Lara's Fish At Work Blog

Join Me on our FFMS & Book Club Blogs

2011-10-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

From this point on, I'll be posting on our Family-Friendly Morning Show blog, along with our new Fish Book Club blog. I hope you'll join me there!

www.fish959.com/ffms

www.fish959.com/bookclub

Fish Family Name Game at 5:24p on 10/10!

2011-10-10T12:46:00.001-07:00

BWD's going to be looking for Nicole's mom or dad to play around 5:24p!

The number you will need is 1-866-fish-959 (1-866-3474-959).

Fish Positive Thoughts 10/4

2011-10-04T07:11:00.001-07:00

"A true measure of your worth includes all the benefits others have gained from your success." Cullen Hightower

"If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play." John Cleese

"Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, "Make me feel important." Never forget this message when working with people." Mary Kay Ash

"You must live for what you believe in and believe in what you live for." Anonymous

Chris Tomlin Is A Dad!

2011-10-03T11:42:00.001-07:00

Chris Tomlin is a Dad! Chris and his wife, Lauren, welcomed Ashlyn on Sept 22. Congrats Tomlin family!!

Fish Positive Thoughts 10/3

2011-10-03T09:58:00.001-07:00

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” William James“There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.” Josh Billings [Henry Wheeler Shaw]“Whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching.” Thomas Jefferson“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/30

2011-09-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." Helen Keller

"If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give." Rabbi Samson Hirsch

"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"When angry, count to 10 before you speak. When very angry, count to 100." Thomas Jefferson

Fish Book Club/What Women Fear by Angie Smith: Week Three

2011-09-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

I was joking with a friend recently that I am folding down every page as I read this book, because there are so many things that are having an impact on me. I wish that we could sit down for a few hours together and go through everything! I'm looking forward to hearing your comments on Chapters 5 & 6 (you can share those on FB), which we read this past week, and any stories or thoughts or insights that were sparked by Angie's words.

Chapter 5 is called Wind and Waves: Fear of Death. Angie jumps right into this and shares about the death of her baby daughter, and her nephew at just a few months old, which led to a fear of everyone around her dying:

"How do you go on believing in a God that allows such a thing to happen? How do you trust that He is watching and in control when you have to fold the tiny clothes of a baby that didn't live to wear them? Who is this God who sleeps while the waves threaten the boat?" (p.88)

Angie also talks about how she is afraid of her own death, mentioning missionaries who have been martyred for their faith:

"I am embarrassed to write this because it doesn't seem very noble...But I am praying that someone reading will be nodding her head, acknowledging that even those of us who believe in Heaven fear our departure from the world...I know I'm not alone in this fear, but I think that Christians have a hard time talking about it, which just makes us feel more like outsiders. I mean, to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord Himself. What kind of Christian wouldn't want that, right?" (p. 90 & 91) I had this thought after my son was born, that I never wanted to die and leave him alone...that I didn't care what Heaven was like...all I needed was my little guy and to be away from him would be hell.

Before we continue with what Angie says in this chapter, I'd like to share something I saw via Max Lucado's Twitter. He shared a link recently to a blog with an interesting take on THE question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Because that's what it all comes down to, I think, when we suffer or the ones we love meet a terrible end. The author talked about how we, as humans, make up definitions for words like "good" and "bad," and then assign them to things that happen in our lives that we attribute to God (say, living a pain-free life or dying in a horrible car accident), when we truly have no concept of good and bad.

I also recently read Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People by Rabbi Harold Kushner, on the recommendation of my very wise friend Chandra. He lost his young son to a rare disease, so Rabbi Kushner wrote this book from the perspective of an anguished parent searching for some reason, some good, to come from all of the pain and suffering. And what he offered was this: It is pointless to ask, "Why did God let this happen? Why did this happen to me or my loved one?" The question that we should be asking is, "Now that this HAS happened to me, what am I going to do with it?" And when we pray, God will give us the strength to go on.

I truly wish that there had been a way to wrap this chapter (and this question) up with a nice bow and an answer that made everyone feel good and like the suffering was worth it. I go back to something I heard Angie and her husband talking about in an interview a few years ago, how they would trade all of the folks who have grown closer to God or found God because of the death of their daughter and all of those blessings to have their daughter back. And I have to admit that I would say the same thing had I lost my son. I would search for some kind of meaning or some purpose to the tragedy, and I would say thank you to folks that said that my loss had made their life better, and at the end of the day, I would be begging God to let me have my son back.

However, there is good news...GREAT news. Angie talks about how she is comforted by "the knowledge that Jesus understands, and more than that. He came in order to 'free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.' Hebrews 2:15 " (p.94) Though our circumstances remain the same, there is a peace that we can experience in the midst of the worst times of our life.

Also, "the comfort we experience with other believers is a powerful balm for our fear, and we should remember that our dependence on the Lord in such times is a significant testimony. Our relationship with others is a significant factor in overcoming the fear of death." (p. 95) I am so grateful for our community here at The Fish!

And further, Angie talks about how, when the disciples and Jesus were in a boat, and a terrible storm came up, and the disciples freaked out while Jesus slept....after he awoke and calmed the storm, he asked them the same question He still asks us today: "Where is your faith?" Luke 8:25

"Is it in the structure of the boat? Is your faith in the other disciples? What about your job? Your health? Your navigation system, your doctor, your vitamins, your treadmill, your genes? Have you convinced yourself that something you can control is controlling you? Then you will surely be disappointed." (p. 103) Um, yes.

That sentence got me, because even though I know that one day I will be gone, along with everyone I love, I still sometimes think that if I can just eat healthy enough or drive the speed limit or wear my helmet while snowboarding I can change what awaits all of us. And I hate that I can't. And I wish that I could just accept it, and not waste the gift of the time that I have been given on regret or fear or anger. I am working on that, with God's help.

Here's a part of the beautiful prayer closes the chapter: "Remind [us] that You are trustworthy and that death has no sting in light of all that You have promised. Don't let us miss the beauty that can grow in the shadow of fear as we turn our eyes to You instead of the world. We will give You all the glory, Lord." (p. 104)

Here's a touching song by Natalie Grant that I kept thinking of as I read:

Thank you for doing this book club and sharing this journey with me! I can't believe we are more halfway through. We'll do Chapters 7 & 8 this week, and I hope that have our first video blog up next Thursday. God bless!

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/29

2011-09-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

"I don't believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be." Ken Venturi

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference." The Serenity Prayer

"It is difficult to steer a parked car, so get moving." Dr. Henrietta Mears, who wrote a fabulous book called What The Bible Is Really All About

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/28

2011-09-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” Anne Bradstreet

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” Mark Twain

“What lies behind us, and what lies before us are but tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” Paul Boese

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/27

2011-09-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

“When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.” Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton “

Your life emerges from the greatest mind and the kindest heart in the history of the universe: the mind and heart of God.” Max Lucado

“God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.” 2 Samuel 22:25

"It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn't matter who gets the credit.” Unknown

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/26

2011-09-26T09:23:00.001-07:00

“We keep our deepest fears in the dark, exactly where the enemy wants them. YOU CAN HANDLE THEM! Bring your fears to light.” Valorie Burton.

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" - Psalm 5:3

“We were made to be Courageous!” - Casting Crowns

“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.” – Jack Layton

2011-09-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

"God can't bless what you won't do." FB friend Sheree, from her Pastor Phil at Yorba Linda Friends Church

"The sun hits everywhere sooner of later." Michael at the Beverly Hills Hotel

"If you cannot agree with others, you can at least refrain from quarreling with them." Anonymous

"Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out in the ocean." Christopher Reeve

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/22

2011-09-22T15:35:00.001-07:00

“Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Mark Twain

“Count no day lost in which you waited your turn, took only your share and sought advantage over no one.” Robert Brault - Poet

“Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere.” Glen Turner

“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” Victor Borge

Lara's Fish Book Club Week 2

2011-09-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Week 2 with our Fish Book Club!

We're reading What Women Fear by Angie Smith (www.angiesmithonline.com), and this time we are covering Chapters

3 & 4. To see last week's blog, just go back to last Thursday. And, as always, please feel free to share your comments and get a discussion going on

Facebook! There are so many things in these chapters (and in this whole book!) that grabbed me, but in order to keep the blog at a reasonable length I"m going to pick the one thing that really stood out and touched my heart. In fact, I have been dreaming about this statement from Ch. 3, Chasing His Hem/Fear Of Being Found Out (p.53):

"I think one of the reasons we, as Christians, fear baring our souls for each other is that we know the person may try to play God instead of trying to love us the way God commands."

Let's just let that sink in for a minute.

Recently, I had an awesome talk with someone from a very well-known Christian company that wants to revamp their image. He was asking what they could do to reach a younger generation.

I have a tendency to be pretty blunt sometimes, so I prefaced my statement with that.

I talked about how so many of my friends have heard the Gospel, but feel that they have yet to see it lived out. How they see Christians (in their personal lives and in the public sphere) turning on anyone who has made a mistake. How they know everything that Christians are against, but question if we are actually for anything.

And you know the really amazing part? Most of these friends were raised in Christian homes.

Back to my conversation with this gentleman. I used a very controversial contestant on a reality show as an example, and struggled to explain how, while I don't condone certain choices, the hatred being spewed this person's way by many big-name groups just broke my heart. I talked about how this was an opportunity to reach out with the love of Jesus and with kindness to someone who has been ridiculed and tormented their entire life. I told him that if he wanted a new image for his company...here's your chance.

Oh, how easy it is for me to say those words and give advice. How difficult it is for me to actually live that out.

I have been that person baring their soul and their fears and failings to another. I have been that person trying to love someone the way Jesus would. And, more times that I am comfortable admitting, I have been the one to think, I didn't realize she was like THAT. Maybe she's not the best choice for a friend...

And the lady on p.51, whose hubby spent weekends patching up the holes she punched in the walls of their house? I have a kicked-in bathroom cabinet and hole in my kitchen, damage from moments where the anger that is so often bubbling beneath the surface just exploded.

On p. 52, Angie talks about how she receives so many emails from readers of her blog, each woman convinced that she is the only one struggling with someone finding out that she hates being a mother, or hates her marriage, or isn't what she appears that she is.

A therapist friend of mine once remarked that many of her clients were pastors that struggled with terrible secrets, each praying they would not be found out.

And here at The Fish, I hear from many, many listeners who start their emails with, "I can't tell this to anyone I have to see every day or anyone I know at church because they will think differently of me. I am so scared they will judge me."

I wish I could say that if we just start opening up and being honest, everyone will accept us and agree with what's going on. We all know that's not true. But, if we are ever to grow into the women I believe God is calling us to be, being transparent and authentic is part of the deal. As Angie says on p. 62, "Regardless of the potential for shame or hurt, neither Jacob (who wrestled with God and demanded a blessing) nor the woman with the issue of blood (who had struggled for years and felt shamed and braved the crowd to simply touch the hem of Jesus, believing He could heal her) was willing to stay who they were in light of who they could be. Don't trade your legacy for your repuation. He is here, and He is able."

I have loved this song from Tenth Avenue North since the moment I heard it, and I feel like it really captures the heart of what we are talking about here.

Chapter 3 closes with a beautiful prayer: "May we believe in You and Your love for us enough to believe that You did not create us to live a life shadowed by the feeling we are inadedquate. You long for us to call out in our weakness to those who will take us by the hand, leading us until we find You. Lord, bless us with friends and family who will carve a safe place for our confessions, and will love us in a way that is worthy of You."

Amen, sister!

Maybe together, this little book club that we have going here, can be the start of many, many women loving and supporting each other in a way that will make Christ real to everyone that is watching. Thank you for going on this journey with me! And I"ll catch you back here next Thursday to talk about Chapters 5 & 6.

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/20

2011-09-20T15:32:00.001-07:00

“Happiness comes more from loving than being loved; and often when our affection seems wounded it is only our vanity bleeding. To love, and to be hurt often, and to love again -- this is the brave and happy life.” J.E. Buckrose

“Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Always do right - this will gratify some and astonish the rest.” Mark Twain

“Happiness is inward, and not outward; and so, it does not depend on what we have, but on what we are.” Henry Van Dyke

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/19

2011-09-19T11:59:00.001-07:00

“God won't ask how many friends you had, but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.” From our FB friend Karen, via email

“We can spend so much time trying to figure out the WHY of yesterday that we forget to live the WOW moments of today.” Matthew Barnett

“Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.” – Sam Ewing

Positive Thoughts 9/16

2011-09-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

"Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done." C. S. Lewis

"The #1 rule for parenting teenagers: Don't panic." Rick Warren

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison

"Bring good news to the poor. Bind up the brokenhearted. Proclaim liberty to the captives. Jesus, may your mission be mine." tweet by louie giglio and retweeted by max lucado)

Lara's Fish Book Club--Week #1

2011-09-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hi! And welcome to our very first Fish Book Club. Whoo!

I really hope that you are loving What Women Fear as much as I am. I recently said on Facebook that I feel that this book is an answer to prayer, as I have struggled my whole life with making decisions out of fear rather than what I truly think would be best. And don’t even get me started on how I have tried to “help” God by doing things impulsively, convinced that if I didn’t act immediately I would miss out on ______ (fill in the blank with anything from a job to a relationship). Angie, thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing your heart in this book.

As I was reading, I found myself highlighting things on every single page, and folding every page down to mark things that I wanted to share. About 30 pages in, I realized that I would be writing my own book about this book, or doing video blogs that were three hours, if I tried to share everything that touched me. So….as hard as it is to pick just a few things to share, that’s what I’m going to try to do in our weekly chats here on my blog. I hope that what I share will be a place for the conversation to start, and that you will take it and run with it. I truly want this to be a convo with all of us, not just me talking at u! And…in a few weeks when we start the video blogs….get ready for something really fun. That’s all I can say for now. J

Did anyone else cry until their eyes almost puffed shut while reading?

Previously, while going through the story of Jacob and Rachel and Leah, I would always feel bad for Jacob and Rachel, madly in love and being kept apart for all of those years, and kind of angry that the one with “weak eyes” (Leah) was part of the trick that kept the other two apart. Not until reading Angie’s comments in Chapter 2 did I start to realize what all of that must have been like for Leah, in love with a man that despised her, and my heart just broke for her. I thought about her crying herself to sleep night after night and wanted to go back in time and just give her a hug. How often in my life have I longed for someone to love me or be my friend, while they walked away or made fun of me or betrayed me? How often have I given pieces of myself away, thinking that THEN they would surely see how cool/funny/smart/giving/etc. I was, and then surely they would love me forever and never leave?

More than I can even believe.

And how many times have I sworn that I was done opening myself up to anyone, as I”d rather be alone/lonely than risk the hurt of things going wrong? Angie’s story about the girls in junior high that invited her over to be part of a ballet school that didn’t exist (only to laugh hysterically at her as she left in her little legwarmers, all excited that she’d done a good job and made some friends) hit so close to home that I was uncomfortable reading it.

Why is it that time is going by so fast these days, and every year in middle school and high school seemed like an eternity? And how is it that, all these years later, reading a story like the one about the ballet school makes me shake with all the shame and embarrassment and pain that I felt through most of those years? I always felt (and still do) that I just can’t seem to get it right, and that if I could just figure out the secret that everyone else knows, I will finally fit in and be accepted and never hurt again.

In some ways, I don’t know that I’ve changed all that much since then. And in some ways, the career that I have chosen (radio) is not so different from school—success is based on people liking you and your station (ratings). And it still hurts when the rejection inevitably comes. Even worse, I start to think about my sweet little son and what he will face when he starts school in a few years, and it makes me want to keep him here in the house with me to protect him until he is at least 62.

Back to Leah (p.40). At some point, after realizing that she would never have Jacob’s heart, she “made the conscious decision to stop trying to please man and pursue what she desired in favor of praising God for blessing her with children. In a sense, she surrendered her will for her life, accepting her husband’s rejection.

There is power in relying on the Lord’s view of us over the opinions of everyone else.”

I want to have God’s opinion of me be enough. We know what He says about us in the Bible. But for some reason, I often give more weight to a careless word from someone or something that’s posted online—why?

Back to Leah again (p. 41). After Leah decided to pursue God, choosing Him over her hubby, she named her 4^th son Judah, which means, “I will praise the Lord.”

Does “the lion of the tribe of Judah” from Revelation ring a bell? ( I am picturing Aslan here.) Jesus came from Judah’s line! Angie says, “The Lord chose the woman who had been rejected to be part of the lineage that brought the Redeemer Himself. What a beautiful, profound image for all of us who are tempted to believe that our pain can’t be transformed into glory.”

Maybe, like me, you have thought something like, “Yes, well God loved the people in the Bible more than me because they were obviously superheroes.” Or, “God could create this world and everything in it, but has no idea what’s going on with me and my little life.”

To paraphrase what Angie says (p. 44), that’s an error in MY thinking, and is not based on any reality from God.

As we go through this book together, I pray that we will all take to heart the prayer that closes Chapter 2 (p.45):

“Thank you, Lord. You are not unaware of what it feels like to be persecuted, rejected, and betrayed. You remind me constantly that despite what my mirror, my friends, or my neighbors choose to think about me, I was worth You dreaming me up.”

I’m going to try to share a song that I feel captures the heart of what we’ve read every week, and this time I think it’s Someone Worth Dying For from Mikeschair.

God bless you guys! We’ll read Chapters 3 and 4 this week, and I’ll have a new blog up next Thursday. I can’t wait to read your comments and see what touched you.

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/15

2011-09-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” Helen Keller

“Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find that you have crossed the mountain.” Unkown

“Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.” Sir Winston Churchhill

“We must meet the challenge rather than wish it were not before us.” William J. Brennan Jr.

2011-09-14T09:25:00.001-07:00

“Pray not for easy lives, pray to be stronger men.” John F. Kennedy

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” Japanese Proverb

“Frequently people think compassion and love are merely sentimental. No! They are very demanding. If you are going to be compassionate, be prepared for action.” Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones.” Phillip Brooks

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/13

2011-09-13T09:00:00.001-07:00

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle

“He who knows patience knows peace.” – Chinese Proverb

“Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second. Give your dreams all you've got and you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.” William James

“If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit, you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.” Paul “Bear” Bryant

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/12

2011-09-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." - Carl Hermann Voss

"Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others let go." - William Feather

"If you want to be all that God wants you to be, set your face like flint and go straight to Jesus." AW Tozer

"The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." - Chinese Proverb

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/9

2011-09-09T13:41:00.001-07:00

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow." Mary Anne Radmacher

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Martin Luther King Jr.

"Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character." William Arthur Ward

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares." Henri Nouwen

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/8

2011-09-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations." Charles Swindoll

"Better keep yourself clean and bright. You are the window through which you must see the world." George Bernard Shaw

"No amount of ability is of the slightest avail without honor." Andrew Carnegie

"No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has." Henry Ward Beecher

2011-09-07T18:23:00.001-07:00

“Lead your life so you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.” Will Rogers

“To achieve the impossible, it is precisely the unthinkable that must be thought.” Tom Robbins

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Dale Carnegie

“I always prefer to believe the best of everybody-it saves so much trouble.” Rudyard Kipling

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/6

2011-09-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts!” Adlai Stevenson

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, 'I'm possible'!” Ashley Hepburn

“There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be!” Irish Proverb

A pic from our Fish Volunteer Day at The Dream Center!

2011-09-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

I'll be sharing more about our Fish Volunteer Day at the Dream Center in the next few days, but for now I wanted to say a HUGE thank u to the amazing folks that joined us today. I adore each of u, & feel very blessed to have gotten the chance to serve with u on Skid Row. Here's a pic of our gang in front of our pink breast cancer survivor bus!

Info For Today's Dream Center Volunteer Day!

2011-09-03T07:20:00.001-07:00

Hi!

I'm so excited to see you in a couple of hours.

In case you missed the info earlier this week, here's what you need to know for today!

Here are the details for Saturday, September 3rd. When you check in, let them know you are with the crew from The Fish so we will all be together. And please feel free to post any questions or email me at lara@thefish959.com. As far as what to wear...I leave jewelry at home, wear sneakers, a hat and sunscreen, and jeans. I"m going to try to remember to wear a Fish t-shirt so I"m easy to find! The dress is casual, and I would stay away from bright colors like red.

LOCATION: Dream Center Gym
2301 Bellevue Ave
Los Angeles CA 90026
TIME: Meet in gym at 9:45am to get signed up. Pep rally starts at 10:00am
TIME DURATION: 9:45am-2:00pm
ADOPT-A-BLOCK LOCATION SITES: Watts/South Central and East LA
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Kids may attend with their parent

This is The Dream Center’s flagship outreach ministry, which has grown over the last 12 years to include 35 sites covering over 85 blocks each week in communities that include Echo Park, Silverlake, Skid Row and South Central Los Angeles. Every Saturday morning, an average of 350 volunteers reach out to people that live in these neighborhoods in the spirit of service. Teams clean homes, paint over graffiti, make minor home repairs, organize games for the children and visit with the elderly. Requests for appliances, clothing, food and furniture are filled. To date, Adopt-A-Block teams have touched the lives of over 30,000 people by knocking on doors and simply asking: “How can we serve you?”

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/2

2011-09-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

“How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world.” Anne Frank

“How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” George Washington Carver

“Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all.” William Temple (Archbishop)

“I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” Anne Lamott

Volunteer Day At The Dream Center

2011-09-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

My friend Alena sent this awesome blog that Lysa Terkeurst (love her!) wrote about her visit to The Dream Center, which is where we will be doing our Volunteer Day on Saturday. If you'd like to join us, check out my FB page for all the details!

God, Forgive Me

Lysa TerKeurst

“…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10 (NIV)

Have you ever seen the social injustices of the world and felt they were too big for you to make a difference? I have felt that way. So instead of doing something—even something small, I did nothing.
Recently, several friends and I spent almost a week living at the Dream Center in Los Angeles. The Dream Center is a converted hospital run by Pastor Matthew Barnett and his church, Angelus Temple. It is a 700 bed facility that is a homeless shelter, a drug rehab, a healing place for those rescued from sex trafficking, an education facility and a ministry hub for over 120 outreach programs to help people in need.
I went as a woman in ministry.
I went to help meet needs.
But I quickly realized I was there as a woman in need.
A woman who needed God’s reality to fall fresh and heavy and close and real and too in my face to deny.
Because sometimes I find myself talking about God so much He becomes an identity marker but not an identity changer in my life.
Having God as an identity marker is nothing but a label, a language, and a lifestyle. I’m a Christian. I talk like one. I act like one.
But having God as an identity changer is something so much more. It’s lavish abandon to who God is and who He’s made me to be. Holding nothing back.
Only lavish abandon to God can do what I saw at the Dream Center.
It’s what changed the ex-gang member with eight bullet hole scars into a Jesus loving servant. So gentle.
It’s what changed the ex-prostitute into a counselor for girls being rescued from the streets. So pure.
It’s what changed the ex-drug addict into a loving father teaching his son how to be a godly leader. So integrity filled.
What in heavens has been holding me back?
Seriously.
What has been stopping me from absolute lavish abandon to God?
I need to know.
I’m desperate to figure it out.
So, I asked Pastor Matthew—a man who lives this lavish abandon, “Aren’t you afraid sometimes? You run a facility where you have to raise half-million dollars a month—a MONTH! Do you walk around with the weight of that on you all the time?”
And his answer cracked my heart wide open. “No. When you experience God the way I’ve been experiencing God for 17 years, you stop being afraid. I’ve seen too many miracles.”
Oh. Tears. The woman who doesn’t cry was flooded with a crack in the dam of her soul.
My. God. That. Is. It.
Pastor Matthew lives our key verse from Isaiah 58:10. He spends himself in behalf of the hungry and oppressed. And honest to goodness I’ve never seen someone so happy, so positive, so on fire for the things of God. Like our verse, his light rises in the darkness.
He sees the miracles therefore he dares to be part of them.
I can’t say the same about myself and I’m challenged by this.
I’ve stopped positioning my life for miracles. In an effort to never make God look bad, I’ve sought only that which I can carefully measure and predict and manipulate into being.
God, help me.
God, forgive me.
If I truly want to be a woman who lives by faith, I must live a life that requires a little bit of faith.
Fresh faith.
The kind that changes everything.
The kind the Dream Center is built upon.

Dear Lord, I want fresh faith. The kind of faith that positions my heart to experience you. I don’t want to be held back. Even if it’s in a small way, I want to be available and willing to help those oppressed. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Fish Positive Thoughts 9/1

2011-09-01T14:53:00.001-07:00

"If at first you do succeed try not to look too surprised." (anonymous)

"I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." Robert Frost

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt

"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said." Peter Drucker

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/31

2011-08-31T06:08:00.001-07:00

"Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that." Micael Leunig

"Well done is better than well said." Benjamin Franklin

"Never work just for money or for power. They won't save your soul or help you sleep at night." Marian Wright Edelman

"There are only two lasting legacies we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other wings." Hodding Carter

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/30

2011-08-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Sir Winston Churchill

“Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage.” Theodore Roosevelt

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” Forest E. Witcraft

“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” Robert Frost (Poet)

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/29

2011-08-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

“Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.” Mark Twain

“You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there.” Yogi Berra

“It takes a long time to grow an old friend.” John Leonard

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve...You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Be An Extra In Matthew West's Movie!!!

2011-08-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

Matthew West is looking for 300 people from SoCal to be a part of the final scene of a new movie called “The Heart of Christmas!!!"

Date: Thursday, September 1st

Time: 5pm - 11:30pm

Who: This call is ONLY for men & women ages 16 and up.

Schedule:

Arrive at Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley located at 5pm

2080 Winifred Street

Simi Valley, CA 93063-2933

5:30pm

Pizza will be served.

6:30pm

Groups will be loaded into buses and brought to the shoot location.

7pm

The fun begins!

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

What to wear:

-This movie is set in the Fall in Illinois - we are asking that you wear clothing appropriate for the season. Sweaters, sweatshirts, jeans, etc.

What NOT to wear:

-No plaids, stripes, white clothing or anything else that feels "busy."

-No open toed shoes.

-Do not wear any clothing with large, visible logos.

What to bring:

-A good attitude! :)

-Something to drink.

What to expect:

-A fun time with Matthew and a few hundred new friends. Matthew will have his guitar - so don't be surprised if you get treated to some songs!

About the scene:

-We will be shooting the final scene of the movie. This is where all of the neighbors come together to show their love and support for the Locke family. Watch the music video to Matthew's song "One Last Christmas" and you will see the specific scene that we are looking to recreate. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye39mgcHC3E

Questions? Please email us at:

heartofchristmas@gmail.com

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/26

2011-08-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

"You may slip -- indeed you will -- but you will not fall." Max Lucado's Twitter
"Just when you think your failure shames you....look at God turn it around and use it as a gift to the world." Pastor Matthew Barnett

"Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day." Sally Koch

"Diamonds are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their jobs." Malcom S. Forbes

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/25

2011-08-25T15:30:00.001-07:00

“Our grand duty is not to see what lies dimly in the distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.” Thomas Carlyle

“Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there is something for you to do in the world. So long as you can sweeten another's pain, life is not in vain.” Helen Keller

“We're not doubting that God will do the best for us, we're wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” CS Lewis

“I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.” Mother Teresa

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/24

2011-08-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world.” Anne Frank

“How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” George Washington Carver

“Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all.” William Temple (Archbishop)

“I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” Anne Lamott

Fish Positive Thoughts for 8/23

2011-08-23T10:17:00.001-07:00

“You always pass failure on the way to success.” Mickey Rooney

“The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.” G. K. Chesterton
“I will speak ill of no man, and speak all the good I know of everybody.” Benjamin Franklin

“No one should be ashamed to admit they are wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that they are wiser today than they were yesterday.” Alexander Pope

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/22

2011-08-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

"Count your blessings. Recounts are okay." From a sign on a house in Bel Air

“Many people will walk in and out of your life but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.” John R. Wooden (Basketball Coach, UCLA)

“Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” Benjamin Franklin

Fish Book Club Special Deal!

2011-08-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! We are going to do a little Fish Book Club with Angie Smith's new one, What Women Fear, next month (it's out 9/1). Today only, B&N is having a half-price sale online!!! Check out Angie's blog posting: http://angiesmithonline.com/

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/19

2011-08-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

"Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." Unknown

"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." Vincent "Vince Lombardi (Famous Green Bay Packers Coach)

"A pessimist, they say, sees a glass as being half empty; an optimist sees the same glass as half full. But a giving person sees a glass of water and starts looking for someone who might be thirsty." G. Donald Gale

"In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy." Albert Clarke

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/18

2011-08-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd U.S. President)

“Don't try too hard to fit in; you were born to stand out.” Anonymous

“Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (Poet)

“Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.” Victor Hugo

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/17

2011-08-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

“Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.” Douglas MacArthur (American General And Field Marshal)

“Look at a stone cutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred-and-first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not the last blow that did it, but all that had gone before.” Jacob A. Riis

“The true test of a person's character is how they treat the people in life that they don't need.” Lee Corso

“There’s no reason to be the richest man in the cemetery. You can't do any business from there.” Harland David "Colonel" Sanders

2011-08-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell." CS Lewis

"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry...and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." Mother Teresa

"Every obnoxious act is a cry for help." Zig Ziglar

"A carefully cultivated heart will, assisted by the grace of God, foresee, forestall, or transform most of the painful situations before which others stand like helpless children saying "Why?" Dallas Willard

A Listener Question

2011-08-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Please feel free to email lara@thefish959.com or hit us up on FB or Twitter if you ever have a question. This one's from Bev via email...

Hey there…

Heard you mention a book by Dallas Willard that was very influential in your walk with the Lord…You said that it was the second most influential besides the Bible and I couldn’t remember the title…he has SO many good books. Please let me know as I would be interested in reading it.

It's The Divine Conspiracy! And that's awesome that you already know about Dr. Willard. The book is so dense, and was filled with so many ideas that were new to me, that it took me about three months to read it. And yes, it totally changed my life. This is from www.dwillard.org: "But what is the ultimate goal of reading the book? You will join God in a divine conspiracy to advance the invisible kingdom of God here on earth. You join the conspiracy by choosing to be an apprentice to Jesus, who stands at the center of everything—having died on a cross “to undermine the structures of evil" (The Divine Conspiracy, p.188). God made himself known by approaching human beings and involving himself in our lives, so now we can join God in his efforts."

God bless you! Let me know if you read it.

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/12

2011-08-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him (or her), I may think aloud." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us." Martin LUther King Jr.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." Sir Winston Churchill

"The man who trims himself to suit everybody will soon whittle himself away." Charles Schwab

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/11

2011-08-11T16:18:00.001-07:00

“It's what you learn after you know it all that's important.” Jimmy Williams

“A habit cannot be tossed out the window; it must be coaxed down the stairs a step at a time.” Mark Twain

"I have made at least one human being a little wiser, a little happier, or a little better this day." Charles Kingsley

“People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. love them anyway.” Mother Teresa

Back To School...With Savings!!!

2011-08-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

It is estimated that back-to-school spending will cost an average of $600-800 per student this year. Whether you’re watching your school supply budget, helping families in your community, or providing an extra pack of paper for your child’s teacher, we have a list of stores (from JC Penney to Office Max) and links to help take the sting out of your school supply shopping. Click here for details!!!

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/10

2011-08-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

“Often the most loving thing we can do when a friend is in pain is to share the pain--to be there even when we have nothing to offer except our presence and even when being there is painful to ourselves.” M. Scott Peck

“All big things in this world are done by people who are naive and have an idea that is obviously impossible.” Frank Richards

“This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24

“Courage is fear turned over to God.” Bobby saw this on a church marquee in Glendora!

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/9

2011-08-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

“There are very few people who don't become more interesting when they stop talking.” Mary Lowry

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?” William Arthur Ward

“To be upset over what you don't have is to waste what you do have.” Ken Keyes Jr.

“A pat on the back, though only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, is miles ahead in results.” Bennett Cerf

Will You Join Us In Prayer?

2011-08-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

One relied on his deep faith. Another was planning a marriage proposal. And yet another would shoot baskets with his mom when they had something serious to discuss.

But the brothers, fathers, sons and uncles who died when a U.S. military helicopter was shot down in eastern Afghanistan all had something in common: a love of family and country, according to friends and family members. Those who knew them said the soldiers were aware of the dangers they faced but were dedicated to their mission — even if it meant giving their lives. (from OcRegister.com)

My heart just breaks for the family and friends of these brave men...will you join me in prayer for them?

"The young women will dance for joy, and the men --old and young--will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing." Jeremiah 31:13

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/8

2011-08-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

"The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it." H. Norman Schwarzkopf (American General)

"Love is the harmony of two souls singing together." Gregory J. P. Godek

"Courage is not the towering oak that see storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow." Alice Mackenzie Swaim (Poet)

"You may only be someone in the world, but to someone else, you may be the world." Unknown

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/5

2011-08-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

"Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around." Cameron Crowe

"Never be afraid to try something new. Remember: An amateur built the Ark--professionals built the Titanic." Unknown

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you." Walt Whitman

"Life is mostly froth and bubble; Two things stand like stone: Kindness in another's trouble, Courage in our own." Adam Lindsay

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/4

2011-08-04T08:26:00.001-07:00

“Watch your thoughts; they become your words.
Watch your words; they become your actions.
Watch your actions; they become your habits.
Watch your habits; they become your character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”

From our FB friend Sheree.

"With Jesus, if we want to gain, we must give up. If we want to be filled, we must deny ourselves. If we want to truly get close to God, we'll have to distance ourselves from other things. If we want to conquer our cravings, we'll have to redirect them to God." From “Made To Crave” by Lysa Terkeurst

“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” John Quincy Adams (6th US President)

“If you go looking for a friend, you're going to find they're very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you'll find them everywhere.” Zig Ziglar

Fish Positive Thoughts

2011-08-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

“Every exit is an entry somewhere else. Remember that Columbus was looking for India when he found America.” Sir Tom Stoppard

“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t.” Thomas Edison

Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind rather than on outward circumstances.” Benjamin Franklin

“There is no effect more disproportionate to its cause than the happiness bestowed by a small compliment.” Unknown

Fish Positive Thoughts 8/2

2011-08-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

“Blessed are the uncool; for they shall be happy without needing the approval of others.” Pastor Rick Warren

“Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.” Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

“What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear you speak.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Galations 5:22-23 from our Facebook friend Megan

Fish Positive Thoughts 7/29

2011-07-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

"Hard work doesn't guarantee success, but improves its chances." B. J. Gupta

"A friend is someone who reached for your hand and touched your heart." Unknown

"Faith, a gift from God, is one of the most powerful forces governing our universe, just as the unseen power of gravity works to pull all things down, the unseen power of faith works to lifts all things up." Gene Griffin (Producer)

"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity." Joseph Addison

Fish Positive Thoughts 7/28

2011-07-28T09:11:00.001-07:00

“I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” Etienne de Grellet (Quaker Missionary)
“Find the good—and praise it.” Alex Haley (Author)

“True success is when those who know you the best, love you the most.” John Maxwell (Author)

“I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning to sail my ship.” Louisa May Alcott (Novelist)

Fish Positive Thoughts 7/26

2011-07-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

“No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true.” Nathaniel Hawthorne

“Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” James Michener

“A little kindness from person to person is better than a vast love for all humankind.” Richard Dehmel
“A trying journey can only result in a phenomenal blessing.” Dawn M. Harvey

Fish Positive Thoughts 7/22

2011-07-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

"Dedicate some of your life to others. Your dedication will not be a sacrifice. It will be an exhilarating experience because it is an intense effort applied toward a meaningful end."

Dr. Thomas Dooley

"To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless." G. K. Chesterton

"The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity." Benjamin Franklin

"The keys to patience are acceptance and faith. Accept things as they are, and look realistically at the world around you. Have faith in yourself and in the direction you have chosen." Lloyd Alexander (Author)

Fish Positive Thoughts 7/21

2011-07-21T08:48:00.001-07:00

“The value of compassion cannot be over-emphasized. Anyone can criticize. It takes a true believer to be compassionate. No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or understands.” Arthur H. Stainback (Author)

“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.” Pope John XXIII 261st Pope Of The Roman Catholic Church

“Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.” Unknown
“We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself.” Lloyd Alexander (Author)

FISH POSITIVE THOUGHTS FOR 7/20

2011-07-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

“We are all in the same boat in a stormy sea, and we owe each other a terrible loyalty.” G. K. Chesterton

“The best things in life are never rationed. Friendship, loyalty, love, do not require coupons.” George T. Hewitt

“It is better to be faithful than famous.” Theodore Roosevelt (26th U.S. President)

“No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.” Unknown

Fish Positive Thoughts for 7/19

2011-07-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

“Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun.” Colleen C. Barrett

“Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

“All the so-called "secrets of success" will not work unless you do.” Unknown

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” Louisa May Alcott

New California Whale Tail Environmental License plate

2011-07-19T09:54:00.001-07:00

This new California license plate showing a Whale Tail was a collaboration between a painter and a graphic designer. For now, the Whale Tail plates may only be ordered by mail. Then, on Aug. 2, the Department of Motor Vehicles will begin selling them online and in DMV offices.

Fish Positive Thoughts for 7/18

2011-07-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

Fish Positive Thoughts for 7/18

“You can pretend to care, but you can't pretend to show up. ” George L. Bell

“Patience - the gift of being able to see past the emotion.” Rodney Williams

“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.” Halford E. Luccock

“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards.” Vernon Sanders Law (Major League Baseball Pitcher)

Extreme Couponing That Can Save You A Ton Of Money!!!!

2011-07-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

How did Char get $70 worth of toothpaste for $1.56? And save HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS stocking up her household? Read...and learn. :-) I am in awe!!! Char, thx for sharing this--your rock.

Desperate Circumstances Reveal a Never Before Realized Gift

November 29, 2010 is a day that will live in infamy, at least for me, as that was the day I was laid-off from my job due to company downsizing. I was devastated. I had a nice apartment that I loved and had just gotten a second job two weeks prior that was making it possible for me to keep my apartment after my roommate moved out at the end of August. I was struggling before the second job and losing my main source of income threw me into a tailspin. Just before Christmas, I moved out of my apartment, getting rid of almost all of my furniture, into a mobile home with my best friend’s brother, who after 20+ years was just like the older brother I never had. It was okay, at least I had a roof over my head. “I’ll take this as a mini-vacation and start looking for a job after the first of the year,” I said. Well January came and went and I went on a few interviews and never got the job. I tried my best to stay positive with everyone at church and my friend, Lara, telling me this was part of God’s plan and He would put me where He wanted when He wanted me there. I must admit there were times when I was so low I cursed God for “doing this to me or allowing it to happen.” Then I pray and apologize and of course, receive forgiveness and new slate. This cycle was repeated by me and my Father many, many times over the next few months.

One day Mike came home after a huge shopping spree at Sam’s club and had enough food to last a month it seemed. I felt bad because I didn’t have anything to contribute to it. I was paying half the rent, half the utilities, internet, cell phone, car payment and car insurance. I finally had to give up my second job in March because everything I was making came off the top of my unemployment and it was costing me money to go from La Habra to Costa Mesa everyday. Now I was stuck at home looking for jobs and going out on interviews and coming up empty. Trying to combat depression, I would force myself to stay up and watch TV, but not being a person who can sit and do nothing while watching TV, I totally immersed myself in the Facebook game FarmVille. Boy, do I have SEVERAL really nice looking farms…LOL. It did not fill the void. Reading my Bible helped, but still I felt there was something missing. I was realizing I had given up complete control to God yet and that nothing was likely to happen until I did.

One day I saw an ad for a new TV show on TLC “Extreme Couponing.” I decided to check it out. After watching the entire season, I realized a couple of things:

1. That kind of couponing can NEVER take place in California. The farthest west anyone on the show lived is Las Vegas.

2. I can TOTALLY do a REALISTIC version of extreme couponing.

With this revelation, I started my new journey. I figured anything that involves shopping and saving money can’t be bad. What woman is going to disagree with me?? The first thing I had to was research. I checked out a lot of different “couponing” sites and finally selected two that I liked the most. One was couponing101.com which had a lot of tutoring materials (some downloadable PDF e-books and videos). The other was couponmom.com which I liked because that site does coupon “match-ups” (I’ll explain later) for you. I read everything I could on these sites and with this information and what I had learned from the Extreme Couponing show, and realized that the best way to maximize savings is to have a stockpile of coupons. In my area, the major papers are the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times. There are Smart Source and Red Plum inserts. The Times seems to have the better coupons, but the Register has the majority of the ads (CVS in particular). A neighbor was a delivery guy for the Times, so he used to drop off his extra papers when he was done delivering his papers on Sunday morning. I usually try to get between eight and ten papers every Sunday. The only exception to this “rule” is on holiday weekends. There are no coupon inserts on those weekends. The first Sunday of the month is the Proctor & Gamble insert (regardless of holidays). Smart Source and Red Plum each have a website and you can print coupons from their sites as well. Many online stores (Target, etc) also have printable coupons and Target allows “stacking” of coupons, which is using one Target coupon for and item and a manufacturer’s coupon for the same item (example Tide laundry detergent – print a Target coupon for $1.00 off any size and use a manufacture coupon from the paper for $2.00 off any size Tide and save $3.00 total for the item). Stacking is quite useful in getting items for free or for actually making money for “buying the item.” An example I used a few weeks ago: There was a coupon for $5.00 off any John Frieda Full Repair product (I had six coupons). Target had a printable coupon for $3.00 off two of the same items PLUS they had a special where they would give a $5.00 gift card with the purchase of three items which were now on sale for $5.99 (Regular $8.99). It IS important to realize that the gift cards CANNOT BE USED ON THAT PURCHASE, so you do have to pay $5.00 on the first transaction. But I took the six items and split them into two transactions. It is also important to remember that stores in California WILL NOT give you money back, so when you have an overage as I’m about to describe you must have another purchase that offsets it (so it’s like a non-existent coupon to bring the price of something else down).

So here was how the six items purchased broke down (I’m not including taxes in this scenario because I hate math):

3 items at $5.99 each = $17.97

1 printed Target coupon for $3.00 - 3.00

3 manufacture’s coupon @ 5.00 each - 15.00

Target gift card for $5.00 - 5.00

NET EFFECTIVE TOTAL -$5.03 PROFIT!!!

Now for this first order, I had a “profit” of .03 but I could NOT use the gift card so I had to pay $4.97 + tax on that order. The second transaction went as the example above shown, so I had added a bag of cat litter to that order, which is normally $7.69 but I got $5.03 off that (since they would not give me the money). As you can see, having multiples of the same coupon can come in quite handy. When I have multiples for items I will not use, I will cut them out and place them in a store (whichever one I’m at when I remember to do this) and put them near the particular item so someone else can realize the savings.

Now, regarding the coupon match-ups, there are several sites that do this service weekly for no charge. I stay away from any website that charges for these services. Now on “the show” they talk about walking up and down the aisles and checking out EVERY ITEM that is on sale. I don’t worry too much about this, I just carry my coupon book with me and I have one of those minds that doesn’t do math, but I can tell you with absolute certainty if I have a coupon for $.75 cents off Colgate toothpaste. This way it’s not hard for me to take advantage of a sale that was not in the weekly circular. I use couponmom.com for this. You register with the site and get e-mail notifications when a new list is done for the stores you have chosen. For my area it does Ralph’s, Vons, and Albertsons (haven’t found one that does Stater Bros). It also does Target, CVS, Wal-Green’s, Walmart, Rite-Aid, etc. My grocery store ads come in the mail on Tuesdays and the drug store ads are in the Sunday papers, so shopping trips must be planned around those schedules. I usually look over the ads themselves to see what is on sale at any given store and then look at the website to “match-up” my coupons to the sales. My site will list the coupons in the following way 5/15 RP, 6/26 S, or 7/3 P&G, which is the date, the insert (Red Plum, Smart Source or Proctor & Gamble). Because of this, I take my coupon inserts and write the date on the cover and just cut the coupons out as I need them based on my weekly match-ups. I don’t even get rid of the ones I think I will never use because you never know when one of those coupons will get you one for free.

At the grocery stores, I am saving on average of 50-60% at each store, each week (I usually hit all four stores each week because they are close together near my house). The best offers to get items for free or to make money are usually the drug stores. At Target this past week, they had a razor on sale for $6.49. If you bought two of them, you got a $5.00 gift card for free and I had coupons for $4.00 off each razor. So 6.49 x 2 = 12.98 – 8.00 in coupons + a $5.00 gift card – so the NET EFFECTIVE price of the razors was FREE (I bought 4 razors in two transactions).

Before clipping your coupons, looking up your ads, making your list and running off to save money, you need to know the coupon policy of each store you are going to. As I discovered in the next example two different Ralph’s stores can have different policies. Once I realized this, I adjusted my shopping trip to maximize my savings as each Ralphs store was near some other place I needed to be. The advertised special was Colgate Toothpaste (assorted brands) were 5 for $5.00 (MUST BUY 5). I had ten coupons for $.75 off from one week’s paper and ten coupons for $1.00 off from that current week’s paper. The Ralphs I usually go to doubles coupons that are $.50 and under and anything above .50 they will increase to make it a $1.00 but the cashier I had said they would only double the FIRST of multiple coupons. So at this store I picked up ten tubs of Colgate Total (which in this store scenario averaged $3.50 per tube) and separated into two transactions of 5 each. I scanned my Ralphs card for each one (which also gave me rewards points on each transaction) I used 5 $1.00 coupons for each tube and since they were only 1.00 each, I got them for JUST THE SALES TAX. I went to my second store and did the same thing with the .75 coupons, which they added .25 to EACH ONE making them 1.00 and again paid ONLY sales tax. So 20 tubes of toothpaste (average $3.50 each for a total of $70.00 retail price of the toothpaste) and I paid only the sales tax for a GRAND TOTAL OF $1.56 for 20 tubes of toothpaste valued at about $70.00!!!! That is 97.77% SAVINGS. It’s not my normal shopping trip but those done occasionally helps to increase the total percentage I save on a cumulative basis. I started doing this on May 15 and my spreadsheet goes for one month, to June 15 and in that time, I have saved $789.00 for a 60.5% average during that one month period of time. If you take the total number of hours I spend on this weekly and divide it by the amount that I save every week, it’s like having a job that pays $25.00-30.00 an hour. That made me feel like I was finally contributing to the household.

In just this past week, I have finally (after 7 months) found a job, so my circumstances will improve, but I have decided that I am going to continue with the couponing because saving this kind of money every week, frees up those dollars for something else we either want or need to spend it on. It’s also a real rush every week to see the price going up and up and up and then use your coupons and store card discounts to watch the total come down. When I look at the receipt and see that the amount I saved is HIGHER than the amount I’ve spent, I know I “beat the system” that week and it’s a great feeling.

Help Cory Hahn!

2011-07-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

This story breaks my heart...Cory is an amazing young man who is touching many lives. We are praying for him and his family!!!

Cory Hahn is a 2010 graduate of Mater Dei High School, Cory earned four varsity letters and served as team captain in 2010...In his high school career, Cory earned First Team All-League & First Team All-State, Trinity League MVP honors, 2010 Orange County Player of the Year, CIF Player of the Year, Max Preps State Player of the Year and was named California's Mr. Baseball. Cory was on top of his game. Following high school, Cory was drafted by the San Diego Padres, but decided to attend Arizona State University. After only the second day of his college baseball career, Cory’s life changed dramatically. In the first inning of the second game of the day, he went to steal second base. Sliding head first colliding with the second baseman, Cory suffered a C-5 fracture of his spinal cord, ultimately leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. Click here to find out how to help Cory and his family.

Fish Positive Thoughts for 7/11

2011-07-11T12:07:00.001-07:00

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” Pericles - Ancient Greek Politician

“Through perseverance many people win success out of what seemed destined to be certain failure.” Benjamin Disraeli

“Power is the ability to do good things for others.” Brooke Astor (Philanthropist )

“Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Saint Francis of Assisi

Wordless Wednesday

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

Fireworks!!!!

2011-07-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

Grab a blanket, some munchies, the kids, and get ready for some bee-yoo-tee-full fireworks!!! And there are lots of fun events going on all weekend! Click here for all the OC info: http://www.fish959.com/article.asp?id=501817

Wanna Win Sold-Out Fishfest Tix?!

2011-06-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

We will be giving away LOTS on Friday morning between 7 and 9 a.m.!!!! Just listen for us to tell you to call in. Good luck!!!!!

A Father To The Fatherless

2011-06-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." Psalm 68:5

As we wrap up Father's Day, which I hope was amazing for you and your family, I wanted to give you the update on what happened with Cross International last weekend.

Drumroll, please. :-)

Because you heard the need and responded....because you prayed and acted on what God would have you do....because you have made a sacrifice for another....

1,325 orphans in Mozambique will be fed, clothed, and given school supplies and medical attention for the next year, and will be livingin Christian homes within the next 7 days!!!!!!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You amaze me again and again with your heart and your generosity, and now these orphans are going to be introduced to a Father's love that will never, ever be taken away from them.

Rescue An Orphan With Cross International

2011-06-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

These sweet little girls were rescued by Cross Intl. because someone just like you gave $68, which is what it takes to care for an orphan in Mozambique for a WHOLE YEAR--wow!!!! This pic was taken right before the girls moved into their new Christian home. I just want to hug them and tell them that everything is going to be okay. You can rescue an orphan by calling Cross at 1-888-979-2009, or going to http://www.fish959.com/.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

Spiritual Measles

2011-06-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

After reading today's selection from MyUtmost.org (an awesome site where they break up My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers into daily readings), I realized that I have a raging case of Spiritual Measles. When I"m in a good mood or a spiritual mood, I look one way. The rest of the time...not so much. This passage challenges me to let go of the pride and the self-sufficiency, and I am so grateful that God is not done with me yet.

"Master, where dwellest Thou? . . Come and see." "Come with Me." John 1:39

"They abode with Him that day." That is about all some of us ever do, then we wake up to actualities, self-interest arises and the abiding is passed. There is no condition of life in which we cannot abide in Jesus.

"Thou art Simon, thou shalt be called Cephas." God writes the new name on those places only in our lives where He has erased the pride and self-sufficiency and self-interest. Some of us have the new name in spots only, like spiritual measles. In sections we look all right. When we have our best spiritual mood on, you would think we were very high-toned saints; but don't look at us when we are not in that mood. The disciple is one who has the new name written all over him; self-interest and pride and self-sufficiency have been completely erased.

Pride is the deification of self, and this to-day in some of us is not of the order of the Pharisee, but of the publican. To say "Oh, I'm no saint," is acceptable to human pride, but it is unconscious blasphemy against God. It literally means that you defy God to make you a saint, "I am much too weak and hopeless, I am outside the reach of the Atonement." Humility before men may be unconscious blasphemy before God. Why are you not a saint? It is either that you do not want to be a saint, or that you do not believe God can make you one. It would be all right, you say, if God saved you and took you straight to heaven. That is just what He will do! "We will come unto him, and make our abode with him." Make no conditions, let Jesus be everything, and He will take you home with Him not only for a day, but for ever.

Perseverance

2011-06-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

I was watching my son stack some blocks this weekend, and I was amazed at how he would get so upset when everything came crashing down but then go right back to work building again without a hint of frustration.

Is it weird to say that my toddler inspires me?

I want to be able to let go of the hurts, slights, negativity, frustration, things that didn't work, and mistakes, and just plunge ahead with a good attitude, fully committed to whatever new thing is happening in life. In fact, that is my prayer for all of us this weekend.

And maybe, like my little guy, we will be working hard and suddenly realize that we've stacked a record 22 blocks. :-)

Heaven Was Needing A Hero

2011-05-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

God bless our troops and their families on Memorial Day and every day.

Guest Blogger Sheree Aucutt Petersen!!!

2011-05-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to meet Sheree last year at Race for the Cure, and have been so blessed by her friendship over these past few months. She has an incredible heart for the Lord, her family, and serving others...always looks super cute...and is an amazing writer and is doing a Bible Study on her Facebook page. Sheree, when do you sleep, exactly??!! :-)

I wanted to share this awesome blog with you from a few weeks back, because it sure captures how I feel so much of the time as I struggle with wanting to make a difference and live a life of love, yet still getting annoyed by the little things. Sheree, thanks for your honesty and letting me post this!

Mother's Day...I can so tell that it's right around the corner!

Is that supposed to be my special day? The one day of the year that I get to get pampered by the kids and hubby? The one day of the year that I won't be required to cook any meals, wash any dishes or do any house cleaning?

Well that's a nice fantasy!

But today it feels like one that I need, but I'm sure I'll be over this by Sunday!!

It's been such an awesome week.

I've enjoyed not having the TV on since Sunday morning, except to watch the competition nights of DWTS & American Idol. I've enjoyed starting my Bible Study, an awesome Girl Day with my BFF, just talking and sharing a cry (saw Soul Surfer) and having another friend joining us for lunch. It was an awesome way to use a vacation day. The type of day that I've been longing for and missing for a long time. There will definitely be many more of those to come!!

I even got my hubby to agree to go to a Christian concert with me this Saturday (which I am soooo looking forward to)...and I only had to ask once!!

Along with all of this I've spent a lot of time reflecting on the first few pages of The Bible. And having songs like "I Refuse" and 'In My Own Little World" tugging hard at my heart. And I've come to realize that there is so much more that God has planned for me. He created me for my special purpose. The plan has always been there, but I hadn't yet truly opened myself up to see it. I hadn't yet truly given it up to God. Like the song 'Jesus Take The Wheel' - Jesus take the wheel, take it from my hands, cause I can't do this on my own, I'm letting go....that's hard when you like to control & be in control of the things in your life!

There is no doubt that God has been speaking to me, which I've been calling my 'God moments' these past few weeks. There have been a lot of signs, which I guess have been the Holy Spirit trying to shake things up. Like when I was reading a blog titled 'What If There's A Bigger Picture' and it was mentioning how/why Matthew West wrote his song 'In My Own Little World’ and as I was reading the words to the song in the blog, I noticed that the song was actually playing in the background, as I was listening to The Fish online....chills... Am I starting to get your attention??

I saw a comment to a posting last week that bothered me, as she seemed sad, but I didn't know her circumstances. It was from someone that I didn't know, but I couldn't let it go without trying to give her some encouragement. We ended up chatting later and she told me her situation. All I could do was offer some advise, comfort and an ear. She told me she was surprised that a total stranger would do this.

We started a new study at church this past Sunday titled 'The Awakening' with the first study being 'The Power of the Spirit', as in the Holy Spirit!! Hello!!! At the end of the service we sang the song 'Awakening' or at least I tried to sing through my non-stop tears. I was feeling great....then while driving home, one of my favorite new songs 'Hallelujah' by Heather Williams came on the radio. I had a chance to meet Heather at a Women's Night Out event that Lara Scott from 959TheFish hosted a few months ago. Heather talked, gave us her testimony and sang a few of her songs. She had us crying sad tears and had us cracking up, and crying happy tears, by her personality/humor. What an inspirational woman. She wrote Hallelujah after her infant son died from a heart issue. And needless to say, I felt her emotions through those words. I have her CD and listen to that song frequently and again have cried several times, because of what I was feeling for her.

Well, hearing it on my way home from church, of course, I cried, but this time it felt different. Those feelings and emotions were mine. The Holy Spirit was getting in deeper!

All of a sudden, I'm seeing these needs, that have always been there, but being in our/my own little world, we're not aware of them. A center that helps unwed, homeless moms with babies by collecting diapers, wipes & other baby essentials and then encourages and empowers them to go back to school, etc. to create a better life for themselves and their child. I couldn't get to the store fast enough. And enjoyed my 45 min. turnaround to drop them off. And the little 4 yr old boy with Leukemia who hates taking the important daily baths with all of the tubes and stuff attached to him...and the campaign to collect bath toys to help make those baths fun again. How could I not help out with this little simple act?! Babies R Us here I come!

And my recent connection to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. All of this has just happened in the past few weeks!!! And all of this made me realize that I need to use my compassion, emotions and love to Glorify God. I have been praying and my feeling is the desire to be a mentor to young women and help care for babies. I truly want to mentor in a Godly fashion, therefore, my desire to start the Bible Study, both for my continued learning and possibly to share.

Today, I had another one of those 'God moments' and there have been several similar to this one. I saw the mention of a book, 'I Will Carry You' that peeked my curiosity. I looked it up on Amazon.com and started reading the preview pages. Oh my, it already had me bawling, harder than I have in a long time. I'm reading that the father in the story is in the Christian singing group Selah....are you kidding me, a song from Selah is now playing!!!! Major Goosebumps!!

So, with all this feel good...why is everything little thing bothering me this afternoon. The dogs that keep barking at everything they see or hear and their little toenails making noise on the wood floors, as they keep pacing back and forth. Three teenage boys going in and out of the house, going up and down the stairs, laughing and making noise. With every entrance and exit comes a slam of the door. I thought to myself if I hear the door slam again, after I yelled at them every time they did it, I was going to scream. Oh, yeah I just did and then proceeded to hear my son from outside yell back up to me, 'You just need to chill mom'....exactly son....you're getting the message. And then my little doggies are giving me those puppy dog eyes, which seems to be saying I'm sorry. They always seem to sense when something is not right with me.

Maybe, today was just a sign to be still and to give me a cause to reflect on the past weeks. Today definitely forced me to look within myself...what do all of these signs...'God moments' mean to me and what am I going to do about them? Am I going to act on them? Or just sit here and think those were pretty cool? I'm fully aware that none of this is a coincidence. God doesn't work that way. These 'God Moments'...are God saying 'It's time my child, I've been preparing your heart for some time now, it's ready, it's your time to get out of 'Your Own little World'!!!

YES, LET'S DO IT!!!

And Oh Yes, God Is Good, but the devil is very jealous and is just trying to get in the way!!! So, it's time to get back into The Word and stay there!!

Thank goodness, Mother's Day is just a few days away!!!!

Video And How To Help The Folks Affected By The Tornadoes

2011-05-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

Warning: This video is very scary to watch/listen to...I found myself in tears. But there are some beautiful moments as you hear one woman praying, and another comforting others. It makes you think about what you would be doing in your last moments, and it made me grateful that I have been given the gift of another day of life.

The Red Cross is providing food, shelter and emotional support for the people whose lives have been disrupted by the recent tornadoes that devastated neighborhoods in Missouri, Minnesota, and other parts of the Midwest. If you would like to help, click here for more info.

How About Joining Me At Bel Air Pres On Sunday?

2011-05-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I'll be doing a fun talk and Q&A with Kim Dorr-Tilley, the entertainment pastor at Bel Air Presbyterian, this Sunday! The Beacon is the entertainment group, but even if you are not in showbiz you will have a fun time and we would love for you to come join us and be encouraged. :-)

Here are some details!!! If you do come, plz find me and say hi and let me give you a hug.

Beacon meets in the Discipleship Center from 12:30 to 2 pm. (We have lunch available from 12;15 to about 12:50.) If you would like to join us for lunch, please come around 12:20/ 12:30 (as soon as 11 am worship lets out is when we start up).

We're in Discipleship Center 103 (the one farthest from the sanctuary and closest to the steps that lead up to the admin offices.

www.belairpres.org

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T15:22:00.001-07:00

How You Can Help Granada Hills Baptist ElementarySchool Stay Open

2011-05-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

Jason sent us this email, and I wanted to share it with you in case you might be able to help. And we can all pray! This story really touched me, especially the part about how the kids are doing all they can to help keep their school open. And look at the words on the sign...do you recognize those from God of This City?

I am a loyal fish listener and was wondering if you could PLEASE share this info with your listeners! ANY donations are accepted every little bit helps, from 1 penny to 1 thousand dollars it all helps this great little Christian school stay open. Here is the link for donations http://granadahillsbaptistschool.com/make-a-donation/ .the teachers, staff and principle love the kids, to see their interaction is to watch the LORD at work, I LOVE THIS SCHOOL. Even though our son is starting Jr high and this is our last year at Granada Hills Baptist elementary, we don't want to see it close! The love, education, compassion and moral value the school instills in its students is an asset to all communities as a whole. The school is nonprofit, I believe the donations are tax deductible. Here is an article with most of the details. http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/05/10/closing-granada-hills-school-races-to-fund-200k-miracle/ As the article states we have until May 17th to raise the money to keep the school open. The kids are doing their part by selling world’s finest chocolates door to door, making Lemonade stands, emptying piggy banks and having garage sales, you name it they're doing it.

Thank you and God bless,

Jason

Guess Which Fish Artist Is Going To Be A Dad?!

2011-05-10T21:52:00.001-07:00

CONGRATS!!!!

You can read the whole story in our Music News section of www.fish959.com.

Bath Toys For Brayden

2011-05-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

Let's help Brayden!!! Check out this email from Virginia...

I am writing to you to let you know about a little 4 year old boy, Brayden Sodestrom, who has been battling Leukemia (ALL) since he was 2 years old. After chemo treatment, he went into remission for awhile but the cancer returned around Thanksgiving of last year.

I've included a link to his Dad Drew's, a Pastor at Richfield Community Church in Yorba Linda, blog. It has the background story all the way to present.

http://braydensbattle.wordpress.com/

On 4/13/11 Brayden underwent a Cord Blood transplant at CHOC. He is currently fighting for his life and for this transplant to be a cure for him. Just reading these updates about Brayden brings me tears and my heart aches for all of their family. Through all they are going through, they remain ever so faithful to our awesome and powerful God! If you read any of these posts you can't help but feel the pain and suffering they are enduring with their son and at the same time glorifying God.

I have started a campaign for Brayden called BATH TOYS FOR BRAYDEN to help him and his family during the first 100 days post-transplant, THE most crucial days as the immune system is weak & at risk for infection.

Daily baths are vital to preventing infection. During transplant, the surgeon inserts a central venous catheter that cannot be submerged in water. Brayden had already experienced what it was like to have a "chemo port" that could not get wet through all of his chemo regimens. His parents have to cover the port with plastic. Brayden REALLY DOES NOT LIKE TO TAKE BATHS NOW BECAUSE OF ALL OF THIS. So for the days following transplant, he will need a little positive incentive to help this bath process go more smoothly. That is why I have started this BATH TOYS FOR BRAYDEN campaign.

I would like to see if you would be willing to publicize this in some way on FISH or any other method. I dropped off 25 bath toys to the family at CHOC yesterday that I have collected so far but my goal is at least 100 for the 100 days post transplant. If I get more than is needed, I will be donating them to the OICU, the Oncology floor at CHOC. I hadn't really realized how important these bath toys are until I received a message from Brayden's Dad yesterday saying their supply was low & could I drop off more bath toys. I need to secure a steady supply of bath toys and since I delivered those 25, I am out of bath toys at the moment. I am also doing a collection at my church, Messiah Lutheran in Yorba Linda.

This little 4 year old has been through more than most of us have in our entire lifetime. I am also a Mom and can't even imagine how difficult it is for them. They are going through a very tough time and I feel as God has lead me to help Brayden and his family in whatever small way I can.

Lastly, but most important, Brayden and his family really need everyone's prayers. They have on the Brayden's Battle blog, a Prayer Warrior sign-up for the 100 days following his transplant so people will be praying for him every hour on the hour.

Blessings!

Virginia

musiclvn@pacbell.net

Comfort In Troubled Times

2011-05-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

What do we do when it feels like our world is falling apart around us? Maybe it is something in our own life, or just the general sense of uneasiness that comes when we see one natural disaster after another.

We look.

I got this email from a friend the other day, and wanted to share it with you.

I feel a little vulnerable sharing this, but I think it will encourage you. Early this morning, I was feeling a little glum. But then, as my wife and I opened our devotional reading for the day, these words seemed to jump off the page...

Comfort in Troubled Times

When your world is turned upside down, remember, God's plans for your life haven't been cancelled! So when you feel trapped with no way out, here are some things to remember.

1. Look for the river. "There is a river whose streams make glad" (Ps 46:4). In Old Testament symbolism, rivers represent God's supply for your every need. When every human source of supply seems to have dried up, don't fear, look to the river.

2. Look for the city. "God has planted His city... the holy place where the most High dwells." (verse 4) right in the middle of your circumstances. God's city, the symbol of His presence and power, guarantees He is still in control and that He will restore peace and order to your troubled world.

3. Look for signs of God's presence. "God will help (you) at break of day." (verse 5). Daybreak, a symbol of new beginnings, gives you confidence that beyond this time of trouble and testing, a new day is at hand. "Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning" (Lam 3:23).

4. Look at God's track record. "Come... see the works of the Lord." (Ps 46:8). Reviewing the record of His mighty acts builds your faith and reminds you that he is the same "yesterday, today and forever." (Heb 13:8). If God took care of you in the past He will take care of you now.

5. Look to God and be at peace. Based on the tested and proven foundation of His power and faithfulness, you can live by His word, "Be still and know that I am God." (Ps 46:10).

-from the devotional

The Word For You Today

Whatever struggles you are going though today, be encouraged! God still has plans for you.

(www.WordForYouToday.com)

HELP HOMELESS MOMS AND BABIES AT THE SPECTRUM!!!

2011-04-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

If you'll be at the Irvine Spectrum for lunch or a little shopping on Saturday, maybe bring some Pampers or Huggies with you and stop by and see our friends with HomeAid Orange County! I remember Carolyn (who send me the info below) from HomeAid telling me about how so many homeless moms reuse disposable diapers 2-3 times because they simply can't afford to buy more. We can help these moms, and it really doesn't take much. And please pray!

Our Essentials for Young Lives donation drive Kick-off is this Saturday,
April 30 at Irvine Spectrum Center. Volunteers will be in the Giant Wheel
Court collecting donations from noon - 3pm. In addition to the YMCA of
Orange County hosting arts/crafts for the kids. AND to really get the heart of why we're conducting this
drive please view the video on the following link.

http://www.essentialsforyounglives.org/cat1.php

The need is urgent and our goal is to collect 500,000 "essential" items for
homeless moms and their babies. If you could share with your listeners
about this donation drive that would be fabulous! Together we can meet this
goal and help these moms and their babies.

Happy Easter!!!

2011-04-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! My mom used to play this song when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, and I still remember the words all these years later. God bless you and your family on Easter, and thank you for allowing us to share holidays and regular days and all the stuff of life with you.

It's Friday...Sunday's Comin'!!!!

2011-04-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!!

He is Risen!!!

2011-04-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

How cute is this house? It looks like a beautiful dollhouse. :-) This is what you are helping us build on our Day of Hope with Food for the Poor for families in Haiti that have lost everything, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

You could help move a single mom like Dorona from the bamboo shack she was living in (located on a river where the sewer drained...her kids were sick from playing in it) to a house like this--safe, secure, and able to withstand winds over 100mph during a hurricane. Dorona is smiling now, her kids are happy and healthy, and they have hope for the future! All of this is done in the name of Jesus.

Call 1-866-433-HOPE or go to www.fish959.com.

Guess Where Brandon Heath Just Performed?

2011-04-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine being out and about and popping into your favorite used bookstore and then suddenly hearing a familiar voice from one aisle over?! Too cool! :-)

Wordless Wednesday: How My Babysitter Styled My Son's Hair During A Nap! :-)

2011-04-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

Jeff's Story

2011-04-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

I want to thank Jeff in Placentia for sharing his story with us. Jeff, we are praying for you and Jen and your daughter! I am so glad that you reached out to us, because I think it is important that we never forget the very real lives that are at stake in this battle against blood cancer. Every ticket that we sell to the Francesca Battistelli concert and afterparty (with all money going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society--go to www.fish959.com/lls for info), and every coin that gets tossed into one of our LLS Tip Jars at the Chris Tomlin show on Tuesday gets us that much closer to a cure.

Can you imagine the day that is coming where no one will have to say goodbye to someone they love because of blood cancer?

Thank you for joining in the fight. God bless you.

Friday May 21st, 2010 was a day that I will never forget. It was one of the best days of my life yet became one of the worst. After nearly being laid off for 10 months I had just gotten hired at a new company and was to start the next Monday. With the good news that morning, my wife and I decided to enjoy the day and grab lunch together. Once we got home we received a phone call from Jen's regular Doctor telling us she needed to go the Emergency Room immediately. After a routine blood count that was done at her yearly checkup the lab results showed her white blood cell counts were extremely high.

At the Emergency Room that night, Jennifer was retested to make sure it was not a lab error. Unfortunately, it was not a lab error. After spending the night at the hospital a bone marrow biopsy was done and confirmed that Jen had CML - Leukemia. We were devastated. We didn't know what this meant for us, for our 2 year old daughter, or anything. We were scared and confused. This wasn't supposed to happen!

That night Jen and I ran an internet search for CML Leukemia and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's website came up. We were able to research the disease online and find out about all the new medicine's available to help control CML. We were also able to order free materials to help us understand our options better and gain control of Jen's treatment. LLS has provided us with educational, emotional, and financial support to help us in this battle against CML. With the treatment Jen is receiving and the support given to us by LLS, Jen is still in treatment for CML and continues to move in a positive direction.

Please join Team Alcorn's Army to fight against blood cancer by making a donation to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We will be walking this year at Light the Night in Anaheim, CA.

Who is YOUR Hero?

2011-04-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

They could be OUR Next Local Hero!

Every time I talk about this on the air I get lots of emails going, what was that you said about a hero? So, I wanted to put the info right here for you, and the link where you can nominate someone. ;-)

How do you feel when you hear about someone doing something amazing? I hope that you are as inspired as I am, and encouraged to look for opportunities where YOU can make a difference. I love that we have all been called to different things, so getting involved and helping others is going to look different for each of us.

We have two incredible gals in our office that have taken charge of our recycling program. They set up a bin in the kitchen, take the bottles and cans in every few weeks, and then donate the money to charity. They email the rest of us to let us know how our recycling is being put to good use. HEROES!

I hear stories all the time of folks who keep fast food coupons in their car, and pass them out whenever they see a homeless person. HERO!

How about the basketball player who was in his car, and noticed someone in a wheelchair at the curb trying to cross a busy street. He stopped his car, stretched out his long arms, and stopped traffic long enough for the person in the wheelchair to cross safely. HERO!

A hairstylist donates her time to a shelter downtown, and does makeovers on the women that have come in. HERO!

A gentleman was watching the coverage of Japan after the earthquake and tsunami, and saw so many hungry families that had lost everything. He makes noodles, so he packed up a bunch of food and equipment and drove 800 miles to feed people. He planned on staying until his supplies ran out. HERO!

To nominate YOUR hero, just go to www.fish959.com/fishcares, and click on Next Local Hero.

Thank you for sharing your heart and your stories with us!

Wanna Win VIP Fishest Tix...

2011-03-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

...and save some lives?

Throw a fundraising event (bake sale, car wash, sell books, set up a photo booth, collect recycling, etc.), with the proceeds going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with our Woman of the Year campaign. That money will help patients and their families, and fund research. You could save a life like Diane's:

Can one day simultaneously be the worst AND the best day of your life? For me, the answer is yes. July 19, 2007, was the day my oncologist stood next to my hospital bed and told me I had stage 4 aggressive lymphoma and asked if I was ready to take on the fight of my life (I said “yes”). It was also the day that my (now) husband stood next to that same bed and told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and asked me to marry him and become mom to his two children (I said “yes!”). I am forever grateful to LLS for helping both things come true – the joy-filled, purposeful life I am living today is literally a gift from all of the people who have helped raise money to fund the research that has saved thousands of lives – mine included. Although I can never repay my debt of gratitude, I try to live each day as a thank you to every donor and fundraiser whose dollars have given me something priceless – the gift of a new life.

If you bring in the most $$$, you win! :-) And btw...we'll be announcing our Fishfest lineup soon! For all the details, check out www.fish959.com/fishcares.

Learning To Let Go

2011-03-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

My son, Dallas, is 16 months old now, and getting more independent every day. Suddenly, he has discovered that he is his own person and doesn't have to be attached to mommy every moment.

Dallas got a little bumblebee riding toy for Christmas, where you sit on the back of it and use your legs to scoot around the floor. At first, all he could do was sit on the seat for a few seconds while someone held him on there and pushed, and then he would kind of slither off.

Then, we got to the point where he was learning to use his feet, and could move a little as long as someone held him and gave him a push.

The other day, he went to climb on, and I came right over to help him. He gently took a hand and pushed me away, and as I let go he scooted off on his own.

I watched him move across the floor all by himself, and was so proud and sad at the same time. About halfway across the room, he stopped and looked back over his shoulder at me before continuing on.

And suddenly I saw him going off to kindergarten, and turning to look back at me.

And graduating from high school, and turning to look back at me.

And walking down the aisle at his wedding, and turning to look back at me.

(All that was missing from this scene was Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle playing in the background.)

Right at the moment that I was about to lose it, Dallas ran into the corner. And as hard as he tried, he couldn't figure out how to turn himself around.

So he looked back again, and used a new word he's learned: "Help!"

And Mommy got to be his hero for just a little while longer. :-)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

(Okay, a few words! Here's my little guy "playing" the harp at the park!)

God Will Mingle His Tears With Ours

2011-03-13T22:31:00.001-07:00

On a heartbreaking day, the thing that I can't stop thinking aobut is the people on the 4 trains that got swept away by the tsunami.

It is all just too horrible to even really comprehend.

I wanted to share something I heard Bible teacher Steve Brown talking about, and that is how now is not the time to be asking intellectual questions ("How does a good God allow a tragedy like this to happen?")--they don't help with a broken heart. Now is the time that God will mingle His tears with ours, and we will allow ourselves to taste the salt of the tears of those who are hurting. We pray for them, and cling to the One who will one day make all things new. Never forget in the dark what God has taught you in the light.

God is closer than our very breath, and will be there when we take our final one, whether that is today or 60 years from now.

Lyrics to Healing Hand of God by Jeremy Camp

I have seen the many faces of fear and of pain
I have watched the tears fall plenty from heartache and strain
So if life's journey has you weary and afraid
There's rest in the shadow of His wings

I have walked through the valleys, the mountains, and plains
I have held the hand of freedom that washes all my stains
If you feel weight of many trials and burdens from this world
There's freedom in the shelter of the Lord

And I have seen the healing hand of God
Reaching out and mending broken hearts
Taste and see the fullness of His peace
And hold on to what's being held out
The healing hand of God

And I have touched the scars upon His hands to see if they were real
He has walked the road before me, he knows just how I feel
When you feel that there's not anyone, who understands your pain
Just remember all of Jesus's suffering

'Cause I have seen the healing hand of God
Reaching out and mending broken hearts
Taste and see the fullness of His peace
And hold on to what's being held out

Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you
He's near to the broken and confused
By His stripes our spirit is renewed
So enter in the joy prepared for you

I have seen the healing hand of God
Reaching out and mending broken hearts
Taste and see the fullness of His peace
And hold on to what's being held out

The healing hand of God
The healing hand of God
The healing hand of God

And hold on to what's being held out
(Hold on)
And hold on to what's being held out
(Hold on)
The healing hand of God, oh, oh

Kyle's Story

2011-03-06T21:19:00.000-08:00

My friend Kyle (we work together at The Fish) nominated me for Woman of the Year with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and my run is in honor of him. He is very brave, and will beat this disease! If you'd like to find out how you can get involved, check out www.fish959.com/fishcares (and you can share your story there, too!). Thank you!

I'm 31, married to my high school sweetheart Becky and together we have a 5 year old son, Kole and a 2 year old daughter, Emma

Last January I had discomfort in my stomach and a swollen area in my belly. Being the dense guy that I am, it took the nudging of my lovely wife Becky, to go to the doctor.

After all the tests, they found that I had a large mass in my abdomen. 3 days later I was in the hospital having an 8lb tumor removed! The pathology report revealed that the mass was Non-Hodgkin's T-Cell Lymphoma.

It's devastating to hear that you have cancer. At 31 you feel that you are unstoppable - in fact, there are times when I still feel like it's not real; that it's just a bad dream.

I was off work for months - which for me, is a challenge of its own - I can't stand still.

Now, after 6 rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant from the folks at the City of Hope, there is still a small amount of lymphoma in my abdomen and I'm currently undergoing additional chemotherapy treatment.

I'm using a new drug that has minimal side effects and has shown extremely positive results for people with my specific type of lymphoma. A drug like this could not have been developed without the help of funds from organizations like LLS.

With help from our Lord Jesus Christ and the wonders of modern medicine, my doctors believe we can eliminate this disease from my body forever.

My prayer is that funding and research support from organizations like LLS, will help others so they will not have to go through what I've have.

Nancy's Story

2011-03-03T23:38:00.000-08:00

Nancy, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I read this with tears in my eyes, but was so comforted by what you wrote at the end, that God is still God and we will always have a reason to praise Him. YOU are saving lives, and you are inspiring me in my Woman of the Year campaign with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.fish959.com/fishcares for info). God bless you!

Eli was born on February 17, 2007 and was one of the most amazing little kids ever. I was so honored to be his Godmother and enjoyed every second of it. Eli grew up so fast and was about to get ready for pre school when we faced one of the most traumatic experiences ever.

Eli was not acting himself and seemed sick. He went to the hospital and they sent him home with antibiotics...it still seemed like something was wrong and his mother took him in again....they told us his white blood count was low and that they needed to admit him......Later on that day we heard the dreaded news ever that Eli was diagnosed with leukemia (on March 14, 2010). Chemo treatment started right away for Eli and various tests were being taken...in just 8 days his little 3 year old body could not take all the medication and the leukemia went to his brain.......this led to Eli leaving us to be with our good Lord in just 8 days after being diagnosed on March 22, 2010. Eli's battle was very short (thank God) but was very fast and shocking. In just 8 days my beautiful, sweet, loving, handsome Godson was gone and now funeral arrangements were in process and I was getting ready for a speech that I was going to say at his funeral that I never imagined myself doing. I refused to make myself believe that I would be speaking at my Godsons funeral. That just did not make sense to me and I did not want to process it. But by the grace of our amazing Father in heaven, He stood by the family and helped us and continues to help us every step of the way.

Although this tragic incident affected me greatly I was and still am able to look on the brighter side. Without having Jesus in my life I think I would have fallen apart and never been able to get back up but I am so blessed to have an amazing Father by my side to pick me up every time I feel like I am about to fall. I know without a doubt that Eli is happy in the arms of our Father and there is no other place that would make him happier. Something that I realized from this situation and I would love to share with you is that God has His own plans and His own time for everything. We may plan everything out and we might feel like we plan things so perfect but if those plans are not according to God's will, they are subject to change. God's plans are waaaaaay beyond our understanding but they are ALWAYS to benefit us. God will NEVER do anything to hurt us. What kind of good father does things to hurt his children intentionally?? We may feel like its not fair and may be mad at God but one day we will know the reason for His actions and will most likely thank Him for watching out for us. I thank God for allowing me to be the Godmother of a precious angel and I especially thank Him for allowing me to be able to go out there and make a difference and be a part of Relay for Life. If Eli had never left to be with Jesus I would have never been involved in relay and would have never had the opportunity to be involved in saving lives.

No matter what obstacle God puts me through, He is still God and I will always have a reason to praise Him!!