GODventureZ -- Life! through Pictures

BEVERLY's Campgrounds -- Without BILL

2012-01-26T18:07:00.000-08:00

Tila, putting the finishing touches on Bill's "resting place" -- seemingly instrospective, maybe thinking of the days ahead without Bill at her side...

Tila and Bill -- enjoying the simple life offered at Beverly's Campgrounds -- breakfast (gunu ti) of tea and bread, but with a scenic million-dollar view...

Bill, with a few of his many friends, together with his wife for 50 years -- precious Tila -- about to share kava and much talanoa!

Tila, now in charge of Beverly's... May our almighty GOD continue to strengthen her in all ways as she readies the campgrounds for 2012 ...

Bill's usual breakfast fare -- ripe papaya and lady finger bananas from his farm...always ready to share with his guests and friends.

Beautiful and fragrant flowers -- but adding to Bill's daily chore of raking the grounds clean of much fallen leaves...

Beverly's Campgrounds goes on -- with Bill's legacy of generous hospitality and much kindness to all folks in all walks of life, especially kids..

An rLn mural -- adding color and interest to Beverly's dorm wall...

Exotic orchids, growing on a vutu tree -- adding a delightful touch to Beverly's already eye-pleasing scenics...

An old hammock -- sprayed with vutu blooms -- inviting the backpacker (or local) to cegu mada...literally dipping the backside in high tide!

Beverly's Campgrounds very own -- our precious Tila -- continuing the family tradition that Bill started...a kind smile of welcome and down-to-earth hospitality.

Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD! (Psalm 27:14)

GRADUATION Day at NASELESELE Primary

2011-12-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

Graduation Day at Naselesele Village Primary School, December 1, 2011 -- Jotama and Jerome, with their caps and gowns, wearing happy smiles...glad that Kindergarten is finally over!

Rosalia Ranuve doing her thing as Master of Ceremonies...

Head teacher, Ben Underwood Rupeni, welcoming guests, parents and students...

Some of the "graduates" anxiously awaiting certificates...

Graduation ceremonies about to start -- students being patient through it all...

Guests of honor -- (2nd from left) Fiji's Commissioner of Police (Naselesele's very own) Iowane Naivalurua, turaga ni vanua Tu Mika, and All Nation pastor from Wiwi Village...

Big turn out for this memorable event...

The pastor offering up a fervent prayer for GOD's blessings...

A yaqona offering...

Commissioner Naivalurua with his freshly made salusalu...

Commissioner Naivalurua with a thoughtful moment...

Kindies performing the First Advent...

Seleima with her award...a most improved student indeed!

And what's a village gathering without a meke?

This young gal adding her precious presence...going on to Class One!

Mareta of Tovu Tovu, receiving Eric's graduation papers and prize...hmmm -- when asked, she admitted to his playing hooky from this important event...gone fishing!

Duravu, smiling charmingly after being given her certificate...on to Class One!

Our very own little Jotama...such a "grown up" in this little body!

Nana Kata and Filo...mother and daughter team -- par excellence!

Karen dancing up a storm...vibrant with her bright smile.

Joanna and Elena -- very madua with their meke...

Nana Ana and her daughter Makarita -- posing pretty with this policeman...

Our very own Miriama...receiving the gold certificate for a job well done!

Jima...just a little worn out!

Our very own Leone -- happy with his silver award certificate...

Little, little Lidia -- a precious gift of GOD in this little package!

Her mom and aunty were very proud of her!

Rosi -- our next-door neighbor -- receiving her Outstanding Student of the Year monetary award from the Naselesele KidZ Fund.

Graduation ceremonies ended with a rousing permance by the Fiji Police Band. It was a lively and entertaining way to commemorate this wonderful event!

Por MAURICIO y VICKY -- Gracias Por COMPARTIR

2011-10-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

This Mexican GODventureZ started from the Iris Trolley/Bus Station -- a brisk 40-minute walk from the house...WHEW says it all!

After Vicky and i crossed the border (by foot) -- we were picked up by her son Eliazar. At the corner was this typical canteen with hot tortillas para desayuno (breakfast).

And this perky little one -- Evelyn, Eliazar's daughter -- was my lively company in the back seat.

After getting tamales and caldo de res, we arrived at Vicky's house -- decorated with these flowers, pretty in pink...

Wall decor that caught my eye -- so Taveuni! After meeting the family (finally meeting my facebook friend, Mauricio), feasting on the delicious tamales and beef soup -- we set out for Parque Morelos. i asked Vicky, Are we walking there? DUH... it was some drive just getting there. (i was glad that i wasn't driving. It was quite unnerving how the locals maneuvered in and out and around without hitting each other!)

Asucena, taking a little nap before the fun ahead...

How gracious was GOD's providence -- the tires were a little flat...and we found this llantaria immediately -- just across the street where the car stopped.

Precious are all children, for they are gifts from GOD.

Papa Eliazar with his most precious cargo...

Cuando usted se siente abrumado, solamente grita al DIOS, nuestro Padre. When you feel overwhelmed, just cry out to GOD, our Father. Eche sus cuidado sobre El Señor y él le sostendrá; él nunca dejará a la caída honrada. Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22)

Mmm...junk food!

Parque Morelos has a small zoo within its grounds, and this is one of the residents...

And what's a zoo without lively monkeys?

These two weren't in the mood for portraits...

Fresh coconuts! But not as fresh as the ones from Naselesele...

Wild ride for the kidZ at heart...

For the artist, a chance to tap into his (or her) artistic talent...

Painting ceramic puercos...

Evelyn and Asucena...donde estan los patos?

Aqui! Here's a whole gaggle of them!

Evelyn's ultra fashionable sapatos...

Well -- here's my self-portrait...

Mi amigo nuevo -- Mauricio...que Dios le bendiga vigorosamente y sobrenaturalmente!

i have a thing about clothes lines... pretty soon i'll have a collection of photos for a separate blog entry!

WHEW...quite a trek up this treacherous little hill! This woman (a tamale vendor) gets a good workout for her quadriceps just going up and down and up and down (and up and down again) this dusty trail to her house.

Vicky's sister's precious ones...pequeñas muy preciosas!

Mother and oldest son -- Jose. It touched my heart to see them tenderly embrace each other. Their love and respect for one another was clear to see...

Honre a su padre y su madre, como El Señor su dios le ha mandado, de modo que usted pueda vivir mucho tiempo y que esto puede ir bien con usted en la tierra El Señor su dios le da.

Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your GOD has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your GOD is giving you. (Deuteronomy 5:16)

It was a full day indeedy! Vicky and i walked across again, went through immigration -- the line wasn't too monstrously long...not even a full hour total from beginning to end. The moon was gorgeous, shining brightly above McDonald's, American side -- in San Ysidro.

To finish our GODventureZ, Vicky and i took the world-famous San Diego Trolley to our final destinations. i also rode the #929 bus to the nearest stop -- just a long block from the house...just another 10-minute brisk walk in the cool of the night...just in time for a good night's sleep!

Nuestro Padre, gracias por este GODventureZ, por tocar mi corazón para Vicky y Mauricio. Por favor bendiga esta familia con el trabajo sobrenatural de Su Spirito Santo. AMEN.

TAVEUNI To SAN DIEGO -- 26+ Hours!

2011-08-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning (August 25), up at dawn for our early morning walk -- after masu (prayers) -- to watch GOD-splashed colors against Matei's tropical skies...

After watching GOD's artistry, we went back to Naselesele for a quick visit to our bush farm -- and for Vili to get me fresh bu juice right off the tree!

There's a saying in Taveuni: Plant a file in the ground -- it will grow! These string beans and cucumbers are tasty proof that Taveuni is indeed the Garden Isle of Fiji!

Vili also climbed our backyard mango tree so that i can bring some sliced mango back with me to snack on at the airport...

From our bush farm -- cucumbers... fresh and cruncy!

Nau Tuvi and Ana... with Vili preparing these tangy mangoes. (These fruits are green on the outside, but are actually ready to eat.) We have to pick them half-ripe before the bats feast on them all!

A last look at my "home away from home" -- with Ana's just-washed laundry already on the line.

Kuro, Sai and Mai waving a "moce mada!" as they paused from building the new Naselesele Village Catholic church building. (There were actually about a dozen men from the village working on the church this morning and many other men and women are also involved to cook lunch and afternoon tea for the workers -- truly, a community effort from-the-heart!)

Bird's eye view of Matei and Viubani island... as i watched after Pacific Sun's take-off.

What a nice surprise! Serenia and Ana (the two ladies from the right, my friends from Naselesele Village who were visiting Viti Levu) were people-watching in the Nadi Airport lobby. What a blessing that i got to while away some time with them (i had nine hours until the 10pm Air Pacific departure).

After the 10 1/2 hours aboard FJ810 from Nadi to Los Angeles, 1 1/2 hours at the passport-control/arrival area (we were herded like cattle), 45 minutes by Fly Away bus to the Union Station train depot...

...i entered the "wrong" side (this was for the MetroLink -- serving the Los Angeles area).

But there were signs everywhere... sega na leqa! i caught the 4pm Amtrak Surf Liner -- and watched with tired eyes as the concrete scenics of L.A. slid past the train's windows. i was emotionally and spiritually refreshed when the blue waters of the Pacific finally came into view...

This very courteous train attendant kept her balance as the train swayed and rocked to its own beat... like a giant iron snake winding its way southward.

Last stop! At last -- the three-hour ride to downtown San Diego a done deal! It was the last stop for some, but i still had one more to go.

Inside the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego... then i caught the San Diego Trolley for another 30-minute ride southward.

i was quite famished, so i couldn't help but notice that this young woman ate non-stop all the way from downtown San Diego to the Palm Avenue trolley stop. The Wednesday Ladies' Bible Study at Ocean View Church have seen me eat four or five servings plus dessert at the all-you-can-eat salad and soup restaurant (Soup Plantation) -- and they would always ask me, "Where do you put all that food!?!"

Finally home! After Mom picked me up from the trolley station, it was already 8 pm -- still Thursday. She had chicken adobo and fried tilapia and bangus paksiw and ginisang upo... with rice! Aren't mothers great?

GOD is too wonderFUL! Every good thing is from Him -- even these mangoes. Even in the little details, GOD is in control.

...who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:5, RSV)

Ratu Talemo Ratakele's 70th Birthday CELEBRATION

2011-07-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

Nothing was left undone... every detail was seen to... all attention was focused to make this 70th birthday celebration memorable.

The man honored was Naselesele's very own chief -- Ratu Talemo Ratakele -- still making waves in Taveuni, Fiji, with his steadfast, caring presence... a true servant of the people.

Colorful balloons mix with traditional masi...

Synthetic flowers with natural coconut fronds decorate the posts...

Kata and Juki posing before their artfully decorated post...

The women elders spreading the many logas (mats) -- gifts to honor Ratu Talemo...

Women from both sides of the family (from Naselesele, Wiwi, Qelene, Vuna, etc...) laboring joyfully to create tasty dishes for all...

The men-folk doing their part -- husking and grating coconuts for vakalolo... waiting for the lovo to cook the toa and dalo...

Luisa, Wani and Marlene doing their share... all the while, catching up with chit-chat (talanoa)...

Almost done with the decor!

The elders relaxing -- all the logas already spread out -- watching the goings on...

The lovo uncovered, the tasty aroma of slow-baked taro/dalo and toa (chicken) permeating the tropical heat...

Giant pots, filled with bulumakau (just-butchered cow) and vuaka (pork)... cooked to perfection(?) by the many chefs...

Feast for all -- the invited kavalagi guests... as well as all the village folks, from near and far... the only requirement: to bring their empty stomachs so as to fill to the max!

Sepo (formerly of The Maravu Band Boys) serenading Ratu Talemo, Matawalu and all present, with sweet Fijian melodies...

Woven mats -- the more in number and quality, the more the honor given to the recipient...

Guest-of-honor table... a sumptuous lay-out indeed! But everyone eats the same feast... the VIPs to the smallest child share the same abundant meal...

Ronna of Coconut Grove, attentive to the chiefly program... Everyone was all ears to hear about Ratu Talemo's contributions and accomplishments -- not only as chiefly leader of Naselesele, but of his governmental leadership as member, then president, of the Fijian Senate. Ratu was also part of the interim government in 2000. Talemo Ratakele governed with integrity -- refusing to be a "yes man" -- holding fast to his caring dedication to serve his people.

Everything said... everything served... the blessing prayed... KANA at last!

Finally! Everyone filling their stomachs to full capacity!

Delicious creation by Ann, complete with Ratu Talemo's favorite...

When i interviewed Ratu Talemo and asked about his loving wife Matawalu, his most gracious reply was that "behind every successful man is a great woman." He said that he was blessed indeed to have married Matawalu, who was the support and backbone of the family as he attended to the various offices during his productive career.

May GOD continue to bless Ratu Talemo Ratakele with continued success in all his endeavors, continued passion in serving his people, and continued strength and integrity as he focuses his direction towards his new life goals, as a man blessed by GOD.

BEST Model CITIZEN Awards at NASELESELE

2011-07-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

For the mid-term "BEST" award, these model citizens were given "fun" prizes for being well-behaved students -- assisting their teachers and fellow students, being on time for school, having best attendance, with teachable attitudes and behaviors, not fighting or speaking rudely -- putting to practice the lessons taught at NASELESELE Village Primary School: to help and cooperate with one another.

Head-teacher Master Ben, giving a world atlas to best citizen Seleima Tinai, a Class-8 student.

Class-7 model citizen, Luisa Adi Mitchell, also awarded a world atlas for leading her class as best-behaved student.

Master Sairusi giving Alice Fisher flip flops (vava) as her reward for being the model citizen for Class-6.

Caroline Valentine is also awarded vava for being tops in model behavior in Class-5.

Here is best citizen of Class-4, Anne Celua, being awarded a new backpack by Madam Lo.

For Class-3, Patrick Rasomo, received a badminton set for being the model citizen.

Class-2 Elia Gasaiwai also received a new backpack from Madam Maria for being tops in model behavior.

Antonio Madden of Class-1 was awarded a chalkboard with a boxful of different colored chalks. Madam Serenia smiled proudly as she gave him his well-deserved prize.

i was very glad that this extra prize was awarded to Kelsey Mokoi, also in Class-1, for being such a model citizen!

For the Kindergarten class, Sakaraia Vukinamualevu, was awarded an action-hero backpack by Madam Mila for being best model citizen.

Congratulations to all the students who modeled best-citizen behavior. GOD bless you all for setting a wonderFUL example for your classmates to follow.

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

NASELESELE Village BEACH CLEAN-UP

2011-07-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

My little helpers for the third Saturday in a row NASELESELE Village Clean-Up...

This time, another section of the beach just across the main road from the Naselesele Village bus stop...

And the kidZ were happy to show off the gloves given by Minister of Health (Health Inspector) Mr. Penioni Matadigo. We cleaned the shoreline, including around the trees and bushy areas near the beach...

After the clean up, we had another six bags (tagas) of broken bottles, rusty food tins, pieces of clothes, batteries, plastic stuff, roofing iron, footwear, miscellaneous junk (unsightly and sharp -- dangerous for all who walk the beach). Thanks to Mareta F, Makarita, Mareta T, Kani, Luisa, Dominique, Wani, Maria, Fane, Maresiale, Lui, Jeri, Kiri, Leone, Miriama, Kele, Jo, Sele and Sete.

And their promised reward of Tomi-tomi levu...Loli levu! -- an improvised pinata. i put together a not-so-traditional Mexican pinata -- a worn-out pillowcase, filled with two bags of candies from Bhula Bhai's shop.

Blind-folded, each kid was turned around seven times (to disorient them) and given a stick to hit the pinata just overhead. After all the KidZ got a few whacks at the pinata, with Ana literally pulling the strings, Makarita finally busted the package, spilling the candies for the bunch of screaming kidZ.

GOD bless this endeavor. GOD bless the children of Naselesele Village! GOD bless all children, for all children are a heritage from the LORD. (Psalm 127:3)

Drug Awareness Week -- MAKING A DIFFERENCE

2011-06-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

Drug Awareness Week (June 20 - 24) started off with the children doing their special touch-ups, beautifying the school grounds.

A school assembly Monday morning in the soon-to-be-scorching sun began the week's activities...

Madam Maria and Master Sairusi displayed the "Positive Discipline" banner, while a few of the children read the words.

Bhula Bhai and Sons Supermarket, with Arjun's support, allowed the "Drugs 'N' Slugs" banner to be posted at their storefront...

Akosita (from Navakacoa) helped me photograph this banner (also posted at Bhula Bhai's) as she kept the flapping material still for a moment...

This plywood poster (Waste of LIFE) was supposed to be prominently posted at roadside, but the powers-that-be (politicks?) decided to keep it closer to home. Much energy and effort was WASTED, for not very many people saw this anti-drug/drink message. But if even one child was influenced for his/her good from this campaign, then it was well worth it!

Policeman Rusiate Ryland gave a lengthy and powerful message to the gathered children. His talk fit the theme of anti-drugs and save-the-children.

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from Him. (Psalm 127:3)

Naselesele Village Primary School -- model school for all of Fiji... best-looking school! But i pray that this school will yet be the best-thinking school.

FISH Stories -- JUST Caught!

2011-06-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

Our shower is a "jack-of-all-trades" bathroom -- it houses our just-caught fish, too!

Goldie "guarding" our just-caught fish from marauding dogs...

Miri with her trophy fish... just caught!

Jo and Kani "catching" just-caught fish...

Pelasio, Leone and Miri at low tide... chasing after the soon to be "just-caught" fish...

Kani, proud to show off his prize -- a just-caught fish!

GOD's bountiful provision... much fresh fish -- just caught last night...

Ana gutting just-caught fish... Goldie standing guard over this bounty.

A just-caught fish eye-ing fellow just-caught fish!

Leone, with a BIG just-caught fish -- mmm fried!

JESUS fed a multitude of 5,000 (plus women and children) with 2 small fish. (John 6:9-10) He provides for our needs when we first seek the Kingdom of GOD.

NASELESELE Village FUNERAL

2011-05-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our GOD stands forever. (Isaiah 40:7-8)

Ratu Isoa's mom (Difilo), Maria and Isoa's niece (Bethany)... making decorative garlands for his grave.

Sili and Sera... in charge of the gunu ti sandwiches.

The toni-toni ladies (elder women waiting for Ratu Isoa's body from the hospital mortuary)...

Vika, Ana, Ana (#2), and one of the Naselesele Village Primary School teachers...

Biu lending a helping hand with the massive cooking...

The three musketeers -- Kani, ? and Jo -- grating (or trying!) coconut for vakalolo waci.

The vuaka slaughtered, being readied for adobo...

The toni-toni women having their gunu ti break...

Ana and Yaita -- squeezing the milk from the just grated niu...

Wati, Biu and Serenia with the chicken, preparing it for curry...

Una, peeling a gazillion moli for kokoda (raw fish... ceviche)...

After guni ti, the women relax... waiting for Ratu Isoa...

The prayer altar... CHRIST JESUS worshiped as the Son of GOD.

Funeral service...

Mass finished...

On the way to the village cemetery...

Una and Luisa, with their flowers to decorate Ratu Isoa's grave...

Six feet down... ready to go...

Feremo covering the grave with traditional gatu...

Final touches, almost done...

Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. (Psalm 39:5)

Decorative sulu...

Family members...

Final resting place... ?

There is no in-between waiting place... those In CHRIST are immediately brought to His bosom after crossing over to the other side... the other side that is Heaven. And this hope of going to the other side that is Heaven is the most important matter of life and death. (For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life in CHRIST JESUS our LORD. Romans 6:23)

Naselesele Village cemetery... very green... veryclose.

TJ, from New York (posing with Bua and Ana), just visiting on the day of the funeral... experiencing the real Fiji.

Time to feast! Lovo dalo, vakalolo fish and waci, chili beef, adobo pork, curry chicken, chop suey beef... Celebrating Ratu Isoa's passing with much food and good company...

VILLAGE Life -- Where LIFE! Happens...

2011-05-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

Nau Tuvi and Ana enjoying the new lino floor...

Pink papayas... my favorite po-po!

Leone with momo Vili's string beans harvest...

Lewa... "pet" vuaka, pregnant -- hoping for a whole dozen!

Salusalu -- made by Magdalena, from Wiwi...

Seru and little Jo -- learning to pick po-po like a maqe...

Momo Vili with Elena, Mersiana, Feresiko, Petero... all in the family!

BBQ'd fish from Vili's spearfishing jaunt at Wailegalala...

Biau sewing with this antique that just keeps on going!

Miri, Leone, Kani, Jo -- with just caught puffer fish...

VIUBANI -- Easter Holiday Picnic

2011-04-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

Ana (with Miri in tow) pulling to safe harbor our just-paid-for, second-hand boat, complete with a slight leak! Its moniker merlinAna -- GODventureZ, unlimited will soon be painted on its side...

Tata Seru, doing the "driving" -- Ana and Miri, just sitting pretty in the shade... Naselesele in the background.

Miri with a just-caught land crab... to be used as bait for line fishing.

Little Jo playing around, testing the new "toy."

Juda, Leone, Miri, Kani and Jo... doing see-saw on this horizontal coconut tree...

Vutu blossom...

Leone and Miri exploring the playground...

Juda and Leone doing the Tarzan/monkey thing...

Vutu fruit... i don't know what they're used for, but GOD shows His generous nature with this show of abundance.

Vutu fruit -- even Atonio Valuvei at Tovu-Tovu doesn't know what they're good for...

Ana with the hungry kids, with our lunch...

Leone with his gift (buli) for nei merlin...

Miri's bowl of edibles, with Leone's buli... all wanting out -- back to the sea!

Seru, the expert fire-starter, getting the fire ready...

Seru's ingenious cooking style...

Kana at last! We had enough for all... eaten with boiled cassava from the house.

Qamea... beckoning the traveler for a leisurely visit.

Late afternoon... dramatic skies speak volumes of praise to my heart.

GOD's colorful handiwork... never a dull masterpiece -- always awesome and breathtaking.

Nana Ana (Make's mom) in her kayak, line-fishing in GOD's waters...

GOD's perfect ending to a wonderFUL GODventureZome day!

LAVENA Rugby and Netball TOURNAMENT

2011-04-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

Naselesele Village -- already up and ready at sunrise for the big day (Saturday, April 16) -- the Lavena Games, for which the students from Naselesele, Lavena, Bouma and Qelene villages have been training hard at their skills in rugby and netball.

This busload had a great time singing gospel songs (loudly and cheerfully), making the hour-ride to Lavena very enjoyable indeed!

i took this sunrise photo-op to illustrate how the Light divides -- one either chooses to walk the path of shadows or the Way of the Light...

Scenic views from my window seat were in abundance... plastering a contented grin on my face, from ear to ear -- my heart singing praises to GOD for His creation...

A goatkeeper from Dala, with her "pets" in tow...

A beautiful place for the bus to break down! GOD's blessings throughout all mishaps are evident here...

Lavena at last -- with the whole busload of us safe and sound, with GOD's blessings and a little Fijian ingenuity (a young boy mechanic held a string tied to the accelerator all the way to our destination)...

All the kids VERY excited...

Akosita and Kata, giving the Naselesele kids their gunu ti (breakfast of bread with butter and jam and tea)...

Filo, with her team mates... ready for netball!

Seleima, Rosi, Pa -- major players for the Naselesele Blues girls' netball team... with their bibs a la rLn! (i painted each bib for one bu -- young green coconut.)

Miriama and Talei...

The 'selesele Blues -- on parade...

Opening ceremonies... in the already hot sun...

The Distric Officer in his "cool" outfit -- a la shades... being honored with a salusalu.

Filo -- head mistress at Bouma Village Primary School... with her colorful salusalu.

i was SO glad to document this -- the schools in Fiji are still permitted to show their CHRISTian roots... on their buildings, in the songs taught in the classrooms, in their prayers before meals... even after their games.

The Naselesele Village cheering team... very enthusiastic and VERY loud!

Net ball... Naselesele against Bouma.

Rugby... Class 3 or 4... Naselesele against Bouma.

Fighting over the ball...

Praying after a game well-played...

i took a little break from the all-day tournament -- katakata na siga saraga! To get away from the heat, i strolled over to the beach with little Jo...

Little Jo!

Postcard picture perfect... Lavena Beach.

World famous Lavena Walk... a hike worth sweating for!

We caught Dip taking his siesta/snooze/cegu...

Exploring the rocks for crabs?

Ana Maria -- enjoying our girl talk...

Gorgeous in GOD's sight...

Onisimo... made many goals -- makin' his mama Elenoa very proud indeedy!

Netball winners from Qeleni -- B team... very happy!

Mistress Filo giving a "best" award to Lavena Netball -- class A team...

Awards presentation -- closing ceremonies... all tired, but happy participants...

Scenic playground (the rugby field set in the usual location -- in the middle of the village) -- beautiFUL skies... Team sports -- island style!

We began this GODventureZ at sunrise and ended with the bus ride back to our perspective villages at sunset. The children sang loudly and boisterously, though tired. The bus did not break down this time -- though i still held my breath as the bus struggled up the incline, then coasted down with more speed on its way down.

Thank You, LORD, for this wonderFUL GODventureZ!

FIRST Week in TAVEUNI -- Already!

2011-04-16T20:18:00.001-07:00

rLn's art, on nau Tuvi's cupboard... JISU sa rauti au -- JESUS is enough for me.

Beni... "my" boy! -- ready for school, stopping by to say yadra (good morning) to his nei merlin...

Very typical gunu ti (breakfast) at nau Tuvi's house...

Nau Tuvi with grandkids Jotama, Kani and Leone...

My "new" backyard... We've got some plans to make this our cegu (rest) area, when the scorching sun is too much to bear indoors.

Leone, ready for school -- Class 2...

Viubani -- all green once more, after cyclone Tomas...

Naselesele Primary School...

Net-ball practice, getting ready for the Lavena four-village tournament...

Someone's "pet" snake... comfortable on its uvi "home"...

Maria, doing business in Naqara...

Ana with my ice-cream cone, with Buna Akeneta (a Facebook friend) and little Keiti...

Melania helping with the morning laundry...

Jotama... "my" boy! with his new backpack...

Nana Ana putting coconut oil on Jo, getting ready for school...

Ligani, Teci, Talei, Filo, Pule -- just posing for nei merlin...

Sepo and Tevita -- cooking cassava by firewood...

Nau Ana with her luvena, Make... a pretty couple indeed!

Ratu Jone's rooftop and Naselesele Village waters...

Mango tree framed by my window sill...

(April 16) Well, i've been here a week already! Every day has been busy, filled with activities of settling in to village life. Already i've painted (a do-over) a cupboard for dishes and for food storage... for fried fish we don't want the house cat Goldie to nab.

The Naselesele Village school kids are playing a tournament of games (rugby, netball) with three other villages (Lavena, Bouma, Qeleni). i painted the letters worn for the girls' netball team... for two bu (young coconut) per pair of bibs showing their playing positions. That was quite a job... with the humid heat and flies and mosquitoes and very curious kids surrounding me, cutting off any flow of fresh air. WheW!!! i earned my drink!

i'm the official photographer for the Naselesele teams tomorrow...Saturday. i'll post the pictures in the GODventureZ blog after this post... GOD willing.

This time around, i'm fitting in much better with the family. My Fijian (the little i know) is back and improving day by day, with the help of our reading our English and Fijian Bibles in the mornings and evenings before meals. i've designated myself the floor cleaner/sweeper; and with four kids running in and out, with bare feet, i'm usually saying to them: gusing gusi! (Wipe your feet!)

i've also talked to the Ratu Mika's wife, and now i'm allowed to wear a hat or open my umbrella within the village (which is taboo for the villagers), being a "half-cooked" Fijian... a kavalagi (non-Fijian blood). So i'm very much at ease in the village...

i'm posting this from Tovu Tovu Resort -- the only place so far in Matei where i can connect with y'all! Please feel free to follow/subscribe to this blog if you're interested in seeing more of the real Fiji -- vaka Viti... bula sa dina!

GODventureZ in TAVEUNI -- Day ONE

2011-04-08T01:49:00.000-07:00

Thursday -- DAY ONE -- April 7, 2011 -- after leaving San Diego, Tuesday (7:20 pm of the 5th)... finally arriving in Taveuni, Thursday morning at 8 am! i've taken many videos and pictures since then, but because of internet connections being troublesome and vERRRyyy! slow, i'm only posting pictures for now. Hopefully, i'll be able to download the videos soon on Youtube so that all may see the REAL Fiji!

Here's nau (grandma) Tuvi's kitchen area, with her voivoi (leaves, dried, then cut and woven into large floor mats)... and rLn art in the background. Naselesele Primary School kindergarten class... doing their masu (prayers) before eating their brunch snack.Here's Leone, with his State-side soccer shoes from nei (aunty) merlin...Friday -- DAY TWO -- Nei merlin with Kani and funny-man Jo!Naselesele's au naturele laundry -- sunshine and fresh air free!Saturday night -- DAY 3 -- Captain Cook (cruise ship) meke -- Naselesele and Wiwi villages putting on a traditional Fijian dance program for the tourists... A couple of the talented performers... Ana and Kalera... Kata and ... Sunday -- DAY 4 -- Jo and Kani, in their sulus... ready for lotu (church). The little girl in one of Rose's ShoppE's (Ocean View Church) fashions... Little Maria...another in-fashion fashionable toddler, modeling one of Rose's ShoppE's very own... Seleima with her sister Maria...Ana, my sister-in-law... chef, fisherwoman, home-engineer, godly mother and wife, with four children in tow -- DEFINITELY the Proverbs 31 woman!Nau Tuvi -- posing for her i.d. picture... Nau Tuvi receiving her communion wafer from Akosita (in-house, as nau Tuvi is house-bound). Surprise feast -- Vili went diving last night near Walegalala and caught two lobster for me (moi!) and some awesome fish (which we shared with Kuku Vili). Ana, our resident chef, cooked (with husband Seru assisting) fried fish into curry vakalolo (with coconut milk); lobster with fresh squeezed coconut milk with chili, onions and tomatoes; fried with with onions, dolloped with ketchup, the family's favorite sause; and our neighbor Salote gave us waci vakalolo (dalo leavews with tuna cooked in coconut milk). Needless to say, i was very sinai (full!) after i've eaten my lobster and a little of everything else!

Fly swatters Leone and Jo... Yummm! Kana (eat) at last!

Mi La ULTIMA DIA En "LA MAQUILADORA"

2011-03-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

Muchas gracias, companeros y companeras, por su amistad bueno! El tiempo que yo trabaje` contigo en nuestra compania es una experiencia especial que yo no olvido.

Gracias, "Yaya" -- por los tamales son deliciosos! Maia, mi hija bonita, con una sonrisa grande. Y Eric disfrute mucho porque le gusta la comida!

Mi amiga Victoria, una mujer seriosa y trabajadora buena... la vida es duro, pero confia en El Senor... nuestro Padre divino.

Mis companeros -- Jaime y Jose Luis... cada dia son amables.

Memo! Gracias por su ayuda con el compresor.

Tostadas de Victoria -- super! tan rico! Aqui mis amigas Mari, Eva, Lydia, Alicia, Mari, Vicky, Guadalupe (se lavado), Lupita, Maria, Elario, Lolita, Leti y Juanito.

Oy, Miss Lucy -- mi pareja de baile... hacemos cumbia durante pausa del almuerzo.

"Yaya"... pero me gusta mas su otro nombre -- "Lala" -- es una mujer siempre simpatica y muy inteligente porque tiene mente de negocio!

Mis companeros -- Savino, Paco, Jorge, y Alfredo.

Senoras Leti, Merlina y Alicia... con una pintura de rLn's Off-the-Wall Art.

Oni, la otra Filipina... su adobo con arroz es siempre especial -- tan delicioso!

Companeros y companeras -- gracias por su compartirse de la cultura de Mexico, las comidas buenas (y interesantes... nopales!) -- pero mas importante para mi, sus corazones amistosos y sinceros. Yo agredicida por este bendicion de Dios.

Por favor, toman a poco momento para leer los pasajes: Sea Parte de La Familia de Dios

Si no ha llegado al momento en su vida en que usted invite a JESUCRISTO a ser el Salvador y Senor de su vida, le invitamos a que considere lo siguiente:

Los 5 pasos del Camino Romano Para Salvacion. (Se llama asi porque todos los pasajes estan en el libro a los Romanos.)

1) Reconocer nuestra necisidad del perdon de Dios. ("Por cuanto todos pecaron, y estan destuidos da la gloria de Dios." Romanos 3:23)

2) Darnos cuenta que nuestro pecado tiene consequencias. ("Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, mas la dadiva de Dios es vida eterna en CRISTO JESUS Senor nuestro." Romanos 6:23)

3) Saber que Dios quiere que recivimos su amor. ("Mas Dios muestra su amor para con nosotros, en que siendo aun pecadores, CRISTO murio por nosotros." Romanos 5:8)

4) Creer en JESUCRISTO y entregarle nuestra vida. ("Que si confesares con tu boca que JESUS es El Senor, y creyeres en tu corazon que Dios le levanto` de los muertos, seras salvo. Porque con el corazon se cree para justicia, pero con la boca se confiesa para salvacion." Romanos 10:9-10)

5) Comprometerse a vivir para los propositos de Dios. ("Ahora, pues, ninguna condenacion hay para los que estan en CRISTO JESUS, los que no andan conforme a carne, sino conforme al Espiritu." Romanos 8:1)

La Oracion de Entrega y Compromiso

"Padre Santo -- Te doy gracias por mostrame el camino que lleva a Tu presencia. Reconozco que soy pecador y que Te he fallado muchas veces en la vida. Me doy quenta de que mi pecado me separa de Ti y merece el castigo eterno. Te doy gracias porque me amas, me arrepiento de mis pecados y Te pido perdon. Creo que JESUCRISTO murio por mis pecados, hoy Te entrego mi corazon y mi vida. Dame El Espirito Santo para vencer, me comprometo a vivir para Tus propositos. Te doy gracias por la nueva vida que me das el dia de hoy, en el nombre de JESUCRISTO."

Mi oracion por todo -- Vicky, Mauricio, Ariadna, Lala, Ana, Alesandra, Jesica, Flori, Thelma, Angel, Eva, Oscar, Alessandro, Bobby, JR, Lucas, Jose, Savino, Laura, Rita, Carmen y Jorge, Marta, Jaime, Angelica, Mari, Lydia, Jose Luis, Jose Luis, Jose Luis, Jose Cruz, Paco, Juan, Eric, Kedid, Oni, Jon, Wayne, Carmen, Lolita, Leti, Eva, Juanita, Zenaida, Felicitas (Licha), Teresita, Cristina, Rafa, Susan, Eric, Rich, Tiffany, Jaimee, Jonathan, Lucy, Alicia, Guadalupe, Esperanza, Marina, Marta, Concha, Maria, Juanito, Horacio, Ignacio, Alicia y Reynado, Urbano, Candido, Lupita, Floricita, Sergio, Memo, Jesus, Armida, Elario, Alfredo...(((Maia))) -- vaya con Dios!

TAVEUNI GODventureZ -- Back To ISLAND Life

2011-02-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

First-ever rLn art in Fiji -- mural (acrylics) on corrugated-iron wall in a farmhouse at Narova hilltop, depicting a view of Qamea from my tree-house...

Sunflower seeds from the U.S. -- grown with eager anticipation at the Lagiloa bush-farm...

Net fishing off Naselesele Village waters with Ana, Vili and Vi...

View from Tramonto Restaurant deck -- Matei...

Fallen flowers from Beverly's Campground...

One of the many of rLn's art at Bibi's HideAway...

Wall mural at Vidawa Village tourist office -- first big work. Within the foliage are GOD words, which the school children always discovered immediately to the consternation of the many adults who couldn't find them...

Outside wall mural at Bob's, across Matei airport...

Outdoor toilet in Lagiloa -- bush country outhouse...

Literal sit-down view from the outdoor toilet in Lagiloa...

Little Jo, with fresh-cut string beans -- Lagiloa...

Lagiloa farmhouse porch -- Bible reading sanctuary, surrounded by impatience flowers...

Sable -- my cat and feline bodyguard...

Maria doing laundry duty at nearby Lagiloa river...

Sable's offspring...

"Jack-of-all-trades" river -- for washing clothes, bathing, drinking water, prawn hunting... even snorkeling!

Lagiloa at sunset, with giant ferns a la Jurassic Park...

Sable's other 3 babies...

Vili, during one of our exploring-Lagiloa treks...

Elenoa, braving the falling coconuts just above -- doing her chores at Bibi's HideAway...

Kristika and Lata -- dear friends, minus Parsu...

Blazing sunrise view of Viubani, from top of Narova...

Tila -- line fishing, with Sepo and Andrew...

Naselesele Village church -- Luisa swinging from the mango tree...

The photos above bring back experiences of island life in Taveuni. The life there is simpler, much slower, less tech -- so differently flavored from the life that i live in California. Soon, i will dive into that exotic tropical mix of traditional village/tourist town/bush country lifestyle. And at times, i feel like what Abraham might have felt about going without knowing the details of GOD's will.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8)

By faith, i go, seeking to please Him... because GOD Himself promised in His Word --

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to GOD must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

GODventureZ in GIVING Back -- VIDEOS

2010-12-11T17:47:00.000-08:00

Today i saw first-hand a community of neighbors giving back to each other -- all in the true spirit of CHRISTmas. There was much planning in advance by the City of Chula Vista and City of San Diego; much work by the many volunteers who represented the San Diego Border Patrol, the Mexican and Brazilian communities and many other worthwhile organizations; many hours of rehearsals from all who performed and entertained (Ocean View Church Choir, children doing dance and karate demonstrations) -- and GOD blessed this celebration of giving back to the South Bay community with a most beautiful sunny day!

There's much more to say about the many pieces put together to create this wonderFUL jigsaw puzzle of merriment and camaraderie -- but the following videos will illustrate much better what i can merely describe with words.

GODventureZ at Lucky Waller Park started when i was witness to a helicopter landing in the middle of the same street i was driving -- big commotion -- Santa Claus was about to fly in... literally from the sky!

Santa Claus From The SKY!

Then i made my way to Lucky Waller Park, in hot pursuit of THE police car that had Santa!

Santa At LUCKY WALLER PARK -- with some members of the Ocean View Church Choir enjoying the fuss.

SNOW In SUNNY South Bay! -- Man-made "bbbrrrRRR!!!"

Ocean View Church JUMPS -- As a way of giving back to the South Bay Community, OVC provided safe and fun entertainment for the very young at heart -- all for free. The children's squeals of delight made merrier the merry in Merry CHRISTmas.

MEET the OCEAN VIEW CHURCH Choir -- whose many hours of dedicated practice produced a collection of GOD-honoring CHRISTmas songs. The many technicians and volunteers from OVC made this free entertainment a true gift from the heart.

Ocean View Church CHOIR -- celebrates CHRISTmas at Lucky Waller Park, with Daniel Semsen expertly wielding the baton.

The OVC KIDZ Choir-- energetic rendition of "Back to the Manger" -- led by a very energetic Christy Semsen and her two just-as-energetic assistants.

OVC CHRISTmas Repertoire -- presents "Tis the Season." The OVC Choir, led by Daniel Semsen, will perform all the songs in their CHRISTmas repertoire on Sunday, 6 pm, at Ocean View Church. The KidZ Choir, led by Christy Semsen, will also perform.

'Tis the season to remember what CHRISTmas is all about -- it's really all about almighty GOD Who is love, made manifest in the Person of CHRIST JESUS. He is the true Reason for the season -- every day.

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that GOD has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved GOD, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Beloved, if GOD so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:9-11)

Saturday CLOUDS at the BEACH

2010-12-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

Worship, reflection and C. H. Spurgeon on the The Unsearchable Riches of CHRIST this cloudy day at the beach -- a long leisurely walk from Imperial Beach to Silver Strand Beach entrance.

The heavens declare the glory of GOD, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. (Psalm 19:1)

Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. (Psalm 19:2)

There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. (Psalm 19:3)

Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. (Psalm 19:4)

Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30)

Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the CHRIST, the Son of the Blessed?" And JESUS said, "I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:61-62)

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. (Psalm 36:5)

Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, and Your truth unto the clouds. (Psalm 57:10)

How precious to me are your thoughts, O GOD! How vast is the sum of them! If i would count them, they are more than the sand. (Psalm 139:17)

Where shall i go from Your SPIRIT? Or where shall i flee from Your presence? If i ascend to heaven, You are there! If i make my bed in Sheol, You are there! (Psalm 139:7-8)

If i take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. (Psalm 139:9-10)

Tijuana River ESTUARY -- Imperial Beach, California

2010-10-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

The Tiajuana River Estuary is located at 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, California. Call (619) 575-2704 for scheduled nature and bird walks, speaker series, volunteer programs, hours of operation, etc.

After Sunday worship at Ocean View Church, i headed to Imperial Beach to nourish my soul with one of GOD's expressions of grandiose beauty -- the Pacific Ocean. But as i headed out on Coronado Avenue, i heeded the inward invitation to finally explore the Tijuana Estuary for the first time.

These are the gifts that SPIRIT caused my eyes to see so that my heart was nurtured as i meandered leisurely on the well-kept trails.

The Tijuana Estuary -- where the river meets the sea...

These were like swaying cotton puffs in the breeze...

Splashes of color brighten the approaching autumn days...

Tijuana, Mexico... our neighbor down south -- a far-off plateau from this vantage point.

The birds might have heard my singing and hid themselves!

BLESS the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! (Psalm 103:1)

Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song. (Psalm 149:1)

The Way is way up!

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! (Psalm 150:1)

The skies display His marvelous craftsmanship. (Psalm 19:1)

And if GOD cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't He more surely care for you? (Matthew 6:30)

This was shot "from the hip" -- a literal "point and shoot" -- not knowing what would come out. i like it -- it feels like a shower of red berries from the blue sky.

Sometimes a shot is made more alive and interesting when a person walks into the composition without even knowing it... i heard her before i saw her... and was quick to take opportunity given.

The three cactus pictures were my parting shots... as i exited towards the parking lot.

At the parking lot, i looked up and saw pine cones on the trees but none on the ground. i drove away without that coveted souvenir -- but i came away with a nourished and thankful heart.

Let the whole world bless our GOD and sing aloud His praises. (Psalm 66:8)

VIVA MEXICO! La INDEPENDENCIA -- 200 Anos

2010-09-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

Today at work, we celebrated Mexico's 200th anniversary of their independence, as we have many workers of Mexican nationality. Of course it was "tame" compared to actual fiesta activities on the other side of the border, but it was a very "full-filling" "pot-luck! A grand occasion with much camaraderie and laughter...

Tostadas, carne asada, mole, flan, guacqamole, pollo y arroz, tortillas, frijoles... And we Americanos added salads and brownies to the flavorful contributions. Oni kindly contributed chicken adobo and rice -- a Filipino favorite.

Since it was also Maia's birthday, i contributed this very chocolate chocolate cake -- it had two pounds of chocolate mousse in between the layers!

Here's Angel and Ariadna, with some of the hungry bunch -- enjoying the tasty lunch...

Maia with birthday surprises from her momma -- Trail Mix and an rLn's OFF-the-Wall original.

The guys having a little soccer fun...burning off a few calories after all fiesta food!

Kedid...joyfilled with his own rLn original -- J.O.Y. Nehemiah 8:10 -- Do not sorrow for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Working here is indeed a GODventureZ -- where else can i experience the sabor of Mexico without crossing the border? i used to backpack to exotic parts of the world just to "see the view" -- now i embark on journeys, even to those places just around the corner -- to experience the people GOD allows to cross my life path.

i've learned that a view is just a view -- a breathtaking vista, a photo op. But getting to know a people, person to person -- face to face -- is to me the true journey...a GODventureZ indeed!

Thorns Crowned with Setting LIGHT

2010-08-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

i rode my bike yesterday... and was on the way home, going the round-about way around the neighborhood. At a dead-end street, i discovered the yard that i always notice as i drive on Palm Avenue -- the one with the plethora of cactus.

Wouldn't you know it -- my camera was with me \o/

So i knocked on the door... TV on -- loud and clear (anti-burglar gimmick?) -- but no answer, even after my "HELLO... hellO... hello?" i parked my bike and took the above photos, as the setting sun highlighted the thorns of these seeming other-worldly creations.

And as i write this blog, a thought crosses my mind -- were these the kind of thorns worn by our LORD JESUS?

TYPICAL Bike Ride to CORONADO

2010-07-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

Instead of attending another Zumba or kickboxing class this past Saturday, i was persuaded to ride my bike instead. It was high time for another GODventureZ. This was a time to be alone with the LORD, with the Holy SPIRIT -- not some fitness jaunt to accomplish a speedy ride from point A to point B in three hours or less, but an open-hearted readiness to go where the SPIRIT leads.

So from Palm Avenue, i took a right on Saturn Boulevard, past Home Depot, onto the bike path which connects to the Silver Strand bike route.

From the end of Palomar Street is the entrance to the bike path... this is the "salt factory."

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. (Matthew 5:13)

Just around the bend, after the marshes, was Carl, a bird watcher of pelicans, egrets, terns, plovers, loons, grebes, herons... Then he (Noah) sent out a raven, which kept going to and fro until the waters had dried up from the earth. He also sent out from himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground. (Genesis 8:7-8)

Yours truly...seeing everything this day as a GODventureZ with the SPIRIT of JESUS.

At the scenic lookout was Mrs. Walden, on her bike again, after many, many years... with Bella, all dolled up in the basket. She proved to me that once you learn to ride a bike, you don't forget. You just have to get your courage up -- and she had plenty!

Cyclists...12 of them -- i wondered if there was a disciple in the bunch of them...

Millionaires' haven -- Coronado Cayes. If you want to know where the most millionaires live, the data shows that it is in California. California has a total of 662,735 millionaires, which represents 5.28% of all households in the state. (Millionaires)

The world's richest individuals have a combined income greater than that of the poorest 416 million; 982 million people out of the developing world's 4.8 billion people live on $1 per day, and another 2.5 billion (40% of the world's population) live on less than $2 per day. (InfoPlease)

i was riding around Silver Strand State Beach (after checking out Coronado Cayes) and was blessed with this mural by Jaime Rayon.

Here's Angel... with a direction and purpose of his very own...

Here's the lifeguard (see his left foot?) at Silver Strand Beach... keeping a sharp eye on all the partakers of various water activities.

Here's Madison... one thirsty dog! But no living water from this fountain! ...whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14)

Not too typical, but not unusual either...all in a day's fun.

Big-boy toy... quite a move-up from his little-boy tricycle... more splash... more bells and whistles (read -- noise)!

Coronado swimming pool... human seal, up for some air. (Real seal...)

In front of the Coronado Civic Center -- something new to me... a giant kaleidoscope! With it's seeming infinite combination of colors and patterns, this is one toy is sure to please both adults and kids. i spent some time myself just ooh-ing and aah-ing as i turned the knobs this way and that way -- like a kid, being charmed with the intricate lacy designs created right before my very eyes.

Putting this 3-D mural of tiles together to create this wonderFUL mosaic of Coronado memories is artistic expression which evoked wonder in me of those by-gone days...

Imagine the almost naked, bikini-clad folks seeing this picture... they'd be aghast at the cumbersome full-dress of the women. But notice the hilarity on their faces -- they were having a ball... fully dressed and all! True joy comes bursting from deep within, no matter the outer circumstances.

A sweeping view of our "world-famous" Coronado Bridge. Remember when we had to pay a toll to cross? Remember when we had to drive the whole way, without the bridge? Remember the ferry... not the current tourist ferries -- the real ferry which took passengers and cars back and forth?

Magnificent engineering... reminds me of the arches of a cathedral.

When the wind blows, the wheels go round and round like pinwheels... as does the whole sculpture! This is located at the park immediately after the Coronado Bridge.

Family outing... father and son... and daughter? This miniscule beach at the Coronado Landing was crowded, but this teeny corner belied the sardine-capacity during that sunny Saturday.

A young girl's quinceanera... replete with all the attending male cousins and friends...

Quincenera attendants... probably already looking forward to their own entrance into womanhood.

Downtown San Diego -- a scenic background for this unknown celebration...

City of Coronado's summer concerts have begun... this contributing artist reminded me of Jimmy Buffet, except he sang much about down south Louisiana and not so much about Margaritaville.

No collision here... but BIG boats overshadowing little wee sailboats is but a typical scene here at the Coronado Landing.

The rich (if not so famous) with their play things... foreground for the Coronado Golf Course and Bridge.

Beautiful young lady visiting from Michigan, being shown the sights by a San Diego native.

The pooches are Ricardo and Lucy (named after the I Love Lucy comedic characters). Does the gentleman look Cuban?

This was truly a GODventureZ -- not only because of the many sights, people and music i was given to enjoy -- but because of the added dimension of being surprised like a little child as each new gift was unwrapped by the Holy SPIRIT's engineering. He showed me much, much more -- things that touched my heart in a very personal way -- like the seal popping his head up out of the water in answer to my silent prayer; the white egret posing, backlit by the morning sun; a bird of prey perched on a cross, the exact hat i've been looking for at a price that fit my budget... a much desired gift to top off the already full cup. Consciously feeling and seeing the presence of the SPIRIT throughout the whole outing was the real GODventureZ!

High-End "MAQUILADORA"

2010-06-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

A maquiladora is an assembly plant in Mexico (near the United States border); parts are shipped into Mexico and the finished product is shipped back across the border.

This factory is on this side of the border, assembling high-quality products for U.S. and international consumption. It's really not technically correct to call this plant a "maquiladora," for the company adheres to strict U.S. labor laws and safety standards. It's equipped with current-model machines, allowing the operator greater efficiency. We have a spacious lunch room with all the amenities (quite a few microwaves, a large new fridge, snack machines) -- even a Starbuck's coffee and chocolate maker... gratis!

Working here is almost like being transported to a foreign country -- to our neighbor just down south a ways -- Mexico. (Zenaida and Licha are my next door -- or "next-machine" -- neighbors... and now my friends.)

Spanish is the language of choice and tortillas and salsa are the usual sides for lunch (versus rice or bread). As a result of being thrown into this environment, my Spanish has greatly improved. My rusty Spanish learned in high school (many moons ago) and in the month-long language immersion courses in Guatemala and Chile is being polished and sharpened daily. i can honestly say that my Spanish is much better than my Fijian! i can almost speak it better than my native Filipino language -- Tagalog.

But alas -- i still have a long way to go with the Spanish language! Today i went to work at 11:30am (instead of the usual 6:30am) because i misunderstood the Spanish conversation i had with Esperanza, a Mexican co-worker and friend. We finish at 11:30, NOT start!

Here are Lucy and Alicia... very hard-working, very helpful, very friendly ladies... as are all the rest of the workers. Working with these very down-to-earth folks -- some who work to the very last minute before the bell rings (for breaks or at the end of another 10-hour work day) -- has given me a new respect for the blue-collar worker. Working with such hard working people has erased that cartoon image in my mind of the Mexican too attached to his siesta. GOD has allowed this GODventureZ that i may unlearn such negative views, ingrained since childhood.

What is truly remarkable about this company (part of LCI) is that it hires visually impaired people! Amazing and wonderFUL. They are literally half-blind (or near blind) and are trained to be part of the work force -- their efforts are just as important in the whole scheme of producing the finished product. (Maia, Alicia - their fully seeing "mother hen" -- Oni, and Wayne and Kadihd in the back.)

This environment is, indeed, a GODventureZ for me... another aspect of Life 101 with many new friends (Ariana, Ana, Jessica and Lala, above) and new experiences -- including the numbing experience of sitting for 8 - 10 hours at a time! Yet GOD has added many wonderful blessings to this gift of His -- friendly people to work with, time with my daughter Maia, employment in this tight economy, money for necessities, grateful insight that GOD is my true Employer (for it was His providence that allowed this job to manifest), and most joyful for me is listening to John MacArthur sermons the whole day, where he expounds one Bible verse at a time... sometimes for a whole hour! Hallelujah!

Lucy and Guadalupe enjoying the newly built picnic tables for morning breaks and lunch get-togethers. And just recently, Rich added shade for the three tables -- NICE!

Rejoicing faces -- Kristina, Laura (wearing an rLn original) and Lupita.

Rejoice in the LORD always. Again i will say, rejoice! i know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. i have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For i can do everything with the help of CHRIST who gives me the strength i need. (Philippians 4:4, 12-13) The Secret of Contentment is CHRIST JESUS.

ZUMBA -- a la Mexico!

2010-05-31T18:15:00.001-07:00

Here are the ZUMBA Extravaganza instructors (clockwise -- Junior, Jonatan, Arleen and Jessica). They have all the moves... and are INDEED in great shape!

Arleen Ramos -- beautiful, classy young lady, inside and out -- and a most talented Zumba teacher!

Future Zumba fan... or maybe like her aunt Arleen -- a Zumba teacher!

This young lady wears a beautiful smile ALLways! And her tshirt reminded me of Proverbs 11:13, A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

Arleen's fans from across the border...San Diego side. All of us had a wonderFUL experience from this Mexican GODventureZ.

These are the two good sports who allowed me to ride in their "lift" so that i could video-tape this Zumba dance from that bird's-eye-view angle. Muchas gracias, senores!

It was a family thing -- a fiesta for all ages! Even for the guys!

Arleen and Jessica...doin' their thing -- the BEST at what they do!

And these folks, all ages, all shapes and sizes... enjoying Junior's Zumba... a la matador!

Zumba is Beto Perez!

Beto previously attended the Maria Sanford Brazilian Dance Academy. There he became an instructor and choreographed dance routines for popular performers including Shakira.

Beto invented Zumba in the early 1990s: as he entered his aerobics class he realized that he had forgotten his music. His only option was to use whatever tapes he happened to have in his backpack, mostly traditional Latin salsa and merengue music. Beto improvised the entire class on the spot using this music (which was non-traditional for aerobics) and from this experience he began to further develop Zumba. Soon, it became the most popular class at the fitness facility.

Following his success in Colombia, Beto moved to the United States and began teaching Zumba classes in Miami. The class gained popularity and in 2001... (Wikipedia)

Like the Eveready battery bunny...it's still going...and going...and going...!

ZUMBA Extravaganza In Tijuana, MEXICO

2010-05-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Even at just a little past 8 a.m., crossing the US-Mexican border into Tijuana (San Diego's next-door neighbor) was already a mini-test of patience for our driver, Delfina. It's a three-day weekend... and a special one, for it's Memorial Day weekend... both directions already bumper to bumper -- both peoples wanting to go to the "other side."

i joined four other women from the "this side" to mix with the crowd from "that side" for a two-hour Zumba extravaganza.

Seeing this pink fish sticker warmed my soul -- for i imagined a sister in CHRIST joining us for the Zumba class. And i remembered its miraculous significance: And He (JESUS) took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude. (Matthew 15:36)

This is the parking structure at Macro Plaza that was readied for the Zumba crowd.

Macro Plaza was the shopping center where this Zumba fiesta was hosted.

From the parking structure's top-most floor, i took in the view across the street... a circus tent decorated the landscape.

Donde esta el bano? En WalMart -- the WalMart on the Mexican side... very up-to-date facilities, gracious cashiers, abundant shopping oppurtunities.

"Eye-candy" for me, this Frutas y Verduras section...

My selection was that pinwheel shaped roll in the middle section, second tray from the right side. We bought six (or seven) different rolls for just a little over US$2. The pan fueled us for the two-hour exercise fest.

After the Zumba class, rather than waiting bumper to bumper for two hours to cross the border by car, Delfina parked her car in a paid lot; and we walked the five-minute distance to the line of other folks crossing the check point by foot. The soda vendor above and the following pictures below are the very interesting sights we encountered on the main street leading to the gate crossing...

Coca Cola...in all the places i've traveled (including Caye Caulker in Belize, Ife in Nigeria, little towns in Cusco, Peru), this soda brand was a favorite.

Singing and playing guitar and harmonica for money... but his donation cup was nowhere to be seen.

People gave this vendor money, even without buying the Chiclets offered for sale -- he had no legs.

Pricey helados de crema at US$1.50 a scoop -- but worth every cent! Delfina treated me to a cone of cold chocolate.

This charming senora (with her fancy sombrero) was cooking up a storm of churros!

Beef? Pork? Cooked to tenderness for fajitas...?

A seller of right-off-the-grill, still-warm gorditas...i guess the big ones are called gordas!

i think i prefer los churros de la senora... That is one grande frying pan!

You know about the "two-fisted eater" -- so what to you call this one-fisted gordita with the chocolate ice-cream cone and the still-warm gordita -- both in the one hand because the other is holding the camera! Or should i just call myself ambidextro?

Many Americans cross the border to buy their medicine(s) from one of these farmacias.

A very typical third-world country image...this could have been taken in Manila, Philippines... but minus the pinatas above.

Another draw for gringos...an alcoholic's "candy" store.

Open-air candy store... una tienda de los pasteles.

Getting closer to the gate... various souvenirs for the turistas.

Garden decor...maybe a colorful tortuga for my backyard?

Almost there... that's the actual gate to cross, though not the passport-required inspection area.

Almost there! (And this is where Delfina warned me, "No more picture taking."

But this young man said, "Hey, if you want to have a good souvenir of your time in Tijuana, take my picture!" So i did...and Victor gave me the thumbs up of approval.

Delfina and Doris...and moi still clicking away...camera-trigger happy!

The Zumba extravaganza was a GODventureZ! But that's another rLn story.

Why Is RECYCLING A GODventureZ?

2010-05-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

There were plastic bottles and aluminum cans in big, dirty plastic bags, just parked in the garage and at the side of the house...an eyesore in Mom's garden.

So i loaded the five bags and went to One Earth Recycling...

And met these very hard working youths...Angel, Hugo and Vince.

My recyclables weren't sorted out, so i fished them out of the bags and put the aluminum cans in one bin and the plastic bottles in another bin... (WHEW! Dirty work, for some of our recyclables were from last year's dust and grime.)

Angel did his part in this area...Vince was the cashier today...dispensing the cash in exchange for the recyclables.

Hugo was "front" man...receiving the goods, interacting with customers, entering information in the computer, weighing the filled bins, returning loading carts, cleaning up messes (he swept up pieces of a broken bottle while i was there)...always on the move -- with a good-natured attitude and a ready smile.

Hugo...\o/ for his cheerfulness, courtesy and willingness to work on Saturdays!

Like the Proverbs 31 woman who "...watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness" -- neither do these three hard-workers eat the bread of laziness or selfish idleness.

When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. (Psalm 128:2) Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. (Ephesians 4:28)

JESUS said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

So why was recycling a GODventureZ? Because it was a first-hand experience...

On the physical level -- it was loud with crashing cans and bottles, and reggae music turned up to counter-act the irksome din. The environment was somewhat smelly and dirty -- where a fastidious person like myself just wanted to go home and have a thorough bath and shampoo afterwards.

On the emotional level -- i was touched by the three youths' hard-working attitude. They weren't at home watching TV or playing video games, but working diligently...getting dirty and sweaty...earning their rightful wage.

On the spiritual level -- it touched my soul. Having just worked in a factory environment -- drudge work -- i can relate to some extent on what's its like to just work for the money...where there is not much pleasure or fulfillment in the work itself.

My prayer for Hugo, Angel and Vince -- May GOD grant them genuine repentance leading to saving faith that they may find rest in JESUS, Who gives everyone who believes in Him peace that surpasses all understanding. May the three young men find true rest and fulfillment in The CHRIST.

My PET Spider MO'O

2010-05-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

My pet spider, Mo'o, misnamed lizard --

Did not come by like a blizzard...

But softly on eight legs she tiptoed --
Sideways and upside down, much agility she showed.

Mo'o, like GOD's still small voice --
Whispered to me that i have choice.

Choose UP or choose DOWN --
With GOD to swim... or with god to drown.

And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12)

GODventuring with Little DANNY at Balboa Park

2010-05-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

Little Danny...he was in my care for just a little while...this young stranger who became a wonderfully real person during the few hours we interacted. This i immediately discovered: He is fearless and confident; he is a very intelligent five-year old...and a very likable young fella! The GODventureZ at Balboa Park with him and the whole gang was a wonderFUL blessed treat!

HAH! What a ham! i just clicked the shutter -- Danny posed this impromptu pose by himself.

Little Danny got a Spider Man balloon from this very talented and wordy street vendor -- but pricey at $1 per balloon used in sometimes a seven-balloon creation! (He didn't much like that i put in a $1,000,000 Gospel tract in his donation bag.)

Little Danny had no qualms about clambering up this hill behind the Japanese Friendship Garden, with "big brother" Miguel as his backup.

Fearless little monkey on the monkey bars at Pepper Grove picnic area -- that's our Little Danny!

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from Him. (Psalm 127:3)

GODventuring in the South Bay -- SPRING Has Sprung!

2010-03-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

Susana and Michael...out for a stroll -- appreciating that Spring has sprung!

This field of wildflowers is located at the foot of Via Tonga Street.

Looking down at the intersection of Coronado Avenue and Beyer Boulevard from "The Wing" -- Mexico in the the far background...

San Diego Public Library in the background at the intersection of Beyer Blvd and Coronado Avenue.

Montgomery Waller Community Park, "The Wing," and today's mode of transportation.

South Bay Drive-In...one of San Diego's last surviving outdoor theatres... since the '60's -- located on Coronado Avenue.

Utility boxes on the driveway to the Drive-In entrance...one of the more than 200 works of art the artist has done for the City of Imperial Beach -- many along Coronado Avenue, all the way to the beach.

This backyard is most likely owned by a Filipino gardener, for i saw many vegetables that are typical of Filipino gardens... and those banana trees are "signature" plants... favorites of Filipinos.

Another photo op -- this front yard caused me to get off my bike again, for the guavas looked tasty. Guava trees are no longer uncommon in San Diego, but still an unusual sight as these guava trees are more typically found in environments associated with tropical islands, not the desert-like climates of San Diego.

The estuary at the foot of 13th Street, which connects to the bike path along the Silver Strand Highway... Many thousands of birds "rest and refuel" in these waters during their migration to other breeding grounds.

Bike path towards the Swiss Park at the foot of Palomar Street (looking back towards Imperial Beach).

Mountain of salt in the far background.

JESUS said -- "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." (Matthew 5:13)

The view from the other side of the road...

Everywhere i biked...wildflowers!

This road led me to the back of Home Depot at the foot of Saturn Boulevard -- at the Southland Shopping Plaza, Imperial Beach.

Gutsy gal...this area is somewhat isolated, with high hedges in a few places -- and the occasional homeless or vagrant or weirdo. She apparently had no qualms.

This field is at the foot of Palomar Street, immediately outside Swiss Park.

What a beautiful day! Overcast at the start, then the sun showing itself behind the clouds as the morning progressed.

This day was a day of reflection... after Monday's bombing of Moscow's subway by two female suicide bombers. i wanted to see these flowers at their best -- before the summer heat browned them dry. These blooms last but a few weeks, depending on the intensity of the San Diego heat. Like the life of these flowers and the 38 lives murdered from the bombing -- life is short indeed!

A Voice said, "Shout!" i asked, "What should i shout?" "Shout that people are like the grass that dies away. Their beauty fades as quickly as the beauty of flowers in a field." (Isaiah 40:6)

What, then, really matters?

The Secret of CONTENTMENT -- Philippians 4:11-13

2010-03-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

Not that i was ever in need... (Jardin Ceres, Quebec...i was a grateful guest at this serene Canadian estate.)

...for i have learned how to get along happily whether i have much or little. (Bill and Tila gave a very warm welcome to this solo backpacker at Beverly's Campgrounds -- Taveuni, Fiji.)

i have learned in whatever state i am, to be content. (Bibi's Hideaway, where true Fijian hospitality shines through -- outdoor shower on a rainy day...singing "Singin' in the Rain," a la Gene Kelly, though not doing the dancing jig in the rain -- Matei, Taveuni; Fiji.)

i know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. (Paunzhausen, Germany...heated floors...just-made, mug-sized cappucinos -- with ultra-fresh milk from the neighbor's cows next door!)

i have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach ... (Paris, France...very pretty, but not very filling!)

...or empty... (Cuzco, Peru...sopa de lengua -- i ate my veges, but gave the humongous blue tongue, brain pieces and sheep jaw to my two orphan guides.)

...with plenty... (Connaught Hotel, London...a very stuffy and very proper kind of place -- very interesting, this hands-on experience of living as if rich for few days -- but i soon discovered it was not my preference.)

...or little. (Lagiloa farm bure -- Taveuni, Fiji...no electricity, no running water, no flushing toilet...the nearby river for bathing, washing clothes, drinking water, catching prawns...and meditating on GOD's Word.)

For i can do everything with the help of CHRIST who gives me the strength i need. (Philippians 4:11-13)

It matters not what GOD does...it matters only Who HE is. (Oswald Chambers)

And the GOD i worship is Jehovah-Rohi...the LORD is my Shepherd...CHRIST JESUS.

The LORD is my Shepherd; i have everything i need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.

Even when i walk through the dark valley of death, i will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and i will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23 is my Reality today, and for every true follower of JESUS. The secret of true contentment is living the abundant life of CHRIST in the Now...rejoicing in everything...giving thanks for everything.

And that abundant life can also be yours...in CHRIST.

Precarious Balancing ACT

2010-03-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

Rainy...wet and cold outside...stacking rocks on the windowsill in an Alaskan cabin...a precarious balancing act.

Another precarious balancing act...doin' the T'ai Chi over the gushing white waters of the Havasu falls at the Grand Canyon.

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven...A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance... (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4)

And a time to balance...precariously!

PERSPECTIVE -- The EIFFEL Tower -- PARIS, France

2010-03-02T11:59:00.000-08:00

The TRUTH is TRUTH, no matter from what angle, no matter from which perspective. (i'll use my old photos of a trip to Paris to illustrate this point of view.)

The Eiffel Tower is France's most-frequented attraction (over 6 million visitors in 2006) and Le Jules Vernes is a one-star Michelin restaurant located on the Tower's second level. This is a traditional gastronomic French kitchen. The views of the city are remarkable from Le Jules Vernes, and the fare is reputed as excellent.

The Eiffel Tower, from this perspective and distance -- is plainly recognizable as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

From this closer perspective, this angle, looking up, the Eiffel Tower is definitely the one and only Eiffel Tower of Paris.

From this view point, the Tower dwarfs the tourists...the fact of its massiveness plainly shows that it's no Las Vegas imitation.

Looking up, from this closer perspective, one is able to see the intricate and seemingly delicate configurations of massive beams of steel.

And now at a much closer point of view, one can actually see the struts used -- details not discerned from the distance.

This perspective is much closer still, as it is now on a personal level. One is actually inside the world-famous icon.

On a still more personal level, the adventure of being in the Eiffel Tower deepens into an experiential level...drinking in the event literally.

And on a deeper level still, the senses of taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing (clink of glass and silverware) make the reality of the Eiffel Tower an undeniable truth.

From this point of view, although the Eiffel Tower is not seen itself, it doesn't take away from the fact, the truth, that the viewer is inside the Tower. The person's belief system is sound, based on facts and truth that's experiential...REAL in all senses.

And here's the point -- the TRUTH that JESUS is The CHRIST, as the four different biographers stated 2,000 years ago, from four different points of view, still holds true, as it ALLways has -- JESUS is SON of GOD.

Matthew's gospel pictures CHRIST as the prophesied KING, Lion-like, the Davidic King, and David's Righteous Branch. This Gospel is prophetic and was written to the Jews.

Mark's gospel pictures CHRIST as the obedient SERVANT, Ox-like, the Servant of the LORD, GOD's Servant, the Branch. This Gospel emphasizes the practical and was written to the Romans.

Luke's gospel pictures CHRIST as the Perfect MAN, manlike, the Son of man; the Man, the Branch. This Gospel emphasizes the historical and was written to the Greeks.

John's gospel pictures CHRIST as the Mighty GOD, Eagle-like, the Word of GOD, the Branch of the LORD. This Gospel emphasizes the spiritual and was written to all the world. (Pastor John Yates, Doctrine of CHRIST, Faith Bible Institute)

JESUS CHRIST, to me -- and all believers in Him -- is as real as the Eiffel Tower. Though i don't see Him with my physical eyes, i "see" Him with the eyes of my heart. And CHRIST is not in a distant, far-off place; nor will He ever be destroyed by time or weather; nor is He cold, unbending steel. JESUS, by the indwelling Holy SPIRIT, resides within each and every one who believes in Him.

JESUS is GOD's Love manifest in the flesh -- a love so unfathomable to the selfish, finite mind of humankind. CHRIST was the One Who came into the world to die for all sinners, such as i....such as you.

REST in Peace -- WHERE?

2010-02-20T19:39:00.000-08:00

My grandmother and grandfather (on my mother's side)...but faded memories.

My father...who lost his fight with lung cancer.

Robert -- from Naselesele Village, gone this year -- leaving Salote with six children to raise...

A grandfather from Naselesele Village...gone, too.

Parsu, Kristika's father -- Matei, Taveuni...sudden, unexpected tragedy.

Life is an adventure indeed! Whether long-lived or short-lived...it's a GODventureZ!

As for me, i don't need to travel to far-flung places anymore to experience adventure. The inner journey is far more exciting and surprising, where every moment may bring me to a new undiscovered territory from within. i have been a seeker for many years -- at first seeking exotic places to wander through or spiritual encounters to shore up the shallows of my soul. Today i seek only JESUS.

And today, i can choose to see each new day that GOD brings forth as a blessed 24-hour GODventureZ with His SPIRIT, where He leads and i follow; or i can choose to see this same day as the same old thing -- same old round-about on the treadmill of life. When i decide to see the day ahead from GOD's view point -- i am given expectant buoyancy -- ever ready to receive whatever He is wanting to show me about Himself through the circumstances and providence He allows, through the persons with which He populates my hours, through the Word His SPIRIT causes me to understand, through His palpable Presence throughout the day.

Death is but a blink away, according to GOD's will. i don't know when that last breath will be -- and i'm quite sure GOD will not clue me in...otherwise i might hold on too tight to that breath and turn blue in the process! My old flesh nature might try to fool me into thinking that the things of the world are worth hanging on to. But i know better! NO thing, NO person, NO circumstance on earth can ever compare with what awaits in Heaven!

Question: Those who've gone before me, as those pictured above -- where are they now? What is their REALITY? Where is the location of their eternal real estate?

"O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? ...thanks be to GOD, who gives us the victory through our LORD JESUS CHRIST." (I Corinthians 15:55, 57)

San Diego Downtown ODDities

2010-01-28T22:07:00.000-08:00

i have a friend who likes to wear wigs...she doesn't like the Tina Turner style i gave her -- i wonder if she'll like this one?

Being invisible is part of a photographer's role...but sometimes i like being in the picture, too. (What did the Psalmist say? "Vanity of vanities...all is vanity!" (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

This is definitely NOT the usual red San Diego Trolley! i've never watched The Simpsons. The only cartoons i think cool are Pink Panther... and Mighty Mouse -- who always saved the day.
(Now that i'm a grown-up, i know Who really saves the day!)

This wig store is just a couple blocks from San Diego City College. Again, i couldn't resist adding myself in the composition.

Funny how all of humanity want to leave their mark in this world -- immortalized somehow -- hoping that maybe after they die, they'll be remembered by this or that legacy left behind. But we're all vapor...never knowing if this breath is the last. Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. (Psalm 39:5)

When i was waiting for the bus to Balboa Park (for my Botanical Garden GODventurez), i saw this artsy-fartsy looking car parked in the San Diego High School parking lot, next to the bus stop. i joined a couple tourists in taking a photo of it -- what a colorful, attention-getting distraction!

When i was a child, i spoke as a child, i understood as a child, i thought as a child; but when i became a man, i put away childish things. (I Corinthians 13:11)

Balboa Park's Botanical GARDEN -- JOYful GODventurez!

2010-01-23T16:02:00.000-08:00

San Diego's Balboa Park -- Reflecting Pool and Botanical Garden... a must-see for those who visit the Park, for there's always something new to see within its birdcage-like walls. These are the things that brought me joy that afternoon -- simple, beautiful things of GOD's creation.

C. S. Lewis said of joy -- "Joy is never in our power and pleasure often is."

W. A. "Billy" Sunday said of joy -- "If you have no joy, there's a leak in your CHRISTianity somewhere."

Thomas Aquinas said of joy -- "Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys, it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures."

Amy Carmichael said of joy -- Joys are always on the way to us. They are always traveling to us through the darkness of the night. There is never a night when they are not coming."

Samuel Dickey Gordon said of joy -- "Joy is distinctly a CHRISTian word and a CHRISTian thing. It is the reverse of happiness. Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its springs deep down inside. And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only JESUS gives that joy. He had joy, singing its music within, even under the shadow of the cross. It is an unknown word and thing except as He has sway within."

Thomas `a Kempis said of joy -- "If there is joy in the world, surely the man of pure heart possesses it."

R. A. Torrey said of joy -- "There is more joy in JESUS in 24 hours than there is in the world in 365 days. I have tried them both."

Charles Stanley said of joy -- "Joy is a gift from GOD that enables believers to find hope and peace -- even when life seemingly falls apart." (The above list of authors' words on joy is from In Touch Magazine, January 2010 issue.)

The Psalmist said of joy -- "I will be filled with joy because of You. I will sing praises to Your name, O Most High." (Psalm 9:2)

Isaiah says of joy -- "With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!" (Isaiah 12:3)

Jeremiah says of joy -- "Your words are what sustain me. They bring me great joy and are my heart's delight, for i bear Your name, O LORD GOD Almighty." (Jeremiah 15:16)

Simeon, the prophet of old, says of joy -- "This Child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But He will be the greatest joy to many others." (Luke 2:34)

JESUS said of joy -- "There is joy in the presence of GOD's angels when even one sinner repents." (Luke 15:10)

J ESUS...O thers...y ourself.

Balboa Park GODventurez -- with CoolPix

2010-01-19T16:07:00.001-08:00

Join me in a gad-about around Balboa Park -- San Diego's world-famous and popular every-day-of-the-week hangout for the young and the old and all the in-betweens; for the "native" San Diegan, as well as the "Zonies" from Arizona; and for all the other friendly and curious tourists from all corners of the globe.

Pepper Grove...picnic area and playground for young tots and not-so-young tots.

Be a kid-at-heart again...(the Natural History Museum in the background)

Take off your shoes and dive in...feet first, that is! (Fountain in front of the Reuben H. Fleet Museum)

El Prado...not so populated, for a change. But summer time's another story, as an army of tourists and locals congregate and stroll leisurely along this avenue to enjoy the sights and entertainment.

Kudos to all the gardeners who take such meticulous care of the grounds!

Mexican tamales, as well as Hawaiian shaved ice...where else but in this San Diego melting pot?

Many talented folks display and share their talents...and your donations are very welcome indeed! Beware of the Tarot and palm readers...but, hey, it's your money...even they have to eat.

Entrance to the Botanical Garden...(next blog will showcase its beauties)

Just floating...going with the flow. How many of us can do what these two kois do so effortlessly?

Inside the Botanical Garden...many of the visitors are so focused on all the brightly colored bromeliads and exotic orchid blooms, the many varieties of species of plants from all over the world, the special display of bug-eating pitcher plants -- they forget to look up, and they miss out on the giant ferns and the shadowed patterns from the see-through enclosure above.

Early Spring blooms, which fall down like snow flakes when the wind plucks them from their heights.

The romantic Rose Garden...in hiatus, waiting for Spring. Ecclesiastes 3:1 describes this scene perfectly -- To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. And GOD has promised resurrection for this barren garden...for He has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Just next to the Rose Garden is the Cactus Garden...what a contrast! The roses are delicate and fragile, while the cactus blooms are other-worldly and "robust" in make-up.

When i wander around Balboa Park and discover something i've overlooked in past visits, or see a new bloom from an "old friend" -- i am filled with gratefulness that the awesome GOD who created the universe and all the countless galaxies and gazillion stars gave such meticulous care in populating our earth with such beautiful and varied GOD-stuff...flowers and plants and animals that only His infinite mind could devise and manifest.

Then GOD said, "Let the land burst forth with every sort of grass and seed-bearing plant. And let there be trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. The seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came." And so it was.

The land was filled with seed-bearing plants and trees, and their seeds produced plants and trees of like kind. And GOD saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:11-12, NLT)

GODventurez in Giving

2010-01-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

GODventurez is about opening a door of opportunity that GOD has orchestrated, and then stepping through boldly. It's about the privilege of adventuring with the indescribable Maker and Giver of life.

This recent GODventurez in Life 101 is about giving...beyond tithing. Malachi 3:10 says, Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My Temple. If you do, says the LORD Almighty, I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let Me prove it to you!

Pastor Baize gave a message at Midway about tithing and putting to the test Malachi 3:10. It was during Midway's World Outreach Week, with missionaries from the Philippines, China and Africa asking the church to help make a difference in those countries. i was impressed with the mission outreach called Impacting Asia, with Luke and Kelly Lyons (along with Marc and Jessica Buxton, of Honest Deceiver) who help plant churches in metro Manila, Philippines.

GOD provided this door of opportunity to be of help -- so i gave them the $100 my sister gave me towards their evangelizing efforts in the Philippines. To some, $100 is not much; but to me, with no regular income to count on, it meant much. But GOD lit a fire in my heart for this mission...and i was glad to give. SPIRIT filled me with joy -- He made me a cheerful giver!

After CHRISTmas, i received monetary gifts...enough to buy that digital camera i was eyeing at CostCo. But GOD checked me...He asked, What about your glasses? i've been putting off getting new glasses (the prescription was four years old). And i really wanted my own digital camera, especially after deleting all of Mom's pictures while trying to "fix" her camera. Having a camera to illustrate my blog(s) was very important to me. GOD knew that...and He also knew how much fun i got from doing photography.

Again, i obeyed GOD...i followed His guidance -- prioritizing need, versus desire. GOD provided the new glasses -- after all, He is the bottom line Source of all that i have, all that i am. AND...

On the day i was at CostCo to get my eyes checked, i was at the display case of digital cameras, yearning for that low-priced, pocket-sized digital Canon, when i overheard that this Mexico-born German, Herman H, was looking for a lens for his Canon digital body. As he was walking away, i called him and told him that i had what he was looking for!

After a couple of criss-crossed e-mails (even trashed), we met at CostCo. My used Canon lens was priced at $300+ new, and Herman's asking price was $150; i countered with $175 (though i had prayed for $200). i also gave him zoom-extensions i didn't need anymore. And praise be to GOD, Herman gave me $200! (Bless his kind heart.)

Instead of buying the Canon, i bought a higher priced Nikon. i had just enough cash in my wallet for the required tax, even down to the 11 cents. GOD kept His promise in Malachi 3:10 -- i did my part by obeying when He prompted me to give...to let go that $100 i was holding on to. And i trusted Him to keep His promise -- He gave me what i needed (new glasses) and even what i desired (my own digital camera). The LORD is my Good Shepherd, i have everything i need. (Psalm 23:1, NLT)

Of course, the true blessing was not the new glasses or digital camera, but that SPIRIT grew my faith in CHRIST through His orchestration of these events. Who but GOD could have put all the pieces in place so that Herman and i would meet at that very exact moment that we did so that both our prayers would be answered? Who else could have engineered such perfect timing?

Pastor Charles Stanley says, GOD is responsible for the consequences of my obedience; and i am responsible for the consequences of my disobedience.

i'm having a lot of fun with the Nikon CoolPix GOD provided. i've already tested it to document my San Diego Trolley ride into downtown and Balboa Park (including a gad-about in the Botanical Garden, which showcased these orchids), as well as trying my hand at shooting a video (rln's FirstEverVideo).

And the best consequence of my obedience is a closer, deeper, more intimate fellowship with GOD, in CHRIST JESUS.

San Diego TROLLEY -- Blue Line GODventurez

2010-01-14T00:45:00.000-08:00

Palm Avenue Station (Blue Line)

The first leg of my SPIRIT-led GODventurez...

The San Diego Trolley has actually been a movie prop (though it escapes me which movie).

Coronado Bay Bridge...not as pretty from this angle, eh?

(Barrio Logan Station)
Since coming back from Fiji to San Diego, April 2009, i haven't really ventured much out into the "real world."

i've sort of cocooned myself around South San Diego, Chula Vista, and Imperial Beach.

My world had shrunk to Midway church activities (worship, Bible studies, Rose's), 24-Hour Fitness (Zumba and TKB), and being a homebody (painting, blogging or housekeeping).

(Imperial and Market Station)
The gas prices didn't encourage me to get out there...and i was no longer interested in those things that used to interest me before.

(PetCo Park Stadium)
But Tuesday, i broke out of my cozy routine and went on a GODventurez -- which to most of you is really no big deal -- i took the trolley downtown!

For just $5, i got to ride around for a whole day (including the bus system).

i had to ask a cyclist headed for Balboa Park to help me get the ticket out of the machine...duh!

(Fifth Avenue Station)
Yep, i'm a bush-woman from the boondocks!

Most of these (full-frame) photos were shot from inside the trolley, as seen afresh through eyes agog with a spirit of GODventurez.

i savored the experience, my face unusual amongst the crowd because my smile was practically a fixture from ear to ear -- i couldn't stop smiling! i must've looked like i was high on something -- i was! High on CHRIST!

GODventuring shoes...

i wonder if she still sees new things on her route -- back and forth, north to south, and back again on the same tracks...i wonder how many times in the course of her shift she goes back and forth, north to south and back again on the same tracks. i wonder if she still sees new things on her route...

Back at the Palm Avenue Station...longer shadows marked the nearing sundown.

There's a train a-coming...i can hear the whistle blowing! What are my choices? Get on the train? Let it pass me by? Or let it run over me?

Some DAY... at the BEACH

2010-01-05T22:44:00.000-08:00

(Imperial Beach, California)

Some DAY, there'll be no more tears --
Forever gone are all our fears.

Some DAY, there'll be no more cryin' --
There'll be no more dyin'.

Some DAY is just around the corner --
No high fences beyond this border.

Some DAY we will see the One --
Victorious is He...He has already won!

Some DAY is but a breath away --
Just a blink away...but soon, i pray.

Some DAY has already come --
i see the Light, i see the Son.

Some DAY is near --
The waiting is over...Heaven is HERE!

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

Third-World WORLD -- Philippines

2009-12-30T21:31:00.000-08:00

Market place at my hometown -- Castillejos, Zambales

Tricycles: personalized transport -- Castillejos, Zambales

School-yard snack shop -- Baguio

Quick-dry, sunshine fresh -- and free!

Market-place cat napper -- Zambales

Fancy-mancy burial grounds -- Olongapo

Fast food stand -- Zambales

Washing machine woman -- Castillejos, Zambales

Catholic souvenirs

Impromptu clothes line

Mobile ice cream shop -- Olongapo

Hardware shop for everything but the kitchen sink!

But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which GOD has prepared for those who love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9)

Were it not for GOD's gracious orchestration, i would still be in this Third-World world.

NASELESELE Village Primary School & LUKE 18

2009-12-22T22:48:00.000-08:00

Naselesele kids ready for meke (traditional Fijian dance).

Then JESUS told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

He said: In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared GOD nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'

For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though i don't fear GOD or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, i will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' (Luke 18:1-5)

Before the louvers...

Here's a story about a kavalagi (foreigner) who stubbornly refused to accept "no" for an answer... who presented her cause before the person in charge, no matter if she seemed too zealous and that it was none of her business -- she was insistent, even brash, because her heart burned for "her" kids.

The kavalagi had a soft heart for the village kids. These children went to the village school, which was made mainly of corrugated iron. When it rained, the center sections which served as windows and walls were closed, making the rooms dark inside. When tropical storms included thunder and lightning, the smaller children would cry from fear -- being in the semi-dark, with the rumble of thunder and the corrugated iron windows/walls making a racket as the winds whipped against them.

Open-air classroom under the mango tree.

This kavalagi had the gumption to go before the Rotary Club and asked why they haven't used some of the money already collected (for building the new school) for louvers that can be opened and shut during hot or rainy days, allowing more comfort for the kids so that they may better concentrate on their studies. Well, the one in charge of the funds hemmed and hawed...

Posing for rln.

So the kavalagi decided to take matters in her own hands and used "GOD's money" to buy the louvers and a couple of the village men installed the windows in two classrooms (the money provided by GOD was enough for just two classrooms).

But GOD must have touched the hearts of the powers-that-be because later, the rest of the classrooms received louvers too.

Fifth and sixth graders doing yoga with Madam Maria.

GOD, in CHRIST JESUS, has a soft and tender heart for children... and He must've heard that kavalagi's unspoken prayers.

Madam Makarita with happy teachers!

NASELESELE Village -- Traditional FUNERAL

2009-12-15T22:38:00.000-08:00

Hand-made florals and hand-made masi

completely covered the casket.

No matter whether the person who died was the chief of the village, or related to the chief's mother, or just regular folk related to the chief's mother's sister's son -- any funeral at Naselesele Village is a big event. And every family who's related to the dead person's clan is obligated to show up, or at least have some body show up as a representative of that family. Even if that representative has to come from the smaller outer islands (Viti Levu is the main island and the biggest, then Vanua Levu, and Taveuni -- where Naselesele is located, is third largest)...never mind the expense.

Susi mourning for her aunt.

Since every family is related to one of the four or five clans which make up Naselesele, it ends up that almost everyone is related to each other in some way or another.

The women elders -- pray-ers and mourners --

"guarding" the dead.

During a funeral (or traditional wedding), each clan is assigned a particular task to help feed the sometimes hundreds of people who will come during the two- to three-day ceremonial duties and feasting.

A solemn procession to the village cemetery --

Virgin Mary banner, courtesy of rln Art.

Farmers (which all the village people are to some extent) are mandated to contribute dalo (taro) to feed the crowd, as well as to give to departing guests. Monies are collected to buy a cow (or two or three, depending on the wealth of the dead one's clan), pigs and chickens...and most also contribute some side dish. The funeral feast becomes a humongous pot luck!

At the village burial grounds...

Cooking and clean up crews are given little direction, as everyone seems to know his part, having been raised to do this type of gathering since childhood -- tradition ingrained for several generations.

Bundles of dalo contributed by most of the village farmers.

There are even "professional" pray-ers and mourners -- this task delegated to the older women... usually led by the chief's wife, Matawalu.

These women probably caught up on the latest

as they did their assigned task.

The grave site is usually within the village perimeter, which has been prepared the day before by a clan responsible for such things...as also constructing the casket assigned to the clan or family who has traditionally done so in the past.

The feeding crew...with Beta as one of the many servers.

Sometimes, if the dead is a chief of a village as well as chief over an island, the show of respect (more cows killed) may run the village into debt!

The women elders were honored by being served first,

along with the chief and others of higher authority.

Having worked at Glen Abbey Mortuary as a part-time file clerk, i discovered how expensive it is to die in San Diego (and maybe in most parts of the U.S. as well). A casket alone can run into the thousands. i've told my Mom to do away with my body in the cheapest way possible -- cremation -- if i died here. Then to use my ashes to fertilize the kalamansi tree in the backyard.

Last duty...clean up. No washing machines here!

Absent in the body, present with the LORD. And when i join other believers in receiving a glorified body like JESUS did when He resurrected, it doesn't matter what method would used to return my body to dust. GOD -- Almighty and infinitely wise and Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all i could ever ask or think -- can certainly put together this body again... and even much better than the original model.

To me, death is but the door to the real adventure! The wonderful GODventurez our Father in Heaven has blessed me with thus far are but mere shadows of the real thing. For followers of CHRIST, death is not to be feared for we believe in an afterlife that is gloriously beyond our highest expectations. As children of GOD, we are assured of our place in Heaven by our faith in JESUS. Best of all, those who trust in CHRIST have the breathtaking hope of seeing Him face to face -- this GOD/Man who laid down His life for sinful mankind. The Reality of being enveloped in His loving presence makes death lose its sting.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; i shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yea, though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
i will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23 is a promise from GOD that whatever kinds of valleys we may go through during the seasons of our lives, we can be confident as GOD's children that He walks with us through any and all difficulties that will arise, so that we need not fear any evil (worldly temptations, natural catastrophies, the certainty of death). GOD, our Father, in CHRIST, protects and comforts us through each storm.

This promise is the confidence for those who trust in JESUS CHRIST as LORD and Good Shepherd of their lives, today and forever.

The DOOR to Your Heart

2009-12-07T13:26:00.000-08:00

JESUS at this very moment is knocking at the door of your heart.

The CHRIST, the Son of GOD, is standing outside your heart's door, patiently and lovingly waiting for you to turn to Him.

But only you can choose to open the door, for only from your side can the door be opened...there is only one door knob...and it's on your side.

JESUS awaits tenderly and graciously...He will not barge in without your say-so. Though He has the unlimited, infinite power of GOD -- power so indescribably mighty as to speak the heavens and earth into existence -- He will not force you to open the door. The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. (Psalm 33:6)

CHRIST has already offered Himself for your transgression -- He has paid the ultimate price for your very, very steep fine -- by His own blood on the Cross.

You are free to be truly free -- if you but choose to accept JESUS as LORD of your life.

Only He has the authority to forgive sin...and only He can wipe out your past record and give you a clean slate. I will prove that I, the Son of Man, have the authority on earth to forgive sins. Then JESUS turned to the paralyzed man and said, Stand up, take your mat, and go on home, because you are healed! (Luke 5:24)

Only He can make you new. Therefore, if anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (II Corinthians 5:17) Only He can bring you home to the Father. I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)

Buddha can't take you home to the Kingdom of GOD. Mary can't save you either -- and she herself will tell you this truth -- that she was saved by her own Son. Mary did know.

Muhammad is not The Way. Joseph Smith is not IT -- and ET is not it, either. Even Oprah 's spirituality -- without the cross of JESUS -- is a lie from the father of lies...satan. There were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the LORD who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. (II Peter 2:1)

Most assuredly, I say to you, I AM the Door of the sheep. (John 10:7) The Door to the Father is JESUS...but you hold the key to the door of your heart.

If you were to die today -- struck dead by lightning, by a DUI driver, by a massive heart attack, by a cancer, by your own angry kin whose Superbowl team had just lost, by a robber with a gun at the 7-11 or am/pm store, by a lethal fall because your bungee or parachute malfunctioned...do you have peace of mind now, this very moment, that confident assurance that you will go to Heaven...that paradise "pie in the sky" that is every CHRISTian's Reality? GOD will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

I AM the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. (John 10:9) But...only you can open the door to your heart.

La Jolla -- The JEWELed Life

2009-12-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

La Jolla is a ritzy part of San Diego, where a Gucci brand handbag of a designer-dressed, manicured and spa-pampered woman wearing matching Gucci leather boots -- probably cost more than 150 bags sold at The ShoppE at Rose's!

What does a CHRISTian backpacker-style traveler bush farmer have in common with the rich and semi-famous folks of La Jolla? Not very much at all -- except maybe the love for an ocean view and the ocean itself, with its majestic and roaring waves. And, of course, in La Jolla, the ocean view (as almost everywhere else in the USofA) comes with a very steep price tag, if that view sits on prime real estate.

GOD, the Potter and Master Craftsman of this person that i am today, has made me in such a way that the stuff of La Jolla does not beckon to me -- it's too "civilized" -- to put it nicely. The day Ann and Shelley, with 92-year old Thelma in tow, and i drove to La Jolla, it was only to view the few seals beached at the Children's Pool at the Cove. We made no time for the glamour shops (read: tourist traps) or gave even a second thought to Hard Rock Cafe, etc.

GOD's nature called to us...and we satisfied ourselves with His handiwork.

In Fiji, at Beverly's Campgrounds, i stayed in this tent for only F$10/night, on prime ocean-front real estate, with the reef waters just yards away and the waves crashing too loudly for my ears (i had to wear earplugs to sleep).

As Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians (4:11-13) --

"i have learned how to get along happily whether i have much or little. i know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. i have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

For i can do everything with the help of CHRIST who gives me the strength i need."

i, too, have learned to be content with much or with little. As long as i'm "glued at the hip" with my utterly precious Constant Companion and LORD of my life -- i am at ease in His rest.

Imperial Beach -- my Nature Fix

2009-11-24T00:09:00.000-08:00

i've been feeling homesick for GOD's nature for a couple weeks...my heart feeling little sharp jabs like a pin cushion.

i would see a fiery patch of late afternoon sky in between the roof tops...and wistfully imagine how that orange patch might look stretched out over unobstructed horizon.

Or a sunrise with blushing clouds through a dusty glass window...and i would press my nose to the glass to see what's beyond the neighbors' roofs.

Or a glowing sickle moon hanging in an already dark sky after a Zumba class...and i would remember other moonlit skies in the bush.

And i would feel compelled to be physically embraced by GOD's nature. So i finally decided to make time to be comforted -- to encourage myself in the LORD, through His creation...

By the tang of the ocean breeze...by the sight of waves foaming and curling...and eddies rippling.

i talked to fishermen on the pier, practicing my Tagalog with a wrinkled old man from San Narcisso, the little town just after Castillejos in Zambales, where i was born. i spoke rusty Spanish with another old man, who was using a net with mussels for bait. He had three (myself and a married couple, Indians from the Navajo tribe visiting from Arizona) as rapt audience each time he pulled up the net, twice with fish.

Then i checked out the "mussel farm" -- the fisherman's ready bait.

i took this photo of the sitting seagull, posing for me like a sitting duck (i like taking pictures of reflections...and i like reflecting at the beach).

Before i became a CHRISTian, i loved His marvelous handiwork, calling it Mother Nature, as if it were itself a god to be worshiped. Today, of course, i worship the Creator, and stand amazed at all His creation.

Here's a gift from above by way of the sea...though i did re-arrange it a little for this photo-op.

And another...someone else had drawn this, but i knew SPIRIT made me notice it so that my heart may be uplifted. And for me, the bottom line always -- it was from GOD.

This is usually how i put myself in the picture...and this is how i want all else in my life to be -- mere shadows compared to JESUS.