Table for Two

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Mrs.Above_All -> Table for Two (5/28/2008 4:47:31 AM)
*Aloha!* I often felt that blogging should be like a nice time out with a friend who is willing to lend an ear to listen. As public as a blog is, I'd like to think that I am actually sitting one on one with you, expressing the random and not-so-random gems about my life. Nestled not too far away from the beach house is a nice Hawaiian cafe (which by the way is never always packed. The island peeps have the rest of the island to scurry around on). So join me will you? Table for two please!

Mrs.Above_All -> RE: Table for Two (5/29/2008 4:35:22 AM)
It all begins here... Good of you to come. Your ice cold POG is on me today. [:)] So June is fast approaching and come August, my life will completely change. In just a little over two months, I will be become Mrs. JP. Just saying that brings so much comfort to me! I can easily say that over two years ago, I was minding my own business, living my life as a single and perfectly content with my life. But when I think about it, I don't think I was completely content at all. Although I love G-d, He knew that I needed something more in my life. I never truly understood my identity. I never was passionate about anything in particular. Creative ideas about what to do in life constantly spun in my head; but none of those ideas ever made it past first base. Then came John...my sweetie...the love of my life. And what an interesting way we met! Suddenly, I find myself so much closer to discovering who I am. I think I finally am figuring things out. I realize that G-d simply wants me to have a wonderful life, taking it a day at a time, yet at the same time one full of dreams. That's the beauty of life. We often think that everyone has some grand purpose in life...and many do. Some are called to a lifelong ministry of some sort. Some are called to be leaders. Some are called to a career that would impact the greater community. All of those things are wonderful and for the longest time, I thought those things were my calling. But I had never learned to truly listen to G-d. The reason why I was never fully content is because none of things is what G-d wanted for me to do in the first place. What He wanted for me is to simply love, be a good wife and just go from there. ...Go from there. Talk about a limited view! As limited as a view it is, just knowing that I can go from here with John makes me smile...[:)] After the wedding, who knows what kinds of dreams and goals will arise in the depths of our hearts. Whatever it is, I am sure it will be great. *

Mrs.Above_All -> RE: Table for Two (5/30/2008 6:48:41 PM)
Aloha Friday Etc... I discovered that living right in the heart of town is not necessarily a better commute, even if you work just 5 minutes away. I used to live in a smaller district away the main downtown area. It's not that much farther but the commute is actually better. The stretch of the freeway on that side loosens up. And traffic in the main area is much heavier so just getting to a condo in the area can take more time vs. going a little further on the loosened area of the freeway. At least I work just 5 minutes away from home huh. But one of these days, I'm going to move back to the smaller district where I grew up. [:)] * Ever wonder what Aloha Friday actually means? It's just our local way of celebrating the end of the work week. * I pick up my wedding dress tomorrow! I got about an inch to lose still which is very doable. [:)] * Shabbat Shalom! I will be happy going to service tonight cause I missed two weeks. The first time, we had heavy VOG that week. That stuff puts me into a coma! Try taking a nap with VOG around and be expected to nap for at least a few hours. The second time, my parents arranged for John and I to have dinner with my Aunty and Uncle. We also got the invitations done that night too. I'm thinking of what I can bring tonight for food. There's currently a 40 day fast going on and it started a few weeks ago. I am not sure how many people are actually doing it but it would be good to bring the kind of food eaten during the fast...Fruits and veggies. I personally am not on the fast. For one thing, I didn't prepare for it and secondly, I didn't feel led to. The fast is for our upcoming opening of the Ends of the Earth Prayer Tower, which will connect with the Prayer Tower in Jerusalem in June. I have to get better at my prayer for this upcoming event! Even if I am not fasting, I need be praying.

Mrs.Above_All -> Spring Cleaning (6/2/2008 7:53:58 PM)
Spring Cleaning...Isn't it strange how spring cleaning can get so messy? Every corner of my room is a mess, trying to organize and sort out what I need and what I don't need. There was one point when I was going through all the books I have. It's amazing how many bibles I have collected, most of them hardly opened and in various translations. Some were given to me. Others I wanted to try out. You always end up with one main bible. I've decided to keep most of them though, in case I could bless someone with one ya know? Then again, donating them to an organization that would specifically give them out to people wouldn't be a bad idea considering that I know it would it get into the right hands...of someone who would receive one at just the right time. [:)] What surprised me the most about today (which by the way I am still in the middle of) are the of handful books I am keeping from my college years, particularly ones from graduate school. I find myself wanting to keep the books that specifically have to do with play therapy. I am still intrigued by the profession. At this very moment I don't feel particularly led to get back into the field (well, into the field really since I barely even started). I am at a place right now where all I desire is to get married and be a good wife. I'm enjoying my job as a framing design consultant and my main goal right now is to just grow in the L-rd through my marriage. Yet, I wanted to keep these books. Is this G-d's way of telling me that one day I will back in the field? Or will these books simply help me with my own future kids? After all, the material in these books are valuable, even for personal use. It's great for any parent to have as a resource. I guess in a way I feel reluctant in the idea that one day I will get into the field of play therapy. I've made so many mistakes in the past when it came to a career and it came to a point of not really desiring one in particular. I've jumped the gun in the past. I don't want to do that again. This is how I have learned to take things a day at a time... So I found my spring cleaning tasks today to be interesting. You tend to ponder a lot when going through your stuff (in addition to realizing how much junk you have collected!) And gosh, I found a few papers I wrote in graduate school...Did I write that! Wow. lol Now if only I can find my high school yearbook. [:D]

Mrs.Above_All -> Just listen (6/8/2008 3:12:21 PM)
All I could do was just listen...while I stood there listening to insult after insult. How can someone whom I have respected for a long time say those things to me? As the shock wore off I began to think about what things this person said to me could possibly be true. Only one thing stuck out and it was because it was something I hadn't thought about or had considered. Pours you a drink I don't know really what I want to focus on today. I could sit here with you and have a venting session if I wanted to. Every part of my flesh wants to. But I think I will leave that venting in the privacy of my own home, allowing G-d to hear it...purging it out to Him...releasing it so I can move on. And perhaps today I can ponder along with you about the value of friendships. The best of friends are honest with you. But sometimes ad mist the honesty, emotions can cause us to say things that are totally unnecessary...totally insulting....totally false. Suddenly, the person who you once respected becomes your enemy. At least it feels like it. I know that my friendship with this person is over. I totally accept that. Sometimes friendships are meant only for a season. I didn't fully realize that so perhaps this is G-d's way of making it very clear to me. But ouch! lol And you know something. You don't really have to say nasty words to a person if you want to insult them. Insults can be spoken in simple, clear language and even sound like it's out of love. So I guess my encouragement to you today is no matter how much you may respect a certain person, never take what they say as final and true. Always look for confirmation. Have many counselors to turn to as you pray. And do the same for yourself. Be careful what you say to people. Perhaps I will have more to say about my experience this weekend. But for now, perhaps you could pray for me.

Mrs.Above_All -> RE: Just listen (6/13/2008 8:24:02 PM)
No, not a mother...but a friend...a lover...a companion. This, my brother/sister, is who I am to him. He experienced his first seizure after moving here. The tiredness finally got to him indeed. As I walked into the ER, I was so looking forward to seeing him. Was he awake? Sleeping? When he saw me I was greeted with a big smile, the one I have come to love. Though very tired, his smile was very fresh. How I knew he was fine is because he was his usual self...teasing me and joking around...and the big one...he wanted lunch. [:)] In sickness and in health...how I experienced that even if we haven't walked down the aisle yet. I have to say...I am loving it! One thing I knew that I couldn't do was walk into the ER, all mopy and winey. This is my first experience so naturally I was concerned. But I knew that walking in confidence, showing my love and faith is what he needed. It's what I needed if I didn't want the enemy to look for an opportunity. I want nothing more than pure healing for him. But in the meantime, I know in my heart that the experiences will only make us closer. All the fruits of the Spirit just seem to be magnified when there is trouble, particularly when there is sickness. The love you feel, the joy of recovery, the peace of rest, patience while the doctors run their tests, kindly stoking his hair, the good in G-d's grace... I look forward to a lifetime of loving in sickness and in health. Are you going to eat that? lol!

Mrs.Above_All -> Restoring.... (6/20/2008 4:37:55 PM)
Restoring...my business! If you don't already know, I have a registered business name that has been on the sidelines for awhile now. I've contemplated surrendering it but I just have not been able to. I want to keep it. Most importantly, I want to restore it. I've always wanted to do it just for fun and it has been my prayer that G-d reveal to me who I can bless the profit towards (if any). I have come to realize that having it gives me complete control over my creative self. I can be a creative person. I have thought about diversifying it and not subject myself to selling just one product. I'd like to change up every year or two on what I sell. I guess it's like a business that follows the "trends". No reliance on it for my main income...little stress. So here are a few ideas I have pondered in terms of reviving it... - This Christmas time, sell my old product at craft fairs. This was the hand sanitizers in tropical scents. I figure I give this product another try. It did well the one time I did sell it at a craft fair. After that I may make them available by special order only. - Submit photos to a local online library where people can choose to get large prints. I'm even thinking about selling photo art at the craft fairs. That's all the ideas I have for now. I don't want to be overly ambitious, which is what I tend to do. Ha. Thanks for listening as I ponder ideas! It's all really very fun. At least it should be huh?

Mrs.Above_All -> The Ends of the Earth (6/30/2008 3:05:00 PM)
*The Ends of the Earth...*that is where you will see Hawaii if you look at a map. And if you look closely, Hawaii is exactly on the other side of globe from Jerusalem. Looking at the clock it shows us that when it is 1:00 a.m. in Hawaii it is 1:00 p.m. (or very close to) in Jerusalem. This past weekend marked a historic grand opening the Ends of the Earth Prayer Tower in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is the first of it's kind in the Pacific and the first of more prayer towers to come. Planned are prayer towers in Puerto Rico, Colombia and another island in the Pacific. G-d's plan is to connect all of the prayer towers of the world to come together and pray. His plan is to have the nations of the world pray for the peace of Israel, all the nations of the world and for Christ's return! Pastor Wayne Wilsden, who runs the prayer tower in Jerusalem came to celebrate with us during the grand opening. The weekend was filled with much celebration! The tower is really the people's tower in that churches and ministries can come to use the tower for their praise and worship. Set in the heart of downtown you get a panoramic view of Honolulu. Two other major announcements were made this past weekend. I have to say that I have never before seen such powerful moves from G-d in my own lifetime and in my own home state. I share this to give Him the glory and for all to see how He is moving. I think often times Christians can get stuck in the rut of daily life and don't realize the extent to which we can serve Him. We also don't realize how much his people mean to him and how serious He is when He says to pray for the peace of Israel. The first major announcement is that Hawaii, through our ministry (Beth Israel Jewish Ministries International) will host an international celebration of the Feast of the Tabernacles. People from all around the world will come, parade and celebrate the Feast, which signifies and prepares for Christ's return. This parade and celebration will be big and for all of the public to see. The second major announcement is that by G-d's grace, 200 plus acres of ranch land will be given to the ministry to further the kingdom of the L-rd! Some of the vision slated so far is to build a Hebrew college of the bible, a 2,000 seat auditorium and residential homes. How amazing is that! It's just so exciting to see how G-d is moving here. I am eternally grateful that I have been chosen to witness such awesome moves from G-d. Not everyone out there is willing or ready to accept such "ambitious" ministry. These are the very people who are the ones limiting themselves to what G-d can do. Many pastors are protective of their own flock so-to-speak and show little interest in getting back to their Hebrew roots and praying for Israel. If the Word says that Jesus will come when all of Israel comes to Him then how can we stay in our little churches (or big churches) and do nothing? If the Word says in Romans that if we, as Gentiles have become blessed because of some fallen branches and that we will be even more blessed when those branches return, how can we not pray for them? Baruch Haba Beshem Adonai! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the L-rd!

Mrs.Above_All -> A Prayer Answered... (7/7/2008 2:51:22 PM)
*A resounding YES...*that is the answer I got from G-d when I expressed to Him how much I wanted to move back to the town I grew up in. When I saw the rental in the paper and how much it was I jumped at the opportunity. I was glad that John trusts me enough to go look at a place and then decide whether or not it would be the place we would live (for at least the first few years of our life together) [:)] He doesn't know Hawaii quite well enough yet to know where would be a good place. He does however know how much I want to live in this place. And when he saw it a week later he loves it! A quaint and quiet area indeed. I'm so glad he trusted me...trusted G-d in finding a place! New beginnings are so exciting! A few people have been asking me whether or not I am getting nervous as the wedding approaches. I can't say that I'm nervous but rather excited! I suppose there is a difference between the two? Or is there such thing as nervous excitement? lol But as I ponder this I wonder...if getting married and everything is such a natural G-d created thing then why does it feel like you have been blessed beyond measure? Why do you feel extra special as if you are the only one in this world that feels this way? I suppose all I can do is just celebrate and praise Him and don't ask why. What a big habit to ask G-d why, even if it's something good. This is a good time to smile and laugh with joy.... This is a good time to cry happy tears... This is a good time to just raise my hands as a wave offering to Him... In fact, it is a good time anytime!

Mrs.Above_All -> RE: A Prayer Answered... (7/14/2008 10:12:30 PM)
*So it wasn't...a seizure. It turns out that he just fainted from exhaustion. Praise G-d! A constant changing of schedules from graveyard to daytime, etc... catches up to you eventually. I'm so glad it wasn't a seizure. He was still very cute when I visited him though. That didn't change. [:D] :: How to be a customer 101...*Pointers on how to be a model customer. 1) When the salesperson says hello, say hello back. Don't just ignore him/her and walk away. You may not want to be helped but at least be courteous and return the response. 2) If the person is new, cut them some slack. The last thing they need is an impatient customer making learning the job harder on them. 3) If the salesperson makes some kind of mistake, keep your cool. Do not act as if the world is eternal or as if they murdered your dog. 4) If the salesperson is rude or not very helpful, don't try to publically make it known. Instead, say, "I'd really like to give a good report to your boss. Would you please help me with that no matter what kind of day you are having?" 5) You are NOT always right. Businesses have the right to refuse service to you if you are being inappropriate. 6) Commend the salesperson if they are doing a good job. 7) You are not a g-d. Don't act like one. Today's Plantation Iced Tea is so good!

Mrs.Above_All -> And then some... (7/22/2008 2:44:19 AM)
*I love the window seat to the cafe...*especially when we have a gorgeous view of the ocean and beach house! So yesterday and today Macy's had a huge sale. I hadn't shopped...really shopped in awhile and I have to be in the mood to do so. I was in a good mood to do so and I soooo needed more work clothes. So I'm happy. lol Things are coming along so very nicely. G-d is good! Everything just has been falling into place. The timing of it all has been perfect. It's easy ad mist all the busyness to lose sight of all G-d does in our lives. We get so caught up in our "moments", good or bad that we sometimes forget that it's all about His Glory...His shekainah (sp?)! And another praise to share...it turns out that someone from his side of the family WILL attend the wedding! At first it wasn't so because of financial reasons but with the insistence of a friend, it's going to happen. I'm so glad someone will be there! So I'm pondering right now on what kinds of drinks I want to have around when we get married. LOL! Funny the things I think about sometimes huh? Everything...even the littlest of things seem so exciting when you think about marriage. So I'm thinking iced coffee, plantation iced tea, and water are good choices. But again, never sight of all that G-d does in your life. You might miss out! [:D]

Mrs.Above_All -> Making disciples (8/3/2008 3:02:19 PM)
[Sorry! Didn't have time to change fonts or colors...] I can't help....having marriage on my mind at this time of my life. I've been so busy that I'm just happy that I can post something here before the wedding! It's nice to just sit down at a table for two with you...[:)] Something interesting has crossed my mind lately...ministry. I began thinking about the past and how I served in my old church. I remember serving in areas that weren't my calling and that were. I was single and well, wanted to just actively serve. Not only did I learn that there is a difference between serving/helping and actual ministering but I also learned that it is easy to make mistakes in the latter. The pastor was very focused on his congregation to evangelize...to bring the people in and to reach out to them. He was also focused on bringing up future ministers in the church. Understandable right? Well, if not done wisely it can be more about man than G-d. Anyhoo, I'm getting to my real point. lol I was having a small quiet time recently and I began asking myself and telling G-d that I look forward to seeing what areas of ministry He would call both FH and I do be in. Cause as of right now I have no clue. None of us have a specific passion at this time. I know that we are getting married so our busyness is perhaps enough to not discern anything. But then I realized that I have to stop doing what I have done in the past...and that is try to force myself to discover something. Then I asked myself, "If we are to go and make disciples of the world, baptizing them..." how will G-d use us to do that? Then it hit me. I began feeling in my Spirit the answer to that question... Marriage and family alone presents to you an opportunity to do exactly that...to have children and to teach them the ways of the L-rd. Obvious statement but gosh how easy it is to not think about these things. We may be led to serve in many areas in our marriage and family life, even with our children. But the act of rearing them alone IS the biggest responsibility. Raising G-d's children IS making disciples of the world. We can't forget that. I know that there are parents out there who are very focused on ministry. So much so that there kids come second. We even see that in biblical history...Moses was very disconnected with his wife and child during the most crucial time of G-d's calling on Him. But it was only for a time and for a season. Many parents today are disconnected for a long time, without any clue as to how they are affecting their children. So it was quite a comfort knowing just where the priority will be in terms of serving the L-rd. I look forward to the time before our kids to serve alongside with my spouse. The relationship building...with both my spouse and with G-d. How lovely isn't it?

Mrs.Above_All -> The Day of... (8/30/2008 3:54:37 PM)
*I'm so glad...*that I have some time to sit down with you today. [:)] As I sit here, waiting for my ride to pick me up, I can't help feeling so relaxed! People expect me to be so nervous. They tell me, "You look pretty calm for someone getting married this week." I think it's a good thing for people to see me this way. It is the way it should be...relaxed, excited and completely content. This may all change of course once I walk down that aisle. I may just all of a sudden freeze. LOL I have heard a few stories from people that I absolutely need to video the wedding. And of course I am. But their reason for why surprises me. Apparently, some people are so nervous and "not really there" that they completely forgot the events that have taken place during the ceremony. They are there. They go through it. But they forget. That is why a video is so important. I'd like to think that despite having a video, I would actually remember all that goes on that day. I mean, our focus should be there. A union and oneness is taking place between G-d and two people. But I guess for some people, having a video is very much like having communion. We take communion to remember all that G-d has sacrificed for us through His son Yeshua (Jesus). [:)] So as I take my last sip with you as a single woman, I thank you for taking the time to "sit here" with me. I'm ready...ready to be a wife...ready to be a lifelong companion...and very much ready to honor G-d through the sanctity of marriage. (((((((To you)))))))))

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