LittleMazza

where were you?

2010-11-18T11:14:00.001-08:00

Commercials are pretty captivating these days, and sometimes really funny. Marketing is getting so sophisticated..... There are so many things that seem appealing...... How does one choose?

But if we take time to look around us, with naked eye and aided eye (microscope and telescope) we get the idea that God's creation is too expansive to comprehend.

^{Job 38}: ⁴ “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
⁵ Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
⁶ On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
⁷ while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?

^{Psalm 8:3} When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
⁴ what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
⁵ You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.

If commercials seem to be intruding too much on your "mind space"....let it meditate on the words God's revelation .

Thank you, God, for revealing Yourself in marvelous ways to those who seek you.

Pina Colada Slaw with Coconut Oil Mayo

2010-11-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

The days are coming where we will be bombarded with sugar-laden goodies. This is may help to balance your diet--but you may just love it as much as the other goodies.

I made jicama coleslaw with extra virgin coconut oil mayo and it was REALLY tasty! If you haven't discovered the "Miracle of Coconut Oil", then this recipe might be reason enough to switch to a much healthier oil.

Pina Colada Slaw
1 15 oz can crushed pineapple (drained well, save juice for something else)
1 small-med jicama peeled & shredded
1 small-med green cabbage shredded
1/3 - 1/2 c. coconut oil mayo (you choose the amount according to taste)

Coconut Oil Mayo
1 large raw organic egg
1 T. apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. paprika
1- 1 1/4 c. coconut oil

Blend 1st 4 ingredients in blender. On med speed, slowly add coconut oil in a very small and slow stream until all has been added. Your mayo should be thickened with a slightly more color than the commercial kind.

If you like the flavor of coconut, then use virgin coconut oil. If you want a neutral taste, then regular expelled coconut oil works well. Either way, the health benefits are the same.

Yes, you heard me right. The health benefits are exciting. Coconut oil got a bad rap for a long time.....Why? Coconuts don't grow in the US, and well, soybean farmers had to create a market....long story, but worth looking into.

May the food that God gives provide energy to the body, and the Spirit of God energize your soul.

littlemazza

2010-11-12T10:06:00.000-08:00

Would like to take some time to express my gratitude to the Pastor-Teachers in my life who have so faithfully studied and taught the Word of God.

News reports focus our attention on American citizens who are looking to politics to find solutions to the many ills that threaten the strength of our country. But those of us, who treasure a doctrinal knowledge of God, can be living, invisible heroes, and by their actions demonstrate that it is "In God We Trust". We will not allow a plethora of information and distractions to blur our focus on God's unfailing truth. It is by seeking God's unfailing truth that He reveals His unfailing love.

Please pray for current doctrinal pastor-teachers; that the Lord would sustain them, encourage them; and give them confidence.--that they may continue to teach God's word to us May the ministries of these men encourage other young men; who have the gift, to follow the good example that has been set.

May they learn what it is to be properly prepared, just as Paul said in 2 Timothy 1: ¹³ "What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."

The following is an exerpt for the Preface of Lewis S. Chafer's Systematic Theology.

No substitute will ever be found for the knowledge of the Word of God. That Word alone deals with things eternal and infinite, and it alone has power to convert the soul and to develop a God-honoring spiritual life. There is a limitless yet hidden spiritual content within the Bible which contributes much to its supernatural character. This spiritual content is never discerned by the natural (yuxikoj) or unregenerate man (1 Cor. 2:14), even though he has attained to the highest degree of learning or ecclesiastical authority. The natural capacities of the human mind do not function in the realm of spiritual things. The divine message is presented “not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:13), and the Spirit has been given to the regenerate that they might “know the things that are freely given to us of God.” When, on the ground of scholarship, unregenerate men have been permitted to dictate to the church what she shall believe, she has descended from her supernatural character to the level of a human institution, and it is safe to conclude that men are unregenerate who deny the only ground upon which a soul may be saved.

Acquiring the knowledge of the spiritual content of the Bible is a life task. The great preachers who have moved the hearts of men with divine power have been saturated with Bible truths secured through a first-hand, daily study of its text. General facts of human learning may be acquired by the usual means, but spiritual truths are apprehended only as taught to the individual heart by the Spirit.

Christmas Morning 2008

2008-12-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

It was such blessing to have lots of family with us this year at Christmastime. This picture was taken on our lanai on Christmas morning. Seated you see my mother, daughter, and 27-month-old grandson.

It was also very special to share with our daughter and son-in-law what they have been learning in their church in New York City. Thanks to the internet, we were able to listen to the lessons taught by their pastor on line.

Nathan really loves being at Grandma/Grandpa's house; I think he especially appreciates the ability to go outside and run around in the back yard. He loves helping Grandpa water the plants in the back yard, too. He likes going to the beach; not particularly for the water, but for building "sand" towers and knocking them down. He also likes riding in "Papa's Truck".

Merry Christmas to you all, Little Mazza

2008-05-29T23:23:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my neice, serving as a missionary assistant in Ethiopia. She's been able to publish several posts about her experiences there. So please, if you have time, check out what she has to share at staciainethiopia.blogspot.com.

2008-05-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

Can you guess how old? I had a great birthday last Sunday.
Thank you, Bob, Mazza, and Papa John.

Birthday lunch at Todai

2008-05-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

A fresh start

2008-01-26T12:36:00.000-08:00

I had a few of my co-workers ask me what my "New Year's Resolution" was. I had to frankly tell them that if I were to try to make a resolution, I would ultimately fail. Romans 7:15 It was a great opportunity to give a short testimony; giving credit to my Lord for giving me a new life in Him.

But yes, I love January and February; because it is a great time for getting things cleaned up and organized for the new year. 1 Corinthians 14:40 "Let all things be done decently and in order."

It feels great to take some time to weed out, purge, and reorganize. At this time when we start a new year, our thoughts should turn to what Scripture tells us about living in newness of life in Him. Through the Holy Spirit, we can master the details of life, and not allow details of life to rule over us. Romans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires, 6:13 and do not present your members to sin as instruments¹⁰ to be used for unrighteousness,¹¹ but present yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead and your members to God as instruments¹² to be used for righteousness. 6:14 For sin will have no mastery over you, because you are not under law but under grace.

The real dynamic of our lives is doing all that we do as unto the Lord, in the power of the Spirit, Galatians 5:25 Ephesians 5:18. What a difference it makes in our mental attitude to know that
we rely upon His Spirit to accomplish His will. No longer do we trust in our own strength. Living in the power of the Spirit produces divine good, that will not be considered as wood, hay, and stubble; but gold, silver and precious stone.

And it all starts at the point we use 1 John 1:9. What a wonderful provision, God is faithful to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Every day can be like a new year, with a fresh start.

Thank you Mom and Papa John for the file cabinets, shelf, and drawer. You are a blessing!

Love, Little Mazza

Going through testing?

2008-01-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

Good morning, isn't it wonderful to start a new day? May this new day be filled with praise to our Lord; but if you feel the stress, it is an opportunity to allow the Lord to turn cursing into blessing.

Look at all that God revealed to Job after his time of testing. Job 38-39

Learning about my creator and details of His creation has been a wonderful addition to my thinking, and thus my love response to HIM in recent years.

Little Mazza

There is no neutral ground

2008-01-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

Do you belong to the God of the Universe? Does he occupy your thinking, your being, your love?

Then you might become more aware of bold attempts to counterfeit God's plan.

Here's only one current example--
http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/007/smith-oprah.htm

Hasn't God already told us that Satan is highly intelligent, Ezekiel 28:12? We have been told what Satan said he would attempt to do. Isaiah 14:13

My prayer today: That we (Christians) would not be caught off guard; that we would rely on the POWER of the Word to guide and strengthen our minds. 1 Peter 5:8-9 and oh, yes, go ahead and read verse 10, too. May your soul be singing songs of victory that are the LORD's.

Little Mazza

All dressed up for the Spring Banquet

2007-05-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Just before sailing

2007-04-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

It has been more than 10 years since I've seen my husband's cousin. It was so good to get caught up on her family. We had a marvelous time relaxing and talking about living in the Philippines. So glad we could reconnect, cuya.

Mom becomes Mrs. John Smith

2007-03-29T22:21:00.001-07:00

Wow, what a great time we all had. It was so good to have all my brothers and sister, as well as Mom's older sister and brother-in-law, and my cousins come for the wedding. God has blessed our family bountifully.

K bay O-club lawn

2007-02-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

Guess you can tell we are enjoying a lovely day. The brunch was delicious. We had to sample the food, so Mom could make her choices for the wedding dinner.

My fruit smoothie recipe

2006-12-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

This is dedicated to my friend (LS) who was diagnosed with colon cancer and just recently underwent a colonoscopy. Her stable attitude and positive outlook are a wonderful testimony of her trust in the Lord's plan for her life. She called me and wanted to know what I put in my fresh fruit smoothie. It may seem quite extensive, but if you give your self time to learn and plan the prep, you will be pleased with the results. I'm sure you'll reap great health benefits if you try it.

This recipe make 2 16 oz smoothies. I place the fresh fruits in the Vita-mix first:
Fresh fruits:
1/2 peeled orange
1/4 apple
1/4 carrot (scrubbed, not peeled)
1/4 banana (can be fresh or frozen)
1/8 pineapple wedge cut in chunks
1/16th lemon wedge
2 T. flax seeds
1 oz. flax oil
3-4 oz. soy milk, kiefer, or yogurt

Frozen Fruit:
4 oz. frozen mango chunks
4 oz. Costco Triple berry mix
4 oz. frozen strawberries
2 oz. frozen black grapes

Start whirling on low to start to mix and get the frozen fruit moving. Once you see it's blending nicely turn the speed up higher gradually till you get to the highest speed. Once it's blending well, you can add the 2 T. protein powder in the center of the vortex. Enjoy.

For fun and an exciting tropical taste, add exotic fruits such as starfruit (seeds removed), aloe vera gel (cut of green skin), lilikoi (passion fruit), or sour sap (seeds removed).

The next 9 entries show 2006 in reverse.

2006-12-11T22:39:00.000-08:00

An updated picture of our son-in-law, daughter, and grandson on Thanksgiving Day.

You will notice that the next 9 postings appear in reverse order of their chronological occurrances.

Thanks for visiting, and thanks for keeping in touch.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

2006-12-11T22:37:00.000-08:00

Here we are on our 31st anniversary. Celebrating at the Halekulani with sister and brother-in-law.

They were celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary.

Here, in Honolulu, dinner at the new P.F. Chang's on Ala Moana.

Our trip to Virginia for my brother's 50th Birthday

2006-12-11T22:22:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Williamsburg, VA on Oct. 22 to celebrate my brother's 50th birthday. We had a great time just relaxing, eating, and enjoying each other's company.

We met at our hotel before going out to dinner.

J

Mom just had to take us to the Cracker Barrel for breakfast. It was great food and fun shopping there.

Our grandson

2006-12-11T22:16:00.000-08:00

Our grandson, 2 days old, bundled to go home.
I thought it would be very hard to wait til October, which was the due date for our first grandchild to be born. But he made our wait a bit shorter by coming 2 weeks earlier than expected. Our daughter and son-in-law, presented us with a healthy and fine grandson on Sept. 19, 2006.

What a proud daddy! While we were there visiting, he was reading to our grandson already in the mornings.

Here's the proud, new mama. She did such an awesome job. I can't believe she looked so good in this picture after giving birth just 2 days ago. It is a delight to see her enjoy motherhood.

June 2006

2006-12-11T21:55:00.000-08:00

Our 2 lovely nieces.

June 1st was our neice's 2nd birthday, and then on the 5th, our second niece was born. Bob was able to take a short trip to Washington to meet the newest member of the family.

Bob sure enjoys being an uncle.

Sparks Director

2006-12-11T21:49:00.000-08:00

This year started my 4th year as Sparks director at our church. It is a priviledge to share with these young people about our Savior, Jesus Christ, God's word, and growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savoir.

Here we are enjoying a special treat after a lot of hard work memorizing verses.

I really enjoy telling the stories and presenting the gospel truths to the kids. Sparky is there to help introduce the story and grab their attention.

An evening to celebrate, March 2006

2006-12-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

This was a very memorable evening. Our friends L & M (for almost 28 years) came to Hawaii to celebrate their wedding anniversary. (Or was it engagement anniversary?) Anyhow, that day, we got the news from our daughter and son-in-law that we were going to become grandparents. It was so excited to share the good news with friends..

Bautista family reunion Philippines, Feb. 2006

2006-12-11T21:31:00.000-08:00

We had a very short, but memorable trip to the Philippines in February, to celebrate Dad's 85th birthday. The great thing was, all 6 of his kids were able to be there. It was great to meet all lot, and I mean, a lot of the aunties, uncles, and cousins. The food was wonderful. We can't wait for the opportunity to go back.

This photo was taken in Dad's living room.

During the same week, we honored Mom on the anniversary of her passing. It was touching to meet her sisters and sisters-in-law who are still there.

Here is Bob with his mom's very best friend. We walked to this house, that Mom had bought for the family while Dad was away in the army. Bob got to see his childhood friend.

The beginning of a great year in 2006

2006-12-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

Greetings dear friends and loved ones. So glad you could stop by and view a few of our cherished photos, highlighting the events of our lives in year 2006.

I have worked the last two Christmases, so right after the new year, we took a very short escape to Maui. Here we are taking a nice walk on a side road, to stretch our legs. The road to Hana has over 600 curves, and that's just going one way. Bob was very kind to drive us both ways. A memorable trip with many lovely views along the way.

Here we are at the famous Hasegawa Store. It really makes you feel you are in "Old Hawaii" as you browse through the store.

Merry Christmas - our family photos taken just after Thanksgiving

2005-12-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Hawaii,

I know I have been away for some time, but as I was writing my Christmas cards for this year, I realized I could post some of our pictures from the past year for you all to see.

First I have to thank our daughter, Jen, for these beautiful photos. It was her gift to us that gave us this opportunity for the photo session with a professional photographer. As you can tell, we had a great time.

Hope to hear from you, we miss you and send our love, Little Mazza

Oh, and please leave your comment so we know you paid us a visit. You can even email me, so I can capture your email address. Aloha

Here we all are at one of our favorite beaches , Lanikai, on the NE side of O'ahu.

Son, Mike
Daughter-in-law, Kim
Daughter, Jen
Son-in-law, Jeff

Here we are again with Grandma Mazza, too

After the Storm

2005-09-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

It's really hard to comprehend the immense misery and destruction being experienced by those impacted by Hurricane Katrina. We know that we will all eventually suffer some adversity and hardship from the destruction that has occurred. In recent years, we have witnessed violent storms and destruction; and the scientists tell us there is the possibility of just as much or even more violent storms, volcanos, and earthquakes. Those who know the Lord, the God of the universe, may understand that these kind of events are a wake-up call, even a means of discipline, that we might turn to Him.

I just got my monthly letter from "Through the Bible Radio" The title page was "Showers of Mercy" and had a verse from Habakkuk. "O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid; O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known, in wrath remember mercy." In short, Habakkuk was at first thinking God wasn't doing enough to judge sin, now, he might think God is doing too much, and asks for mercy.

Micah remembers God's everlasting love and puts it in perspective when he says,
" He does not retain His anger forever,
Because He delights in unchanging love.
He will again have compassion on us;
He will tread our iniquities underfoot.
Yes, Thou wilt cast all their sins
Into the depths of the sea.
Thou wilt give truth to Jacob.
And unchanging love to Abraham,
Which Thou didst swear to our forefathers
From the days of old." Micah 7: 18b-20

Yes, we will all help the best way we know how, to help feed, clothe, and provide shelter for those in need. But I am also praying for those souls, who have been broken of spirit, that the miracle that only God can perform, will restore them to new life in Him, and bring joy to their whole being. May they experience the same victory expressed by David the Psalmist in Psalms 25-34.

Our God has made a new day.

Pure Refreshment

2005-08-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

I don't think anyone can get tired of that marvelous feeling when you first step into a nice, refreshing shower. It's a wonderful little blessing in life; and then, there is that lingering feeling of being clean, fresh, and sweet-smelling.

It's the same when we take time to get into God's word....the sense of refreshment is a rich blessing; knowing that when we come to the Lord, after evaluating ourselves and acknowledging our sin, His promise to always cleanse us and renew us to fellowship never fails. 1 John 1:9

What most people really want in this world is to have a true sense of connectedness; to God and to each other. We don't like to let too much time pass between those times we share with our loved ones. Even when we don't have a lot of time to spend with family or friends, just the opportunity to share a little time together can mean so much. The Word of God is ALIVE and POWERFUL (Hebrews 4:12), it's our way of keeping intimately connected to the Godhead. Our response to His love is reciprocated. To me, God's word is like a lovely fresh garden, with many fruits to nourish the soul. Not only that, but is as comforting as a warm soft blanket that Mom would get to wrap around us when we are cold. Yes, His Word reveals that our God has uncompromising justice and impeccible righteousness, but those infallible attributes work for our benefit, they serve as a solid fortress, that we can know is there for our protection. A study of Psalm 19:7-14 should leave us with a great sense of confidence and assurance in God's plan.

Friends will sometimes disappoint. Family cannot always be there when you think they are needed. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for giving to us so richly, Your Word, to sustain us on a daily basis. What passage of scripture has been a blessing to you?

Little Mazza

2005-08-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

The hard job of digging 6 holes, 46' deep was Jeff's job. Notice "Beau" watching.

Back Home

2005-08-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful time visiting our daughter, her husband, and other family on the mainland. Pictures to come. Glad to be home. Mangos await our attention, too.

For all of those who plan to travel by plane

2005-07-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

This one is dedicated to you, MGD. This is a parody of one of Frank Sinatra's songs. I know you would do the job if the need ever arose. Hope you get a good laugh. Happy traveling to all. Love, Little Mazza

The patio extention is complete.....

2005-07-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

Mark Bell, our nephew, has been a great help with our patio extension. In fact, with his help we were able to haul enough bricks and sand to begin paving the pathways around the back yard. Good job, Mark!

Now, we hope you will come and visit, and enjoy this wonderful extension with us. Love, Little Mazza

2005-07-21T00:44:00.000-07:00

This is back-breaking work...why is he smiling? It is fun to finally get to the final phase of the project.

2005-07-21T00:42:00.000-07:00

After digging dirt, shoveling gravel and sand, and hauling bricks, Mark tries his hand at laying the pavers.

2005-07-21T00:41:00.000-07:00

Ah, finally we get to rest after the patio extension is complete . But what are all those extra bricks stacked up for on the right. Yet another segment of the project is in progress. See the next photo.

2005-07-21T00:35:00.000-07:00

The gravel has been leveled; then comes leveling the sand before the pavers can be laid. Thank goodness for shade!

Expanded Psalm 23

2005-07-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Please forgive my long absence in writing. We've been entertaining guests and working on summer yard projects. Yet, we are rejoicing in the Lord everyday, even though some days may not SEEM to be as good as others. I would guess many in our nation have read PSALM 23. This is an eye opener; some probably never thought
nor looked Psalm in this way, even though they say it over and over again.

The Lord is my Shepherd
That's Relationship!

I shall not want
That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
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 annointest 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!

Good News - Basics available on MP3

2005-06-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

The Lord has been teaching me so much (through the power of the Spirit) as I listen to Bible class taught by Joe Griffin. The current series on marriage is excellent. It is found under the series called Clanging Chains starting around lesson 422. But I just noticed the website has announced that The Basic Series is now available on MP3. I'm so glad they have made it available, I'm sure there are many out there in cyberspace that are ready to get moving with this series. Thanks be to God, "who has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light". Col 1:9-12

Connectivity problems

2005-06-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you who read MGD's blog. I heard from his wife, and he's been having connectivitiy problems lately. They have turned off his internet and phone connections more often lately. Thanks for your support and for keeping him in your prayers. I miss hearing from him, but I know he has a mission to accomplish.

Little Mazza

2005-06-07T00:35:00.000-07:00

A good game of scrabble, little Mazza get's her word

2005-06-07T00:14:00.000-07:00

Dad and Auntie on Kauai.

2005-06-07T00:12:00.000-07:00

Auntie and Uncle in our back yard. Notice the papayas in the background. Uncle P, Uncle R, and JSB helped with the lighting under the pavillion on the right.

2005-06-07T00:06:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day 2005 Mazza, Little Mazza, and Auntie

What is the right dose?

2005-06-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to my Uncle Ray

As I get older I am finding that I need to supplement my diet with herbs, minerals, and vitamins to help maintain good physical condition. Sometimes I take the full dose, other times I do well enough with half. When I read the dosage recommendation on the bottle, I wonder for whom they were made.......a normal 27-yr-old male or a 51-yr-old female like myself. It leads me to wonder if I take the full recommended dose, will I do better? Am I wasting money on a dosage that is intended for a 200lb male? Or will I need to increase the dosage as I get older? I just have to continue to balance my intake based on personal results.

Dosage or amount of intake of spiritual food is another topic. I was blessed to learn that my Uncle Ray intensified his study of God's word when he retired as a school teacher. I could tell that he really loved it, he was doing well to feed more intensely on God's word. What about little ones? Do they need supplements? My daughter-in-law, a registered dietician would say no. Children and most adults can get all essential nutrients from eating a good healthy diet. Guess that's the way they must learn spritual truths as well. On a daily basis, just as normal as eating food, not a shot or a special pill.

I must admit, I am looking forward to the time when I will be retired and I can dedicate more time to study and meditation on God's word. But I must be realistic with myself. I know it's my nature to take it easy when the pressure lets up. So for now, I will be content with the time that He gives me. I know everyone struggles with demands upon time, Thank you Lord, for giving me many things that free me up to worship you.

Is 48:17 I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go

Little Mazza

Thanks for the comments

2005-05-31T21:31:00.001-07:00

It means so much to know you care enough to make a comment, especially when they are encouraging. Thank you. lm

So proud of you, son

2005-05-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

Saw the video clip of MSNBC (Matt and Buzz being interviewed). Congrats for getting recognized for the excellent posts on Ma Deuce Gunner. I'm so proud of what you have done, and pray for continued protection, strength, and wisdom in all that you do. Love, Mom

You can make comments

2005-05-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I didn't realize that some people were unable to make comments. I found where to change the settings, so hopefully that's fixed. Would love to hear from you.

I read my last entry, and realized I really didn't give enough emphesis to the value of Pastor Joe Griffin's teaching. Good stuff!! I listen more than once, sometimes 3 times to get it all. The lessons on marriage and family in the current "Special Series" of Clanging Chains (gdcmedia.org) are not just your typical establishment teaching. The issues at hand are well stated; young marrieds and parents could really benefit from his insights. Yes, he is teaching meaty doctrine, but it is necessary for those who wish to discern good and evil. Hebrews 5:14

Little Mazza

A year of hard training

2005-05-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed running in college, and even managed to run a little when my children were young, but later, I thought my running days were over. Since we moved back to Hawaii, I discovered my supplements were helping me so that I could run again. Wow, I like the feeling of freedom and accomplishment that running has added to my life. I spent a year trying to become a faster runner with the goal of running an 8-mile race at a 10-minute mile pace. My progress seemed very gradual. I would better my speed by only a few seconds every week. I didn't know I needed to stretch my muscles, and I got tighter and tighter. To add to that, I had a serious illness, viral meningitis, 2 weeks before the race. The Lord was gracious to me, and allowed me to heal and regain my strength in time to run the race, but I only cut off a few seconds from my time from last year.

Then my daughter came to visit (she is a physical trainer). I started to prepare for her visit about a month before she arrived. I would do interval training, weights, and stretching from fitness shows before getting ready for work. Once she arrived, she was able to help me with good stretching and weight training. Wow, what a difference. The first time I ran an hour, I cut 1 minute and 34 seconds off my time. Today, I cut off another minute and 30 seconds.

Having a good trainer really pays off. My spiritual trainer is Pastor Joe Griffin in St.Louis, MO. My husband and I attended the same church he pastors when we were stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO., before Joe became the pastor. It has been a tremendous blessing to get back on track with excellent Bible teaching. We can easily access the Bible classes by downloading the lessons as MP3 from their internet connection www.gdcmedia.org I am following his current lessons under "Special Studies". Sometimes I have to listen 2 or 3 times to get it all. Oh yes, the notes help, which he graciously supplies at REF or PDF. I Timothy 4:8 , 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Why do I do it?

2005-05-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

I like to run on my days off. Sometimes I think before my run, that I might just keep it a simple jog, so as not to tire myself too much. But once I get started , I push myself to run a good pace, better my time. I guess this is why some people have a problem getting started on an exercise program, they think they better conserve some energy for other details of life. But it's suprising to discover that it's truely wonderful to strengthen our bodies. I think it is as God has intended, it takes some discipline to follow through on a committment to exercise, but the benefits are many. Is it the same way with personal time in God's word? Before we get into His word, we expect to be bored and tired, yet it seems that once we get into HIS word, empowered by the Spirit, it becomes alive to us. Now, I worry that I will let time get away from me when I am in His word. Hebrews 4:12

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

With love, Little Mazza

I'm "BERRY" Happy, In other words: My Favorite Smoothie Recipes

2005-05-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

Just lately I wanted to make a slushie that was refreshing, tasty, and low on carbs, not to mention something nutritious. I was pleased with my latest creation for various reasons: 1) It's very filling, the ground-up seeds are easy to swallow and are good fiber. 2) The berries are naturally good for vision and loaded with antioxidants. Notice the factors of "16" make the recipe easy to remember.

Light Berry Zinger
8 oz crushed ice
4 oz. frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, marionberries)
1/16 lemon wedge
16 oz cool water
1/16 tsp. stevia powder ( or use as much to taste as you like)

If you have a VitaMix it works well to:
1. Crush the ice.
2. Add the frozen berries and lemon wedge. Cover.
3. Start whirling on low and start pouring in the cool water at the top. Slowly increase speed and blend to finely chop seeds and make it slushy. Add 2 small measures (approx 1/16 tsp) of Stevia powder. Serves 1 very large thirst or 2 14 oz. servings. Enjoy

Here are more of my basic smoothie recipies. They are just guidelines, and it's fun to experiment, but don't add too much banana (if you want to add banana).

Breakfast Smoothie (2 servings)

1 peeled navel orange
1/8 fresh pineapple wedge
1/4 apple wedge
1/8 lemon wedge (or 1 seeded calamansie)
2 T flax seed
1 T flax seed oil
6 oz. vanilla soy milk
4 oz. aloe vera juice
11 - 12 oz. frozen fruit (mango, strawberry,
pineapple, papaya) I use the frozen fruit from Costco

Start whirling slowly and gradually get to high speed
until all fruit is very smooth.  Add 1 scoop protein
powder if desired.


BERRY ZINGER  (2 servings)
1 peeled navel orange
1/8 fresh pineapple wedge
1/8 lemon wedge
6 oz. vanilla soy milk
4 oz. lilikoi (passion fruit)juice
4 oz. frozen blueberries or berry mix
4 oz. frozen strawberries
4 oz. frozen mango chunks
        OR if you don't have frozen mango
6 oz. frozen blueberries or berry mix
6 oz. frozen strawberries
Start whirling slowly and gradually get to high speed
until all fruit is very smooth.  Add 1 scoop protein
powder if desired.


Mango Smoothie (with Tapioca Pearls)

10 oz. frozen mango chunks
10 oz. lilikoi (passion fruit) juice
6 oz. vanilla soy milk
Whirl till  smooth, pour over prepared tapioca pearls.

2005-05-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

This is my little friend, Jak from church

Baby Steps

2005-05-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to see my youngest niece, Princess O, take her first steps yesterday. Although we live miles apart, an email with a short movie attached captured those precious moments to share with all her loved ones. So here I am taking my first baby steps as a blogger.

Since today is my birthday, I thought this would be a good day to publish my first post. Why? I think it will open up a new aspect to my life.......I have lots to share: favorite smoothie recipes, fitness and health tips, reflections of God's word that has given me encouragement, and so on. I've entertained the idea for a while, especially after reading the posts made by my son, MaDeuceGunner. We are so proud of the work he does, and to see him share what he thinks and does in Iraq adds such a dimension to our lives.

I mentioned it's my birthday. Thanks to those of you who remembered me with calls and card. It meant a lot to know you cares. It means even more to me to have a 2nd birthday. I trusted Christ as my Saviour on Sept 9, 1963; but my real start to growing as a believer came when I went to college. It was then I learned how to grow in my relationship with Christ and to appreciate HIS word. Everytime I open the Scriptures, I think to myself, "What a vast expanse of wealth of knowledge and wisdom we have. Why do I let time get away from me, before I go back to God's precious word? I've been meditating on Proverbs 3, and would like to share Proverbs 3:1-2 "My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments. For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." So I believe what God says is always true, for he has added days to my life and peace. I thank Him for keeping his promises; for giving me a healthy life and contented peace.

Aloha, Yours in Him, Little Mazza