Monthly Archives: July 2013

Jul27

Boo Hoo! Stage 2!!

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This was my last time to see Stage 2 Improv…

Tonight’s their last show!

Boo Hoo!

So I took their photo to remember them by:

Thursday, July 25th’s Cast of

Stage 2 Improv,

includes:

(Back row, left to right):  Rosie Spinosa, Steven Johnson

(Front row, left to right):  Casey Debrowski (my son!), Judith Gangi Santos, Michael Santos,

Synthia DuBose, Kate Ebaugh, Christy McLaughlin (music coordinator)

The shows were great!

Perfectly funny!!

“Stage 2 Improv has been so widely popular…

It’s a Naples-based improvisational theatre group

 

featuring scenes, games and songs

 

that are created right before your very eyes!

 

If you liked the television show Who’s Line is it Anyway?

 

and the improv troop The Second City,

 

you’ll love this!

 

The actors utilize information given by the audience to build the show!

 

Every scene and game is driven by suggestions from the audience.

 

Some games may even feature audience participation!

 

You never know what an evening will bring,

 

which makes each show different from the next.”

See more at:

http://www.fifthavenuesouth.com/the-naples-players-presents-stage-2-improv-2/

 

The cast is hilarious!

Keep checking their web-site for future craziness dates!!

http://stage2improv.net/

“The Naples Players

continues to provide respite from the summer doldrums here in steamy Naples….

For 15 dollars you can go downtown

and see a group of personable,

quick-witted young (or at least young-ish)

performers play the improv game…

I’m rather in awe of the quickness on display here…

So go,

lighten up,

get out of your air-conditioned cave,

venture to Fifth Avenue South

and have some goofy fun.”

For the entire review in Collier Citizen, go to:

 http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jul/23/curtain-up-stage-2-improv-troupe-keep-the-laughs/?citizen=1

Even good things must come to an end!

Though I’m praying they’ll come to teach our drama team…

All their funny antics!!

Psalm 119:96

“To all perfection I see a limit,   

but Your commands are boundless.”

Jul27

Light Pushes Back Darkness!!

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Josh Wilson’s story behind…

“Pushing Back the Dark”

http://www.joshwilsonmusic.com/posts/07-18-13/story-behind-pushing-back-dark

“I was in seventh grade.

It was five minutes until our Wednesday night youth service,

and I was hiding,

sitting on the cold tile of a bathroom in a dark corner of our church.

They were about to start the worship music,

and I was supposed to be playing guitar.

I told them I was sick and couldn’t go.

I wasn’t sick.  I was scared.

I was scared of what everyone else might think of me.

 

What if I messed up?

 

What if I failed miserably?

 

God had given me a talent and passion for music,

 

but I was afraid to use it.

 

To this day, the darkness of doubt pushes me to avoid my calling.

 

Last year, as I was working on this album (Carry Me),

 

that darkness became tangible

 

as I began to struggle with anxiety and panic attacks.

 

At one point, I thought I might have to quit music altogether.

 

But God promises to never leave or forsake us,

 

and He kept that promise.

 

As he carried me through the rest of the record,

 

I realized that there will always be darkness pushing me to hide.

 

At some point, though, every Christ-follower

 

has to realize that we carry a sacred,

 

burning light that is infinitely more powerful than the lies of the enemy.

 

Your light might seem small,

 

but even the smallest act of love can illuminate the shadows.

 

To every single mother,

 

every missionary,

 

every doctor

 

and poet,

 

every seventh grader who is scared to sing in youth group,

 

every truck driver,

 

politician,

 

and school teacher,

 

anyone who is rich,

 

poor,

 

young

 

or old:

 

someone else desperately needs the light you carry.

 

I think it’s time that we each take that light

 

and start pushing back the dark.

Ultimately, this difficult season has caused me

to rely on God’s strength

to carry me through each day.

I’ve been praying more often and more earnestly,

and I’m thankful that coming to the end of myself

has brought me so close to a

Father and Savior

who loves me and will never leave me.”

Oh, yes, this is so true!!

There are a million reasons not to try!!

When you’re just one candle in the dark…

Where the shadows are scary…

Thinking you don’t have what it takes!!

Do you dare to try to make a change?

Never underestimate the God you follow!

Don’t look back…

Somebody needs the light you have!

Don’t lose heart…

Keep on pushing back the dark!!

Be a shining city on a hill…

Every sinner saved by grace…

Has a purpose and a place!

Sometimes we don’t understand the bigger plan!

Just keep walking on…

To see His Kingdom come!

 Let your lights all shine…

He’s the Light that burns inside your soul…

You’ve got keep shining for the whole world to know…

Even when you feel like you’re too small…

We all need to shine…

Like sunrise through the window…

A symphony crescendo…

Wake up…

Rise from the dead…

Shine like stars…

Pushing back the dark!!

With your lights!

Push back the darkness at every step…

Light pushes back darkness!!

Amen!!

1 John 1:5

“This is the message we have heard from Him

and declare to you:

God is light;

in Him there is no darkness at all.”

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Jul25

What A Web We Weave…

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The other day…

My husband called me outside on the lanai…

“Come quick!

Bring your camera!

Here’s a shot of a lifetime!!”

At first, I just couldn’t see it!

What was he pointing at???

Then, I moved closer…

And the light shifted…

And suddenly…

I saw this beautiful spider’s web!!!!!!

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It was huge!

Oh, so perfect!

Nice to look at…

But, if I was a tiny, little, helpless fly…

I would be tempted to fly into that web…

Which is soooo attractive to me!

And get hopelessly caught!!

Don’t get caught in a web of the devil’s lies!!

Sin may look beautiful…

Even bring temporary pleasure…

But it’s a death trap!!

Just like this beautiful spider web is…

To the spider’s prey!

The enemy of our soul…

Seeks to steal from us…

Ensnare us…

Entangle us…

Kill us…

And destroy us!!

He uses beautiful counterfeit!

It’s hard to see his tricks!

Let Jesus shine His Light…

At just the right angle…

And you’ll be able to suddenly see…

The devious plans…

The enemy has for you!

John 10:10

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life,

and have it to the full.”

Turn away…

And embrace God’s Plan for your life!!

Jeremiah 29:11

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’

declares the Lord,

‘plans to prosper you

and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.'”

Ahhh…

I love this promise of God!!!

Jul25

Dear Broken Hearted…You Are Wanted!!!

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Dara Maclean

A Jesus lover,

a wife,

a friend & encourager.

A passionate advocate for justice

& someone determined to see an end to slavery.

http://revivedmusic.com/2013/06/24/dara-macleans-wanted-music-video-premieres-on-myspace-today/

This music video for her new single, “Wanted”

was shot over two days

on the small Mexican island of Isla Mujeres,

the video showcases Maclean

touring the streets of the city,

and spending time with the local children.

“’Wanted‘

is about a universal need,

speaking to the child in all of us

that is desperately longing

just to hear somebody tell us we’re wanted.

Somebody to tell us that we’re cherished

and that we belong,”

explained Maclean.

“To not be wanted based on your performance —

We all have those relationships in life

where we are loved based on how good of a friend we are

or how good of a daughter or son, sister or brother we are.

It’s conditional and it never seems to be enough.

This song is calling out to the outcast and saying,

‘You’re not unlovable.

You’re never too far gone —

in your worst moment,

in your loneliest moment,

you are still wanted,

just as much as the person that seemingly has it all together,

is loved by everyone and looks to have this perfect life.’

The baby that opens its eyes for the first time

and the hardened criminal

that gets sent to jail for the millionth time,

does God want one more, or less?

We are all the same,

we are all in need of Jesus

and we are all desperately wanted

by a Father that won’t stop until

He finds every child that is lost.”

Psalms 139:7-10

“Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from Your presence?

If I ascend into heaven,

You are there;

If I make my bed in hell,

behold,

You are there.

If I take the wings of the morning,

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

Even there

Your hand shall lead me,

And Your right hand shall hold me.”

 “I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting to share with you my friends,

the ones that have been such a support and on this journey with me,

the heartbeat behind the song

and ultimately, this record,”

continues Maclean.

“My prayer is that every note reveals

the heart of God the Father

and that His Love does what it always does.

It heals, restores and makes new again.”

From the day you were born
And took your first breath
You opened your eyes and in came the light
He was watching you
But all of your life you couldn’t shake the lies in your head
Saying you’re a mistake
Oh, but you were made
By a God who knows your name
He doesn’t make mistakes

You are wanted
To every broken heart, He stands with open arms
You are wanted
To every searching soul, look to the rising sun
If you’re lonely, hurting, gone too far
To the outcast you come as you are
For you, you are wanted, you, you are wanted
You, you are wanted, you, you are wanted

Let this be the day that joy takes the place
Of all of the years that shame tried to steal away
He is calling you
Lift your eyes to see His face
Come run into the arms of grace

You, you have been marked
You’re set apart
And He calls you His
So you don’t have to search
Don’t have to look for where you belong

You are wanted!!!

Jul24

Are You A “HIStory” Maker?????

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My son and I went up to “Rise Up” YEX 2013 camp last night in Bradenton…

http://explosiveyouth.com/rise-up/

at Christian Retreat… 

http://www.christianretreat.org/

The speaker was Jeanne Mayo…

She spoke bluntly about love relationships!

Based on the Scripture:

2 Samuel 13

About Amnon and Tamar

It was powerful!!

And very well received by the packed sanctuary of teens!!

Many came to the altar,

To “Rise Up”

And to run…

Into the arms of our Lord!

According to: 

http://explosiveyouth.com/2013-speakers/

“Jeanne Mayo is acclaimed by Ministries Today as…

‘America’s Number One Youth Pastor’

She’s  thrown her heart and passion into youth ministry for over four decades…

Her ministry DNA is reflected in her life mission statement:

‘The motivation and mentorship of Kamikaze Christianity into practicing and potential Kingdom champions.’

Jeanne’s successful ministry has placed her in high demand as a youth ministry…

And youth leadership communicator…

She has criss- crossed the U.S. and the globe…

Speaking in countless venues to teenagers…

And college students as well as their leaders…

As she continues to travel, one of her greatest joys…

Is to re-connect with some of the hundreds of…

Spiritual sons and daughters in full-time ministry all over the world…

Jeanne considers her most cherished accolades, though…

To be centered around her family…

She is the proud mom of two adult sons, Josh and Justin…

Who are both also in full-time ministry…

And the adoring ‘Nana’ of two young grandsons…

Elijah and Judah…

Her cherished husband remains her ‘boyfriend and hero’

After over 40 years of marriage and ministry together….

Jeanne’s life mantra comes from missionary Jim Elliot….

His words capture the essence of her heart and life’s mission:

‘He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.’”

The worship by Tyrelle Mustafa last night was amazing!!

My favorite Christian Rock song of the evening was:

Is it true today that when people pray
Cloudless skies will break
Kings and queens will shake?
Yes, it’s true and I believe it!
I’m living for You!

Is it true today that when people pray
We’ll see dead men rise
And the blind set free?
Yes, it’s true and I believe it!
I’m living for You?

I’m gonna be a “HIStory” maker in this land!
I’m gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind!
I’m gonna stand, I’m gonna run!
Into Your arms, into Your arms again!!

Yes, it’s true today that when people stand
With the fire of God, and the truth in hand
We’ll see miracles, we’ll see angels sing!
We’ll see broken hearts making “HIStory!”
Yes, it’s true and we believe it!!
We’re living for You!!

We were all born to be “HIStory” makers!!!!!

Ordinary people, Extraordinary Faith!

Psalm 24:6

“Such is the generation of those who seek him,

who seek your face,

God of Jacob.”

Amen!!

Jul23

Mom Brown’s Legacy Lives On…

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This was written by my dear cousin…

To read at the funeral…

To honor her Mother-in-law…

When she passed from this earth…

into the loving arms of our…

Lord Jesus Christ...

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 “My Mother-in law,

who we called Mom Brown,

touched so many,

 in so many different and amazing ways,

myself included!

I can relate story after story concerning the generosity,

kindness, spiritual wisdom, and guidance

she bestowed on this fast talking,

hard to understand at times,

Jersey Girl.

But I have selected one powerful,

life changing example

that began over 24 years ago,

just after I married her son.

    She gave me a gift,

the first book of many that followed.

It was a book entitled,

My Utmost for His Highest

by Oswald Chambers.

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It is a daily devotional

that has a month and day at the top of each page,

common to most devotionals on the market today.

However, at this time in my life,

I had never purchased one

and was unfamiliar with its true purpose.

I started reading it daily on July 1, 1989

and when I completed the June 30th reading a year later,

I stored it on my library shelf,

feeling a sense of accomplishment

that I had made my way through a year of these very deep

and complicated writings by a man who lived in the nineteenth century.

A few weeks later, Mom asked me

if I was reading the book she gave me.

I replied,

“Yes, I finished it and placed it on my library shelf for safe keeping.”

I have to admit, her response set me back a bit.

She said, “Oh, no,

you have to keep reading it,

year after year,

and each year it will mean something different to you

and you will understand it better and better,

as the years pass.”

The thought of getting the book off the shelf

and reading it again really didn’t appeal to me.

However, the excitement and enthusiasm in her reply

motivated me to give it a shot.

     This book has become one of my most prized possessions.

I carry it on every trip I take,

and read it every day.

And you know what?

Mom Brown was absolutely,

positively right!

Each year it provides more incite into the woman who gave it to me

and her best friend,

Jesus!

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My husband and I started reading it together,

most likely around 1999.

I don’t know why it took me 10 years to start sharing it with him,

but maybe it was because I understood the passages more and more

and realized,

“You don’t keep something so special to yourself!”

We both read it every morning still to this day.

However, because my copy has a broken binding

and many pages are loose and on occasion fall to the floor,

and also because there are so many of my written notes covering the pages;

My husband purchased his own leather bound copy several years ago.

He realized I was never replacing mine.

We have grown so much spiritually, both individually and together as a couple,

thanks to our dear departed Mom

who read this book every day of her life for over 40 years

and lived the scriptures quoted in it to the max!

I have been so blessed to have known her

and to have her influence in my life.”

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  Proverbs 1:8

…and do not forsake your mother’s teachings.

They will be a garland to grace your head

and a chain to adorn your neck.

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 “I always keep extra copies on hand to pass out to others.

I have several with me today

and if anyone would like one of these books,

please take it before you leave.

I would like you to think of it,

not as a gift from me,

     but instead a gift from Mom Brown…

  so her legacy can live on!

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Jul22

Ooops!! Times 3!

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Ooops #1

I received this e-mail yesterday…

(author unknown)

It’s  priceless!!

A lesson to be learned from typing the wrong e-mail address!

“A Minneapolis couple…

Decided to go to Florida to thaw-out…

During a particularly icy winter…

They planned to stay at the same hotel…

Where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier….

Because of hectic schedules…

It was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules…

So, the husband left Minnesota…

And flew to Florida on Thursday…

With his wife flying down the following day…

The husband checked into the hotel…

And was pleased to see…

There was a computer in his room…

So he decided to send an e-mail to his wife…

However…

He accidentally left out one letter in her e-mail address…

And without realizing his error…

Sent the e-mail…

Meanwhile…

Somewhere in Houston…

A widow had just returned home from her husband’s funeral….

He was a Baptist minister…

Who was called home to glory…

Following a heart attack…

The widow decided to check her e-mail…

Expecting messages from relatives and friends…

After reading the first message…

She screamed and fainted!

The widow’s son rushed into the room…

Found his mother on the floor…

And saw the computer screen which read:

To:  My Loving Wife

Subject:  I’ve Arrived

Date:  March 21, 2012

“I know you’re surprised to hear from me…

They have computers here now..

You’re allowed to send e-mails to your loved ones…

I’ve just arrived…

And have been checked in…

I’ve seen that everything has been prepared for your arrival…

Looking forward to seeing you then…

Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was!

P. S. You won’t believe how hot it is down  here!!!”

Ha!

Ooops #2

A funny thing happened on our vacation this year at the beach…

That makes me want to kiss my son…

And thank God each day for him!

My husband went to start our car…

And was going to pick me up at the door of our hotel…

So we could leave to go to dinner…

I was wondering what was taking him so long…

When he finally came walking back…

He said, “Click, Click, Click…nothing!!

Our car is dead!”

My son wasn’t with us that night…

Or we could’ve used his car…

My husband told me that as he had stood next to the car…

Trying to figure out what to do…

A fourteen year-old boy walked up to him and said…

“Mister, do you need a jump?”

“No,” My husband had answered…

“I think we’ll just have to call AAA…

Seems like maybe it’s the starter…”

That’s when he came back to our room…

To tell me the glorious news…

We’re stuck with no car…

And now no dinner!

Time to pray!!!

He called our mechanic at home…

Our mechanic said, “Sounds like the battery!”

He went to find the kid to get a jump…

When he found him, he asked…

“Where’s your Dad’s car? 

If it’s just the battery…

I can use a jump.”

“Well, my Dad’s not here,”

The kid said…

“Well, who has the car?”

My husband asks…

“No one!”

The kid answers…

“Well, how can I jump my car without another car?”

My husband insists…

The kid replies…

“Oh, I didn’t think of that!”

Ha!

Really?!?!

Oh, I’ve taught kids like this…

Obviously, my husband hasn’t!!

Or, he wouldn’t be depending on a fourteen year-old!!!

It’s the thought that counts, right?!?!?

We called AAA!!

Ooops #3

Well, I don’t have any room to talk…

Right after school got out…

Before we left for vacation…

While we were frantically packing…

I was doing some home schooler’s evaluations…

And planned to do the rest when we got back…

I had squeezed in an extra evaluation for a friend…

On the Saturday before we left…

And quickly forgot all about doing it!

After vacation…

I e-mailed two friends to say…

“I’m home…

And ready to do your evaluations!”

One Mom e-mailed me back…

and said…

“You already did our evaluation!!”

I was afraid she was going to say that!!

Ha!

  #1  Lord, thank you for the good laugh e-mail!!

#2   Thank you that I can appreciate my son!!

       #3  Oh, and may I have my mind back now????!!!!

 

Jul22

Can You See A Change In Me???

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Oh, Yeah!!

I’ve been Reborn!!

If you see a change in me…

Don’t wonder…

There’s Someone in my life…

A Peace I can’t describe…

 I’ve been Reborn!

I’ve found a whole New Life…

And Hope that I can’t hide!!

 Have you ever felt…

A longing…

A searching in your soul…

For something more?

But, you don’t know what for…

There’s One who will reach across the distance…

From Heaven to the earth…

Because He loves you…

He loves you!!

A Peace I can’t describe… 

Have you ever felt that something’s missing…

Within your soul?

You want something more..

But, you don’t know what for…

There is only One you need…

But, you’ve got to Believe…

That He loves you!

Enough to give His life!!

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Oh Yeah!!
It’s time for a change!!
Go ahead!
He loves you!!!
 Be Reborn!
Jul19

Lord, It’s Always Been About You!!!!

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Revelation 1:8

“I Am the Alpha and the Omega,”

says the Lord God,

“who is,

and who was,

and who is to come,

the Almighty.”

John 1:1-3

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was with God in the beginning.

Through Him all things were made;

without Him nothing was made

that has been made.”

Song lyrics:

Out Here, The Greatest Love Is Bold…

Out Here, The Greyest Skies Are Gold…

Out Here, It’s All Laid On The Line…

Out Here, You’re Always On My Mind…

And It’s Always Been About Love…

It’s Always Been About Grace…

It’s Always Been About Hope…

And It’s Always Been About Faith…

It’s Always Been About Peace…

It’s Always Been About Truth…

Oh, Everything That’s Ever Been Before…

It’s Always Been About You…

Out Here, We’re Running With The Light…

Out Here, We’re Breaking Up The Night…

Out Here, The Lost Are Coming Home…

‘Cause Out Here…

No One Goes Alone…

And It’s Always Been About Love…

It’s Always Been About Grace…

It’s Always Been About Hope…

And It’s Always Been About Faith…

It’s Always Been About Peace…

It’s Always Been About Truth…

Oh, And Everything That’s Ever Been Before…

It’s Always Been About You!

We Will Run For You!

Always Been About You!

We Will Go For You!

Always Been About You!

We Will Fight For You!

We Will Run!

We Will Go!

Oh, We Will Fight!

Oh, With Everything!

It’s Always Been About You!!!

Psalm 90:2

“Before the mountains were born  

or You brought forth the whole world,  

from everlasting to everlasting

You are God.”

Lord…

In my life…

It still is…

All About You!!!

Amen!

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