Yay God!

My Recent Yay God

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:20:10 UTC

Let me preface this by saying I really should not be surprised. Although I know in my head and my heart that God is capable of anything, I guess I feel that I am not worthy or something because I just break down and surrender to the situation. There are two cases in point. The first is the referral to the specialist I have been trying to get since February to get my heart back into rhythm. I have been calling for 3 months, and up until a week ago, the specialist had not even received the referral let alone scheduled an appointment.

As I was preparing to start school and then be working across the country this coming Monday, I had pretty much resigned to the fact that it just was not going to happen. Then last Friday I received, yes received a call from my Dr. (yes all those calls I made really paid off), stating that not only did the referral go through, but the appointment was scheduled for yesterday, when I was leaving this Monday. Now I am on a public health plan because of my hospitalization when I was out of work last year, and it takes 2 months just to see my regular cardiologist, so to get this appointment in just 1 week without ever mentioning my new job that would take me out of town for the next year was just all God's work in providing what I need.

But wait there's more! God doesn't stop there where I could think it was just my persistence that made it happen and it was just my calling that shamed them into giving me that appointment. Thursday was my last day at my former job because I had this appointment Friday in Loma Linda and started school on Monday. So I'm on my way to small group after work on Thursday and making some calls to update people on my situation and that I was no longer at my former job. I called this one guy, Luis, that used to work with me there and he tells me their company has an opening in their Oceanside office. Why don't I send in a resume and he'll talk to the Regional Manager.

So I fax my resume in from Ritchie's house and 10 minutes later I get a phone call setting up an interview for the next afternoon at 3 o'clock. Now mind you I am scheduled to leave Monday morning for school. So Friday I go to the interview, it goes great, seems like a good fit, but I got the idea that it was only a preliminary interview because the person I interviewed with said he would have to talk to the owner and get back to me. I also laid a pretty hefty salary demand on him, double what the company offered. I called my friend and told him the interview went well, but I was leaving Monday morning for school, could he find out something for me? He said he would find out within an hour. So he calls back and said they really liked me but they couldn't meet the salary demand I stated. So if I would start off at their figure, they would increase it when they saw what I was capable of. But the commission structure was 60% higher than my former company, they wrote more policies than my former office, and meeting my income need would not be a problem knowing how I worked.

Did I jump at it? No I'm thinking in my mind only about the specific number I said I needed and prayed about. So I said I would think about it and get back to him. I called a few people to get some advice. Was I just blind, or was this just a temptation to divert me from the plan God had for me? I was totally surrendered to going on the road for a year, I didn't want to, but I had my mind set that it was a discipline from God for getting myself into such a financial mess. I had truly surrendered and I think that is what God was looking for before he presented this last minute combination of the appointment with the specialist and the job interview on the same day.

So after much advise seeking, it was pointed out to me that the specialist had scheduled much follow up care and what was more important, my health or my job. This new job does have health coverage that would start right after my public coverage ends in September. It would start October 1st. So I was brought back to my senses and called back and said when can I start? I got a text back that said Monday morning at 9. God orchestrated this whole scenario, just waiting for my heart to surrender to his will. I finally did and look at the miracle He produced. Getting both the appointment with the specialist who has 2 different plans to try to get my heart back into rhythm, and getting a job both on the very last day before leaving town for a year. YAY GOD!

No June Gloom Here

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:54:24 UTC

Don't let the weather fool you into thinking that God is not busy at work around Crossweave. Perhaps for some, but for the most part, he is active and well! Here are just a few instances to encourage you:

So Maria's van died a few months ago but then someone donated another van—the timing was so perfect like someone was watching (duh!). Well, that van just quit on her a couple of weeks ago but guess what—she qualified for another vehicle. On top of that, she got the promotion at work she had been praying for. It took about a year but she finally got it!

Chris Misch got that fulltime job just to lose it—didn't even know that was possible but it did happen. Well, like we say, 'it's okay because God has something better'. Well, what do you know—he did! Chris just started a fulltime job with a major laboratory in town that is way better than the other one! This is just too much.

Larry has been praying for a definite sign to move on to another job and he got the answer just a few days ago. The down side is (well, depending on how you view it) that he will be gone for a year. We support him all the way although we will miss him.

Are You Getting This?

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:01:27 UTC

It's easy to overlook the obvious sometimes and so we put them in 'print'—God's answer to prayers. So, Jennifer got a job after 5 months of searching not realizing that her husband would go through the exact same thing! Now it's his turn to look, but no need to worry—they have it down by now! Just days after Maria's van died, Luke was puzzled by an unexpected donation—a used van. At small group that week, it all came together. The pink slip was immediately signed over and Maria plans on donating it to the next person in need as soon as she gets her car situation all worked out. One last one: Chris and Heather are about to lose their home. Heather's temporary work over the holidays is now permanent and just last week, Chris got a fulltime job in radiology! Are you getting this? It's only a matter of when and how. God always comes through.

It Makes No Difference

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:18:37 UTC

Call it an emerging culture at Crossweave: more and more individuals are getting used to the idea of turning over their plans to God and loving it! In spite of the ever increasing number of people that are loosing jobs, it is so encouraging to know that people are relying on God. It makes no difference if or when prayers are answered—he is glorified just the same!

Here's a quick update. Just when Larry is doing extremely well at his new job, he gets an even better job being offered to him! Jennifer finally started working fulltime at a major auto insurance company and even got Thursdays and Sundays off—just what she had prayed for so that she can attend small group and church! Christin had been looking for work for several months now and just found one the other day. If we missed any others, feel free to post it.

New family joins Crossweave

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:52:34 UTC

Bill & Merliyn Sweet expressed their desire to join Crossweave. They even said that they would like to serve on the worship team (Bill plays bass and Merilyn sings). They currently live in Riverside but are planning to move closer to the area. Merilyn is a 2nd or 3rd degree cousin of Lederle. Their three daughters have been featured many times singing on special occasions at Crossweave. Merilyn shared how God has touched her heart just recently giving her and Bill a passion to grow and serve.

More New Jobs

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:20:47 UTC

At least two individuals at Crossweave got new jobs. Heather now works at Tilly's. The first few days were rough but now she is loving it and doing really well! Jennifer also got a job at Geico. A 'sign' she asked for just to be sure it was the right job, was to get Sundays and Thursdays off so she wouldn't miss church and small group. This she did, at least for the training/orientation period, without even asking!

More on God's Goodness

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:42:38 UTC

There are so many ‘Yay Gods’ that we can talk about since the last post—amazing how time flies—but here are just a few. If I missed any, please comment and add to the list.

Early in September, Larry rushed over to the ER and was admitted for the same heart problem. The doctors did the same procedure to get his heart back in rhythm but this time, it didn’t work. To make matters worse, when they found out he had no insurance, they stopped treatment and sent him home. Amazingly, Larry showed up on his bike at church the very next day! Last time I checked, he’s still alive and kicking!

In mid-September, another church—Rancho del Rey—donated 75 brand new padded chairs. Pastor Matt Tague said that “God provided them to us 3 years ago so that Crossweave Church could have them” even though our church did not exist then. What a blessing!

Also in September, we celebrated our first anniversary as a church. We had the best turnout yet for worship and the BBQ that followed. God was truly honored and praised for how he guided and supported us through our first year together. As a pastor, it gave me great comfort to witness members recall and acknowledge all of his goodness in very specific ways.

Another ‘Yay God’ is the fact that God is actively restoring marriages at Crossweave. It is one thing to hear about couples that decide to work on their marriages. It’s another to witness God at work and play a little part in the lives of couples you actually know. This goes against the grain of society and God is truly honored! Speaking of marriages, Chris and Cindy tied the knot in August!

Stephanie emailed me on a dilemma she was experiencing regarding major dental work costing thousands of dollars. I conferred with a couple of dentists I knew and one of them offered to do the procedure not at a discount but free of charge! Unbelievable. By the way, she also found a new job that is much closer to home and gives her time off for church. Somebody is looking out for her.

Talking about employment—this is a tough one. There are a few at Crossweave still looking for employment. One thing for sure, though, is that God does answer prayer. Rie, as a new schoolteacher, prayed for one and guess what—she now works two jobs! She is so busy that she needs prayer for her health and time off so she can go to church! Chris Misch finished his training in radiology; he got a part time job in phlebotomy and hopes to land a job in radiology sometime soon. Larry found a job in Pacific Beach that turned out to be a nightmare. He now works for another insurance company in Oceanside and is doing quite well.

Felix lost his wallet on the train—it had some cash, his ID and also his Social Security card (yikes!). Needless to say, he was very concerned. My lecture on identity theft was no help either. But guess what—I got a phone call two days ago saying that someone had found it! Amazing!

Here’s a report from the Carbajal family: A major recording deal fell through last month and we were banking on this project to pay our mortgage for the next few months. Well, so far we’ve never been late on our mortgage and the bank even gave us a better interest rate (5.625%), a lower monthly payment, with zero fees! Even the notary guy was astounded. God is good!

Yay God!

Moving to a New Location

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:25:56 UTC

Just when I am beginning to wonder where God is leading, or whether he is leading, I get this phone call from Luke that his friend's building is available for us to use each week—rent free! As a leader, this is another humbling experience that once again teaches me to completey rely on God's guidance and faithfulness. There is much work to be done at this new location but it is definitely ready for holding our weekly worship gatherings. God is good!

New Jobs!

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:40:52 UTC

Larry is looking at getting a new job in Pacific Beach. This all happened just last week through an old acquaintance. This also means that he may be moving back to the area. This will definitely help on the commute and save on gas.

Chris M. also got a new job—not exactly in the field he trained in (radiology) but at least it's a foot in the door. He is a phlebotomist at a clinic in Del Mar. He was a bit concerned because it wasn't quite working out at first (finding those veins) but today, after a lot of prayer, a calm came over him and he said that each prick was a success!

Stephanie!

Wed, 28 May 2008 15:33:48 UTC

It was awesome to witness Stephanie take the plunge for Christ and get baptized after the membership class on Sunday. We all gathered in a circle to pray before she entered the pool. The group standing around sang the chorus to "Amazing Love" and I'm sure heavenly beings joined in as well. Heaven's roster just got longer by one. Yay God!

Adrian is back at work!

Tue, 13 May 2008 15:46:49 UTC

Adrian checked out several leads but in the end, the job he got was something totally unexpected. A company he had left his info with a while back called him up instead. They came looking for him! He started working just yesterday in Lakeside. Here's how it works: God is sovereign and knows what is best. Keep trusting God whether you are still looking for work, or it you are looking for something else. His timing is best and he always comes through.

Car Crash!

Tue, 06 May 2008 18:16:35 UTC

We had just finished taking turns praying in a circle getting ready for another church service, including Jeff who prayed for his daughter, Stephanie. Then it happened--he gets a phone call from a bystander who picked up her phone after she got in a car crash on her way to work. A truck went through a red light at 60 mph and spun her car around injuring her leg and chest.

Well, Stephanie is home now. Her car is a mess but thank God that she is alive and well! Continue praying for her full recovery.

Free Rent!

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:25:03 UTC

Jeff mentioned this in passing a while back—that he was hoping to find a job as a property manager and not have to pay rent. Well, he got that wish just the other day—managing a 20+ unit apartment complex in Poway. And guess what: he and Jeanine get to keep their regular day jobs, enjoy free rent, utilities and cable! God is truly awesome!

Yay God recap

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:31:25 UTC

This is what happens when life kicks in—we get so busy that we enjoy God's blessings and forget to celebrate! Well, here's a recap of the Yay Gods since the last posting way back in January.

CTI's worship band led us in worship on Jan. 27—what an awesome experience that was! It was amazing to have a great turnout, to see how a common theme lined up between the sermon and their music, how our mission statements overlapped, and how every little detail worked out in spite of the rain and last-minute arrangements.

Chris and Cindy got engaged in January and are planning a wedding in August! This is a definite Yay God! and an answer to prayer (ours as parents!).

In February, James accepted a fulltime church position in Upland leading worship and evangelism. It was an honor to send him off and to be a part of God's working in his life as he led worship at Crossweave. The timing was perfect because Bud and Christin returned to the U. S. earlier than planned from Hong Kong. They now lead worship among many other things!

Bud preached his first sermon at Crossweave on Feb. 17. Rie reorganized the children's ministy and several individuals stepped up to the plate to teach using the new DVD curriculum. This is definitely another Yay God! We also organized our second small group in San Marcos with Larry and Bud teaching. Another small group in San Marcos also began meeting shortly after for young adults with Matt teaching the group. What a blessing!

On March 1, Karin organized our first monthly women's breakfast meeting held at Hometown Buffet. A second meeting happened on April 5 over at the Chan residence. God was honored by the encouragement each one gave one another.

Luke and Jerisse returned from Africa on April 5 from another Heart and Hands in Action mission trip! They both contracted malaria—Jerisse getting it really bad. Considering the safety and health risks in Malawi and surrounding countries, it was an answer to prayer that they returned safely and in relatively good health! Vera returned several weeks earlier and gave a report in church.

There are so many other praise reports to share. Regarding jobs, Jennifer kept her old job, Larry lost one and then found another job, Luke is back working on construction projects, Bud got his old job back, Brian started his own business and works part time at his old job, Rie is finally done with school (Masters in teaching).

I just got off the phone with Adrian who just started a new job today. He was number 500 or so on a waiting list but got pushed all the way to the top by you know who, of course. I asked him what he learned from this experience and it was obvious: to keep trusting in God. I know I'm missing quite a few more Yay Gods! Please feel free to add them on to this list by commenting.

Rie Gets a New Car!

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:38:14 UTC

Rie just got a brand new Ford Focus through her aunt, Pat. Praise God! She is so grateful for this, especially at this time of financial difficulty. She is still finishing her student teaching for the district in Chula Vista and hopes to draw a regular pay check soon. Yay God! God is good!

Acts29 Phone Interview

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:39:49 UTC

Yesterday's interview with Acts29 went well. This phone interview was pretty intense and lasted almost two hours. There were so many questions asked on just about everything: theology, my devotional life, leadership, our core team, attendance, my reading plan, marriage, family life, and so many other areas and issues. It was a big relief when it was over, especially knowing that everything went well and that a live interview with a panel of representatives from Acts29 will be scheduled shortly. I've got one more document to submit before the next interview. Thank you for all your prayers; like I mentioned on Sunday, if this is the support that God has in mind for us, then there is nothing to worry about. It's a done deal! If He has another plan, it's still a done deal because He'll lead us just the same.

An Awesome God!

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:16:47 UTC

It's great to hear 'Your message spoke to me' or 'What you wrote about helped me this week'. But when we are the recipient of a blessing, it's just amazing!

Our family has received two large checks in the last few weeks—one from a complete stranger and another from an anonymous group. If you participated in this act of generosity, please accept our thanks from the bottom of our hearts.

It was two weeks before Christmas when our youngest child woke up crying after realizing that we hardly had any presents under the tree. My wife explained that it was going to be different this year because of the financial situation in the family. Two days later, we received the first check. With it, we were able to bless others who we had planned on assisting this Christmas but just didn't know how. With the remaining funds, we bought presents for the kids.

The second check—a money order—came just yesterday while we were away. It was simply signed 'help from friends'. God is truly awesome! The timing could not have been better. Our bills remain unpaid, including our mortgage, and this second check is a huge help!

I am what you might call a "bi-vocational" pastor. Crossweave is just starting out, members are few, and most of the resources are going into startup costs, operating expenses, and missions. Without financial support, it is just impossible to pay my salary. To complicate things, I lost a major account in my work as a musician just two weeks ago. In spite of these set backs, God is still awesome! His guidance and care keep coming through. Glory be to God!

Praise for Provision

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:06:15 UTC

hey all, it's bud. just wanted to throw a quick post up about the recent happenings here in hong kong, since i haven't posted much. it was recently posted in the prayer section that many of our prayers have been answered and we will be coming back to california very soon... with a free place to stay and a car for 6 months! well there's another thing to add to the list that happened today.

the last stressful thing we had to deal with in hong kong before leaving has now been taken care of. the first person to call in response to our ad [who called a few hours after we posted it], who is also the first person to check out the place has decided to sign the lease! so what this means is we will get our full deposit back and won't have to pay any damages to the landlord for breaking the lease. ;-D yay God, eh? indeed.

see you all in february! grace&peace. bye.

— bud.

God's Marvelous Ways

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:40:23 UTC

I wanted to just share the marvelous ways God has been working in my life this past year. I knew who the Lord was all my life but I never established a relationship with him, therefore I never felt him in any way. I realize now that the Almighty was calling me all along trying to get my attention but I was not only deaf, but blind. I walked in the world and couldn't see anything else but the world's way. I thought like a worldly person and my behavior, attitude, and actions proved it.

Until one day...a calling from God came that I could not ignore because I clearly heard it, saw it, and felt it. If I did not pay attention all the other times, the Lord called me through what I cared for most—my family. I would just like to share that this last year has been the most painful and hurting year for me. I had never experienced anything like this. There was a lot of tears, a hurting heart, but along with those, came a changing and hearing heart. I no longer walk in the world but in my Lord's path. The blindfold was removed because now I see God's way. The deafness was cured because I can hear the Lord. He took a hardened heart and softened it. He turned the impossible into possible. He rescued me!

I cannot deny that I have hurt so much and this isn't what I envisioned for my life. Sometimes I think, if I'd only done things different. If only I'd fought harder. If only I would've listened to the Lord's calling earlier. Maybe...just maybe...none of this would've happened. But all those thoughts are lies from the ruler of all evil—The Enemy. The truth is that all that has happened was in God's plan. God sees the beginning and the end and he knew everything that was going to happen to me. God was going to fulfill his plan for my life. And I believe in my heart that through all the suffering I endured, God was hurting with me. I was never alone like the enemy tried to tell me and God has been there all along with me. Even in my most hopeless state, when I couldn't feel him and I felt lonelier than ever, My Lord was always there. I learned that I needed to "Let Go and Let God!" The times I've been placed in the fire, it was only because the Lord was refining me and changing me to make me shine!

As painful as this long trial has been, I can tell you from my heart, that if I had to do it all over again, even knowing the outcome, I would. Because though I lost my husband, what did I gain? I gained the most precious treasure that exists—Jesus Christ. Through him I have a new husband, my closest friend, my precious Father, and my Faithful Savior who loves me and will always love me no matter what.

The Lord is building my house on the Rock. I pray that he touches my three beautiful boys' hearts and that he uses me as an example for them to follow. I never felt the Lord like I do know. He has given me wisdom and discernment to hear his voice and distinguish when he is talking to me. I never felt such a wonderful feeling in my heart when I spend time with him. And I never experienced his answers to my prayers until now. He gave me a church and a beautiful Christian family that I love and cherish very much. I love all of you guys at Crossweave. You have been there for me and you all mean so much to me and the boys.

For me, giving my life to the Lord was the best thing that could've ever happened. And I always tell my Father just like the song says, "Though my world may fall....I'll never let you go." Without God, I am nothing. Without Him I can do nothing. But with the Lord, all things are possible. And I know that he loves me and only wants the best for me. No matter what my eyes may see or how I may feel, the Lord sees the entire picture. All I have to do is trust him.

I can't wait to see what he has planned for me in 2008.

Heart Surgery Successful!

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:38:08 UTC

Larry finally got his heart surgery scheduled for yesterday, Thursday, and went under the knife at 1 pm. The high-tech, 6-hour surgery was extremely successful! He just called this morning and uploaded a photo off his phone. Larry was in excellent spririts at small group on Wednesday, helping wrap shoeboxes for Mexico. Before he left the meeting, we all gathered around and laid hands on him. It was a very moving time of prayer with everyone uniting their hearts asking God's blessing on the surgery. What a wonderful present from God! Merry Christmas, Larry!

Prayer does work!

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:13:58 UTC

Larry got his insurance to approve his much-needed heart surgery--it's a little late and it's now costing more through COBRA but at least he'll get it done. He lost his job due to his medical issues but his application with Pennsylvania Life is looking good! The next hurdle is getting his unemployment checks approved and he says he's 'half-way' there.

It's a Boy!

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 05:43:42 UTC

Robin's first grandson, Baby Greg, arrived on Monday October 1 weighing in at 8 lbs. 10 oz. Baby and mom, Renee, are both doing well. Yay God!

Saved at the Rock: the sequel

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:42:20 UTC

Teresa gives the account:

I'm happy to share with all of you that Danyi got saved yesterday ;=) It happened at The Rock. Pastor Miles prayed 'the prayer' you all know what I mean -- and asked for those who prayed the prayer to raise their hand and as usual, I peaked to see if Danyi raised hers and she did this time around!! OMG I was relieved I wanted to jump up and shout hallelujah!! I was so consumed w/ excitement I didn't even realize that Vern new about it too, he sat between us girls & he was squeezing my hand to let me know what just happened. After the service we went straight to the prayer room & the altar call person that sat with us is a fairly young lady which was just perfect for Danyi because the young lady (Alex) I thought appealed to her age group level. God took care of everything I tell ya!

Alex did a fantastic job at explaining to Danyi what the bible says about what just happened, what her decision meant, & briefly explained to her God's expectations of her, now that she has committed her life to Christ. She received a devotional book to read daily for the next 21 days to assist in her in her walk with God. The prayer circle after the talkies was truly awesome God's presence was evident we could feel it -- it was great !!!!!!!! we were all moved to tears it was so good.

To finally know for sure that we will all see each other again in heaven is priceless. My greatest fear all these years is to be held accountable in the presence of God for the souls of my immediate family because I didn't take advantage of the opportunities given to me -- the people I love, protect, provide for, sacrife for, here on this earth with all its material trappings and for what? None of my very best efforts would've spared them from eternal damnation -- but thank God for His grace. Now the next move is to be brave & with God's help witness to Matt's dad - Terry & Danyi's mom - Patti. So hey, I guess I'm braggin eh? I wonder if anyone sells a bumper car sticker that says, 'My Kid Got Saved Today' ;+)

Larry is back!

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 05:56:50 UTC

Larry Mason is back! The doctors and nurses were able to 'reboot' Larry after four days worth of trying different medications to slow down his heart. Larry was admitted at Rancho Springs Medical Center in Murrieta because of chest pains and an irregular heartbeat. When he found out about this last resort procedure, he said that he was at peace with God. He even had the song by Guns and Roses "Knocking on Heaven's Doors" playing in his earbuds. He definitely was ready to go meet God had the doctors and nurses not been able to convert his heart back. Here's a group picture following the instruction to 'make a funny face'.

Baptism in Coronado

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:29:14 UTC

Vern Honore was among 300 or so who were baptized in Coronado on Saturday. This exciting event is a high point in his life, and also a climax of the Boot Camp classes on evanglism that he and Teresa have been attending at The Rock Church in San Diego. Crossweave is honored to have the Honores on board as members of the core team.

Video Projector

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 20:14:17 UTC

It was on Friday, just two days before the first preview gathering, and we did not have a video projector to use. A lead we were following up on was not working out but little did we know that God had something else in mind. This whole time we were searching, someone else was going through our website and found out that we were in need of a projector. Within minutes of finding out that the other idea would not work out, we had another projector dropped off in our living room! How awesome is that?

Paying the mortgage

Fri, 11 May 2007 16:11:23 UTC

We had no idea how we were going to pay the mortgage this month. There were no checks in the mail and our checking account balance just about gone until this morning--we just got our tax refund! We had forgotten all about this refund and had no clue when we'd be receiving it. Trusting in God 'pays'--His timing is always perfect!

Saved at the Rock!

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 19:06:46 UTC

My wife was on the phone this afternoon talking to a friend whose husband just got saved at the Rock in San Diego. They also hinted that they would like to join Crossweave.