Random thoughts on nature.

I hear the rain outside as it plops against the houses. Tonight, it’s fall is softly gentle as it descends from the heavens above. Many people dread the constant threat of rain, longing for the warmth of the sunny weather that is so common, But I, I am strangely comforted by the drops’ gentle sounds. Its dreariness has yet to depress me for I find an unique beauty in it’s touch.

The sound of the rain causes my mind to travel to a distant memory. A memory that entails a booming sound and flashing light. Oh, I loved the sound of thunderstorms with their rolling thunder that stretched the skies and the brilliant flashes of light that would quickly follow, illuminating the land for just a brief glimpse. I enjoyed the midnight morning booms that would awaken me from a sound sleep, only to realize I still had hours yet to sleep. With a gentle smile that grew at the thought of such beauty, the rains steady ease would lull me back to sleep.

I am not sure why I have found so much beauty in the grayness of rain. Maybe because I know its Creator. Maybe because I know rain heals the land, prepares the land, and grows the land. The sunshine and warmth would be quite ideal to the cold, wet gray of the passing days, but then I would miss the needed beauty of such a day; making me grateful for the coming sunny days. May that is why I like the rain.

A Herrick Adventure

Another Herrick adventure. They never are easy despite the ease of plans at the beginning of the day. With just an object in mind, a place to find, the adventure begins with our curiousity. With the empty hours of time away from work, my parents and I decided to skip town for the day and discover an unknown place in a very familiar city. We headed to San Francisco to find a Mission.

Built in the late 1700’s, this mission has stood as a place for agriculture and connection for the Indians of the land. Despite the massive destruction of the 1906 earthquake and fires, this mission stood the test of time and still operates today. We knew the crossroad, we knew the exit; we thought we had it made. We thought we would find it quite easily. Wrong!

As I mentioned before, a Herrick adventure are never easy but full of fun. We turned off the freeway full of confidence that we would be able to find the mission without a mishap. I lost count of how many times we took a turn onto a street we thought would lead us to the right street but we had a great time seeing a new section of San Francisco. Finally we decided to head to our favorite spot in the city, Pier 39. We were hungry.

At Pier 39, we walked around the pier, enjoying the smell of the bay and the warmth of the sun. Languages swirled around us as visitors walked around us and I heard the familiar honking of the pier natives, the sea lions.

On our way home, we tried one more time to find the mission after obtaining a city map with a more detailed street names. Still the trip was not without mishaps as we were pushed off onto the freeway from a turning lane but after a few turn-arounds and a determination to find our goal, we pulled up in front of the mission. We found our objective and I can turn a day trip into another Herrick family adventure story.

Valentine's Day.

I used to dread Valentine’s Day because I did not have a date or boyfriend with whom to celebrate. My freshman year of college I once again faced a dateless Valentine’s Day and I was dreading the day. Then God taught me a great lesson that year. It was my choice how I wanted to spend my day. I could wallow in my self-pity or I could live what the day represented. So I choose to have an awesome day and share God’s love with others. So I bought a box of valentine day cards, candy and a bag of suckers. I gave cards to all my floor mates, and throughout the day, I handed out suckers. I ended up getting blessed when my secret sister spoiled me with a huge card, chocolate and sparkling grape juice. Every year since, I have found a way to celebrate the day by loving others.

This Valentine’s Day, I celebrated it as I always do. I gave gifts away. I made a cheesecake for my co-workers at the bank, which they all loved. (The girls complained about the calories but I noticed that they went back for seconds.) I made oatmeal raison cookies for my manager and security guard. (My manager had been sick all week and in a bad mood. The cookies were a big hit!) I made Valentine day cards on my computer and passed it out to my co-workers at both jobs. The results: I had an awesome day to the point where I was laughing so hard I was crying and I got hugs from friends, and smiles from everyone involved. I had fun sharing God’s love to others on this day.

Unforgettable.

So this past Tuesday has etched a memory that I will carry with me for quite some time. I attended “The Last Chance” this past Tuesday night and once again served as an altar worker. This one scene I touched my heart so much that I do not ever want to forget. I saw two young girls walking down front. One was crying as she came, coming down to make a public statement of her acceptance of salvation. She had to be around 10 or 11 years old and she wanted Jesus Christ. Those tears undid me. And everything about that night centered on that young girl who is now on the path of living a life with a Saviour who loves her.

An Amazing Night.

Ever have those nights that will be etched in your mind for a long time and may, if you allow it, change your life? Last night was such a night for me. Normally the one behind the scenes putting together the final details to make sure everything runs smoothly, I took a step of faith into a new servant's role that I have often times left for others. It was an amazing experience for me and I cannot wait to do it again.

So what in the world am I writing about? My new home church is conducting the evangelistic outreach program called "The Last Chance." Created by the creators of Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames, this cinematic theatric event is an opportunity to reach people with the truth of heaven and hell and a person's choice of eternity. Several weeks ago the church was requesting volunteers. Normally I would take the service opportunity to run errands or stay behind the scenes but at the suggestion of a new friend, I signed up for the position of altar worker. I will be on the front lines.

Last night I showed up at the church. I did not sit through the program as you might wonder but instead they had the altar workers gather in the prayer chapel and spend the time of the show in prayer and intercession for those in the sanctuary to heed the calling of God and accept his gift of salvation. That hour plus time was so full of God's spirit, voices raised in intercession for the lost in the sanctuary, that I did not want to leave the room.

As we moved to the side doors, waiting for our cue to enter the sanctuary to hand out salvation cards to those who came down front, I was just waiting in anticipation and excitement to see the people who made the decision for Jesus Christ. I stood there praying even then and the slightest noise just seemed to be in interruption to the Spirit of God that had enveloped me.

The moment came and we went in. The aisle ways, the front, the side areas were filled as hundreds of people came down front in response to the decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. It was an amazing feeling to stand among them, children, youth, adults, fathers with children. I cannot wait until the tomorrow night when I get to go again.

An Update

So life continues to get hectic and busy with all those little details that can seem to sneak up on a person. But for those of you who have been tracking my new journey to California, here is what is going on:

As of today, I am about 98% finished with my application to Fuller Theological Seminary. My test scores are in, my application is in, three references are in, and so are my housing and financial aid applications. I am only missing one more reference which I am following up on to make sure everything has come together. I am not sure when I will receive the final word on my application but it will be in the next month or two.

So beyond that I have been working on my taxes from 2007 so I can apply for financial aid through the government and comply with the tax code of filing taxes. My taxes are going to be so interesting with two state tax forms, six months of self-employment, and four months of regular employment. I will need extra help getting those done.

Plus I have been looking at housing in the area of the school as well as the school housing offers. The school has a studio/loft apartment option that I would really love to get. Plus I have been looking for job opportunities around the area and have been applying even now to see what might open up for me in the coming months. There are a lot of great opportunities, including working at Fuller as well as another known school called Azusa Pacific University.

So with all that going on in my spare time, working my two jobs which my hours vary week to week, and volunteering at my church for their evangelistic outreach for the next two weeks, life has gotten really interesting lately.

But the temps have begun to rise into the 60's, the skies have become blue again, and the sun is shining all around. Life is good and I am loving every minute of it.

A Hopeful Romantic

For the past few days, I have been watching this one movie, Syndey White. A modern day adapted version of the old fairy tale Snow White, Syndey White was not a huge blockbuster hit and it is a bit teeny-bobbish in its content, but overall, a really cute movie with a good message. Amanda Bynes plays a college freshman who lacks the refined, elegant graces of the Kappa sorority but brings in a fresh, comic face to the otherwise stuck up Kappas. Somehow through her interactions she has snagged the attention of the BMOC, Tyler Prince. Due to a humiliating experience with the Kappas, Sydney will not have anything to do with the Greeks which Tyler is one of the leading ones. But Tyler is not willing to give up. Thus, the story line leads the watcher to this very scene...

The scene begins in the college library with Sydney studying at a cubicle. She is looking at the names carved on the desk when a red rose is placed on her desk. The guy who placed it there begins to sing a melody. Sydney of course is confused and tells the guy that he has the wrong desk. A few seconds later another rose is placed on her desk, and another guy adds his tune to the first one. This happens two more times until there is a four man harmony humming a melody. Then they begin to sing, "When I See You Smile" with Tyler Prince stepping out from behind a stack of books to serenade Sydney. Sydney asks Tyler if he has lost his mind for him to only answer that no, but that he will keep singing until she agrees to go out with him. She says no, so he begins to sing again which she quickly says yes to shut him up. Although Sydney is embarrassed by the whole scene, she really likes Tyler and enjoys the roses he gave her. Tyler walks away with a confident smile and disappears behind the stack of books from which he came.

For the realist in me, I know that it is only a scene in a movie that these actors were paid to play. Even though at first, I thought the scene was corny and if it happened to me in real life, I would be embarrassed and ducking my head as Sydney did.

But the hopeful romantic in me finds the scene very enduring and my favorite scene in the whole movie.

The More I Seek You - Kari Jobe

This journey of taking His hand and jumping has taken on many different facets that I am still absorbing all that God is revealing to me.

I first heard this song at The Fuse, the young adults service at Calvary Temple. I thought the house band had written it so I did not search very hard for it, but the words buried deep in my heart even then. Last night I was working my taxes and had worship music going. This song came on from one of my new CD's. I had to put it on repeat for this song, this spirit, this cry pulled at me. I love the imagery of sitting at the feet of God, content, loved and resting against him so I can hear his heartbeat. The intimacy, the closeness, the relationship, His love is so overwhelming but everyday I want to delve into His love. I pray that this song also speaks to your heart.

A Foreigner's Faith

He was a Centurion. He was used to being the big wig, the one whose orders were followed without a second guess or questioning word. He said “go” and that person would go. He would call for a certain person, and that person would drop all that he was doing to meet the demands of this man. Now this Roman wanted Jesus.

He was Roman. Jesus was Jewish. He could have ordered Jesus to come to his office and if Jesus refused, he could have had Jesus punished. Yet even before the cross and its purpose were obtained, the power of a Saviour had reached the heart of a Gentile. Before Paul was ever sent to reach the Gentile world with the amazing salvation of Jesus Christ, this Roman believed in Jesus.

The Centurion sent for Jesus because his beloved slave was dying. With incredible words, the centurion tells Jesus, “if you say the word, whether you are here in this house or in another place, I know that your word will be followed out. Jesus, you do not even have to come all the way to my home, but even if a messenger brings your words to me, whatever they are will be fulfilled. Lord, even if you do not send your words to me but say them right where you are, those words are carried out.” And Jesus stops in his tracks, turns to the chosen people of God and says, “not in all of Israel have I found such faith.” In my inadequate words, the centurion’s faith was this: If Jesus said it, it would be done. No questions, no musings, no discussions, no debates. Jesus’s words would be done.

Once again I find myself at Starbucks, indulging myself in my favorite drink from this place, their Strawberries & Crème frappuccino. My mind is swirling with the events and information of the past two days. Bits of words and conversation from a dear friend keep resounding in my mind as I, through human eyes, view the main event in my life. The decision to go to graduate school.

Although the visit to the school was good and I have a peace about the surroundings, I think that I waiting for this “ah-ha” moment, waiting for the light bulb to turn on to confirm probably what I already know that I am suppose to do. I think I am waiting for this rush of emotions and passion to surge through me to the point where I cannot imagine doing anything else but this one thing. Truthfully that has not happen but the words from a conversation yesterday keep blowing through my mind, the words of a friend when he said, “sounds like you have a passion there.” I have not told my friend that his words stopped my train of thought at the moment he said them nor that they have not left my mind since. But in my mind, those words rest, causing me to revisit the story of the Centurion whose faith in God even astounded Jesus.

Being the detailed-oriented person that I am, I know all the logistics that will go into moving to Pasadena, finding housing, finances, and the schoolwork. It is daunting to say the least. Part of me keeps trying to find another path to it that will not be as trusting as this route but I do not think that will come. This time around I am going to have to take a deep breathe, close my eyes, run, and jump straight into the pool of faith, letting its presence wrapped completely around me, drenching me completely, and believing that I will reach the surface to breathe. That will take the faith of a centurion.

The Visit.

Something as a visiting a school should be a simple feat. For me, it entails an interesting twist of adventure. Being a born and raised Midwest girl and the largest freeway that I have driven the most is the one that wraps around the metro side of Des Moines, the prospect of navigating my way through LA traffic was not a thought I was very excited about. But to pursue the journey that is before me now included such a journey down the cement pathway of opportunity.

I woke up yesterday morning all prepared to gather my things, pack the car, and a file folder full of maps and directions. I walked downstairs to get a drink. A quick glance out the window brought a damper to the excited emotions churning in me for what I saw would be an obstacle; I saw fog. Not just a few clouds here and there or a misty veil that draped itself along the land to provide a translucent view of the world. No this fog is the heavy, cottony blanket that makes the world disappear within a few feet. And yet, with determination and a prayer of protection, I packed my car and ventured out.

The drive down to Los Angeles was not bad considering the fog that hugged the land and blotted out the sun that tried so desperately to light the land. With its steely, gray color, I would have thought I was viewing a Midwestern winter day rather than the sunny day of the land of eternal sunshine.

Navigating myself between various freeways and cars, I finally arrived to my destination. Well, sort of. As I mentioned before, any road trip for me always entails a certain aspect of adventure. (Just ask my friend Marla.) Mainly I get lost. But thanks to the inherited gene of navigation from my father and the ingenious invention called a map, I always seem to find my way back again. Such an adventure happened on this trip as well.

I know that I was watching the exits carefully, looking for the number or street that I was suppose to take, but I swear to you, I never saw it. Following the road to its very end, I turned onto a street that I did not know and continued to follow it, wondering if I would find a street that I should now. Not knowing if I was heading north, south, east or west, I just kept turning around to repeat the path I was traveling. With a bit of navigation and a quick look at a map, I found my way to Fuller Theological Seminary with a half an hour to spare before the night's events.

I found the Guest House where I was staying for the night. My check-in experience was unique. I was given a room which I did not request and was quoted a price much higher than previous stated. After a bit of discussion I was given a new room at a lower cost. So I went to my room, opened the door and went inside to settle in for a few minutes. I went into the bedroom only to discover that someone else was already assigned the room. I spotted handwritten notes for assignments, a pile of books and a closet full of clothes. Luckily no one was in the room at that moment but I hurried out there quickly, just in case the occupant came while I was there. I went back down to the check-in, explained the situation and was given a key to the original room that I was assigned. As I was leaving, the occupant of the room I hastily vacated was behind me because his key would no longer work. (I am not making this up!)But I got all settled into my room, leaving me five minutes to freshen up and get to registration.

The visitation night was good and I got a chance just to be on campus. I did not get to see much of it since night had already fallen but I got a good sense of being there. The city itself is very beautiful and active. I felt quite at home in the area and had a great sense of peace being at the school. Now, I await the final steps of application and the final word of acceptance which will not come for another couple of months. Then a more definite direction can be established.

A difference a degree makes.

For those who are from the state of eternal sunshine, the bleakness of the recent days affects them greatly. The leaden skies hide the normal shine of yellow rays and with that coverage, the warmth that allows the human world here to walk around. With just a few degrees lower and a slight chilly wind, my neighbors feel as if the world has come once again into the ice age.

Yet here I am in, sitting at the local Starbucks, sipping a Strawberries and Crème frappuccino. Granted I am shivering a bit from the iciness sweetness of the strawberries, yet I am not lamenting the fact of the temperature change that has grasped the world in which I now live. My co-workers cringe when I recall my memories of my times in the Midwest, talking of snow covered streets, ice covered trees, and chilly winds. They look in horror at me when I calmly share of my previous winters of life spent locked indoors as the temperatures outside reach to single digits, and many times, a little line appears before those numbers. They shake their heads in wonderment how I could have survived living in such a state of coldness and sing praises that they have not had to live where cold is the norm.

As I listen to the complaints of how cold it is from those who truly do not know what a winter should be, I chuckle softly to myself as memories of snow covered cars, ice covered trees dance in my head. I smile gently to myself as I listen to them adamantly state that they will die if they ever lived in a state where snow is common as the sun, yet memories of snow angels, snow ball fights, and warm nights snuggled indoors watching a new movie slide before my eyes. Just to throw in a few gasps of horror, I will spin a tale of wild blizzards and icy nights, yet deep down inside I know that I do not miss the very things that my co-workers fear. I do not mind the winter I am experiencing at the moment. It is nice yet what I miss is the beauty of the sunlight dancing off the whitened land, sending its glittering beauty to every eye who stops to breathe in the brisk newness of the day. Now that I miss.

The Joy of Christmas.

This season has been so nuts and crazy. I had not worked in retail during the Christmas season for a long time. I forgot how crazy it can truly get. The past several weeks of working at the bookstore, I found myself behind the register without a moment of breathe between customers. Just when it seems that the line has finally reached an end, I would glance up to see that a new line had formed and stretched beyond the scope of my eyesight. I also forgot how the sales world commercializes the Christmas season so much and how attitudes and temperaments can exceed the rudeness scale like no other time in the year. I am so glad that this time has finally passed.

But the past five days is what Christmas is all about; well, at least for me. Love was always at the center of Christmas. A love that started at the beginning of time with God and then expanded to family. I heard love in an excited, small voice in a little boy that captured my heart from the moment I held him in my arms. For the past few days, I heard words such as this"

"I love you Auntie Kara."
"I am so glad that I came."
"Where's Auntie Kara?"
"She's Auntie Kara!"
"Auntie Kara, play with me."
"I told them that you are beautiful!"

I spent this Christmas with those I love the most, my parents, my grandmother, my brother, my sister-in-law and my nephew. Having them here was all that matter. It was hectic, it was crazy. I had to sleep on the couch with the cats walking over me at midnight or later, but I would not trade any moment for any amount of money or for the all the gifts in the world.

One moment that I will cherish since it is quite a new memory is hearing my brother request prayer so that our family would not lose sight that Christmas is about Jesus Christ than the presents we received. He lead our family in prayer right after we opened our presents. Another amazing gift that cannot be bought. This was a good Christmas.

Alvin and the Chipmunks

For all those of us who grew up watching the cartoon will like this movie. It captures all that we remember from those cartoons with the remake of the original songs that they all sang. A good family movie with no profanity, no sexuality, no violence. I laughed at a few moments, had my memory jogged at a childhood memory. My nephew had so much fun and the whole theater rang with the sound of his laughter. It is a good movie to watch if you want a fun, good-feeling movie.

The second step.

I did it. The main reason why I came out here. I finished my application to Fuller tonight and hit the send button. Now it is wrapping up the final pieces. Getting the transcripts from Evangel, the four references which they have an email version and the graduate exam. I need to take either the Graduate Record Exam or the Miller Analogy Test. I had planned to take the GRE so I could consider a doctorate degree but after much research, the closest place was San Francisco or San Jose, nearly two hours away and it is not an area I know very well. Plus the timing was cutting it short before the deadline. So since the MAT test is offered at California State University, Stanislaus, a mere twenty minutes away, I switch my game plan.

But the MAT test. One hundred analogies filled with words that I do not know the meaning. But I can do it. I just have to study. Hopefully I will get it done.

So the second step has been taken. The application is on its way. A few more bases to cover and it will be done. Now, the rest is up to God.

I am really excited and nervous about this all at once!

Christian's Christian -- Maya Angelou

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."
When I say.. "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin"
I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Got this poem from a friend so I thought I would share it!

I choose to be thankful.

It is that time of year again when the holidays come way to fast but memories are etched into our minds to carry us through until next year. Without the Midwest fall and winter weather to prep me for the holiday season, Thanksgiving has crept up on me way too fast. It is next Thursday already!!! This Thanksgiving I am spending it with my parents in California and with a special guest. As I write this, my parents are heading to San Francisco International Airport to pick up my paternal grandmother for the week. I was thinking about this Thanksgiving and decided to make a list of the things for which I am grateful. Since the day falls on the 22nd, I will think of twenty-two things. Let's start.

1. Life. I have been given a great gift of living this life and experiencing so much.
2. Salvation. I am no longer separated from God but can come directly into His presence.
3. Dreams. Without them, life would be boring but they spur me on to continue the journey.
4. Breath. I can breathe without troubles.
5. Eyes. I can see the beauty of the world around me.
6. Ears. I can hear my nephew call my name.
7. Family. They are so supportive of me and my dreams.
8. My nephew. Very few things can top the pure love of a child.
9. The girls. Their love and friendship is a joy to me, hundreds of miles away.
10. Friends. Each and every one throughout my life has left an indelible mark that has changed me.
11. Jobs. Although the jobs I have were not on my list, I am thankful that I am working.
12. Money. I have money to pay my bills, my tithes, my offerings and extra to help others.
13. Church. To be part of a family that embraces me and I can find throughout the world is amazing.
14. My mind. I am grateful that I have a curious mind that does not stop searching for truth.
15. Jesus Christ. For loving me so much that he took my place and today is my friend.
16. Risks. Without them, I do not know if I would know how courageous I could be.
17. Failures. WIthout them, I would not know how to change or grow. I would be stuck doing the same thing over and over again.
18. Jessica Z. She suffered hard losing both her parents at a young age but gets up each and every morning and breathes.
19. Encouragement. Without it, there would be days I would not take a step forward.
20. Prayer. I can talk to God, hear His heart, and get answers.
21. Traveling. I get to see so much beauty and history when I get to go different places.
22. Books. I just love to read and get lost in a good story.

I think I could go on, especially if I listed out each one of my friends. The list would be very long. As I learn to be thankful for what I have, it erases the envy and jealousy that can eat at me. Making a list like this helps me realize how much I truly have and how blessed I am. I am truly blessed.

The Ease of Days

I know that it has been a couple of weeks since I last wrote a blog. The days seem to slip on by before I realize how fast the days have move forward. Every day my thoughts are sent in a variety of direction, my new jobs, my new co-workers, God, friends in Iowa, family and my future. It is amazing how often my thoughts are going in all directions and the time is not enough. But I think of everyone regularly.

Just to give everyone an insight into my days, what the schedule is these days for me, just keep reading along. I do not work until 12 noon during the week. So I sleep in a few hours longer than before. I try to get up early enough so that I can get a work-out session, devotionals, and brunch. Then I head to the bank. I work there for five hours before I either head home for the night or head to the bookstore for different three hour shift. My weekends vary depending on my schedule at the store. I may work one of the days or both days.

Being in the bank/financial world is definitely different than my previous job. But so far I am doing great in this office. I work with another great group of people. The oddest thing about the bank job is that I am the newest member but the oldest. Even the branch manager is a year younger than me. There are times that I have to remember that I am the newest member and do not have the authority to make certain decisions when I was so used to being the one in charge. It is a good change of pace for me though. All the knowledge that goes with understanding bank policies, financial rules and laws is overwhelming at times. But I am understanding them slowly. Plus I have several great customers that come in regularly. They are so fun to talk to every week.

I have two funny stories about the bank. One, my first day on the teller line, I deposited a very large check. At first I did not think anything about it, but I have a check limit, whether it is cashed or deposited. But in my head, I kept thinking check-cashing limit. Anything over a certain amount I have to get manager approval. After I deposited the check, I gave it to my teller coordinator (TC) and it was over her limit. She had so much fun giving me a hard time. She took the deposit to my branch manager. He looked at me from across the room and just shook his head at me. He had a smile so I know it was all in good jest. Since the customer and the account were well known, the transaction become quite the joke in the office. But ever since that day, I have yet to make that mistake again.

Two, there is a twenty-something man that comes in to deposit his payroll check. I think the first time he came in, it was my third day on the line. Of course, I screwed up his transaction, tried to manage it on my own, did the whole thing the wrong way, but eventually put the money in the account he wanted. He came in again recently to deposit another check. So I have had a bit more experience on the line. He wanted to deposit his check. Easy, right? I screwed up his transaction again. The poor guy. He is so nice about it, but I was embarrased. Hopefully, if I help him again, I will get his transaction perfect! At least he is understanding about it all.

Then after the bank, some nights I head directly to the bookstore to work until 9:00 p.m. The bookstore is going well. I love being in the Christian store, helping people find Bibles, music, gifts for families, or encouraging books to read. The people I work with are great and fun. I get a smile from my boss each time I come in, hugs from supervisors, and laughter from co-workers. It is a great job for this time. I enjoy being busy there by cleaning shelves, putting books in order and talking with customers. Tonight is a great example as I talked with a mother about music options for her young teen-age son.

All in all, God has been so faithful in providing jobs for me. Why these two jobs, I am still waiting to see what God has purposed for me there. But for now, I am very grateful for each job and do my best to enjoy each day.

Sleeper Waves.

After weeks of working my two jobs and not really having a day off, I had requested this last weekend off. I was going to attend a women’s retreat but the finances just weren’t there. Instead, my parents and I decided to get out of the house and the city of Modesto and enjoy a day of fun. With several dollars in our pockets, maps to guide our way, and water in a cooler, we took off.

We traveled west to Napa Valley. Only one word could describe the drive, BEAUTIFUL! The vineyards were beyond harvesting and the leaves on the branches had started to turn. With fields of gold and red dotting the sides of the road and the mountains rising behind them, these sites rivaled the beauty of the Iowa falls I so love.

We drove up to a small town north of Napa Valley that houses one of three “Old Faithful” geysers. This is one is not quite as famous as the one in Yellowstone but it is still as consistent in its display. We stopped to watch this amazing and awe-inspiring act of God’s creation. And I can tell you it is awe-inspiring that God could create nature to explain and defy science. The site was truly amazing.

The last stop along the way, the coast. We traveled over the Coastal Ranges to reach the ocean and it was such a beautiful sight. But then again the ocean is always beautiful with its stretching horizon and roaring waves. We parked the cars and walked down the path to a slightly hidden beach called Arched Rock Beach. It was so great to roll up the pants, shed the shoes and skip through the receding waves. The water was so cold! Yet, the fun of the ocean water on my toes. At one point, one wave was deceiving and crashed with a bigger flow than I expected. I got a little wet. But what fun!

Days following this day trip, one thought keeps rolling through my mind. I will remember that wave that crashed into me, deceiving me with its depth and crashing farther up the shore than I thought. Before walking down the path to the beach, there is a warning sign at the beginning. The sign stated the warning of sleeper waves that crash against the shore, catching a person off guard and even at times pulling a person back into the surf. Drowning may occur.

Adjust that thought to my life and with God, it all makes a great message. I can get so caught up in my life and the events around me that I get lazy, placing around me a false sense of security. At first the waves that crash against me are minimal, barely reaching the tops of my feet, and I take my eyes off the danger. Along comes a wave, deceptive in its power, luring me into a sense of safety, and I do not move. Then as this deceptive wave crashes against me with more force and depth than I anticipated, I am knocked off my feet, dragged back into the sea of sin and doubt.

Often times in my journey with God, I can lull myself into a sense of safety even though some waves can crash against me. I get to the point where I become so secure that I forget to stay alert for signs of temptation or traps of sin. Then one day that deceptive wave begins to push towards me. If I am watchful, I can see the difference for the differences are there just subtle. If I can tell which wave is deceptive, I can run away to higher ground to stay safe. The wave will crash but it will not pull me away.

Just like that day when I misjudged the wave and got myself wet up past my knees, I can misjudge when sin crouches at my door. If I am not alert each and every day, it can knock me off my feet and dragged me away or I can recognize it and run away.

The rolling land.

A normal evening. Sitting at the dinner table. Waiting for the cookies to cook. Then the unusual occurred. I heard a noise. I thought my eyes were playing tricks. Maybe my Dr. Pepper addiction finally caused permanent brain distress, but I swear to you the house moved. It swayed. I actually saw the walls move.

No, I am not insane and my Dr. Pepper addiction has not caused permanent damage. The house actually shook. What I thought at first was my imagination was in fact a tremor from a 5.6 earthquake that originated in Southern San Francisco and San Jose area. The shock wave from the land plates shifting rolled across the land over a hundred miles to my home.

I was told that I would probably not ever experience an earthquake in Modesto since we are located far enough away from the fault lines to ever feel the shock, but those words became mute tonight as I sat in the kitchen chair, being rocked back and forth as I wondered what was wrong with my eyes. And I wonder what will be expected when a higher earthquake hits the western seaboard. The prediction is a major earthquake to hit the San Francisco coast along the San Andreas fault, an earthquake that may rival the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes.

It was a surreal experience, going about my evening with my activities then suddenly having myself rock back and forth by nature. At first I did not exactly know what happened. I thought something fell over since I heard a loud noise but it did not make sense for the house to roll like it did. But after awhile, the news reported what we all expected. I survived my first earthquake.

Jeremy Camp - Walk by Faith (acoustic)

No one else can say it better than Jeremy Camp and this song...I will walk by faith each and every day!