It is good to have memorable things happen on your birthday. Right? :-)
I started off my day well. I took a nice brisk walk and had an amazing salad bar lunch at Marie Calander's. Oh my goodness, I will return there! Fresh food, flavorful soup and yummy cornbread. Mmmmmmm.
Then I went to a luncheon sponsored by Redding Transformation. I had a similar reaction to that which I had at the Bresee Center. Good things are happening here - and there. A couple of ladies spoke about what God had prompted them to do. They bought property in an old mall area and opened a place called, "Village Schoolhouse Toystore." They have a side room that they use for educational field trips and misc other community meetings. As they talked, tears often flowing, it was clear to see how God was blessing this place. They have had struggles. What business doesn't? But they are seeing families come together, play together. And many people have mentioned to them that there is a special "feeling" about the store. They have no problem letting people know that it is the Holy Spirit that they feel.
I had the opportunity to meet a few other people as well and got the names of a few people to contact in areas of ministry that I might be interested in.
I had debated about attending the opening session of a conference at Bethel, but the decision was made for me when they told me that there was no more room. :-) Instead I went back to my motel room and watched Ocean's 11 & 12. (I had borrowed them from Becca because I went and saw Oceans 13 with her before I left.)
Sometime around 1:30am I began to hear loud noises outside of my room. Some guy was singing and playing his guitar loudly. Then there was shouting and doors slamming. It went on for a while, maybe an hour. Combined with my room smelling like smoke, it did not make for the best night.
However, this cloud certainly has a silver lining as the Motel gave me a refund of that night. $50 saved was worth stinky smoke and drunken incidents outside my door. ;-)
I finally got my internet to work at Starbucks, so no more searching for an Internet Cafe! This way Mom and Cassie can check their email, too. I pick them up in Sacrimento tonight.
Thursday 21 June 2007
Wednesday 20 June 2007
Happy Birthday to Me in Redding!
I arrived in Redding around 6:30pm last night. It was maybe a 3.5 hour drive from Oakland, but I didn't mind because it was a beautiful drive. This country is more my speed. The silouette of the mountains was standing to my left and in front of me. I passed cattle, horses, and goats and lots of green land and trees. The city of Redding itself is also beautiful. I am on a time limit so I can not spend a lot of time blogging today, and really all I did was drive yesterday. I will be sure and take pics of this beautiful area so you all can see it.
A Comment on California Traffic
Many people have asked about traffic. I didn't think it was too bad. In LA, it was slow but not scary. I did laugh at how they drive on the highway. The traffic would be trucking along at 70 mph and then would suddenly slow to 20 mph with little warning. I can imagine that they go through brakes like crazy.
I also noticed that it is just expected that motorcycles will drive down a white line. None of them sit in traffic with everyone else. I suppose that is okay. It provides a few less people to sit behind. :-)
The last thing I noticed is not only in LA. They have stop lights to enter the freeway! I laughed as I thought in my head, "Okay, get ready, now go - you have a fighting chance to get in. Go! Go!"
The traffic in Oakland, in my opinion was more difficult to drive in than LA because they go 70+ the entire time. So while there were less cars, they were going by much faster.
I still have not found any interstates here in California that confuse or frustrate me as much as I35 through downtown Kansas City. If you have ever driven through there you will know what I mean, on and off ramps everywhere - left and right!
I also noticed that it is just expected that motorcycles will drive down a white line. None of them sit in traffic with everyone else. I suppose that is okay. It provides a few less people to sit behind. :-)
The last thing I noticed is not only in LA. They have stop lights to enter the freeway! I laughed as I thought in my head, "Okay, get ready, now go - you have a fighting chance to get in. Go! Go!"
The traffic in Oakland, in my opinion was more difficult to drive in than LA because they go 70+ the entire time. So while there were less cars, they were going by much faster.
I still have not found any interstates here in California that confuse or frustrate me as much as I35 through downtown Kansas City. If you have ever driven through there you will know what I mean, on and off ramps everywhere - left and right!
Monday 18 June 2007
Monday, June 18. Bresee Center and Beverly Hills
I did a lot of driving again today. And I took some pictures. Once I figure out how to make my computer work online again, I will upload them.
I started my day by driving up to the Bresee Community Center near Hollywood. It is actually just off the 101, for those of you familiar with the area. The center is situated between 2 opposing gangs and right next to a middle school. They provide medical care, a youth center for the kids to hang out, homework tutoring, adult computer classes and much more. The even have a DJ booth and theater. They had their first film festival last year. Part of the training for filmmaking involves writing a script, which is a great motivator for learning some writing skills and how to put thoughts into words. I began to tear up many times as Jeanne was taking me on the tour. I have dreamed for years of having a youth center that would reach out to the entire family, but it is all so overwhelming. It is an amazing place.
I left the Bresee Community Center around 12:30pm and drove through Hollywood. Not too impressive. In fact, it kind of reminded me of a foreign country. Just cement and store fronts, one after another with no space in between. I ran into Santa Monica Boulevard and decided to take it because it sounded familiar and a sign said that it was part of Route 66. I eventually ran into Beverly Hills.
The houses were nice in Beverly Hills, but I decided that I wanted to see the view from atop one of the hills. I mean, they must have started building expensive houses up there for a reason, right? It must be beautiful. I drove up and around and eventually found a park. I have a couple of pictures of the park that I will upload eventually. I passed 2 places where they were shooting movies. Well, actually, they were only shooting in one location. The other location had them draping white stuff over trees. Before I saw the people doing it I just thought the poor trees had caught a disease! I met an older lady in the park who was born in Souix City, Iowa and decided that I was okay since I was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She told me all I could possibly want to know about the park and Beverly Hills. It was kind of fun to talk to her. She told me the best way to get to Rodeo drive and them encouraged me to go the Santa Monica beach.
I did both. I drove through the traffic and saw lots of people getting their pictures taken on Rodeo drive and I drove to Santa Monica. I don't think I would go out of my way to return to Beverly Hills, but I would go back to Santa Monica. It was beautiful and looked like fun. I walked around for a while, but had to watch my parking meter. I would plan that part differently if I returned and pay to park somewhere for a longer time.
Speaking of time, I am about out of time at the Internet Cafe, so I had better sign off.
I started my day by driving up to the Bresee Community Center near Hollywood. It is actually just off the 101, for those of you familiar with the area. The center is situated between 2 opposing gangs and right next to a middle school. They provide medical care, a youth center for the kids to hang out, homework tutoring, adult computer classes and much more. The even have a DJ booth and theater. They had their first film festival last year. Part of the training for filmmaking involves writing a script, which is a great motivator for learning some writing skills and how to put thoughts into words. I began to tear up many times as Jeanne was taking me on the tour. I have dreamed for years of having a youth center that would reach out to the entire family, but it is all so overwhelming. It is an amazing place.
I left the Bresee Community Center around 12:30pm and drove through Hollywood. Not too impressive. In fact, it kind of reminded me of a foreign country. Just cement and store fronts, one after another with no space in between. I ran into Santa Monica Boulevard and decided to take it because it sounded familiar and a sign said that it was part of Route 66. I eventually ran into Beverly Hills.
The houses were nice in Beverly Hills, but I decided that I wanted to see the view from atop one of the hills. I mean, they must have started building expensive houses up there for a reason, right? It must be beautiful. I drove up and around and eventually found a park. I have a couple of pictures of the park that I will upload eventually. I passed 2 places where they were shooting movies. Well, actually, they were only shooting in one location. The other location had them draping white stuff over trees. Before I saw the people doing it I just thought the poor trees had caught a disease! I met an older lady in the park who was born in Souix City, Iowa and decided that I was okay since I was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She told me all I could possibly want to know about the park and Beverly Hills. It was kind of fun to talk to her. She told me the best way to get to Rodeo drive and them encouraged me to go the Santa Monica beach.
I did both. I drove through the traffic and saw lots of people getting their pictures taken on Rodeo drive and I drove to Santa Monica. I don't think I would go out of my way to return to Beverly Hills, but I would go back to Santa Monica. It was beautiful and looked like fun. I walked around for a while, but had to watch my parking meter. I would plan that part differently if I returned and pay to park somewhere for a longer time.
Speaking of time, I am about out of time at the Internet Cafe, so I had better sign off.
More of Sunday, June 17
Well, I returned to the not-so-visitor-friendly church for the evening service. People were still not real anxious to talk to me, but I forced a couple of them into a conversation. Talk about humbling! The service was nice, however. They were having a worship night and the woman leading worship, I think her name was Sarah, appeared to be quite annointed. She reminded me of Carolyn; so much so that I thought of asking Carolyn if she had ever considered leading worship. :-) I also really enjoyed the way they stopped for times of silence. It was clear that the congregation had been trained not to fear silence and to use it as a time to listen to God. A couple of people read out scripture that God had placed on their hearts and one person just started praying aloud. I liked that part of the service.
I met a lady, Joy, who was new to the church after the service. We talked for a few moments and then she let me pray for her. That was fun, but my favorite moment came as I exited the church. A woman and her baby were just outside the door asking for money. I gave them a couple of dollar and talked to them for a few moments. It was clear that English was not their first language. Then I got to pray for them. I remember thinking as I walked to my car, "I got to see Jesus today." (Refering to a scripture in Matthew.)
I met a lady, Joy, who was new to the church after the service. We talked for a few moments and then she let me pray for her. That was fun, but my favorite moment came as I exited the church. A woman and her baby were just outside the door asking for money. I gave them a couple of dollar and talked to them for a few moments. It was clear that English was not their first language. Then I got to pray for them. I remember thinking as I walked to my car, "I got to see Jesus today." (Refering to a scripture in Matthew.)
Sunday 17 June 2007
Sunday, June 17
Today I visited a church in Anaheim. It wasn't a very friendly church, so I won't post it's name on the internet. :-) I am going back tonight to give them a 2nd chance - I think.
One great thing about the church, though, was their bookstore. It was kind of weak on it's music selection, but it had a selection of books that I haven't been able to find in our bookstores in Hawaii. I picked up one entitled, "When the Spirit Comes With Power." by John White. I will probably write more about it later, but so far I am pretty impressed. Here are a couple of my favorite quotes so far.
"Why do many people who pray earnestly for a visitation from God reject what he sends because they find it offensive?"
"From a safe distance of several hundred years or several thousand miles, revival clearly looks invigorating. What could be more glorious than a mighty work of God in our midst, renewing thousands and converting tens of thousands."
"But when we actually look at a revival (either through close historical study or firsthand investigation) we find something not nearly so clear as we imagined. There is sin and infighting and doctrinal error. And if we find ourselves in the midst of revival, rather than being invigorated, we may be filled with skepticism, disgust, andger or even fear. Why does our expectation not match the reality? Why is revival sometimes so messy?"
"One reason is that revival is war."
I will stop there. Good stuff that makes fodder for thought . . .
One great thing about the church, though, was their bookstore. It was kind of weak on it's music selection, but it had a selection of books that I haven't been able to find in our bookstores in Hawaii. I picked up one entitled, "When the Spirit Comes With Power." by John White. I will probably write more about it later, but so far I am pretty impressed. Here are a couple of my favorite quotes so far.
"Why do many people who pray earnestly for a visitation from God reject what he sends because they find it offensive?"
"From a safe distance of several hundred years or several thousand miles, revival clearly looks invigorating. What could be more glorious than a mighty work of God in our midst, renewing thousands and converting tens of thousands."
"But when we actually look at a revival (either through close historical study or firsthand investigation) we find something not nearly so clear as we imagined. There is sin and infighting and doctrinal error. And if we find ourselves in the midst of revival, rather than being invigorated, we may be filled with skepticism, disgust, andger or even fear. Why does our expectation not match the reality? Why is revival sometimes so messy?"
"One reason is that revival is war."
I will stop there. Good stuff that makes fodder for thought . . .
Saturday, June 16
Today I did A LOT of driving. I took 91 to I15 and headed south. On a fluke, I ended up in Takoma Wine Country. I took a tour of Callaway Vineyard and Winery and got a few pictures. It was interesting. Apparently there is a "W" in the mountains that allows them to grow grapes in that spot and not in the surrounding areas. I also did not know that you put the wine in wood for it's flavor. I didn't taste any, as I don't like wine.
I thought about heading all the way to San Diego, but decided not to. I took a detour on an old country road and eventually made my way to the I5. The I5 takes you along a small piece of the southern coast of California. The ocean is always beautiful, but this certainly did not compare to our Hawaiian coastline. :-)
As I was driving around, I came upon a place called San Luis Rey Bakery. It was right next to a historical sight. I followed the markers and mistakenly thought the bakery WAS the historical marker. Oops! hehe I told the guy at the counter to give me 1 of whatever they were known for.
I thought about heading all the way to San Diego, but decided not to. I took a detour on an old country road and eventually made my way to the I5. The I5 takes you along a small piece of the southern coast of California. The ocean is always beautiful, but this certainly did not compare to our Hawaiian coastline. :-)
As I was driving around, I came upon a place called San Luis Rey Bakery. It was right next to a historical sight. I followed the markers and mistakenly thought the bakery WAS the historical marker. Oops! hehe I told the guy at the counter to give me 1 of whatever they were known for.
The Journey to California
My journey into LA was fairly uneventful, but definately blessed. Mandy picked me up around 5am and safely transported me to the Honolulu Airport. I was there nice and early and asked for an exit row seat. The nice lady took my aisle seat and gave me a middle seat in the exit row. Or so she thought. I was actually in the row behind the exit row. hehe It wasn't a bad trip, but I chuckled to myself a couple of times when I thought about the mix up. I know she thought she was doing me a favor.
I arrived at LA and worried just a bit when I didn't see a number for my car rental company. I called Southwest and they helped me out. The lady who helped me was extra courteous and helpful which was nice. I no more walked outside when I saw the shuttle I needed to take. It was already there picking up someone else. Talk about convenient!
The shuttle took me to the car rental place and the guy who helped me "just happened" to live in Norwolk, which is where my hotel was located and was able to give me simple - and exact - directions.
When I pulled up to my motel, I realized that it was across the street from a WalMart. It also had a fridge and microwave which makes it a little easier to try and eat healthy. They technically have free internet access, but I couldn't make it work on my computer. That has actually been the most frustrating part of my trip. I have spent a lot of time trying to make it work. But, the manager saw that I was having trouble and brought his laptop to my room for me to use. What a blessing!!!
I arrived at LA and worried just a bit when I didn't see a number for my car rental company. I called Southwest and they helped me out. The lady who helped me was extra courteous and helpful which was nice. I no more walked outside when I saw the shuttle I needed to take. It was already there picking up someone else. Talk about convenient!
The shuttle took me to the car rental place and the guy who helped me "just happened" to live in Norwolk, which is where my hotel was located and was able to give me simple - and exact - directions.
When I pulled up to my motel, I realized that it was across the street from a WalMart. It also had a fridge and microwave which makes it a little easier to try and eat healthy. They technically have free internet access, but I couldn't make it work on my computer. That has actually been the most frustrating part of my trip. I have spent a lot of time trying to make it work. But, the manager saw that I was having trouble and brought his laptop to my room for me to use. What a blessing!!!
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