Always in our hearts and prayers

9/11/07

The Kids Are Here!
My brother and his family have arrived from Georgia for a visit here in California. They dropped by my office this afternoon to see Auntie Ruth. We have lots of fun plans for the kids. They will be staying with me this week...fun times! We are hoping to have a family reunion coming up soon (our first in three years). I am so blessed to have these wonderful kids in my life! I'm sure I'll be posting lots of pictures soon.

House Warming Party

This past Saturday I celebrated my being back at my "old" place by having a house warming party. I feel so blessed to be back at such a beautiful location and have space to entertain again! I had about twenty two friends come and enjoy it with me. Preparing all the food for everyone was a lot of fun. I made barbecued pulled pork for the first time. It was really good! Grace and Abby helped me to assemble the veggie kabobs and Jon grilled them. After eating to our hearts content we took a little walk down the road to see the sunset (and the neighbour's llamas!). Every morning when I wake up I thank the Lord for His wonderful provision and love. There are more pics here:

http://chiarapics.spaces.live.com/

Happy Birthday Mom!You have always been a wondeful example of a godly and loving woman. I love you very much. Thanks for your love and care through the years!

Celebrating Grace's 30th

After doing a little shopping for running shoes right after work we went out to eat in celebration of Grace's big birthday. Grace, Jon, Adam and I went to Felix's, a Cuban restaurant, in old town Orange. The food was absolutely delicious. We had steak, roasted pork, "ropa vieja", crepes, maduros, black beans, rice and delicious Tres Leches cake to top it off. Mmmm good!

Happy Birthday Grace!

I love you very much.
You are the best sister ever!

Birthday kayaking pictures coming soon =)

Office Fun Day - August 2

Not having internet access at home has cramped by blogging time! I just realized I haven't posted anything about the office fun day we had on August 2. Every year our office "family" goes out together for a fun day. This year we went to the Getty Villa Museum in Malibu. It was a really fun day! We took lots and lots of pictures (click on the "Fun at work" link on the right hand side of the blog page to see them all. The gardens were beautiful and it was a perfect weather day. After spending a couple hours there we drove down to Santa Monica and ate lunch at Bravo Cucina on the Third Street Promenade. I'm so glad to be able to work (and play) with such wonderful people!

Yesterday morning I found this quote and put it up by my name on Messenger...

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." Mark Twain.

Little did I know that later that afternoon I would literally be put to the test regarding forgiveness. Most of you know that I always put up a picture when I post and this one has none. Late yesterday afternoon while I was working out at a park two girls stole my purse and all my things from my car. This included my camera, hence no pictures. It is a scary thing to deal with, being robbed and stripped of all your "identity". And yet my friend later reminded me through it all to be thankful because it could have been worse. I was not hurt, my car was not stolen, and after all, those things that were taken are just material things. So I am praying and asking the Lord to help me learn to extend "forgiveness" in this circumstance and let go. It is hard but I pray it will be a growing experience in my trust of God.

August Already?! Time seems to keep flying by. The last weekend in July I got all moved and settled into my new place. What a blessing! The Lord is so faithful and continues to surround me with his constant care and provision. I will post pictures of the new place soon. It is very nice to have so much more space... more space means that I could get my dining room furniture out of storage (thanks so much Grace & Jon!) and have friends over for dinner again. I did just that on Saturday. Grace, Jon and Adam came over for a home cooked traditional Colombian dinner. I had so much fun making it. We spent an enjoyable evening eating, talking and enjoying the beautiful sunset when we went for a walk after dinner.

The view of the sunset on Sunday from my place was an amazing sight! It reminded me of what a wonderful Creator we have.Psalm 19
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, 5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat. 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."