Loving Others

Just doing a somewhat little past mid-year evaluation on how I'm doing with my focus this year on the second greatest commandment - to LOVE OTHERS.  Looking back at the year so far, I'd say that focusing on it has made a difference in resulting actions.

I started with family; and was already able to help with some projects my parents needed and am in the process of a couple more.  I've been trying to keep up more with what's going on with my family and to make our family celebrations more special.  I'll be happy when the remodeling is all done and I'll be able to once again host at home as well.

With friends, I've been making more of an effort to get together.  I've also been able to send out more cards, and encouraging notes.  I've also been more intentional about reaching out to those who need to know Christ.

What is is neat, is that despite putting in the extra effort and time to do these things; I'm still able to balance all the other things that are going on in my life.  I see that as God enabling me to be able to do all this.

10-Sept:  I was able to oversee the installation of my parents' doors to conclusion, both the front entry and the side storm doors.  This was a practical way to help and to show love for them.

Remodel - Front Yard

Well, I'm about to embark on my next major remodeling project - hardscaping my front yard.  I have some requirements (i.e. almost all hardscape, no artificial turf, possibly incorporate existing concrete, will last, and is cost effective).   We'll see if there is a design that will meet all those criteria.

I have scheduled the first consultation/estimate for today; and am in contact with another.  Hopefully, I'll be able to find the right contractor.

2-Sept:  The first contractor was efficient and came back with a quote that I thought was a little high for the pavers (625sq ft at a little over $20/sq ft); and they do nothing with the non-hardscape, just stubs for sprinklers and planter areas.  The next contractor didn't seem to listen so well and kept insisting on some synthetic turf.  Since it really seems that 20-30% greenery is needed, I'm thinking that I will ask for the rule-of-thumb that all plants be edible (i.e. herbs, vegetables, or fruit).  We'll see...

3-Sept:  It's strange that it seems like except for the first contractor, the others don't really want the business.  One never called me back to reschedule the estimate, and the other said he would do an estimate this week, but, I haven't seen it yet.  I called one more today for an estimate on Friday.  Let's see how this goes....   At this rate, I'll just be going with the first contractor by process of elimation

9-Sept:  So far, my remodeling projects have me reminding myself of Phil 4 - to not be anxious and to continually be in prayer.  I still haven't received the latest estimate, and I feel like it's taking longer than it should.   I am totally in prayer waiting for God's guidance and wisdom in this decision.

11-Sept:  It is so interesting that I've decided to go with my last contractor.  This was certainly unexpected, but what I liked about them was their pricing on the pavers (actually about half of what was quoted by the first contractor), and they gave me a book on the type of pavers, colors, and patterns I could select from.  I'm thinking of going with the Orco Antique Cobble mainly Herringbone pattern in the Manor colors.  Also, I will go with a low wall (20") at the same height as the neighboring walls and have it stucco'd to match the inner wall and the walls to the house.   This will likely affect the color that I will choose for my house exterior, since I would likely no longer want a dark brown like I had planned, and would need to go with something more neutral.

12-Sept:  I called 811 yesterday to submit a request for Underground Service Alert.  The gas company came out to to mark their lines.

18-Sept:  The Util guys came out to mark the electricity, phone, and cable lines.   Walk-through with the contractor project supervisor scheduled for tomorrow.

22-Sept:  Demolition started today.  I've decided to remove all the existing grass and plants, except for one palm tree in the courtyard.  After pavers and stucco walls are installed; I plan to mulch the remaining open areas and not plant anything for awhile.  After looking into mulch options, I am leaning towards lava rock.  It's not as light as the organic materials that will wash away and need to be replaced regularly.   Though some will likely still wash away and may need to be replaced, it looks less "hard" than the actual decorative stones; and it is more natural than the rubber mulch.
It's also interesting that I've thought of an analogy to our spiritual lives.   While no analogy is perfect, I see parallels between removing all existing plants and just preventing any new growth of weeds from now on as similar to our new life after salvation and just needing to get rid of any sprouting from our old sinful nature.

25-Sept:  Now that the wall is being put in, it's nice to be able to see it instead of just picturing it in my mind.  The block wall itself was okay; but, I really think that the stucco will tie it in much better with the house exterior and the existing taller wall.  I like it; and I think it was the right choice.

26-Sept:  Even though things are progressing fine, and the main crew works hard with long hours; there are several factors that when added together have convinced me not to use this company again, like for when I do my backyard remodel:

• The salesperson and project manager don't seem like they are such good listeners.  I don't feel like we really understand each other - it's like when I talk to people with totally different personality types.  Also, they didn't really offer any suggestions based on their experiences which would have been helpful.  They also didn't warn me that they would be blocking my driveway.
• Some of the workers are not so trustworthy.  I saw one walking around like he was scoping the place.  Just last night, I saw another one take a couple of the paver stones - it makes me wonder whether he has been making a habit of pilfering.   Also, the workers leave stuff lying around, threw tree stubs into my neighbor's recycle bin, shorted out my garage electricity and didn't tell me, etc.

I just hope that they will do a good job.  This is their area of specialty, so, I'm hopeful.

Well, the palm tree in the front area got removed today; and though I had decided that practically this was the best way to go, my insecurities were causing me to second guess.  I also don't want it to look too empty and cold.   At least I'm glad I decided to keep the last palm tree.
As I think about it, in general, I had learned that the only opinion that really matters is God's; however, there are a few areas of insecurity in which I still allow the opinions of people (e.g. like my neighbors) affect me possibly a little too much.  I have really thought through this decision and the hardscape is better for water conservation and maintenance.  I've tried the grass and nice landscape, and I'm not good at maintaining it.  So, this is definitely the best route for me.   I just hope that it will all work out and still look good.

27-Sept:  Most of the paver stones got put in today.  The manor color ended up having more greys than brown, which was hard to tell from the brochure.  So, I'm glad I asked for the brown border, which I think is a nice tie-in with my brown roof, and probably eventually the brown exterior paint for my house.  Though the greys look somewhat bland, it actually blends in with the concrete.
However, it does look empty.   Eventually, I may try to put in potted plants or some garden-type decor.  We'll see.   Also, I'm glad my driveway has been cleared.

3-Oct:  They are scheduled to finish the wall next week by adding the stucco to match my house walls.  There are little details that tie together; but, the overall whole still requires some more work to make it work.

9-Oct:  They finally finished the stucco yesterday; and it really only took a few hours.  I just wonder why I had to go through the frustration of waiting a whole week for it; and why the project manager never bothered to notify me.   Oh well.  It's done.  And, the stucco did help make it look less hard and blend in better with the house.  Now for the next project.....
Also, I learned how they got so many 5 star ratings on Yelp and other sites.   They offer $50 for each 5 star rating and provide the links to Yelp, Angie's List, Houzz, etc     I could not give them 5 stars because I feel that they could have improved in communication, clean up, scheduling, and providing recommendations and guidance based on their experience.

Esther 9

In this chapter, the day that the two decrees take effect arrives.  God gives His People the ability to overpower their enemies.  Not only did the people fear the God of the Jews, the leaders also feared Mordecai as his reputation grew.  While many were killed, careful reading shows that only the enemies were struck down, the ten sons of Haman because they were the descendants of Agag, and the Jews did not lay their hands on the plunder even though the edict allowed it.  The King even granted Esther her request for an additional day for the Jews in Susa to kill more of their enemies.   When the Jews were able to rest, with feasting and joy after deliverance from their enemies, it was made into an annual celebration called Purim.   So, they were able to focus on the joy rather than the sorrow of this time.   And we see that Queen Esther and Mordecai are now well established in their authority within the Persian Empire.

Birthday'14

Another year, another birthday.  I really don't feel as old as I am; but, then, I am grateful for all the experience and growth I have undergone through all these years.

My birthday celebrations this year started on Friday.  I received a really special Birthday card that really touched my heart.  The card said "The way your life reflects the One who created you can be described with a single word that says it all.... beautiful."   Then, I was able to spend the day at Disneyland and California Adventure.  They even gave me a button, so that the staff would wish me a Happy Birthday!  whenever they saw it.   The crowds were not bad and the lines were not too long; so, we were able to squeeze in quite a few rides and shows in one day.  We had dinner at Catal in Downtown Disney, which was part of the Patina Group, and thus quite pricey.  But, the scallops were really tasty.  It was not exactly a Mediterranean restaurant; but, would probably considered to be more just inspired by Mediterranean food.

Yesterday, I celebrated with my family.  We went to the Great Park, but there really was not much there.  And, we stopped by Balboa Island, but the time spent there just revealed how much age has really affected my parents.  I pray that I will be sensitive, loving, and patient with their challenges related with age.  For dinner, we went to a Laos Thai hole-in-the-wall restaurant.   There were a lot of people, and they were constantly busy.  The food was not the greatest, but, it was pretty good and the prices were reasonable.

Today, it was sweet that a couple from my class sang Happy Birthday to me at church - a "barbershop duet".  I also received a card from another couple from my class.

25-Aug:  I got together last night with my community group leaders to do our annual Anniversary-Birthday celebration (it was their 56th this year, I think).  We went to El Zerape in Cypress; and it was really good.  Maybe this will be our "regular".  Afterwards, we watched the "Antwone Fisher" DVD movie directed by Denzel Washington.  It was pretty intense.  Also, they gave me a really beautiful candle steeple.   It is a blessing to have them in my life.

Esther 8

Everything that Haman spent his life accumulating reverted to the King after his execution, and was then given to Esther and Mordecai.  This is a reminder to keep the eternal perspective, always to "invest" in what will last.

Though things were going well for Esther and Mordecai, yet, Esther was not distracted from her calling.  She still pleaded for the life of her people.  Though the King reminded her of all he had already done, hanged Haman and given away his estate, he also reminded her that his decrees cannot be revoked.  However, they were given the authority to issue a counter-decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves the day the first decree goes into effect.   This resulted in joyous celebration for the Jews; and even many other nationalities became Jews, recognizing the greatness of the God of the Jewish People.

God has promised that He would deliver His People, and He did.   Similarly, we, His People today, have been delivered from an irrevocable death sentence due to sin which was paid for by Christ who authored a new covenant.  We should respond in joy and like the King's couriers, spread the news to all who are condemned that they can now be saved.

DIY

Now that the major MB remodel is done, I've been working on the DIY projects:

• I put up the window coverings for the MB. White Wood Blinds for the bedroom and grommet top curtains for the patio door.   The curtains definitely need ironing, and I'm still looking for the sheer panels for the bottom layer.  I could've done a better job of extending the rod beyond the frame.   But, I love the Espresso Wood Blinds for the bathroom.  It pulls everything together and highlights the bronze fixtures.   It looks great and makes the bathroom look even better than it did before!
• I'm clearing out the bedrooms to get ready for paint.   I'm leaning towards a greenish-blue for the walls, similar to the MB but with a little more green and less brown.  One study suggests that the best colors for sleeping were Blue, Yellow, and Green.  So, I'm trying to pick colors closer to those.  I also have to keep the colors of the hallway and other rooms in mind, in order to harmonize
• I'm considering re-staining some of my non-matching furniture.  We'll see how my first try goes....

Re-arranging has also been interesting.   I've decided to use the dressers from the bedroom as buffets in the dining room.  The cherry wood definitely goes with the rest of the furniture.  The dining room is now "cozier" since there is less open space.  Also, moving bedrooms will be interesting.   And, I'm really glad that all my clothes fit into the new MB closet.  It's great to have it all in one place and all fairly easily accessible.

All of these changes remind me that it is good to occasionally re-evaluate and re-organize our lives.  It's something I haven't done all that much of since I moved in.   The little that I did before was good and helped; and I think that when I'm done with what I'm doing now, it will really be good and will be more adapted to my currently lifestyle and tastes.

2-Sept:  Prepping for paint is a LOT of work.  And, it is disheartening to find that when I pull the tape off after the paint is dried, that it pulls off some of the paint with it.   So, I now have so much re-touching to do :-(  I did decide on the paint color - "Wild Sage".   It's okay, but, I'm not really liking the blue-tone so much.  However, I did decide to do the backs of the built-in shelves in a "Dark Truffle" brown; and that turned out pretty well.   Now the shelves look more like a "self-contained" unit rather than just being part of the wall.
Everything just takes longer than I'd like....it took two weeks to clear everything out and do initial prep and cleaning.   Then, what will likely be about 10 hours for the taping and sanding.   Painting requires two coats; so about 4 hours for the first coat per bedroom and 3 for the second.  And, that's just the walls.  But, overall, it looks warmer and more interesting than it did before.  I'm definitely going with the natural earth-tone color theme.

4-Sept:  The "Wild Sage" color has definitely grown on me.   Now that the first coat is done on the other rooms as well, it actually looks good, especially in contrast to the white trim of the larger windows in those rooms.
The re-touching didn't take as long as I thought, since I was able to just use a straight edge instead having to re-tape everything again

27-Sept:  I've finished painting the bedrooms (2 layers of paint on the walls, trim, and closet) and even completed the touch-ups and the heater grills.  I'm grateful and happy :-)

3-Oct:  I put up the sheer panels in the MB this last week.   I like them - they allow light in but still provides privacy.  And the additional white color helps tie in with the trim of the room and provides a contrast with the dark brown curtains.
I also spackled and stained the post tops of the bed stands, since I decided to remove the wood posts.  While I was going to stain the rest of the wood to make it darker, it didn't seem like the stain stayed on the already stained and finished wood.  Also, I'd have to buy additional finish; otherwise the stain makes the surface oily and there is a strong smell.

1-Nov:  I decided to use cedar mulch on the planter areas still in my front yard, mainly because it's supposed to not attract pests.  However, the color doesn't match the walls so well... the brown colored bark would likely look better.   Maybe next time.  Also, I bought 3 bags of 2cu ft cover; but, it looks like I may need an additional 3 bags to finish covering everything.

18-Dec:  I was finally able to put up blinds in the library and exercise room.   The faux wood blinds ordered online through HD are not as good quality as the ones in the store; but, they were out of those in the store both times I went.  The nice thing about these ones were that they didn't have to be cut, and they were delivered to my front door (without shipping cost).   The packaging said it was a snow white color; and it seemed to be a little more "grey" than my trim and the other blinds.    Still, after putting them up, they still look good.   My rooms have really been transformed, and I'm pleased with the outcome.  I am grateful that God has blessed me with being able to remodel.

Harvest'14

The 25th Anniversary of the Harvest Crusades concluded last night.   It was a blessing to be able to be there, to be reminded of the history of the crusades, to hear Chris Tomlin lead worship, and even to see the fireworks display.

The words from one of the opening songs really stood out to me.  The chorus of Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong says:
"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior"

In one of the video reviews of Harvest history, the clip from the year Greg Laurie and his wife lost their son was so poignant.   They talked about how the message "See you in the Morning" yesterday was related to the hope that they look forward to, being able to their son again.  It was also neat to see the comfortable and loving interaction between Greg and his wife, after 40 years of marriage.  And, it was interesting to hear about how some of the kids that were babysat during the early years of Harvest were now involved in serving at Harvest and have some of their kids being babysat.

Time of worship with Chris Tomlin was special.  He truly is gifted.

Then when they had the time of calling people down to the field, I was moved to tears sensing the presence of the Holy Spirit.  There were so many who went down to the field, and though we don't know how many of those were actual new decisions for Christ, we trust that there were some; and for each one, there was rejoicing in heaven.  And across the aisle, I was motivated by the example of a young girl who was reading her Bible and deeply praying the whole time.

The fireworks was a nice highlight cap to the Crusades.   May God continue to bless and work through this ministry.

Esther 7

At Esther's second banquet, the King once again asks for Esther's petition.  This time, she does answer him, and petitions for her life and the life of her people.  In the way she presents her request and being able to point to Haman directly as the "adversary and enemy", it displays her wisdom.  In a demonstration of poetic justice as well as irony, Haman is hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai.

This passage shows us God's Perfect Timing, waiting for everything that needed to happen between the first and second banquets.  It also shows God's fulfillment of His promise to protect and deliver his people, as well as His Justice.

When we are facing difficult situations, we can trust God to grant us the wisdom and the words to say.  We can even entrust the outcome to Him.

Weekend

It was another one of those busy but full weekends.

Door measurement on Friday along with some errands.  Baby shower, and then AV on Saturday.  Church (AV, Sunday School), Home Depot, and getting together with a friend on Sunday.

Some notes from the weekend:

• For the Baby Shower, there were some cute elements, like a clothesline of baby clothes, all decor with a pink theme, etc.   But, the touching moment was when it was shared that Jordan was chosen as the baby's middle name to signify her birth prophesied during her parents' re-baptism in the Jordan River; so that she would always know that she was a special "miracle" baby
• For the "nugget" on Sunday with the worship ministry team, the person who shared used a verse from Psalms indicating that his application of waiting on the Lord.   He shared about being at a particularly pricey restaurant where there was one waiter per table; and that waiter would stand by his/her table anticipating the needs of the diners at the table.   It's an interesting concept to be waiting in anticipation for what God would want us to be doing for Him; and to be ready at all times.  This waiting is done with the goal of hearing God say to us at the end, "Well done good and faithful "waiter""
• It was neat that the Sunday lesson tied in so well with the message, which was recognized by the class as God's Hand in orchestrating truths He wanted us to hear clearly
• It was a little disappointing that the measurements were not in the system for me to make the order; but, it did give me a chance to ponder overnight about the colors.   I think I will just go with silver to match the stainless steel mailslot.   I got a call that the measurements are ready today
• In getting together with my friend, we had a good time catching up.   It was also nice to see the work she had done in her place to give me ideas for my upcoming remodeling projects.   I really should've brought a hostess gift, though I had expected that we'd be going to a restaurant for dinner instead.  Also, I recognize that I have much to learn by way of evangelism; but, at least I'm working on it. 
• I also realized that I should've picked up a Harvest Crusade card or bookmark to invite my contractor this weekend; but, I can still just invite him verbally or thru text

18-Aug:  There are some things related to to the "nugget" shared on Sunday that were notable.  That person sharing talked about how for us as Christians, the battle is not for the heart, because we belong to Christ.  The battle is for the mind, and that's why as Christians, we need to constantly renew our minds and keep our minds on things above.  She also shared about something the Youth Pastor had said about knowing that when we get "hit", it's because we are "in the game".   If we weren't in the game, and just sitting on the sidelines, Satan would probably just leave us alone, because we're not affecting the outcome of the "game".

The nugget also gave me an opportunity to encourage her dad, by telling him what his daughter had shared and commending him in her upbringing in the Lord.

However, it also challenged me to talk to the Assistant Pastor and the Music Director to let them know that they had forgotten about the other person they had asked to share the nugget and who had actually prepared one.

Esther 6

At the end of the last chapter, the situation seemed darkest for Mordecai who was about to be killed on the gallows and his people the Jews to be annihilated.   Yet, in this chapter we start to see a turn of events.  Because the king is unable to sleep, he has the chronicles read to him, which "happen to be" at the record five years ago when Mordecai helped stop a plot against the king.  Wanting to honor Mordecai now, the king calls in whoever is at the court, which "happens to be" Haman.  So, instead of being able to request Mordecai be hung, Haman is now told to carry out the honors for Mordecai that he thought was going to be for himself.   While Mordecai just goes back to "business as usual" after being robed like a king and paraded publicly in honor, Haman goes home to a pity party of shame.   His wife and advisors now predict his downfall; right before he is taken to Queen Esther's second banquet.  The situation now is very different from that during the first banquet; which seems to indicate the reason behind the delay - God's perfect Timing and Plan.

In this chapter, we see God's Hand at work in the seemingly little "coincidences" - the king's insomnia, the reading of the record on Mordecai, and Haman's presence at the court at exactly that time.  As a result, Mordecai is honored and Haman is humiliated, and we see the beginning of hope for ultimate deliverance.

11-Aug:  This lesson tied in so well with the Pastor's message from Psalm 91 on Sunday, in that during dark and difficult times, we can trust God to be our Protector and Deliverer.   So, as in Mordecai's case, even as he saw the gallows loom overhead, he was protected under the shadow of the wings of the Almighty.  God is at works in ways we may not even know.  
Also, this passage clearly shows a contrast between Mordecai's and Haman's characters.   Mordecai was humble and did not exult in worldly honor; and no matter what, he stood firm in his convictions to do right.   However, Haman was not strong enough to stand firm in his biases against Mordecai, and when requested by the king, he capitulated in showing honor to Mordecai.
Imagine Mordecai's surprise, that when he saw Haman coming.  Rather than the expected death sentence on the gallows, he was robed in honor, placed on a horse, and paraded through the city.   So, be in anticipation of how God can surprise us with His wondrous workings.