Julianne's 13th Birthday - 10/3

How fitting for our daughter's 13th birthday to post her devotional that was presented at her adoption shower, written by Angie O'Connell.

Adoption according to Webster's 1828 dictionary is "the treating of a stranger as one's own child and heir". It is also according to Webster "God's taking the sinful children of men into His favor and protection". Let me repeat these two definitions and this time I will follow them with Ephesians 2:19. Adoption is "the taking and treating of a stranger as one's own child and heir." It is "God's taking the sinful children of men into His favor and protection." "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are of God's household."

On May 3rd, 1997 Julianne Grace was, unknown to her, beginning the process of no longer being a stranger to her family. She providentially found favor in the eyes of her parents, Joseph and JoAnn, not because she was conceived by them and born to the but because of their deep desire to parent and God's leading them to her photo in the books containing the photos of many children needing homes. The love lavished on this particular child is a picture of the love God lavishes on us through the riches of His grace. The adoption metaphor is a compelling illustration of God's covenant love for His people. Through the adoption of Julianne the Tolentino's are experiencing a small piece of this. The transfer and grafting of this child into her permanent family is a wonderful image of our permanent place in our Heavenly Father's family.

First Peter 1:23-25 states "...you have been born again not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God. For all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flowers of grass. The grass withers and the flower falls odd, but the Word of the LORD abides forever, and this is the Word which was preached to you." Some perceive that adoption is "second best" as a way to build or add to a family. Some even go as far as to say that an adopted child has no part of the covenant, but God's word clearly states that the physical is perishable. No matter who we are born to it is His Word alone living and abiding in us that causes us to have life eternal.

John Calvin states "God's covenant was not made to last only fro a few days, or for a short time. When He adopted the children of Abraham, He took them under His keeping forever." Romans 8 in discussing those who are the descendants of Abraham says "It is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants."

What a cause for joy to know that in God's love in choosing us that places us as heirs in His eternal family with all the rights and privileges! As we watch Julianne grow in her new earthly family she is a tangible picture of these spiritual realities.

JoAnn, we rejoice with you in the addition of Julianne to your family. We thank God for His abundant blessing to you. He has provided for you above all that you could ever have asked or dreamed for. Let us be diligent to pray for the Tolentinos that by His grace God would lavish His adopting love on their new little daughter and that they would be faithful to raise all their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Our God is an awesome God and we rejoice to see Him move and work in our midst in such a joyous and marvelous way!

Love in Christ,
Angie O'Connell
July 12, 1997

And now, this sweet little crazy baby is 13 years old! She is sweet, caring, unselfish, rambunctious, and loves truth.
This video is her and her friends singing "Praise to the Lord All Ye Nations" in the hot tub! How fitting!

Psalm 19 - Evening Sermon

Psalm 19 (American Standard Version)

Psalm 19
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handiwork.

2 Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language; Their voice is not heard.

4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoiceth as a strong man to run his course.

6 His going forth is from the end of the heavens, And his circuit unto the ends of it; And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

7 The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring for ever: The ordinances of Jehovah are true, and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: In keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors? Clear thou me from hidden faults.

13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright, And I shall be clear from great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in thy sight, O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer.

short synopsis:
Verses 1-6 describe how the creation SPEAKS of the glories of God, and testifies to man of God's power and wisdom, transcending all languages and peoples.

Verses 7-11 David uses synonyms to describe the law: perfect, sure, right, pure,clean, and true - then lists the effects that the law has on God's people:
restoring the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eyes, enduring forever, and righteous altogether.

Verses 12-14 Because of this: we should desire the law of God more than anything!
The law of God opens our hearts, we see our sin in full light of the gospel, are drawn to God in repentance. The Law of God converted King David's very soul.

To the believer, the law of God brings life. To unbelievers, it brings death.

Which are you?

9/11 Never Forget

Excerpts from President George W. Bush's speech to congress on 9/20/2001

Read in full here: http://www.september11news.com/PresidentBushSpeech.htm

"Tonight, we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done."

"On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country. Americans have known wars, but for the past 136 years they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941. Americans have known the casualties of war, but not at the center of a great city on a peaceful morning."

Americans are asking, "Why do they hate us?"
They hate what they see right here in this chamber: a democratically elected government.Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms: our freedom of religion, ourfreedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other.


"From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime. Our nation has been put on notice. We're not immune from attack. We will take defensive measures against terrorism to protect Americans."

"We're in a fight for our principles, and our first responsibility is to live by them. No one should be singled out for unfair treatment or unkind words because of their ethnic background or religious faith."

"And finally, please continue praying for the victims of terror and their families, for those in uniform and for our great country. Prayer has comforted us in sorrow and will help strengthen us for the journey ahead."

"I will not forget the wound to our country and those who inflicted it. I will not yield, I will not rest, I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people."


God Bless America~ and never forget 9/11

Here is another excellent link: http://www.libertylive.org/blog_main/post.php?post_id=1592

Happy Birthday Jordan! 8/31/86

You were born with dimples, a smile, and constantly humming You have always been the nurturing type, from little brothers...
to your bear
You have always liked cool sun glasses

and have always had the gang mentality
I love you! Have a wonderful birthday and may God bless you! (Please graduate this year)I pray that this will be your life song!

Camping 09

We went far, far away. I had the wrong address in Mapquest, so Andy's family and our family went on an extra long route, winding up in the middle of nowhere, only to discover that our real destination was actually also in the middle of nowhere.
The beauty of that grassland was breathtaking. There were fun and games, and even the littlest ones could hold their own against my 3 sons

Went shooting with the guys - and now think I will give up ballroom dancing for shooting
Wakeboarding, swimming, rattlesnake hunting, laughter galore = great vacation with the Anderhoff's, Rorberg's, and Tolentino's

Wild Bunch If Ya Ask Me

I am scanning and photo-shopping all of my parents pictures of their entire life. This one particularly caught my eye - it is my mother's mother, her 2ND husband (her first drowned) and her parents(plus some randon dude). They seem like a party group - it almost looks like bootleg days - gotta research that.

Needless to say, the story plays out in my mind with each scanned photo. So much to wonder about, such a different era. I am so thankful that I have deep roots of family and traditions, handed down and modified to suit each new generation.

Life is amazing.

Happy Anniversary! 29 Years!

We decided that 29 years is a long time - and was appropriate for a picture with our own caption. "The secret to a happy marriage is that the woman gets the biggest gun"
Joking - I love my husband!

Morning Drive

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

This is an amazing sight - sunrise over fog in the valley! I don't think I have ever seen anything like this - thankfully I carry my camera with me.

I am reminded of God's unfailing love. The fog, to me, can represent the inescapable muck and mire that we live in. Sometimes we can feel engulfed with worry, cares, and battles of this world. It can seem hopeless at times, with no (cliche) light at the end of the tunnel. However, what we sometimes do not see is God's light shining on us, in us, and through us.

Thank for God, for each new day and for every breath you give me.

Happy Birthday Del!

Oh dear brother Del - you didn't really think you would get away from me posting this adorable picture for your birthday blog, now did you?
You claim that Judy chased you around and put polish on your nails - and that mom didn't have time to get it off before it was your turn for pictures. I guess we will have to go with that story.

You were always real good at looking like the innocent one - POOR BABY JANICE - WHO knocked her over???! Oh sure - put Vaseline on your face to give it an angelic glow - I think it really worked!
Soon enough and thankfully, you did learn leadership skills - commanding neighbors and even canines
You grew into a fine young man - becoming a wise business man, politician, church leader, loving husband, great father, and now a doting grandfather!
They say what goes around comes around, and I pray that you will be blessed in the measure that you have blessed others, Del. You have given to so many people, tirelessly and consistently. God bless you! We Tolentino's love you!

Off To College

Jordan and I visited my parents last weekend to see their new dorm. I think it is just way too fancy for these two ~ even the doors open automatically for them! They will become too lazy I fear.
My dad likes to play with artwork he sees - it is a bad bad thing - I am certain he will be sent to the dean of education sooner or later. I am fearful that he may delve into graffiti! (gasp)

While they do have their own keys, my dad has already been giving out his room number to fellow students!
I NEVER had such a great media room when I went to college! They even have a WII!!!! NOT FAIR!

They especially appreciate their view of the Mediterranean from every window- just amazing!
While they do their daily workouts for P.E. class, they can also view the lovely sea! (I think I only saw a dull brick building next door when I was in college)
My mom even weaseled herself a personal spot to bring her very own bike (she may be too snooty to use someone elses equipment) - she is such a princess! Of course, she reserved the spot right near the window!
And yes, my dad thinks he is in control of all the windows, declaring when they open and when they shut!
The cafeteria is out of this world - complete with a MENU and a WAITRESS and they even BRING your food TO you! Spoiled rich kids I tell ya.....
My nephew Ryan and his triathlon girlfriend stopped by for a visit, and my dad invites us all to his cafeteria for lunch (you can bring guests if you pay extra)WELL he SCHMOOZES at the salad bar and gets FREE MEALS for us all!

It was delicious, lovely, and not at all like when I was in college.

Sending your loved ones off to college is a huge deal. You worry, you hope, you pray. You know you raised them the best you could and now it is their time to stretch their wings. I am confident that they will be just fine - and that they will make great friends, make wise choices, get plenty of exercise and rest, eat healthy,and most of all, have wonderful experiences to share with us.
Good luck on your new adventure! We love you!

I FORGOT THE UPDATE:
They dropped out of college......

I Like My Family

Have I said how much I like my family? I not only love them, but I like them as well...

We Have Not Known Thee As We Ought

Trinity Hymnal Page 491
Joseph Barnby 1872

We have not known thee as we ought, nor learned thy wisdom, grace, and power,
the things of earth have filled our thought, and trifles of the passing hour,
Lord, give us light thy truth to see, and make us wise in knowing thee.

We have not feared thee as we ought, nor bowed beneath thine awesome eye,
nor guarded deed and word and thought, remembering that God was nigh.
Lord, give us faith to know thee near, and grant the grace of holy fear.

We have not loved thee as we ought, nor cared that we are loved by thee;
they presence we have coldly sought, and feebly longed thy face to see.
Lord, give a pure and loving heart to feel and own the love thou art.

We have not served thee as we ought; alas! the duties left undone,
the work with little fervor wrought, the battles lost, or scarcely won!
Lord, give the zeal and give the might, for thee to toil, for thee to fight.

When shall we know thee as we ought, and fear and love and serve aright!
When shall we, out of trial brought, be perfect in the land of light!
Lord, may we day by day prepare to see thy face, and serve thee there.

Crabby?

Nothing compares to fresh dungeness crab. Ahhhhh.....after a long, hard day at work (yah right) hubby and I meet up with friends on our boat, roping them into bringing dinner (under the new "we provide the boat, you provide the dinner" agreement). What a lovely evening it was.

My favorite way to cook our catch:
Dungeness Crab:
1-2 dungeness crabs, killed and cleaned, 4T salt
1. Salt the water and bring it to a furious boil. Add crab and boil for 10 minutes.
2. Strain out the crab and immediately plunge into an ice or cold water bath to stop the cooking(this makes it much easier to get the meat). Serve immediately with melted garlic butter or Ginger and Black Vinegar Dipping Sauce
I guess there is something that compares to fresh dungeness crab after all - sunsets over a peaceful marina
The great Pacific Northwest - God is good

Take Me, O My Father, Take Me

I am always surprised when we sing a hymn I have not heard before. This morning was especially wonderful - a hymn written by Dmitri Bortniansky, 1818 (Ukraine) It has a simple tune which emphasized the words and struck a chord with me (no pun intended).

If you are familiar with Psalm singing, this tune is VESPER HYMM 8.7.8.7.D

Take me, O my Father, take me, save me, through thy Son.
That which thou wouldst have me, make me, let thy will in me be done.
Long from Thee my footsteps straying, thorny proved the way I trod.
Weary come I now, and praying take me to thy love, my God.

Fruitless years with grief recalling, humbly I confess my sin;
At thy feet, O Father, falling, to thy household take me in.
Freely now to thee I proffer this relenting heart of mine;
Freely life and soul I offer, gift unworthy love like thine.

Once the world's Redeemer, dying, bore our sins upon the tree;
On the sacrifice relying, now I look in hope to thee.
Father, take me; all forgiving, fold me to thy loving breast;
In thy love forever living I must be forever blest.

Family Vacation! Cruisin' Alaska

My mother in law bought a cruise for Joseph and I, so for Christmas, we added our children on to come with us! A highlight for them and Joseph was a glacier helicopter tour of 6 glaciers in Ketchikan
Of course, couldn't pass of any opportunity to get "real" family portraits done - although I NEED a good scanner :P

Never would have chosen a cruise, but to Alaska was the best destination
Jordan even entered the Princess Cruise Pop Star contest - and won

Goodbye bears, good times, food 24/7, and the aunties and uncles from Maui who were also on the cruise