartments we lived in, the pool, the neighbors, the old lady, the asphalt I fell on, the store across the street, the new house, the new neighbors, the treehouse, the 3-inch thorn (I'll get to that later) and the green felt for carpet. But to sit here and try to remember specific things will definitely be a challenge. Especially the ones that just include Joe.

I guess the best place to start is to mention that I have two brothers, in fact, Joe and Josh. Josh is the oldest, Joe in the middle and then there's me. Oh, and I wasn't supposed to be born either. When my parents had Joe they knew he was different. They knew that there was something a little off about him and they weren't sure how much attention he was going to require. So they decided to have my mom's tubes tied so they wouldn't be unfair to more children if Joe required serious attention. Well... I came along and the doctor went 'oops, my bad' and so the story exists.

Josh and I were born in Nampa, Idaho and Joe was born in Sacramento, California due to a short move for my dad's job. We moved to Redlands, California when I was three and its where we've been ever since. We moved into a condo which looked and felt more like an apartment, with only two bedrooms. This meant that the three kids shared one room. But it was awesome because we had this huge bunk with a trundle underneath so we all had our own beds. It was massive and we'd use it as a hideout, stakeout, gym or any other thing that was needed for our imaginations.

It was a two story condo with the family room and kitchen downstairs and the bedrooms upstairs. The stairs served both as racing turf and sleeping bag slides. I still remember sliding down and slamming into the wall at the end of the stairs. Every kid must have stairs. Our dinner table was glass and you could see through it. The kitchen was tiny and we had this awful pink patterned couch. The carpet was something left over from the 70's and the decor never left the 80's. But considering we grew up in the 90's, we weren't that far behind.

Now back to Joe. I'm not sure if I can put these memories from the earliest to most recent but I will just start with the ones I can remember as far back as I can.

Chapter Two to come...