Community- As Christ Intended

I love listening to Dr. David Jeremiah each morning at 10am on the local Christian station or on www.TurningPointOnline.org if I miss the timeslot.

Lately, Dr. Jeremiah has been going through a series called, “The Signs of Life.” Today’s message was called ‘Outstretched Arms: Living a Life of Community.’ The following are the five points outlined in this sermon;

1) Community requires unity
2) Community reacts with sympathy
3) Community responds like family
4) Community reaches out in sincerity
5) Community reinforces humility

As Dr. Jeremiah spoke, ‘community’ was the term he used to communicate the relationship we have with each other, especially as Believers.

“Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Romans 15:2

I wish I could remember every point that he noted but one point stood out to me. He said that God allows heartbreak into our lives so that we may have true sympathy for those that hurt as well. To be totally honest, before this year, I didn’t always have the understanding of deep heartbreak to sympathize with friends and loved ones. The loss of life includes the loss of dreams and the loss of ‘what might have been.’ We were not created to be stoic, hardened humans. Jesus wept. And so should we. “…Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Ps. 30.5)

The other point I liked was Dr. J’s note about small groups. The original Church was composed of small groups and how most of today’s churches have encouraged the growth of them. Dr. Jeremiah said that to most people, their small group was as close to anyone they would ever get. The group is to grow in unity and sincerity- two things severely lacking in today’s culture, even in the Church. I know I struggle with understanding those that think differently than me and I also need to let my “yes’s be yes’s and my no’s be no’s.”

We only have 61 days left in 2007. My prayer for Dan and myself in the coming months and years would be that no matter where we live, that we would have true community with other Believers in unity, sympathy, sincerity, and humility, acting as family should.

Our New Car

So, what do you think? Of course, this is NOT our new car. We don't need another bill to pay;-) Besides, where would we put Russell's Pack N'Play, stroller, toys, and the million other items needed for road trips? This car was parked outside our place this morning and Dan grabbed the camera to take a picture. It is call the Zap! car (www.zapworld.com). Based in Santa Rosa, California, the website proudly displays the current price of oil ($95/barrel). We later saw the car being hauled away on a UHaul by the supposed owner- either that, or an elaborate way to steal a car. I guess it still isn't allowed on the freeways! With only three wheels, I can't see it being too safe at high speeds.

Just Another Day in Paradise (oops, I mean, the Park)...

Yup. One more morning. One more day. Dan and I figure if we have been going to the park each day since Russell was three months old (when we bought the jogging stroller), at five times a week (usually 6-7, though), it has been a minimum of 360 times. Not bad for a little boy who is now 21 months old;-) When it rained two weeks ago, we even bought the rain hood that keeps the child dry, although not the parent, who is soaking wet by the time all is said and done.

Russell is The Regular. Each morning, either myself or Dan (depending on work schedules and if I can muster myself to the gym) will change Russell's diaper after breakfast, dress him for the park, help put on shoes and a coat, and set up the stroller. Then, with water bottle in tow, set off for the park. It takes about 5-7 minutes to get there. There usually is the 'regulars' that after 18 months, now know Russell by name although they don't care who we (the parents) are;-). They try and encourage a wave or 'hello' from him but usually are only rewarded by a shy smile.

So, tomorrow when you call and the answering machine picks up between 7:30am and 9am, you'll know where we are!!

Life Lately

As you can tell from my lack of blogging, it has been quiet (well, not literally, as Russell can get quite loud). We've been watching the footage from the SoCal wildfires and we were remembering the fires of 2003. Dan was deployed at the time and my friend Laura had just left visiting me in San Diego. I remember the freeways being empty, stores closed, and the smoke that permeated every house- even with the doors and windows shut. I suppose these fires have been routine for hundreds of years but with the millions of homes now infringing on the wildernesses, it is now a fight against nature.

Dan has been called for jury duty. Depending on whether or not he can prove financial hardship (he has to report back on Monday), he may have to serve. He said the accused doesn't even speak English and the guy would most likely spend the rest of his life in prison if he was lucky. We were talking about it last night... what sets apart a judge and the accused? In some minute way, the scenario mimics our relationship to God. The vastness between us is too immense to fathom.

Next week is Halloween and we've been invited to a party on Saturday night. So, now we have to find/make costumes. I found a giraffe costume at the GoodWill for Russell but nothing for us so far. I wish I was more creative. It would be fun to go with 'coupled' costumes. I love parties and although we don't like the World's take on Halloween, costumes and kids and candy go hand-in-hand.

For now...

Slumber Party!!

On Sunday morning, both ladies for whom I had co-hosted baby showers (Julie and Natasha) went into labor. Julie had her baby later that night, and Natasha had her baby late this morning (Monday). Julie was four days late and Tash was three weeks early. Anyway, we were honored to take care of Beckett, Tash's little boy, for Sunday night and Monday. We had a lot of fun and I was blessed by good nap-times;-)

"TAB"- Taking a Break

On BabyCenter, one of my most visited websites, TTC means 'trying to conceive', TTK means 'trying to keep' and TAB means 'taking a break.' Almost like the Navy with all the acronyms used. I saw my OB/GYN yesterday and with exception of one concern, the rest of the test results are normal (yeah for no clotting or autoimmune!). The doctor is going to talk to a hemotoligist about a gene abnormality. If all is okay, we'll wait until next year before trying again, and using progesterone to help the embryo stick. Thanks for all your love and prayers:-)

Home Sweet Home (Almost)

Bright and early on Saturday morning, we flew to San Diego for a four day vacation. "He's so cute," is something we hear often, but not on that flight to SD! I think it was too early for Russell. Since we used to live in SD, we wanted to enjoy our old haunts and taste some real Carne Asada burritos from our favorite vendors. We stayed at The Dana in Mission Beach and we loved it.

Russell finally warmed up to the idea of the pool and he hung out on the first step:-) We are so proud of him!

Mission Beach...

On Sunday afternoon, we went to the far end of Mission Beach to let Russell play on the playground. He liked the slide but then just wanted to walk/run on the boardwalk. The only problem was the cyclists and rollerbladers. Every time one passed, we had to pick Russell up and he'd have a fit. Not fun.

This is just outside Dan's old apartment in MB. Oh, if we could live there!

Even Big R needed a break and he liked to sit on the 'ledge' the lawn provided.

Balboa Park...

On Monday, we went to Balboa park. We lucked out at the History Museum and was able to see the Dead Sea Scroll exhibit for free since we participated in an early-morning fire drill (God's timing!). Since it was $24/adult, this was a blessing because we couldn't take Russell in the museum. He'd rush thru and whine/cry if we didn't follow him, so we alternated and each spent 30 minutes (we could have spent 2 hrs) inside. (At this point, you might have realized that Russell was spending NO time in his stroller. He fought it every time we tried so we gave up.)

The rose garden... and our son running away as fast as possible. He wouldn't even turn around to see if we were following!

The romantic fountain where Dan proposed to me in June 2002:-)

Considering it was vacation, Big R got his own chocolate chip cookie for snack time.

Coronado...

On Monday night, I left Dan and Russell for a few hours and spent time with my dear friend, April. We ate at 1134 on Coronado and then went walking down the beach. Later, we went to watch the skyline at the ferry dock. Sounds like the perfect date to me!!! I love Coronado....

Point Loma...

On Tuesday morning, we drove up to Cabrillo Monument on Point Loma. We could see the SubBase of Dan's yesteryear. We even saw a sub coming in...

Big R taking another break after running up and down this incline...

Back to Coronado...

The next morning, Dan and Russell and I went back to the Island to walk around the Hotel Del. They've expanded the hotel and taken up more beach space but it looks great anyway. You can imagine how much two ice-creams cost, but how often do we go to the Del???

Wednesday morning we went back to the MB boardwalk for one last time. Russell loved to just go and go and go.

It was the ideal way to spend our 5th anniversary celebration since we both like San Diego. The real estate is cheaper there and we could actually afford something on Point Loma (our ideal living location). We picked up some flyers to see. I love the sunny, (mostly) warm weather and minimal/nominal rain fall. Also, we'd eliminate the need to fly to Arizona to see Dan's parents. Hmm. We've settled into our life here in the Bay area, so for now, I'll just take advantage of Southwest's new service from SFO into SAN and stay at April's home:-)

"Where in the World is Carmen ------- ----------- ?"

Yes, the correct answer is 'San Diego!' (for those who played video/computer games in the mid-80's). More of our weekend trip to come!