Congratulations Warriors!

We won the football game on Saturday, which caused us to win the entire series! Love Potion #1 was a tough team to beat, and it was really looking bleak for us Warriors. LP won all the first three events, and WOL were lagging behind. It wasn't until the awesome comeback at the volleyball game, that WOL came within a hair's breadth of the title! We were within 50 points! LP fought back furiously at the Wii Sports Showdown, but WOL managed to win both rounds! So the score was tied as of Friday night. Saturday was the deciding factor, and after a hard fought game between the teams, WOL prevailed! LP gave us some serious competition, but we managed to pull through! Warriors of Love were the victors! Love Potion was a great team to play against, and team captain Bart was always good at pushing his team to do their best. I did my bast as the captain of the Warriors, but because I'm pregnant, and was unable to play in three of the events, I appointed Cristina as my Co-Captain. She did a great job taking over when I wasn't available. Both teams played with a lot of heart, and this years teams had a lot of good sports. Several players were injured in some of the events, but they pulled through and persevered! Some even continued to play through their injuries, unless they were too severe, and they bowed out gracefully. Great job Journey members! I'm proud of ALL of you. I would have to say this has been the best year of competition of the last three years. We had NO poor sports this year, and everyone supported everyone else! That is truly awesome!

For final scores and more details, go to Sports.towardtruth.com. They should be updated soon!

Spending Time With God

When I was little I always felt guilty if I didn't read my Bible or wanted to do something else instead. And it was wrong to watch tv at the same time. Well, when I started working at Mountain Lakes it would get really boring and I would run out of things to do sometimes, so I brought my Bible and would read in between customers. Then ever since I stopped working I would read my Bible while watching tv after Lily laid down for her nap. I think I do get insights from the Spirit while I'm reading, though I'm not giving my full attention. So, I thought it wasn't really a big deal. But something occured to me one night when I was done reading my usual studying I didn't want to stop, but I was tired of reading. I've been going through kind of a difficult time lately, just not really enjoying my circumstances and I've been waiting for some prayers to be answered for quiet some time. Not that I'm complaining, we all have to go through difficult times to grow. So, the last couple of weeks I've been looking for God's peace and some has filtered through my sorrow some days. So, that night I stared at the scriptures from a distance enough to see the words, but not actually read them. I felt a little relief and I imaged if God would be sitting across from me. And that's when I realized that's what I'm doing when I study the word. I'm spending time with God. Afterall they are his words his history. And how much more insight and peace I would feel if I read with the tv off. And that's why I feel comforted when I read the word.

We're Not Alone

There was a song in church the other morning that explained how we're free and no longer chained down so we can now shine to the world. Well, the line that explained how were redeemed and been set free really spoke to me. I think that when things get a little difficult we start forgetting what God's done in our lives and we don't feel very free. But though we may feel chained down by drugs, an unhealthy lifestyle, relationships, or just dealing with life itself, we're still free. Jesus doesn't want us to feel trapped by these things that's why he calls us to cast our cares on him. And I think it is still really difficult, but the thought that we have someone looking out for our interests is amazing.
Then it accured to me that we're not alone in our troubles. Yeah, we know that God is always around us and above us and in us. But I think we often take that for granted and don't really grasp it in our minds. And I think we think we feel guilty for not measuring up to what we know were suppose to do or prideful that we need to do and fix our fears or our mistakes or what causes sorrows on our own. I know I struggle with this. And Jesus reaches out to us when we're in need( or tugging at our hearts to come to him). Well, he did die on the cross so that we would no longer face the worst that comes our way all alone. When we're fearful or sad or stressed or angry or trapped by unwanted circumstances, whatever the case may be, he doesn't walk away or leave us to fend for ourselves. He's right there with us every step of the way.
And deeper than that, we are all sinners and whether we're not currently sinning, being tempted, or blinded by the actions we're doing, God still loves us. How could God love such corrupt and sinful people? Honestly, I'm not really sure, it's even hard for me to show love to those that have done wrong to me. I know that God see's our hearts for every spec that it is. Every corruption it has and every future wrong we'll make, but he looks past our sinful nature and love us for the person that we are. And I don't know about everyone else, but that means a lot to me because I'm a girl and hold a few insecurities and the person that created me and will judge me some day loves the person that I am, that's awesome. Think about it, though. You have a huge God has written all our names on his hand and will never faint or grow weary and who created this world with just a few words and see's us for who we exactly are and loves us anyway. So deeply it fact, that we can never ever comprehend or even recipricate to him or anyone else. So, to a loving person that see's everything past present and future and loves us beyond what anyone or anything can seperate why not spill our guts. Afterall, we're not alone and we're free to do so.

Warriors serve up first win.

Huntington Beach, Ca—Some may say it was the brisk beach air, or the cool cloud cover, but for the Warriors of Love (WOL), it was a plain matter of perseverance. Of course, it looked bleak at first, as the undefeated Love Potion #1 (LP) easily won the first in a best-of-three volleyball match. But WOL kept positive, showing constant support for their teammates and a determination to keep playing the best game they could. With a combination of strong serving and tight defense they won the second round to tie up the match. Now, it was anyone’s game, and both sides knew it. There was plenty of ducking, diving and even a little dancing. Both teams put their best feet forward (especially Jessica Landis of WOL), but in the end game point went to WOL. And as icing on the cake they also walked away with all the bonus points for the day, closing the point gap for the series to a mere 50 points.

VOLLEYBALL SCORE… WOL: 100 + 25 +25 = 150; LP: 0.

CURRENT STANDINGS after four events... LP: 350; WOL: 300.

Friday (7/25) it’s anyone’s game as The Journey introduces Wii Sports for the first time to Summer Sports Series. Any young adult is welcome to join a team. Dinner starts at 6pm. Fuel starts at 7pm. See Sports.TowardTruth.com for all the latest Summer Sports Series news.

Shoulder injury wins points.

Colton, Ca—On the brutal battlefield of dodgeball, not everyone survives. This year’s bashfest left two players out of breath on the sidelines and one player, Brendan, with a shoulder out of place. He was able to raise his arm to put it back in place, but the pain will be with him for days. This recurring injury actually needs surgery. The Journey asks you all the pray and trust God with us for a speedy and complete healing. For his great attitude in dealing with the injury, Brendan earned his team, Warriors of Love (WOL), 25 sportsmanship points. WOL also picked up 25 teamwork points. But for all their coordinated assaults, they still could not keep Love Potion #1 from achieving their third straight victory.

DODGEBALL SCORE… LP: 100; WOL: 25 +25 = 50.

CURRENT STANDINGS after three events... LP: 350; WOL: 150.

Love Potion to defend decisive lead in sports series.

Riverside, CA—It was an intense soccer match Saturday at Hunter Park as Love Potion #1’s (LP) team captain, Barton Thrasher, went head-to-head with veteran Summer Sports player, Cristina Candelaria, of the Warriors of Love (WOL). To heighten the drama of the game the soccer field was shortened to a 30 yard square. At one point Shawn Candelaria, acting LP goalie, threw the ball to score a goal from his post, a play which was immediately and unanimously deemed illegal. LP didn’t look worried as they took the lead early on in the game. But WOL came up from behind in the second half to close the point gap, in what looked then like anyone’s game. It was 5-5, With two minutes left to play. The pace was quickening as many attempts by the WOL to score were thwarted. Finally, with 7 seconds on the clock, LP scored the final goal to win the game 6-5. All was not lost for the WOL as pregnant and perseverant team captain, Marla Arnold, led her team to once again garner sportsmanship and teamwork points.

SOCCER SCORE… LP: 100; WOL: 25 +25 = 50.

CURRENT STANDINGS after two events... LP: 250; WOL: 100.

Tonight (7/18) Love Potion fights to protect their lead in a dangerous game of Dodgeball at FUEL. Any young adult is welcome to join a team. Dinner starts at 6pm. Fuel starts at 7pm. See Sports.TowardTruth.com for more all the latest Summer Sports Series news.

Love Potion leads Warriors 150 to 50

Love Potion #1 (LP) beat Warriors of Love (WOL), 7-6, in overtime Friday, as the Journey officially kicked off Summer Sports Series IV with Pass, Catch and Shoot. LP also got bonus points for picking their name first and for good sportsmanship because they brought drinks for everyone at half time. WOL also got bonus points for sportsmanship and teamwork. Unfortunately, for all their teamwork, they could not get the ball in the basket for the first half. But their passing game almost paid off when they came from behind to tie the game at the end of the second half.

Current Standings after one event...
LP: 100 + 25 +25 = 150
WOL: 25 + 25 = 50

Tonight the Warriors compete to take back their pride in Soccer competition. Any young adult is welcome to join a team. Meet at Centerpoint at 5pm to caravan to Hunter Park. See Sports.TowardTruth.com for more details.

The Journey Update

I hope you enjoyed your holiday! As for us, we had an amazing time camping in beautiful San Jacinto State Park. First the bad news… we were down two stoves with one to go and we couldn’t get that one to work either. But not to be defeated, we were able to put the pot and pan we had on a grill directly over the campfire. The food took a little longer to cook, but it was delicious and we were certainly not underfed. Then, as we began “Fuel in the Forest” all our flying beetle friends decided to join us, distracting us to the point of cutting our time of singing short.

But the good news is… We had great times of reflection and discussion both nights, being challenged in our ideas of what it means to love one another and getting opportunities to put that love into practice throughout our time together.

Especially memorable and rewarding was our 6.6 mile hike through Deer Springs Trail up to Suicide Rock. For some of us it was a cakewalk. But for others of us (including me) it was an exercise in pushing our bodies to their utter limits. There were slips, bug bites, blisters and moments of self-doubt. But with encouragement and perseverance we pushed through together. And it was all worth it. Though the trail itself was beautiful, the view from the rock was amazing! We ate lunch at the top with both a sense of accomplishment and a thirst for ice cold water.

That hike was just the beginning of a full month of teamwork and determination as we embark on The Journey’s SUMMER SPORTS SERIES IV. Every Friday and Saturday in July two teams will compete to be this year’s Ultimate Journey Champions. You can join a team at any time and will remain on that team throughout the series.

This Friday’s competition is basketball with a twist—Pass, Catch & Shoot—a fun game for athletes of any skill level. Just show up for Fuel at 7pm (dinner’s at 6pm) and we’ll get you on a team. And remember, there will be childcare for those who need it.

On Saturday, get in on the action as our two teams run, kick, and defend their goal in Soccer. Just meet us at Centerpoint at 5pm to follow us to Hunter Park.

For a schedule of this year’s events, directions to Hunter Park, or pictures of Summer Sports Series III, go to Sports.TowardTruth.com.

Hope the camping trip went well.

I don't know who all went, and I haven't heard back from everyone, but from the ones I did talk to, I heard that it was a wonderful experience. I'm sorry that Rex and I missed it, but we had several very good reasons:

1) We were helping our friends Matt and Bridget move into their new apartment. We had to move everything from Ontario to San Bernardino. I helped on Friday, and Rex helped out both Friday and Saturday. We rested on Sunday. :-)

2) Rex doesn't like camping. He does not enjoy sleeping in a tent, in a sleeping bag, and not being able to shower, or use a normal toilet. (I heard about the "No Facilities" at the camp. Was there at least an outhouse, or some kind of indoor toilet?)

3) Rex's mom needed us, to take her to run some errands. It's only fair, since she's been loaning us her car for the last several months, until she has her last (hopefully) eye surgery, and her eye heals well enough for her to drive.

4) Last but not least, for those of you who don't know: Rex and I are having a baby! We are expecting our little bundle of joy on January 22, 2009! Of course, since it's my first pregnancy, there's even less guarantees on the due date, then there would normally be. We are so happy, and we're glad to share this experience with everyone in The Journey, and as of next year, we will have a new addition to the Journey family: Baby "Peanut" Arnold! (It's only a nickname, we are not actually going to name our baby "Peanut"!)

Hope everyone is well, and I will see some of you on Friday, at Fuel. We missed everyone last Friday, so we're glad Fuel is back at church! :-)

Yard Sale!

Where do I begin? It has been a whirlwind month!

With our one-year lease up July 1, Cristina and I had been thinking about whether we should sign on for another year or look for a new place. We visited a few houses for rent but nothing was worth moving from our apartment which we both really loved. But then, one month ago, we got word through my brother that his complex had an opening for a 1-bedroom apartment. Our name had been on the waiting list for a 2-bedroom since last summer. And a few months ago they called us with a vacancy, but we were still in our lease, so we couldn’t accept. So we put on name at the bottom of the list. But now this 1-bedroom opened up. We had to move on it right away. So we thought about it and prayed about it.

The night before we had to decide, I went for a walk and went through the 5 ways of making a good decision that we had talked about at Fuel last year. Was it God honoring? Well, it meant fewer, or smaller, gatherings for The Journey. But it also meant more money with which to be more generous than we could before. Was it Spirit-led? This was not the product of our own effort. It was totally a God thing. We had gone asking, seeking and knocking. But God presented this door in His perfect timing, without us even seeking it out. Was it wise? By moving into this smaller but quite comfortable apartment, we would be saving $500 every month; that’s $6,000 a year! That meant we could be debt-free sooner, build up a more substantial savings for unexpected expenses, have the money to make future necessary purchases like new cars, and invest more for the future, all making us better prepared for any possible future editions to our family. Was it well-advised? Having such little time, I decided I only had time to seek Cristina’s advice (and not also the usual list of trusted friends). And in her separate personal considerations, she thought it would be a good move. So, lastly, with everything pointing toward moving, and being in agreement, we mustered up the courage to call and accept the offer to move in.

We started moving in on the 21st, packing and moving about one room at a time. Then we had all the big stuff out by the 28th. Yesterday, we finally got the last of our stuff and cleaned up the place. Today, I turn in the keys to our old place.

It’s amazing how God has blessed us. He hasn’t given us more pay. But He has given us more money. By leading us to this new apartment, it’s like we got a $500/month raise! God is good!

And we will be busy for about another month as we try to unpack 1600 square feet of stuff into 950 square feet of space. I have two words for you: yard sale.

You can work at Stater Bros.

I hear that Stater Bros. will be accepting applications for both checker and janitor tomorrow (7/8) at 7am. Dress in business attire. Be there early. The store is located at 1786 E Lugonia Ave in Redlands.