Life Saiz

Prayer for Bro. Clayton Brown and family!

2010-01-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

I was saddened to hear the news of Sis. Janiver Brown passing early this morning! Yet, we rejoice because she has entered into paradise! Our prayers go out to Bro. Clayton Brown, his family and the church in Napa! May God's comfort envelop you and His strength sustain you! We love you all!

Tom Foster Update

2010-01-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

Bro. Foster is now back in his room. He had surgery today! The doctors found that the mass was much smaller than first diagnosed. (Go God Go) It was causing a blockage and therefore causing the pain. They are waiting for the pathology report to determine his recovery treatment. If it was 1st or 2nd stage cancer, then there will be no chemo or radiation. If it was 3rd or 4th stage cancer, then chemo or radiation is required. Thank you all for your prayers. They made a difference. He was talking with Gayla and his parents when we called. God is good!

Tom Foster Update

2009-12-31T23:43:00.000-08:00

Tom was rushed to the ER tonight as he was in severe pain. They are giving him pain medication through an IV. X-rays determined that the mass was the cause of his pain and it may cause them to operate sooner than his January 8th scheduled surgery. Thank you for your continued prayer for him and the family! He should be able to rest tonight. They have admitted him and will be there until they operate.

Tom Foster Update

2009-12-31T10:02:00.001-08:00

Tom's surgery is scheduled for Friday, January 8th @ 7:00 a.m. We covet your prayers!

Tom Foster Update

2009-12-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already heard, Tom's surgery was postponed for two weeks. He was given another test on Tuesday to check for other issues in his body. Results of the test will take two weeks. We are believing God! We are planning to go to Dallas on Christmas day and spend the day with them. Thank you again for all the prayers, texts, emails and phone calls.

Tom Foster Update

2009-12-18T20:18:00.001-08:00

Surgery is looking like it will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 22nd. Thank you for all your concern and prayers through FB, Emails, and Texts.

Prayer for Tom Foster UPDATE!

2009-12-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

The biopsy came back positive. It's cancer. Don't know what kind yet. Preparations are being made for surgery. Radical or Non-radical. He is taking another CT Scan before they decide how to deal with the mass. Appreciate your prayers as he goes through this situation! God is good!

Prayer for Tom Foster

2009-12-17T11:04:00.000-08:00

We are asking all of friends and family to pray for Tom Foster. They found a mass in his colon yesterday and are awaiting results from the biopsy and will be consulting with a surgeon today based on those findings! We are trusting God for his healing!

My Dear Aunt Ruth Hernandez!

2009-09-02T00:25:00.000-07:00

We lost my aunt, Ruth Hernandez, today following a heart attack in Stockton, CA. She was loved by her family and we will miss her very much. Our hearts and prayers go to her boys, Richie, Eugene and Tommy as well as to their families.

This picture was taken in April of 2008. I met with all four of Dad's sisters and took them to lunch to Dave Wong's in Stockton. We had a great time!

We were scheduled for lunch again this year on June 9th, but we lost Tim on the 4th and we were not able to keep our "date."

I will miss you, Tia! I love you!

Timothy W. Foster Video Tribute

2009-06-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

This tribute video was put together by Tim's long time friend, Don Vigil from Stockton, CA. Thanks Don for the beautiful moving tribute to my brother.
Note: Please scroll down the page and pause the song COWBOY'S ARE US, so you can hear the music that Don put on the tribute.

Thank You!

2009-06-13T15:06:00.001-07:00

I want to say Thank you to all of our friends and family for your prayers and support at the loss of Tim! We laid him to rest yesterday in Louisiana in the beautiful pine box he had requested! Deb will post more when she gets home! Love you all!

Memorial Service in Stockton

Memorial Service in West Monroe, LA

Burial in Calhoun, LA

Gayla and Tom at the Gravesite

The Gravesite

Funeral Arrangements for Timothy W. Foster

2009-06-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

Stockton, CA
Visitation @ Christian Life Center
Monday, June 8 @ 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Memorial Service @ Christian Life Center
Tuesday, June 9 @ 1 p.m.

West Monroe, LA
Visitation @ The Pentecostals of the Twin-Cities
Thursday, June 11 @ 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Memorial Service & Burial @ The Pentecostals of the Twin-Cities
Friday, June 12 @ 1 p.m.

Hello to Our Friends!

2009-05-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

We have had several friends ask if we are still blogging. So here is a breath of blogging life coming to you tonight! I've kind of left it to Debbie, but will contribute every now then myself! Hope you all are great and I pray God's best for you always!

Steve

Special Prayer Request!

2009-01-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

I just got the news that Sis. Pam Biggs Lyons, pastor's wife in Galt, CA, passed today after having been sick. I don't know any details, but she was a friend from CLC and we got to keep in touch through the years! Our hearts and prayers are with the Lyons family tonight!

Special Prayer Request

2008-11-19T08:04:00.001-08:00

I received an e-mail from Sis. Thetus Tenney this morning asking prayer for her granddaughter Shannon Spears as well as her daughter Teri Spears. Teri, as many of you know has been sick for several years and God has done a miraculous miracle in her life! She has written about her healing, a very powerful testimony! Her daughter Shannon was in Turkey last year working with the Robison's as well as teaching school there and was bitten by a dog while there. She recieved an infection from this that developed into a major illness over the past two months. Shannon is engaged to J.T. Harris and they are supposed to be gettting married next Tuesday, Nov. 25th on the shores of Marco Island in Florida. The following is an e-mail from Sis. Tenney concerning both Teri & Shannon:

Debby, please have your prayer groups pray.

I just got off the phone with Teri. They desperately need prayer re-enforcement.
Shannon, Teri's daughter, has been sick for over a year, and very sick the last two months. It has been a serious illness. She was doing a little better but this morning has a new development. Her wedding is less than a week away. Also, last night Teri woke up with severe leg cramps and cannot yet stand on her feet this morning. The spiritual and physical attack on them has been relentless for the last two months.Please give serious prayer to this need. And join us in fighting this battle with praise that God is more than able!
Thank you,
Thetus Tenney

Thank you for joining us in prayer for Teri & Shannon Spears! OUR GOD IS MORE THAN ABLE!!!

Happy Birthday Steve

2008-11-17T23:48:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to the love of my life!!! I am so thankful that God brought you into my life. . . .as someone said. . . .Good things come to those who wait! Wow. . .that is so true in my life!! God gave me you!! And I am so thankful!! Our Bible Study Connect group surprised Steve on Thursday night with a Birthday dinner, Nana & Ampa (Steve's parents) made homemade tamales and beans on Saturday, the church surprised him on Sunday, our family celebrated together on Sunday evening at Houston's and upgraded him with the new 3G iPhone and apple bluetooth! Then today as per his request, I made him chicken, shrimp, & turkey sausage gumbo & a german chocolate cake! My cousin Paula and her husband Randy Reno (from Albuquerque) are in town on their way to Hawaii, so they celebrated with us tonight!

It's been one continuous FUN PARTY and no one is more deserving than you, Steve Saiz!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Babe. . . I love you very much!!

The Fires here is Southern California

2008-11-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

The fires are burning once again in southern California. All over the L.A. area smoke fills the air. Steve and I had gone to eat homemade tamales at his Mom's (yes, they were delicious.....his Dad & Mom make them from scratch), afterwards we decided to drive by the water. Below is a picture I took with my iPhone. . . .a very hazy ocean. The whole scene to me looked like I was looking at a sepia picture.

When we drove into our driveway, I looked over and looked at my use to be clean car. . . .there was ash all over it! I shot the pic below of it:

Later on, I was outside in the back and could not believe what I saw in our pool! Ash was all in it! Here's a pic:

We don't live in the fire areas and are not experiencing those strong Santa Ana winds, but we did get the warmer weather today around 90 degrees which is very warm for the ocean area! Thankfully we don't have the humidity to go along with the heat! It is sad that so many people have lost their homes. . . . .everything but the clothes on their backs. Our hearts and prayers go out to all who have experienced this devestation. Our prayers are with all of our firefighters as well.

We Honor Our Veterans Today!

2008-11-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

We salute our Veterans today! Thank you for your service to our country!

Life Saiz

2008-11-04T07:28:00.001-08:00

Fun At General Conference

2008-10-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

Friday night of conference, my 2 great neices, Jayden (7) & Jesi (6) spent the night with Uncle Steve & Aunt Debbie! We enjoyed them so much. . . .telling the bed time story, praying together before going to sleep, just laughing and having fun together and them waking up the next morning and getting to eat skittles in bed! I look forward to the holidays when we get to see Jayden & Jesi again along with Shiloh Grace and baby Huck on my side as well as Seth and Liah on Steve's side! They are all so much fun! I've enjoyed being an aunt to my 4 nephews (Jonathan, Jeremy, Shiloh, & Hayden) and my 1 neice (Cheyenne). . . .the fun continues as their kids come along!

More General Conference Pictures

2008-10-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

Here's some pics that Steve put together:

General Conference

2008-10-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

I have been slack in updating our blog. Some of my friends have let me know. : ) Please forgive me, I will try to do better. We had a great time at General Conference in Greensboro, NC. It was a great conference! The services were great. . .the preaching, the music. . it was all great! I love GC. . . .a time to see so many friends, as well as my family! General Conference has always been a highlight in my life ever since my first one when I was 11 years old in the summer in Portland, Oregon. . . . .so many years ago . . . .more than we like to think!! I haven't shot pictures at conference in a few years. I used to do photography for Youth Day. . .etc. . . .when I was younger. . .but this year, I shot a few pictures with our little camera of lots of great friends and family!
Minister's Wives Breakfast:

Friends At General Conference

2008-10-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Greensboro, NC where we attended GC. It was a great time to get with friends and family and to hear some incredible preaching! Debbie will be posting a slide show with a ton of pictures. It was good to see everyone! Praying God's best for all of you!

Got Bacon?

2008-10-08T11:40:00.001-07:00

The infamous Dexter, landscaper extraordinaire, checking to see if there is any extra bacon!

LIFE AT NIGHT IN THE BIG CITY?!!!

2008-10-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight when Steve & I were leaving the church after prayer, I looked across the street and saw something that I would never think that I would see walking down the street in a big city! I saw what I first thought was two big cats, but another look I realized that it was two raccoons!! Raccoons right in the middle of Torrance, the southbay area of the 2nd largest city in America. . . .Los Angeles!! A few times I have seen a skunk out on that same street and ever so often at night, we have a possum that goes along our side wall of our house. Of course Dexter and Chaquita go wild going after him! The other night I was taking Dexter out on a walk around 8 p.m. and a couple of men from down the street were trying to catch a raccoon. . .right in our neighborhood! We are not on my parent's ranch in Louisiana but right in the middle of the city where there are no big fields or woody areas, but lots of concrete and buildings!! One thing I have learned is that Raccoons, Possums, & Skunks are all a part of life at night in the big city!!

Monday Morning Breakfast at Home!

2008-10-06T09:36:00.001-07:00

There is nothing like the smell of bacon coming from the kitchen on a cozy morning! I thought I would make some bacon and eggs with toast today. Nothing like the creature comforts of home before heading out on a busy week! Hoping you all are having a great day!

Dexter the Landscaper!

2008-10-03T16:41:00.001-07:00

I came home today to find that Dexter, our boxer, had rearranged the palms we had around the pool. Notice Dexter's way of watering the palms! LOL! You notice he is no where to be found in this picture, but let Chiquita (poodle) be photographed with the evidence. Just wait till his Momma comes home.....LOL!

He will be safe because this is the only proof that we will have at his effort at landscaping. It will be our secret!

Hope you all are having a great day!

Getting Old Is Different When It's You!

2008-09-18T13:22:00.001-07:00

Getting older is so much different when it's you that's moving up in the age bracket. I was talking to a friend recently and asked him if he had turned 50 yet, he responded, "No, not until next year! But I just had an epiphany of growing older. My daughter had some music on that was "rocky", Gospel, but rocky and caught myself banging on her door telling her to turn that noise down. I stopped myself there in the hallway and said, I've just turned into my Dad!"

Those of us born in 1959 are very quickly approaching the half century mark, but it doesn't feel like 50. I am still young inside. Perhaps I am young ONLY in my mind. My body reminds me that it is well aware that 50 is very near. When my Dad turned 50 he was very old....but the 50 I am facing in about 14 months surely is not the same 50! I am so young! Ha! This comic strip is the epitome of the way I feel.....dumb mirror!!!!!

Wheels of Life

2008-09-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Thought you all would enjoy this one!

Praying for Our Friends In Harm's Way

2008-09-12T21:43:00.001-07:00

We have many friends in the Houston and surrounding area that will be experiencing the brunt of Hurricane Ike. Our prayers are with you and your families and churches.

Incredible UPCI Impressionist

2008-08-16T01:02:00.000-07:00

Tyler Sullivan had this on his blog and I thought it was great!

Judge backs UC on Christian textbooks

2008-08-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

This article was on yesterday's front page of our newspaper, DAILY BREEZE:

Judge backs UC on Christian textbooks
By Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle Article

SAN FRANCISCO - A federal judge says the University of California can deny course credit to applicants from Christian high schools whose textbooks declare the Bible infallible and reject evolution.
Disputing claims of religious discrimination and stifling of free expression, U.S. District Judge James Otero of Los Angeles said the university's review committees cited legitimate reasons for rejecting the texts - not because they contained religious viewpoints, but because they omitted important topics in science and history and failed to teach critical thinking.
Otero's ruling Friday, which focused on specific courses and texts, followed his decision in March that found no anti-religious bias in the university's system of reviewing high school classes. Now that the lawsuit has been dismissed, a group of Christian schools has appealed Otero's rulings to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
"It appears the UC is attempting to secularize private religious schools," attorney Jennifer Monk of Advocates for Faith and Freedom said Tuesday. Her clients include the Association of Christian Schools International, two Southern California high schools and several students.
Charles Robinson, the university's vice president for legal affairs, said the ruling "confirms that UC may apply the same admissions standards to all students and to all high schools without regard to their religious affiliations." What the plaintiffs seek, he said, is a "religious exemption from regular admissions standards."
The suit, filed in 2005, challenged UC's review of high school courses taken by would-be applicants to the 10-campus system. Most students qualify by taking an approved set of college preparatory classes; students whose courses lack UC approval can remain eligible by scoring well in those subjects on the Scholastic Assessment Test.
Christian schools in the suit accused the university of rejecting courses that include any religious viewpoint, "any instance of God's guidance of history, or any alternative ... to evolution."
But Otero said in March that the university has approved many courses containing religious material and viewpoints, including some that use such texts as "Chemistry for Christian Schools" and "Biology: God's Living Creation," or that include scientific discussions of creationism as well as evolution.
UC denies credit to courses that rely largely or entirely on material stressing supernatural over historic or scientific explanations, though it has approved such texts as supplemental reading, the judge said.
For example, in Friday's ruling, he upheld the university's rejection of a history course called Christianity's Influence on America. According to a UC professor on the course review committee, the primary text, published by Bob Jones University, "instructs that the Bible is the unerring source for analysis of historical events" and evaluates historical figures based on their religious motivations.
Another rejected text, "Biology for Christian Schools," declares on the first page that "if (scientific) conclusions contradict the Word of God, the conclusions are wrong," Otero said.
He also said the Christian schools presented no evidence that the university's decisions were motivated by hostility to religion.
UC attorney Christopher Patti said Tuesday that the judge assessed the review process accurately.
"We evaluate the courses to see whether they prepare these kids to come to college at UC," he said. "There was no evidence that these students were in fact denied the ability to come to the university."
But Monk, the plaintiffs' lawyer, said Otero had used the wrong legal standard and had given the university too much deference.
"Science courses from a religious perspective are not approved," she said. "If it comes from certain publishers or from a religious perspective, UC simply denies them."

Camp Meeting 2008

2008-08-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a slideshow of some of the pics we took at Camp. It was one of the best Camps we have ever had. I want to thank everyone who attended and made it great! I have a long list of "thank you's" that I will add to this post. Enjoy the pictures!

For more pictures of Camp Meeting 2008, make sure you get to the following blogs. They have some great shots.

Shirley Buxton
Ronda Hurst
Tena Valenti

Happy Birthday Steve!

2008-08-11T21:35:00.000-07:00

Steve turned 22 on August 1st. This was the first year in a while that his birthday wasn't in the middle of Camp Meeting. We are late in our posting due to being in Santa Maria this past week. We are very proud of Steve or Stevo as we call him. He's a great young man that lives for God, is our drummer in the church, works at Western Credit Union and is going to school at a neighboring college. He is the life of the party....whether it's here at home or at a major conference. Buddy, we love you and pray God best for you! You make us laugh and our hearts warm by the love you show to us. It's hard to believe our little boy is all grown up!

THE MEMORY CONTINUES

2008-08-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

Today, August 11th would have been my nephew, Shiloh's 30th birthday! After talking to his Dad, my brother, Tim this evening, as well as some other members of our family, we all were reminising about Shiloh and our memories of him. Shiloh was taken suddenly on October 12, 1994 in a car accident at the age of 16. His sister Cheyenne was with him and was seriously hurt, but God allowed us to keep her. That night will forever be marked in the life of the Foster family. Shiloh and Cheyenne were on their way to church. In thinking of Shiloh's life, I will never forget the phone call that came one evening after a mission's conference in Stockton, when he told me at the age of 12 that he felt a call to preach. I remember the night at a youth congress the year before his death, that the preacher said that night that there were young men in that service who had never publicly acknowledged their call to preach and that God was bidding for them that evening. I watched Shiloh get up and walk to the front in dedication to God. He may have never preached a message like he dreamed, but his life has touched hundreds of young people as his story has been preached across the county by his uncles, cousins, his aunt, his granddad, and many friends.

At the Variety Youth Conference in West Monroe, LA. the July before his death, Shiloh gave his testimony of how he went from a Christian School of around 250 to a public high school of over 5000 students and how you can live for God. Part of his testimony is on his footstone of his grave as shown above. (click on picture to read) Shiloh, we miss you so much. We know that one day we will all be together again in heaven.

A Southern Girl's Take On The Earthquake

2008-07-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

I was standing in Steve's office at the time that it happened. . . .all of a sudden, everything was shaking. . . .the ground under me. . . .the 2 huge windows right to my right were shaking. . .the blinds were really shaking. . . . here I am standing there with everything shaking. . . .it hit me. . . ."We are in an earthquake!" Then it was over. . . I was a little freaked out. I hurried outside and there was no one coming out of the other offices in the area! I was amazed. . .this was no big deal to these people! But me . . . . the girl from northeast Louisiana who has been out here for right at 4 years. . . .THIS WAS BIG!!!!! After several attempts, I finally got through on the phone to Steve. He wanted to make sure I was ok. I was. . . . .just amazed that to everyone else this was really no big deal!! I went to the tailor that we use, she and another lady in there were real nonchalant about it. I came home and my mailman asked me if I felt it, he said that he felt it on the sidewalk, but no big deal! The Fed-Ex lady that delivered a package did ask me if I felt it, but it was no big deal to her either. I'm not sure if it will ever become just another happening for me. . . . .believe me. . . .when it is happening. . . .when everything around you, over you, beside you, and UNDER you are SHAKING. . . .it is a BIG DEAL!!!! Our weather here has been in the 70's. . . .really nice and when I called my sis-in-law Gayla in Dallas to tell her about the earthquake, she said, "I'll take our 105 degree weather!" Well. . . .I was raised in that hot humid southern weather, and I must say that I do love living in the southbay area of of Los Angeles where we are surrounded by water on 3 sides! Yes, I have gotten very adjusted to this incredible weather!! But one thing for sure, I don't think that I will ever get adjusted to earthquakes! That is a chance that I have to take being where God has me and believe me. . . .I love life here where He has me!!

L A Earthquake

2008-07-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

We experienced a 5.4 earthquake here in the Los Angeles area today. A pretty good shaker. We are all fine. For the family....Nana and Ampa are just fine. Mom was shook up a bit and Dad was out in the park next door to their apartment and didn't even feel it. Smile!

Honoring Dad!

2008-07-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, July 24th, Coleman Court (place where Mom and Dad live) honored the Veterans that live in the complex. My Dad, Paul Saiz, was one of the honorees. Deb and I were glad to be able to attend along with our son Steve and our nephew Che Aguilar who was in town for the week to see Mom and Dad.

Coleman Court purchased shirts with their respective branch of serivce embroidered on it for the ceremony. The Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Torrance presented each of them with a Certificate of Appreciation for serving in the armed forces. They were then presented with medals that many of them did not receive during their tour of duty, in a shadow box. This was a very thoughtful and generous gift and I know Dad was very touched and I know it will add to his current collection of medals that includes the "Purple Heart" The day was capped off by the cutting of a huge cake that was made in their honor. Thank you Coleman Court. Thank you Betty D'Errico who is the manager of Coleman Court and who worked so hard to make this day a great success!

God's Awesome Power

2008-07-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this picture showing Sis. Susan receiving the Holy Ghost last week! When I saw her walk in the church last Wednesday night, there was such a glow and beam permeating from her! It was so exciting! She was telling everyone how great she felt and that she had never felt better in her 63 years!! Her son received the Holy Ghost on Friend Day! This past Sunday, between her and her good friend, Betty, they had 8 of their grandkids in service! They both are believing for greater revival in their families! Susan lives less than 2 miles from our church and had been looking for a church. Her former coworker invited her on Easter. She came and now you know the rest of the story! I love seeing God's awesome power working in people's lives! It is exciting and rewarding!

I HEART HUCK Fan Club

2008-07-08T09:16:00.001-07:00

We got this giant post card in the mail and have joined the campaign. . . .I must admit I am hooked!
This is the front side of the card . . . . .

this is the back of the card . . . . .

The card reads:

Jasper Huck Johnson

June 14, 2008

9 lbs. 10 oz. - 21.5 in.

Join the "I heart huck" fan club. . . .

we did!

Robert, Cheyenne, & Shiloh Grace

Read back a few postings and you will find that Huck is our new great newphew born to my neice and her husband. . .Cheyenne & Robert Johnson in Wheaton, IL. My brother Tim Foster is the proud Grandaddy & Becci is the proud grandmother! The other proud grandparents are Louis & Martha Johnson, Missionaries to Ethiopia & Rwanda.

Urgent Prayer Request!

2008-07-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Bro. Paul Pryor, Mark's Dad, who was rushed to the hospital for open heart surgery and is in critical condition! Many of you may already know....we are just passing this on here on our blog!

Bayside's Record Breaking FRIEND DAY!

2008-06-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, June 22nd was a record breaking day for our church! I believe that we stepped into something that God has been leading us to for quite a while! Our record was 151 which we broke on Easter in 2005. We have strived to break it so many times, but just could not do it. In December of last year, our church stepped into some new things and it has been building for quite a while. We set the date last year for our Friend Day and for the past several weeks, we have been promoting it. Evangelist Kelly & Debbie Howard came in the week before to help push Outreach. On Wednesday night, at the beginning of his message, Bro. Howard asked everyone to take out their cell phone, the ushers passed out visitors cards from the past few months. We then began to make phone calls right there in church to these visitors to give them another invitation to Friend Day! In a matter of 5 - 10 minutes, we had 7 confirmed contacts for them and their families! By the time church was over, another contact returned the call and said they were coming!! Bayside caught the vision and brought their friends on FRIEND DAY! We broke our record and had 160 in attendance!! We were jammed packed, but my oh my. . .what a great feeling it was! It was so awesome to see all of these lives touched by God's power! Before the service was ended, there were 10 people filled with the Holy Ghost!!!! What a great day!! After the service, there was a meal prepared on the patio in the back of the building for everyone to enjoy! In the side parking lot, there was a jumper set up for the kids as well as rides on a horse! Almost all of these children had never ridden a horse. . . .most of them had never been that close to a horse. . . .even some of the parent's as well!! These are L.A. people. . . . .city people! Now for me, growing up in Texas and Louisiana. . .that is really foreign to me! But there is not much property at all for horses in L.A.!!! This was a fun day for everyone!! We are so excited at all that God is doing at Bayside! It is so exciting!

Here are a few stories of that day:
My Mother-in-law's neighbor, Helen (86 yrs.) was back again. She came on Easter. She actually prayed some and was so touched by what she felt. She said she had read in Acts about speaking in tongues, but had never actually heard someone speak in tongues and today was the first time! We are believing that it won't be long before Helen experiences it for herself!
One of our men, who teaches public high school for LA Unified School District, brought 3 young ladies from his classes. These young ladies were mightily touched. They want to come back! On Wednesday, Bro. Ernest told me about some more that want to come this Sunday! Below is a picture of these 3 beautiful young ladies standing in the alter with their teacher, Mr. 'Pia' behind them. Bro. Ernest & Sis. Joyce are from Ghana and his last name is Appiah, but his students call him Mr. Pia!

Jose's Mom has been praying for him. He came home from Texas for his younger brother's high school graduation. His Mother has been praying and believing God was going to refill him. He was so touched that in the middle of Bro. Howard's sermon, he was so into it, that he stood up until altar call. He came down with his girlfriend who had never been in a Pentecostal church. What a beautiful experience to see Jose filled with the Holy Ghost! God does answer a Mother's faithful prayers! Here's a picture of Sis. Zidia praising the Lord with Jose beside her.

One of our ladies had been working on some of her former coworkers. One of them was Susan, who came on Easter for the first time and has hardly missed since then. God has done some miraculous things in her life. She got her son and family to come on Friend Day. They were so touched and in the altar. This picture of is of Sis. Susan praising God with her hand up and in front of her is her son and daughter-in-law! At our Bible Study last night, when I showed this picture to Sis. Susan, you could see how proud she is of what God is doing in her family's life!

Jasper Huck Johnson

2008-06-26T23:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, June 14th, my neice, Cheyenne & her husband Robert welcomed their second child, Jasper Huck Johnson! Huck weighed 9 lbs & 10 ozs. He is a big boy! His Daddy is around 6"6'! Huck is the first grandson for my brother, Tim. Cheyenne & Huck are doing great. The Johnson's live in Wheaton, IL

Happy Birthday to Huck's big sister, Shiloh Grace, who turned 4 on June 21st! Shiloh Grace is a proud big sister!

Happy Belated Birthday to my oldest nephew Jonathan Foster! Jonathan turned 34 on June 9th. If you are familiar with the Foster family and red hair. . .Jonathan had no choice but to be red headed. . . .everyone wanted a red headed boy! Jonathan, we love you and are proud of you!

DIVINE DIVA

2008-06-05T10:54:00.001-07:00

My friend Linda Gleason sent me the neatest little trinket that I have in my kitchen window over my sink. I see it every day . . . . DIVA FOR THE DAY!!! Linda heard me speak at a Ladies Conference about being a DIVINE DIVA. All of you ladies are Divine Divia's! Don't sell yourself short in who you are and who God created you to be! Be proud of the Godly woman that you are.
The term diva was originally used to describe a woman of rare, outstanding talent. It derives from the Italian word 'diva' meaning "goddess" or "fine lady. Whatever the circumstances that life has brought your way, God knows where you are. It doesn't matter whether you are single, divorced, widowed, married with no children, a single mom, married with children, or a grandmother, you are a Divine Diva! You are a rare woman with outstanding talent who is beautiful, blessed, and an empowered woman of God!! Be proud of the woman that you are! Walk with your head held high knowing you are God's chosen woman, a Divine Diva! Take some time today, look in the mirror and say, "I am a Divine Diva! By the way, I'll be that for tomorrow, too!" Speak it, believe it, and live it!

Happy Birthday Tom and Tim!

2008-06-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

June 1st, was Tom and Tim Foster's birthday. Being identical twins, they do have a special relationship between them. Tom steadfastly asserts that he is the older one of the two! (by a few minutes) While Tim professes the fact that he is his Momma's "Baby Son." Happy Birthday to You Both! We love ya!

Happy Birthday Hayden, Jayden, & Jesi

2008-05-29T23:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my nephew Hayden Foster, my brother Tom's son. Hayden turned 22 on this past Saturday, May 24th. He spent his birthday being in the wedding of his childhood friend, Heath Hemphill from West Monroe. Hayden is the youth pastor for his Dad at Dallas First Church in Dallas. Hayden, we love you and are proud of you!

Happy Birthday to my great neices, Jayden & Jesi, my nephew Jeremy's girls. Jayden & Jesi are 11 months to the day apart. Jesi turned 6 on April 23rd & Jayden turned 7 on May 23rd. Jayden & Jesi, we love you and are proud of you both!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-05-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

This is a belated post to honor an incredible woman....Mom! She doesn't like her picture taken and much less put on the internet, but she is an amazing woman who we love very much. She is always taking care of her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. She gives unselfishly of her time, love, money and ....food! Ha! Her homemade flour tortillas are the best. Not to mention many of her other culinary masterpieces.

Last Monday, the 19th, was her 74th birthday! We took her and Dad to "The Pantry" for breakfast and the went on to the "Garment District" and the "Alley." Later on that day we grilled some salmon with all the trimmings for her bday dinner. Debbie then brought out her favorite yogurt from "Penguin's" with a candle in it as we sang "Happy Birthday."

Happy Birthday Mom!

Why I love Southern California!

2008-05-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

Deb and I took some time later this evening and drove to the water. We live in an area that is almost surrounded by the ocean. We drove to a place in Redondo Beach called the Esplanade. The road sits up high over the beach below, but the view is incredible as you can tell by the pictures. We then drove around Palos Verdes Pennisula and got to see Catalina Island on an incredibly clear day. The temperature was about 62 degrees. The drive around the pennisula puts us close to our house when we get to the other side. So it's a neat way to go home from Redondo on a beautiful day!

Our Puppy Is Getting Big!

2008-05-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day for Dexter! He had his rabies shot, his last set of shots from the Puppy Program that he has been on. This means there is life beyond the house and our backyard! He is not to sure about the leash. It won't be long before he realizes that it is the leash that will take him a lot of fun places! He is 4.5 months old and weighs 32 pounds! He was 12 pounds when we got him! ! He is a growing puppy! His Daddy took him for his first walk down the street about 4 houses! He is a lot of fun and is a cuddle bug! The pics are of him today in the front yard when we came back from the Vet. I can hardly wait to take him on walks like Bauer and I used to take every day!

Prayer Updates

2008-05-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

I talked to my friend, Melanie Elms today. She arrived in Denver early this morning to be with her Dad, Bro. Hale. She said that he was doing better, still in ICU. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. You can be updated on him by visiting the church that he pastors, Landmark Tabernacle's website.
Please continue to keep Kris Anderson in your prayers. I received this e-mail from her husband, Mike today:
Words are not enough to express our appreciation for the support we feel from all of your prayers. This is truly an unusual trial of Kris and my faith. In spite of some not so positive reports yesterday, our trust has continued to be "who's report do you believe, we shall believe the report of the Lord". Last evening, I went to the hospital chapel and asked the Lord to give me a word and He gave me a scripture from the Psalms. "Wait I say on the Lord and be of good courage and he will strengthen your heart, Wait I say, Wait on the Lord". I received this as a direct answer.
Today the reports were much more encouraging. Kris is still being assisted to breath on a Bpap machine, but it is better than the ventilator. If everything continues to go well they will do a heart cath on Tuesday. This is very trying for her, as it requires total bed rest and no relief from the routine of ICU until then. Please pray for God's extra grace. The prognosis is she can be restored to a more normal life. Which is what we all asked for.
No one knows what it means to us to have such a powerful network of family, friends, and our Christ Church saints. The nurses and those attending Kris keep asking me "Are you Okay?" I say, “We have a tremendous support group”, and I mean that with all my heart. We thank all of you for standing with us. We are not quite out of the woods yet, but we do see that light of hope for the future.

Urgent Prayer Request

2008-05-21T23:55:00.000-07:00

Bro. Billy Hale of Denver, CO (District Superintendent) suffered a heart attack tonight after their Weds. night service. A report from Ed Cantu said that he was in surgery late tonight and they were putting in two stints in a couple of arteries, one of which had 100% blockage. Please pray for Bro. & Sis. Hale and their family!

Prayer Request

2008-05-16T18:09:00.001-07:00

Our friend, Kris Anderson was admitted again on Wednesday night in the hospital with some of the same symptoms and is currently back in ICU. Please keep her in your prayers.
Thanks.

UPDATE

2008-05-13T00:37:00.000-07:00

I received this e-mail from Mike Anderson about his wife, Kris.

"Praise the Lord and thank you to all of our friends and family for your prayers in our scary happenings of last week. We are home from the hospital and Kris has been given good prognosis for complete recovery and long life. These words are a great comfort to us both. We are so grateful to God for his sparing her life and a return to normal life. We love all of you and are so glad to be networked with so many Holy Ghost filled prayer warriors that get things done in prayer. What a change in just one week. The Glory goes to God, in Jesus Name."

Prayer Request

2008-05-07T12:50:00.001-07:00

Please be in prayer for our friend, Kris Anderson, wife of Pastor Mike Anderson. They pastor Christ Church in Houston, TX. Kris was rushed to the Hospital early Monday morning unable to breathe. She was extremely critical, but because of prayer she has responded very well to treatment. The cardiologist ruled out a major heart attack. Her doctor says this is severe flu causing pneumonia which triggered heart stress. Today they were able to take her off of the ventilator. I talked with Mike earlier today and he said she was resting and doing better. The Anderson's are dear friends of ours and I know that they appreciate your prayers.

Happy 40th Birthday Melanie!

2008-05-06T13:09:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday, April 23 I flew to Las Vegas for a surprise 40th birthday get-to-gether for my dear friend, Melanie Elms. Sunday night, Mel's husband, David and their church, Cathedral of Pentecost in Ft. Lauderdale, FL gave her a big surprise birthday dinner that included her parents and his parents. It was there that David told her that he was taking her on her birthday to Vegas for a few days. What she did not know, was that 6 of her dear friends. . . .Myself, Mel's sister, Lori Hood, Farah, Julie Finical, Tiffany Barnaby, & her sis-n-law, Melodie Eliseo were going to be there when she arrived! Dave had the suite booked, we arrived and got busy decorating. When Dave & Mel arrived that afternoon and the door opened with all of us, what a great surprise!!! There was many surprises for Mel the rest of the week. David was a part of our party that afternoon and went to the 40th Dinner that evening at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. He flew home Thursday morning. Melody missed her plane and surprised Mel around 10:30 that night when she walked in the hotel room! Needless to say there was so much catching up with these friends! Lots of laughs, fun, shopping, eating, and just good old fun of friends getting together to celebrate a friend's 40th birthday!!

Happy Birthday Vanessa!

2008-05-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our daughter Vanessa! Her birthday was Saturday, April 26th. This is a belated post due to the fact that we were wanting pictures from our celebration night. We surprised her and took her to see the play "Wicked" that, contrary to the name, was an incredible performance. She didn't know where we were taking her until we pulled into the parking lot. We then went to "The Kettle" in Manhattan Beach for a late dinner. Vanessa, we love you very much!

Lunch with My Aunts

2008-04-24T00:04:00.000-07:00

While on Sectional Conference Tour in the Western District, I was able to visit with my aunts, who all live in Stockton. I took them for lunch to Dave Wong's and we had a great time. Ramona, Stella, Ruth and Viola are my Dad's four sisters. I was so honored that they would meet with me. They made so many great memories for me growing up. I had a great time sharing those memories with them today. Life goes by so fast that I want to make more time to spend with those that mean so much to me. Thank You Tia's for a great time!

The Concert

2008-04-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

The great Ignancy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) was a Polish pianist who gained world wide fame and was very popular in the United States. I was recently reminded of this story and researched it. Paderewski experts say the story may have been inspired by a poster during World War II that promoted a meeting in support of the Polish Relief Fund. Paderewski is said to have organized the meeting. The poster included a sketch of Paderewski next to a boy at the piano.

Here is the story:
When the house lights dimmed and the concert of the great pianist, Paderewski was about to begin, a mother hurriedly returned to her seat and discovered that her child was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on the stage. To her horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out Chopsticks. At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Keep going. Don't quit, son. Keep playing. Don't stop. Don't quit." Leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was so mesmerized that after the concert they couldn't recall what else the great master played, only the classic, Chopsticks.

What we accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful flowing music. However, when we play along with the hand of our Master, Jesus Christ, our works in life become truly beautiful. His hands are always there to turn our feeble attempts into great masterpieces. Listen for that tender voice whispering words of encouragement for you today, "Keep going. Don't quit. Keep playing. Don't stop. Don't quit."

The Joys of a Puppy

2008-04-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

There is never a dull moment in the Saiz household and especially with Dexter, our 4 month old Boxer puppy. Today I came home from being gone around an hour and a half. The picture below is what I found!!! I still have no idea where he found the new roll of paper towels, but he did! He had almost the whole roll torn apart all over when I came in the door. As I was cleaning it up and he was trying to play, I could not resist the picture. Oh the joy of a puppy!!

Texas Trail Ride

2008-04-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

After a great Easter Sunday service, I got on a plane late that afternoon and flew to Dallas, TX where I met up with Tom and Tim Foster, my bros.-in-law, for five days of trail riding. We left early Monday morning to Caprock Canyon State Park. It was great to go through country side of Texas. I got to go through the great cities of Turkey and Quitaque (pronounced "kitty-kway") that were so quaint with their old style downtown areas and rich in history. We got there in the afternoon and had time to take about a four hour trail ride into the canyon. The scenery was incredible. The riding was exceptional, especially for this city boy. We got back that first day and grilled some venison Tom had brought for the trip. It was delicious. The next two days we rode there in Caprock and then on Wednesday drove over to Palo Duro Canyon right outside of Amarillo.

Palo Duro Canyon is twenty miles wide, a hundred and twenty miles long and eight hundred feet deep. It is the second largest canyon in North American right after the Grand Canyon. It has some of the most incredible rock formations. Some of the most popular are the "Lighthouse" and "Castle" rock formations which you can see in the slideshow. It was about a 13 mile round trip from our camp to the "lighthouse." Then on Friday, we rode in another part of the canyon that was a real treat before we headed back to Dallas.

Thank you Tom & Tim for all your preparation and work in putting this together and for letting me join you guys on a great trip! It was a blast!

Home With Dad & Mom

2008-04-09T17:50:00.001-07:00

These past few days, I was able to be home at the Circle Double F Ranch with my Dad and Mom in Calhoun, LA.! Since I was speaking in Jackson and it is only 2 hours from home, I was not going to miss a chance to be with my parents! I flew in Thursday night and on Friday my sister-in-law Gayla Foster from Dallas was home visiting her parents came by on her way back to Dallas. We enjoyed a lunch of Johnny's Pizza with Dad and Mom and a few hours together before she headed to Dallas and I to Jackson. Although we talk almost every day, we don't get to see each other as often as we would like. So this was a special treat! The sessions in Jackson were over in time for me to have dinner with Dad and Mom at Piccadilly! There are certain places that I like to eat when I'm home and Piccadilly is one of them. While there, I texted my friends Melanie Elms & Farah Morton. . .they both love Piccadilly as well!! We usually always let each other know when we are there to kind of rub it in! : ) Sunday I was able to be in service at my home church, THE PENTECOSTALS of the Twin-Cities. It was great to see everyone! It was a treat to hear my Dad teach his Sunday School lesson and my brother, Mark preach. It was great to also be with Paulla, Jeremy, Jennifer, Jayden, & Jesi. Saturday, I went to Kalidascoops Ice Cream Shop in Monroe to see my nephew Jonathan & his wife Tasha. They are the new owners! If you are in Monroe, stop by on Forsythe Ave. for a scoop! I know they will do great with this new venture! Monday night, my dear friends Madeline & Ginger put together a dinner with a few friends that were available. It was a great time!! Sis. Rachel Smith, retired missionary was there as well as two other ladies that have been so special in my life as intercessors, Sis. Virginia and Kathy. It was a fun time!! It was great to be home to see so many, but most of all to be with Dad & Mom and just enjoy hanging with them!

Mississippi Single's Conference

2008-04-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

Friday & Saturday, I had the priviledge of speaking in Jackson at the Mississippi Distict Single's Conference. The conference was held at the First Pentecostal Church pastored by Chris Craft & Bishop T.L. Craft. The conference was hosted by MS. District Sunday School Director Steve Cannon and his wife, Rita and MS. Single's Director, Hansel Stanley & his wife Teressa. They along with the entire MS. Sunday School Board did a great job putting this growing conference together! They were there from around 5 states! We had a great conference. Friday night after the service, there was a southern meal cooked by FPC as well as hilarious entertainment put together by Hansel Stanley and company. It was a great night. The next day was a great service. Thanks to Bro. Cannon, Bro. Stanley, and the MS. District Sunday School Department for your ministry to the Single's of Mississipi through this great conference!

Hansel Stanley, myself, Rita, & Steve Cannon

Julie Garner, Jackie Charles, & myself.

Julie is the Regional SAM Director. She & Jackie are from Memphis, TN.

Back home

2008-04-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

I am back home. Two weeks ago on Monday, March 24th, I flew to Newark, NJ to meet all of the Single's on our SAM Trip to London & Paris. I flew back to Los Angeles last Tuesday. . . very happy to be home. I few out on Thursday to my parent's in West Monroe, LA. Friday, I drove to Jackson, MS to speak friday night and Saturday at the MS Single's Conference which was held at Bro. Craft's church. We had a great conference. I then drove back to Calhoun, LA. to my parent's home and spent the next few days with them. I had a great time. I flew home last night. Today my husband and son enjoyed Johnny's Pizza from Monroe. If you have never experienced Johnny's Pizza, you are missing a great experience!! I brought a couple of Pizza's home on the plane. . . .I buy them, let them cool down, put them in ziploc bags, and bring them in a cool-hot bag. I made 2 men very happy!!! Next time you are in the twin-cities area of Monroe and West Monroe, try some . . .you will be very glad you did!!!

Easter

2008-03-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter!! God really blessed! What a great crowd . . . . . overflowing with visitors!! One Mother had all 5 of her sons and their families in service as well as her husband. Her Mother-in-law had prophesied in a Revival service with Evangelist David Smith that her family would all be in church . . . . well on Easter she had 2 sons, 6 or 7 grandchildren, around 7 or 8 great-grandchildren as well as some other family members all in service!!! There is great revival taking place in that family!! So many other lives were touched that day!! We believe that this is the most fruitful Easter we have ever had . . . . .so many people loved what they felt and promised to be back. One of our ladies used to work at Sears and had 5 of her coworkers in service as well as some of their family members!! Two of them have recently started attending Bayside and two others said they have been looking for a church and felt they had found the right one!! It was so incredible to see peoples lives so touched and praying all over the sanctuary! Jessica, a 12 year old that was reached through Bus Ministry had recently asked my husband to pray for her. He prayed for her as well as gave her a prayer cloth. She took it home and told her Mom about it. Later she was so excited telling us that God had touched her! She said her Mom, Veronica, wanted to keep the prayer cloth!! All this past week, I felt Veronica on my heart. Although I had never met her, just talked to her on the phone, I went to visit her on Saturday. She was there on Sunday praying. . .her first time in a Pentecostal service!! I know her life has been touched from what God has done for Jessica. My in-laws brought their neighbor, a beautiful German woman named Helen. She is 87 years old and has never been in a Pentecostal church! She was very moved! Steve and I along with my in-laws are starting a Bible Study with her next week!!! She is very excited about it!! On Thursday nights, we have a Connect Group at the Newsome's home. Sis. Margaret has been very sick for the past several months. She was able to be there on Sunday for the first time in over a year!!! They also brought a new young lady named Josie who just started coming to our Connect Group!! Pray for us. . . .we need a new building!! This is just a little taste of all that God is doing in the southbay area of Los Angeles in Torrance! It is very excting!!!

Josie, Rex & Margaret Newsome with us on Easter! They are from our Thursday CONNECT Group at the Newsome's home. This was Jose's first time in a Pentecostal service! God is doing incredible things in this CONNECT GROUP!!!

Helen with the world's greatest in-law's, Paul & Margaret Saiz

Our family. . .Steve, Debbie, Vanessa, & Steve Jr.

Only HE Can Do The Miraculous!!

2008-03-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Today I am reminded of the song that we sing . . . .YOU ARE GREAT, YOU DO MIRACLES SO GREAT. THERE IS NO ONE ELSE LIKE YOU!!! We have been experiencing some incredible services at Bayside. . .new people every service. . .people so touched by the awesome power of God. We have prayer on Tuesday nights. Last night I was touched just walking around the sanctuary praying and seeing the miraculous that God has done at Bayside!! Seeing the precious people that were there praying and touching God. Many of their testimonies came to me and the miracles that God had performed in each life! The door opened and in walked a Mother and her twenty something son who was baptized last week . . . what a miracle . . . knowing the prayers that were prayed for him!! To God be the glory!! Seeing people who were delivered from so many different things. . . people that are overcomers. . . crying out to God. . worshipping and praising Him for victory! At the end, one lady came to me talking about a young lady who was in one of our Connect Groups on Monday night. She was telling me about how God was using her to minister to her and others who used to hang with her in a gang. . . .now she is ministering to them about God's delivering power!! Yes, God is awesome. . . .He is in the life changing business. . .a miraculous God!!! There is nothing impossible with our God!! He is so deserving of the praise when we sing . . . . .

"You deserve the glory and the honor, So we lift our hands in worship and we praise your holy name. You deserve the glory and the honor, So we lift our hands in worship and we praise your holy name.

You are great, You do miracles so great. There is no one else like You, there is no one else like You. You are great, You do miracles so great. There is no one else like You, there is no one else like you!"

Fun & Into Everything!

2008-03-13T22:21:00.001-07:00

We are having fun with little Dexter! He has brought us so much fun and joy! We have laughed about that he probably thinks his name is NO instead of Dexter!! Yesterday, I turned around from the stove to see this site! Steve was near and able to grab the camera.

Here He Is!!!!!

2008-03-10T02:24:00.000-07:00

Introducing.....Dexter

2008-03-10T00:14:00.000-07:00

Here is our new pup.....Dexter. Thanks to our daughter Vanessa, she found him in Fresno and went and picked him on Saturday while Debbie and I were in Arroyo Grande this weekend. Vanessa had him in our bay window when we pulled in to the house late Sunday night. Debbie started to cry when she realized it was him. He's 8 weeks and adorable. Thank you Vanessa for bringing so much joy to the family. More pictures are on the way!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-03-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today is my Mom's Birthday! Her health is great and we are so blessed. The picture above is of Mom and Dad from their New Year's card with Traveler II, Prince, & Princess. She is celebrating today in West Monroe. My brother Mark and the church are honoring her. I'm so thankful for the Godly legacy that my Mom has given to me. I have never been ashamed of her at any time in my life. I was always proud of her when she was a room Mother at my school or to walk the mall with her. I talk to Mom every day at least once! Thanks Mom for the legacy that you have passed on to me. Below is a picture of 4 generations of Foster women . . . . .Gayla, Mom, Paulla, Jennifer, Debbie, Jesi, & Jayden.

Happy Birthday Mom!! We love you!!!!

2008-03-08T22:29:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was a neat day! I spoke at the Response Resource's Youth Summit in San Diego. Nate Rios, Youth Pastor in Columbia, MS and his team did a great job putting the Summit on for youth as well as youth workers. It was the first youth event for our new SoCal District. My nephew Jeremy Foster was one of the speakers as well. It was extra special to see him and to be with him. . .I had not seen him since Christmas!! Vanessa drove me down, so we had a little mini family reunion!!

On Thursday, I was priviledged to speak in Union City, CA at the END TIME RESTORATION CONFERENCE Ladies Day held at the Union City Apostolic Church. This great conference is sponsored by this church pastored by Bishop Adam Lopez. His wife, Druscila Lopez led the Ladies Day. What a great day with these beautiful Apostolic ladies! Below is a picture of Sis. Lopez, Georgia Vasquez from Chicago, IL (the speaker before me), & myself.

Our Puppy!

2008-03-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

We lost our incredible boxer, Bauer, last night! Two weeks ago he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He brought us a lot of joy and we will miss him. At just three years old, his illness was shocking to both us and the doctors that worked on him. He was a love bug. He had to be touching you all the time. He loved people. We had two of our neighbors in church last week that are a result of Debbie walking Bauer by their house and conversation starting because of him. He was definitely a very special dog and a huge part of our family and was Debbie's baby. We love you, Podie!

The 23rd Psalm

2008-01-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

This month we kicked off our CONNECT GROUPS which are Bible Study groups held in different people's homes. On Monday night, Steve and I attended one in one of our College young ladies' apartments to show our support. This was only her second one, she had invited several, but was not sure how many would come. We heard the buzzer sound, she went to the speaker and a ladies voice came on asking if this was where the meeting was. Natalia immediately buzzed her in the building. She opened her front door and in walked a lady and her 19 year old grandaughter! One of our Outreach teams had canvased the area on Saturday with flyers about the Connect Group meeting in their neighborhood. Helen received one and came! She thought that it was a neighborhood meeting and was taken back when we told her it was a Bible Study. They decided to stay. Later she told us that God had led them to the meeting. The group discussion at the beginning eased her and she even made some comments. The lesson was on fear. She told us that she needed to hear that. When we prayed together at the end, God's presence was felt in a mighty way. You could see the peace that He had brought to our new friends. God is so awesome in how He works. We are very excited about our CONNECT GROUPS and know that God is leading people to each of them on different nights of the week in different cities in this southbay area! Our prayer is that God will lead them fromt the north, the south, the east, and the west and do a mighty work in their lives! He is doing just that and showed us that when Helen and LaQuinta walked in on Monday night!

Just as Natalia began to teach the lesson, she read the 23rd Psalm and Helen told us that was her favorite passage. I then read a version that I have glued in the front flap of my Bible. Helen asked for a copy of it. I just typed it and e-mailed it to her. That's when I thought that I would blog it here today.

THE 23rd PSALM

The Lord is my Shepherd
That’s Relationship!
I shall not want
That’s Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pasture
That’s Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters
That’s Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul
That’s Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
That’s Guidance!
For His name sake
That’s Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
That’s Testing!
I will fear no evil
That’s Protection!
For Thou art with me
That’s Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me
That’s Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
That’s Hope!
Thou anointest my head with oil
That’s Consecration!
My cup runneth over
That’s Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
That’s blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
That’s Security!
Forever
That’s Eternity!

SAM - Single Adult Ministry

2008-01-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

I have been in St. Louis this week in meetings for Single Adult Ministry in the UPCI. I am very excited about all that God is doing with SAM in our great organization. We have some great things coming in the future. One is a new website, a single's e-mail devotional, a new young adult ministry, some blogs, as well as other things! It is an exciting time for SAM!! As soon as some of these things are up and running, I will let you know.

Single Adults can cover a wide age span as well as various lifestyles. Their ages may vary from 18 to over 80 years of age. Every group represents different needs, interests, and physical abilities. Young adults in their 20’s and 30’s as well as middle-aged or older single adults. There are the never-married, the widowed, or the divorced and many of them are single parents. They make up nearly 45% of the population in North America! What a harvest field! Nearly 70% of all new converts in any denomination are single.

There is a need for SAM in every local church, no matter the size of the congregation. That is our goal in working with every District Sunday School director and their District Single's director to make Pastors aware of this great need.

In order for us to see revival like never before:
· We must recognize this great unmarried mission field, for it’s harvest white. “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” John 4:35 – NIV
· We must reach out to this generation and reap what has been sown. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:37-38 – NIV
· We must relate to all single adults. “. . .Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him” 1 Corinthians 9:22 – TLB

Single adults are a vast growing mighty force of the church and are instrumental in God’s purpose for the church. A revival growing church believes that single adults are crucial players in today’s revival. They realize that the talents and abilities of today’s single adults are too valuable to ignore. This vast growing group can become a mighty force in your church. They are instrumental in God’s purpose for the church. What better example to follow than the greatest single adult to ever live – JESUS CHRIST!

Mom's Update

2008-01-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers for my Mom, Pat Foster (shown above with great-grandaughter's, Jesi & Jayden). She is doing incredible! In fact, she always amazes us at Christmas because she goes non-stop taking care of everyone and loving every minute of it! Mom has always been known as a great hostess. She feels great and is in great spirits. In fact, I called and talked to Dad after we got home last week. He told me that he was more worried about her than she was. Mom feels a peace that everything is okay. The doctor told her that she has most likely had the anterior communicating artery aneurysm since birth. Mom is very positive about it feeling that everything is okay. The doctor said that there are chances that if they were to do the coil up through the arteries or the actual brain surgery, that there is a chance it won't work. . .etc. He told her that if she was in her 30's or 40's that he would say immediate surgery, but that at her age of 78 that it is her choice. Also since she most likely has had it for so long. It means so much to have people all over praying for her. There has been so many calls and cards and they mean so much to Mom, Dad, and all of us. Mom has always been a woman of strong faith and prayer. She feels a peace that she is to go on with life as she has and not have any thing done. She has strong faith and believes that God is taking care of her and her life is in his hands. Dad and all of us support Mom and feel peace that she is going to be okay. Thank you again for your prayers. The Foster/Saiz Family appreciate you so much!

I Love Southern California

2008-01-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

This morning when I opened up THE DAILY BREEZE, our daily newspaper for the south bay area of L.A. . . . .this is the picture I saw on the front page with this caption under it. . . .Snow-capped mountains loom over downtown Los Angeles after storms cleared the air. Most people do not think of Los Angeles with snow and mountains. But on any clear day, just driving around we always see the beauty of the mountains. I just wanted to share the beauty we are seeing today! I love southern California!!

I must add. . . .my roots do still come out. . . . . . . So proud of LSU!!! GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!

Prayer Request

2008-01-03T15:32:00.001-08:00

You may have read an earlier post where Debbie asked for prayer for her mom, Sis. Patricia Foster, who was diagnosed with an aneurysm. Today she went in for a consultation and the doctor told her it was possible that she has had this all of her life and nothing could happen, but if it's taken place recently, then there is always the chance of hemorrhage . He told them if they chose to do surgery, that there were a couple of options. One is fixing it through the artery and if that is not an option then they would have to do brain surgery. He said he would provide all of his findings to any other doctor if they chose to have a second opinion. This is much to consider. We ask the prayers of our friends and family for her healing and for direction to know what to do!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T23:27:00.000-08:00

We pray God's blessings upon you in 2008!!

The Saiz Family

Steve, Debbie, Steve Jr.,

Bauer, & Chaquita

Dad Is Home!

2007-12-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all your prayers for my Dad. He went home today and is so happy to be home after 5 nights in the hospital. He is feeling better and we are so thankful! Thanks to all the ladies in West Monroe who fixed a big meal for today and tomorrow for Dad and Mom. It means so much for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Please continue to keep Mom in your prayers. She will see a neurosurgeon on the 3rd. We serve a great God and believe that everything is going to be fine with her. She is feeling great and feels even better to have Dad home! Tomorrow afternoon Tom & Tim will be there, Mark is already there, and Steve & I will be home on Monday!! There's no place like home for the holidays!!! It is so great to be a part of God's family and to know that we have such great friends like you praying when we need it. Thanks again for your prayers. We love you!

Dad & Mom

2007-12-19T09:19:00.001-08:00

Thanks so much for your prayers for my Dad. He is doing better. . . .still weak, but they are taking great care of him. He appreciates everyone's prayers.

Please be in prayer for my Mom as well. She went to the doctor yesterday to get the results of a cat scan and a couple of tests. They told her that there was an aneurysm on her brain. They have recommended her to see a neurosurgeon. She hopes to do that later this week. She feels great and her spirits are high! Dad & Mom live on a horse ranch about 14 miles out right off of I-20 and she is keeping the roads hot between there and the hospital as well as other running around that she has to do. They found scar tissue there that they thought was from a light stroke. Mom has never had a stroke. Mom is very positive about it all. Yesterday afternoon, I asked God to help me and to give me a peace being this far away from them. I felt his presence so strong and such a peace came on me. My brother Tim said he had a prayer meeting at his school in Stockton. . .just he and God! Of course Tom & Mark both have as well. Dad will be 81 next week on the 28th and Mom is 78. We have been blessed with both of them having good health.

We appreciate all of your prayers for Dad and Mom. We serve a great God who can do anything!! We will all be there together in West Monroe in a few days!

UPDATE

2007-12-18T09:29:00.001-08:00

Dad is resting and glad to be getting help on his way to feeling so much better especially with all of us kids being home next week for Christmas! The pneunomia is in his left lobe of his lung. We are thankful that it was caught at this time before it spread. He and Mom are very appreciative to each of you for your prayers.

Prayer Request

2007-12-17T21:04:00.000-08:00

Please be in prayer for my Dad, Fred Foster. He has not felt well the past couple of days and has been weak with not much of an appetite. He went ahead and taught his Sunday School class yesterday. He had to sit on a stool to teach. But if you know Dad, you are not surprised that he did that. This afternoon, after a call to his Doctor, they sent him to the emergency room at Glenwood Hospital. They found that he has a touch of pneunomia and admitted him. As of a few minutes ago, they have not put him in a room yet. He is in great spirit. Thanks for your prayers.

Singing In The Rain!

2007-12-08T22:11:00.000-08:00

Being raised in the south where it rains often, I never thought that I would miss the rain, but I do! After living here in southern California for just a few months and no rain, I was talking to my Mom on the phone while it was pouring there. She went outside, raised one of the garage doors, and held the phone for me to hear the heavy downpour!! That is something that I used to take for granted, but now I love a good rainy day or night like today! It may go for months here with no rain. But right now, I'm sitting here hearing the rain and loving it!! There is something about hearing the rain splash on the window! I know to all of you who live where it rains often that this sounds so funny! A little while ago, I went to our front bay window and took the pictures above. I even went outside in the front just to watch it rain! This is the rainy season for us, but nights like tonight are few and far between. I will enjoy sleeping tonight hearing the rain! Back in September it rained very hard, the first rain in over 4 months! Our dog Bauer who is almost 3 years old did not know what to think of that kind of hard rain. He had never seen it! While home in West Monroe back in the summer, I found myself up in the middle of the night looking out the back of my parent's home watching the hard rain hit the pool and the pasture behind it. Before I moved here, that would have been just another rainy night! I never thought I would say this but I love the rain!!!! What does the song say. . . ."Singing in the rain!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2007-12-04T12:45:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK FOSTER!! Today is my oldest brother's birthday! Mark pastors my home church, The Pentecostals of the Twin-cities in West Monroe, LA. Mark is pictured with his wife, Paulla and their granddaughters, Jayden & Jesi. Mark, Steve & I hope you have a great day! We love you!!
This is a week of birthdays in the Foster family. Yesterday the 3rd, was my neice Cheyenne's birthday and Thursday, the 6th is her husband, Robert's birthday! Cheyenne & Robert live in Wheaton, IL. where Robert is working on his Master's at Wheaton College. Cheyenne & Robert are pictured below with their beautiful little Shiloh Grace, Cheyenne's Dad (my brother Tim), and Grandaddy, Fred Foster. Happy Birthday Cheyenne & Robert Johnson! Uncle Steve & I love you both!!

Thank You For Your Prayers!

2007-12-03T09:55:00.000-08:00

I want to say "Thank You" to all of you that have been praying for my Mom through her surgery and hospitalization. She came home last night (Sunday PM) and is glad to be at home to recuperate there under the care of my sister Margaret who flew down on Thursday and is going to be with her and Dad for a few more days. It's great to have friends and family to rally with you in the time of need!

With much love and appreciation!

Steve

Nana's Miracle!

2007-11-30T13:39:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone for your prayers for Nana. Nana is not one to let people know she is ever in pain. The pain became so strong on Wednesday that she had to leave during service that night. Afterwards, we took her to the hospital. While in the ER, just before seeing the doctor, Nana tells us that she has been feeling a mass in her lower right abdomen for quite some time, but has not said anything about it. They ran lots of tests all through the night on her. On the CT scan it showed a hernia that had one of the small intestines pertruding through it. All day they worried over her blood pressure. So many people from our church and across the country were praying. When the Doctor went inside, she found a much smaller hernia and no intestine pertruding in it!! She was very amazed because that was not what she had seen on the CT scan!! In fact, she wanted to run some dye today to make sure everything is okay! We know what happened!!! God did a work between the CT scan and the actual surgery!! To God be the glory!! Today Nana has sat up in a chair and has taken a walk. God is so good!! Thank you for your prayers!

PRAYER REQUEST

2007-11-29T10:39:00.000-08:00

Please be in prayer today for Steve's Mom, Margaret Saiz, or as she is affectionately called, NANA. She will be having surgery later on today. She was in the emergency room all night and was moved to a room a couple of hours ago. Margaret, Steve's sister, will be flying in this afternoon. We appreciate your prayers.

A Comical Evening!

2007-11-27T22:38:00.000-08:00

I had something really comical happen to me this evening. I had opened our sliding glass door in the den for Bauer, our boxer, to go outside in the back. I am sitting at the bar on my laptop. All of a sudden I hear something hit the screen door and turn around to see a bird flying into our den! He flies all over the den and the kitchen, then into the front room. I have the doors open trying to get him out. Bauer is all excited running and jumping after him. I had called Steve who was at the church, he tells me to open the windows and take the screens off. So now, the front door is wide open, the windows are open with no screens on, and the den glass doors are wide open! Bauer has the poor scared little bird cornered behind my curio cabinet, so I had to put him on his leash until I could get the bird out. Yes, it was quite a sight! Here I am afraid of what germs this bird has, praying and running around after him trying to get him out. Finally at last, he flew out the same door he flew in! I was so releived and had to sit down and just laugh at what I had just been through! There is not a dull moment in this life!

Today is Jeremy, my nephew's birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEREMY FOSTER!! I love you!
Here is a pic of Jeremy with his 2 girls, Jayden & Jesi.

Steve's Birthday

2007-11-23T11:28:00.000-08:00

Steve had a great day for his birthday! All of the Saiz family was together! That was a real treat! We gathered at Nana & Ampa's place to take a family picture. I brought my camera and set up the tripod to get the pictures. Amidst all the jokes and cutting up, we did get some good pics! I am used to this from all the Foster Family photos over the years! It was a great day!

After Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

I love Thanksgiving! I love all the cooking, family getting together, the eating, and then what we are doing today. . .eating the leftovers!! We always spend Thanksgiving with Steve's family at our house. It is a fun time! Our first Thanksgiving married, Steve & I decided to start a tradition in our home for the Saiz family. We have cornbread dressing, green bean casseraole, sweet potato casserole, brocolli & rice casserole, turkey, pink stuff (my creation), rolls, & gravy along with pecan pie, cherry-o-creme cheese pie, pumpkin pie, & peanut butter bars! That first Thanksgiving, my Dad commented to my brothers, Mark & Tom during their Thanksgiving dinner in West Monroe, "Your Mom sure fixed a good meal in California today!" He was referring to all the phone calls that I made to Mom on that Wednesday and Thursday! I made a joke to her when I would call that I was calling 1-800-ASKMOM!!! I must say that the 800ASKMOM phone calls were not near as many this year, our 4th one married! Today we will enjoy the leftovers. Nana & Ampa, (Steve's parents) will most likely come by to eat some as well. This morning, I packed a leftover bag for Stevo to take to work for their Potluck at work. So he'll get his leftovers for lunch. This year, we missed Margaret, Joe, & Che (Steve's sister & family). The Apostolic General Convention was moved to Dallas from the L.A. area, so they were in Dallas. My brother Tim was supposed to come in, but his wife had doctor's orders to not travel because of her back. Steve & Stevo were disappointed because the three of them were going to ride horses in the hills on the pennisula of Palis Verdes, not too far from our house. Steve & Tim are already making plans for a later date to ride those trails that have an ocean view. Steve will go spend some time with his horse, Rocket this afternoon. As for me, I am hanging out here at the house getting some things done that I have needed to.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! We love and appreciate all of our friends and family!

The Saiz Family

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUSBAND!

2007-11-17T02:08:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law Paulla always told me, "God gives the best to those who leave the choice to Him." She was right! I always knew that one day the right man would come into my life. It was worth the wait! I'm glad I left the choice up to Him!! I'm thankful for such a loving, fun, awesome Godly man who is my best friend! HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE!!! I love you! You are the BEST!! I love life with you!!

Honoring Our Veterans

2007-11-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

We want to say "Thank You" to all of our nation's veterans and active troops that serve around the world. Thank you for your sacrifice and courage in protecting and defending our liberty and democracy. We enjoy the freedom you have secured through your selfless and heroic efforts during your call of duty. We appreciate you and pray God's richest blessing on you and your families!

Debbie and I have two very special veterans in our family that we would like to honor this Veterans Week, EM3C Fred J. Foster (Navy) and Pvt. Paul F. Saiz (Army).

EMC3 Fred J. Foster

Bro. Foster served in World War II aboard the USS Vigilance (mine sweeper) in the South Pacific. His training brought him here to Southern California in March of 1943. He was in San Diego for "Boot Camp" and then went to Terminal Island Navy Base in Long Beach where he boarded the Vigilance and then sailed to Pearl Harbor and then on to the Marshall Islands.

USS Vigilance

After being on ship for over a year, they asked if anyone was interested in "Military Government Training" which he agreed to enroll. The training was in preparation for the invasion of Japan which was planned for November of 1945. He was learning the Japanese language. This training was held at the Presidio in Monterey, CA. It was here where the war ended after the Japanese surrendered. Bro. Foster was honorably discharged in April of 1946.

He joined his Father, John Wesley Foster, who was in the Merchant Marine Corp as well as with his older brother, Paul Foster, also in the Navy. John W. Foster had served in the Navy during WWI.

Pvt. Paul F. Saiz

Dad entered into the Army in April of 1951. He did "Basic" at Ft. Ord near Monterey, CA. He had only been in Korea for a few months when he was wounded. A mortar shell exploded about ten feet away as he was running up a hill on that cold January morning. Shrapnel from the shell hit him in the chest that caused him to lose half a lung, a kidney and ripped his liver into two pieces. Another fragment went through his right leg, grazing the bone. The doctors at the MASH unit sewed his liver back together and for the next two years he was hospitalized in Tokyo, Japan. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries.

Below is the newpaper article reporting his injuries.

Urgent Prayer Request for Bethani Roam

2007-11-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

I am sure many of you have already heard that Bethani Roam was airlifted to a San Francisco Hospital for an emergency liver transplant. Please pray for her and Brian and of course all the family. The family has set up a blog to keep everyone posted of her progress!

http://bethaniroam.blogspot.com/

QUENCH Conference in Ashburn, VA.

2007-11-04T23:58:00.000-08:00

Here's some pictures from the QUENCH Conference in Ashburn, VA. Thanks to Camille Harris for sending me the pictures.

The Universe

2007-11-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

(Click photo to enlarge.)
I have always been fascinated by the expanse and the beauty of the Universe. These pictures taken by the Hubble Telescope, give us a closer look into the far reaches of space to help us get a better understanding of how stars are formed and how galaxies come together and even in some cases, interact with eachother. What is amazing to me are the distances between stars and galaxies to even our own galaxy, the Milky Way. It is more evidentiary proof of our Divine Creator. He just keeps blowing our minds the more we uncover and discover the incredible workmanship of the Universe.

The above picture: This new NASA Hubble Space Telescope image of the Antennae galaxies is the sharpest yet of this merging pair of galaxies. During the course of the collision, billions of stars will be formed. The brightest and most compact of these star birth regions are called super star clusters. The new image allows astronomers to better distinguish between the stars and super star clusters created in the collision of two spiral galaxies.

Two galaxies perform an intricate dance in this new Hubble Space Telescope image. The galaxies, containing a vast number of stars, swing past each other in a graceful performance choreographed by gravity. The pair, known collectively as Arp 87, is one of hundreds of interacting and merging galaxies known in our nearby universe.Arp 87 is in the constellation Leo, the Lion, approximately 300 million light-years away from Earth.

With light traveling at 186,000 miles per second, it flashes through space
11,160,000 miles per minute,
669,600,000 miles in an hour,
16,070,400,000 miles in a day,
112,492,800,000 miles in a week and
5,849,625,600,000 miles in a year.
That's almost 6 trillion miles in a year's time. In the picture above it says that the Arp 87 constellation is 300 million light-years away......go figure! Smile!

The Spiral Galaxy
The Crab Nebula

Fire Update!

2007-10-25T14:09:00.001-07:00
I just received word that Bro. Darin Sargent was able to return to his home today and there was no damage to his house or property. There was a lot of ash and debris, but no damage. Thank God!

See Bro. Sargents report! www.directiondefined.blogspot.com

On A Lighter Side.....

2007-10-25T10:49:00.000-07:00
Thought we would share this funny story with you all as told by a friend of ours!

We had a "going away" party yesterday for a lady at our Little Rock claim office. One of the supervisors called a Wal-Mart and ordered the cake. He told them to write: "Best Wishes Suzanne" and underneath that write "We will miss you". As the picture shows, it didn't quite turn out right. It was too funny not to keep it.

Weather Helping, But Fires Continue

2007-10-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Edit: As of 9 p.m. tonight, Bro. Darin Sargent is not back into his house. They will spend another night at a local hotel. We continue to pray for a safe return to an undamaged home.

An amazing satellite shot of the fires in Southern California. We are praying for all those who have been impacted by the flames. Bro. & Sis. Gerald Buxton's house is ok. Bro. Darin Sargent and his family are still waiting to return to their house. They have been staying in a local hotel since being evacuated on Monday.

This report taken from KCAL9 News:

1 Million Evacuated From Raging SoCal Wildfires

(AP) SAN DIEGO Faced with unrelenting winds whipping wildfires into a frenzy across Southern California, firefighters conceded defeat on many fronts Tuesday to an unstoppable force that has chased an estimated 1 million people away.Unless the shrieking Santa Ana winds subside, and that's not expected for at least another day, fire crews say they can do little more than try to wait it out and react -- tamping out spot fires and chasing ribbons of airborne embers to keep new fires from flaring."If it's this big and blowing with as much wind as it's got, it'll go all the way to the ocean before it stops," said San Diego Fire Capt. Kirk Humphries. "We can save some stuff but we can't stop it.

"Tentacles of unpredictable, shifting flame have burned across nearly 600 square miles, killing one person, destroying more than 1,600 homes and prompting the biggest evacuation in California history, from north of Los Angeles, through San Diego to the Mexican border.Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said the flames were threatening 68,000 more homes."We have had an unfortunate situation that we've had three things come together: very dry areas, very hot weather and then a lot of wind," Schwarzenegger said. "And so this makes the perfect storm for a fire."

In Rancho Santa Fe, a suburb north of San Diego, houses burned just yards from where fire crews fought to contain flames engulfing other properties. In the mountain community of Lake Arrowhead, cabins and vacation homes went up in flames with no fire crews in sight."These winds are so strong, we're not trying to fight this fire," said firefighter Jim Gelrud, an engineer from Vista, Calif. "We're just trying to save the buildings."

More than a dozen wildfires blowing across Southern California since Sunday have also injured more than 45 people, including 21 firefighters. The U.S. Forest Service earlier reported a fire death in Los Angeles County's Santa Clarita area, but officials said Tuesday that information was erroneous.

The fires also forced the evacuation of more than 350,000 houses, most of them in San Diego County. With the area's average household size of 2.6 people, that means the evacuation could encompass nearly 910,000 people."It's basically a mass migration here in San Diego County. The numbers we're seeing are staggering," said Luis Monteagudo, a spokesman for the county's emergency effort.

President Bush, who planned to visit the region Thursday, declared a federal emergency for seven counties, a move that will speed disaster-relief efforts.

We've added more pics from our Italy trip!

2007-10-22T23:35:00.000-07:00
Check out the new pics we have added to our Italy Trip post!

QUENCH Ladies Conference

2007-10-22T22:35:00.000-07:00
This past Friday and Saturday I had the priviledge of speaking at the QUENCH Ladies Conference held at Capital Community Church in Ashburn, VA. where Chester Mitchell is the pastor. Marion Mitchell and her WOW Team hosted a great conference. Everything was first class. It was a neat experience to team up with Sis. Thetus Tenney, who has impacted my life since I was just a young girl. Sis. Tenney was at her best with her message on Saturday, LIFE JUST HAPPENS. I have had the priviledge of speaking a few times at Capital Community Church and it excites me each time to see the growth and all that God is doing there! Thanks to my friends, Chester and Marion Mitchell, the WOW Team, and Capital Community Church for your great hospitality and a great conference!