The Wedding

Hello!
I was in a wedding about a week ago and it was so much fun! This was actually my first wedding I've been in. It was nerve racking at first because I wanted everything to be perfect. It's funny cause I think I was more stressed out than the bride. Haha! It turned out really nice though. But what made me nervous was a month before the wedding i found out the my dress size and the tag on the dress were two different numbers! Yikes. I called DB and they rush ordered another dress for me. Well being the procrastinator that I am, I decided to pick up my dress the day before the wedding (because at that point I knew I didn't need alterations). Well when I got my dress and took it home, the dress was way too long even with the heels I had on! SO, I ended up getting new shoes the next day and it had a higher heel so the dress didn't drag on the ground. hahaha During the reception we had fun. We gave a toast and I said a few words. I wanted to say more than what I said, but I was really nervous. =) Anyway, I'm happy for the bride and groom and I pray they keep God first in their marriage! =)

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What A Glorious Day!

Hello!
Wow things have been so busy lately. let me update you on what's been going on...The weekend of Oct 24th I attended a Ladies Retreat with my church. I decided to ride with my two amazing friends to Nevada City and prepared myself to be renewed over the weekend. Friday night was fun! I checked in around 3pm and received the key to the room. A few of us tried to figure out who's room is by whom, so we can play practical jokes all night (the trick is to watch for keys lying around, then you can have a way to get into that persons room). That night we listened to our First Lady talk to us about having more of Jesus in our life and less humanity. She used a vase and put plastic balls in there, which represented our flesh, our human nature. Then she poured sand in the vase which represented Jesus and as the sand went into the vase, it covered all of the balls except a tiny bit. She said as you allow God to be in your life more and allow Him to have His way, the more people will see Jesus in you and less of humanity. It was a great message! On Saturday, after morning service, titled Fitly Joined Together, a few of us "tough" ladies went on a "hike" where we found this rope with wooden planks on them and decided to climb it! It was so scary, but we did it! After that it was time for lunch. Between free time and dinner we tried to plot how we would get some of the girls...The Saturday night evening service was the best!!! The Holy Ghost was all in that place! It was amazing. We sung and danced and shouted. A few of us ladies stayed afterward and cried and prayed with each other and we even had a healing line! We prayed individually for every person in that room. It was nice and I believe every lady who participated received a fresh touch from the Lord. What made that night even more amazing is that God told me to pray for a friend of mine next to me. I felt it so heavy on me, that I should have obeyed but then i started thinking "pray for her now?" Well right then my other friend leaned over and whispered in my ear "I'm really having a strong urge to pray for -----" I was like Thank You Jesus! I was glad she felt it too! hehehehe. Well we prayed with our friend and It felt good. I love the way God operates. =) Everyone was so full of the Holy Ghost no one played pranks that night! Haha maybe next year (although someones car somehow managed to get vandalized with silly string. I wonder who could have done that??) On Sunday the 26th of October we departed from Ladies Retreat. I feel good even now that it's over. I look foward to this event every year!

The Friday after Ladies Retreat was our Harvest Festival at church. It was so good to see kids and adults having fun in the Lord without the wearing of costumes and painted faces. In order to raise money for the Bible Quizzing, a few of us sold items at the festival. I helped out in the food area and served hotdogs, nachos, popcorn and beverages. It was fun getting all the donations, shopping for the food and serving. I kept giving away free stuff to the kids because they would look so sad while asking for something to drink. This one kids walks up and looks at the chips and then slowly walks away. How can I just stand there and let that happen?? SO i gave him a pack. =) I will do better next time, I promise. I did however, work along side a lovely women of God and I wouldn't trade that for the world! =) We had so much fun that night! I got home after 11pm after being at the church since 1pm, but it was well worth it!

Saturday, the 1st of November, I went to a bridal shower that I helped throw and it was nice. The food was good and everyone talked and had a great time. We didn't get a chance to play the games, but oh well that means more starbucks cards for me! Hehehe. That day it rained cats and dogs. my hair was a mess afterwards! oh well...

On Sunday the 2nd, we had an amazing church service. I wish my memory wasn't so bad so I can write in detail what the message was. Please pray for my memory, it's horrible! =) I'll have to update this part when I think of the complete message!Haha But the main service was about baptism and the blood.

This Saturday the 8 of Nov. there is a Bible Quizzing coach meeting in Visalia, Ca. I love being apart of bible quizzing. It's amazing to see young kids know the word of God. I tried to memorize the scriptures with them and boy! I was so far behind, i just gave up (which I do not encourage). These kids are amazing. =) I will be leaving around 6:30am, so please pray for my safe arrival. =) Okay everyone, I will be back and oh! Let us please pray for President Obama, that Jesus would go before him so that all things will be done decently and in order and according to His will. Regardless of who's president, they still need prayer! Congrats Obama, may God bless and keep you! =)

Hello!

Hello! I'm back Sorry I've been gone so long. =) Well things are going well. I am involved with Bible quizzing at my church and we are getting ready for our first fundraiser, which will be the Harvest Festival on Oct 31st. I am so excited about this event. Kids love cotton candy and balloons and games, so I know we are going to have a blast.

Next weekend I will be out of town attending Ladies Retreat in Nevada City. Every year I look foward to going away and hanging out with friends and just relaxing. Hopefully, I can keep up with my scrapbooking. I will also be brain storming over the next few days regarding how I can pull some pranks on some of the ladies. Last year a few of us got some girls really good! Hahahaha. Okay I will be back in a few weeks! =)

To God be the glory! <3
~Toccara~

I Will NOT Be Shaken!

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angles, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord

~Romans 8:35,38-39



I am greatful that I am not persuaded with the things of this world nor love the things of this world. Too many times we see people back slidden or trail behind because they have taken their eye off of Jesus. Once we do that we are in for a world of hurt. I do understand that life may not be that forgiving or have the answers to your problems- BUT GOD! He is able to do above all that we ask for! He is great, He is merciful, He is Magnificant! Without the love of Jesus, we are nothing.



What persuaded me to write this is that I have a friend who I care deeply about, but I am afraid that her love of God isn't as strong as it was when I first met her. Her love for Him has slowly deteriorated. It hurts when you see someone step out of God's will and into their own. Nothing good comes from the flesh, and if we know this, why would we even take a chance without Him? The saying, "The grass is greener on the otherside" is not applicable to those who decide to choose a life without Jesus. In the world, you will find more hurt, more sorrow, more pain, more confusion, more anxiey, more fear, more failure, more promiscuity, more let downs, more bad habits, than you would find anywhere! How do I know? Because I've been there...

No matter the circumstance, no matter the situation, no matter who I befriend I will never let anything or anyone move me or take away my love for Christ. I'm saddened when I hear of people who give up on Jesus due to unanswered prayers or just total selfishness. Jesus did not die for us to become our personal genie, but he died for our sins and to give us hope in hopeless situations; to give us strength when we are weak; to keep us pressing foward when our motivation runs low; to give us comfort when we feel lonely. He is more than just us asking for gifts and blessings. He is our strong tower, our fortress when we are weak. Next time you want to ask God for that house, that car, that husband, that wife, that job, try thanking Him instead and praising Him for all the wonderful works that He has done thus far and will continue to do.

Another mistake we make is observing and comparing ourselves to others. The Bible says, For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise 2 Corinthians 10:12. We have to learn to be content with what God has given is, whether it's a spiritual gift or treasures of this world. If we constantly chase after new fashions (clothes, shoes, cars, houses, etc...) we'll find ourselves out of breath. We will never be able to keep up with this fast-paced society. The bible also talks about having a love for these things. John 2:15 says, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. I dont want to love the world so much that I loose my main focus. It's so easy to get thrown off track. Once you take your eye off Jesus, the enemy will move in and pull you in a new direction. Next thing you know, you are drinking, smoking, fornicating, and doing acts that are not pleasing to him. Our goal is to be pleasing to him in both body and mind and spirit. Jesus says, Be ye holy, for I am holy (1 Peter 1:16) He also states, If you love me you will keep my commandments (John 14:15). Let us walk in newness of life and repent from our sins. Lets turn aside our old ways and walk with Him. He loves us, so he died for us. There is no greater love than this.

Next time you get discouraged, remember we have a living hope! Do not let the things of this world worry you or move you to a place of discontentment. Jesus loves you and desires to hear from you. Talk to Him that you may stay strong. And always remember YOU WILL NOT BE SHAKEN! =)

Miracles Are Still Happening!

God is really going to show Himself in these last days...I believe we are living in a critical hour! A lot times we get a little discouraged because we hear of miracles and we read of miracles in the bible, but we never truly experience them. Well I'm here to tell you that miracles still exists! I believe God is going to show miracles and turn unbelievers to believers! What prompt me to do this is I just received an email from an old co-worker/friend who said she went to the Freeport Bakery to pay the last payment for her cake for her B-day party tomorrow and when she arrived, they told her it was all paid for! God is good! I want to post as many miracles I hear. People out there need to know God is here and He is more than just a trip to church on Sunday or a quick prayer or a simple bible read. He is a God of action, He moves! His spirit is sometimes quinched in chuches who fail to understand this concept. Praising God should never be quiet. The bible says, **Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs Psalm 150:4

**O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph Psalm 47:1

If you have never experienced the power of God or felt his power, I would advice you to get a hold of him today! Too often we get into a routine and stick with it. If you never cried out his name during prayer, I challenge you to do so! If you've never danced when something good has happened, or a miracle has happened, I advise you to make it happen. When we step out in faith, God MOVES! =)

Youth Revival Update

Wow, what can I say?? Youth revival was amazing. The youth group's effort to fast and join for prayer really paid off. Thurday night brother Barker preached and he talked about not being ashamed of representing the one true God. He mentioned a funny story about how he invited someone to his church and he was praying that a certain man would not get up during this service and sing because he yoddles! But that certain man got up anyway and sang, and Bro. Barker's guest asked, "Why does he sing like that?" and Brother Barker responded, "That's his way of praising Jesus!" Although that story was funny, it also had a point to it. I know personally when I invite someone to church, I feel it's my duty to make them feel as comfortable as they can and pray that service is perfect with no embarrassments, but what Bro. Barker taught me was that It does not matter what people think, especially when it comes to someone worshiping. I had a recent experience like that and at first I was feeling ashamed because the music was different this time and I knew my guest would not like the style, but now I see there is nothing more beautiful than brothers and sisters in Christ worshipping Jesus!! I realized there is no need for me to be ashamed-ever! I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the POWER of God unto salvation to every one that believeth! Romans 1:16 I may have friends who don't understand, but I am not ashamed! I may have family who don't understand, but I am not ashamed! Jesus has done many wonderful works in my life and for that I give him praise!

Friday night was even better! I was feeling the annointing of God all over me and I received a phrophecy that came to pass and that is still happening! When God says something is going to be done, he does it! He is not a man that he should lie Numbers 23:18-20.

Saturday was the BIOTour event and it was amazing. We had a chance to reach out through ministering to the folks in the park and feeding them free hotdogs and chips! There was a family that happened to be by us enjoying their barbecue and when Pastor Josh asked every one to pray I saw one of the ladies lift her hands towards heaven. Just by that act of faith, I know God gave her a blessing! We truly enjoyed ourselves out there. I look foward to the next BIOTour starting next Spring.

On Sunday the message from Bro. Barker was titled, The Call is Greater than the Risk. He started off by telling a story of a professor who loved to swim in the ocean (I believe this was in Southern California). She would wake up every morning and take a dive in the waters. Well one day some nearby swimmers saw blood in the water in the early morning and jumped in the water to see what the issue was. When the swimmers got there, all that was left was a body with torn limbs and it was apparant the person was bit by a shark. The lady happened to be the professor who swam daily. Co-workers and friends had lots of nice things to say about her, but what they all had in common was the fact that everyone mentioned the love she had for swimming. She would swim, no matter what. Nearby, on the shore there is a plaque that says the ladies name and then underneath it reads something like: You knew there were dangers in those shark infested waters but we also know the call to the ocean was greater than the risk...What an amazing story! Bro. Barker then talked about how during this journey we may lose friends, family or whomever that decides to push God away, but God has a greater calling, purpose in our lives which outweighs the risks! The preaching was awesome!

On Sunday night we wrapped up with revival with a title that said we are not as drunk as we ought to be. Meaning, drunk in the Holy Ghost! God's spirit is amazing! There were a number of us that was slain in the spirit and on the floor by the time service ended. It's nice to speak to God in an unknown tonguie and to know that he is listening. Sometimes we may not understand what we need to pray for, so the spirit helps us by speaking in tongues. The bible says, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26. before His Ascension into Heaven, Jesus promises to send his comfort, and you better believe it's alive and well! =)

Santa Cruz

Last weekend I went with a few of my good friends to Santa Cruz to celebrate Christina's birthday and to get away from Sacramento...We (Christina, Faith, Ramieya, and myself) left Sacramento on a Friday morning and arrived in Santa Cruz in the early afternoon. On the way there I ended up getting motion sickness and felt bad all friday and even Saturday morning. Ughh, I am getting nauseous  just thinking about it. Through all my sickness, I managed to ride the old wooden roller coaster at Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk! Talk about toughin' it out! LOL The hotel we stayed in was very nice. I believe it was called the Chaminade. I definitely want to get married there, it was that gorgeous.  Bubba Gumps is always the place to eat when going towards the Bay Area. We stopped in Monterey for lunch Friday and ate like pigs! I had the crab stuffed shrimp with Jasmine Rice. It was amazing! 

Saturday was nice and relaxed. We went to the boardwalk one more time and ate a delicious clam chowder bowl. I also bought a caramel apple and a candy apple. I was disappointed in the Candy apple because it was dipped in this cinnamon flavored hard candy! My recollection does not recall an apple dipped in cinnamon candy! It was horrible. What happened to the old Skool candy apples...

On the way back we stopped in Milpitas, Ca and shopped at the Great Mall. It was nice. After that, we headed home. I had so much fun wit' my gurls! We laughed and joked and had so much fun! I had to show them my dance moves at 8am, there's nothing like break dancing to start off the day! I look forward to more outings with them!

Youth Revival & BioTour!

I'm Baaack! =)

Okay I'm excited to say that my church is having a youth revival starting tomorrow Aug 28th, lasting until Aug 31! A team of us have been fasting for this revival in hopes to see a mighty move of God! A lot of the ladies united in Prayer last Sunday morning to help spark this event so, I'm expecting strongholds to be broken and those that are bound will be set free, in Jesus' name =) (...Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty *2 Corinthians 3:17).

On Saturday our church is having a BIOTour (Bring-It-On Tour) at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Ca. Our Bio Tour was started by Pastor Josh Smith. A few summers ago, he attended a Soul Winning Boot Camp in Florida and received the idea to take a flat bed trailer, equipped with musicians and singers, and take the gospel to the streets through preaching and song, for the Bible says, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature *Mark 16:20. I cannot even express the amazing things I've seen and felt just by being apart of this. During our first tour, we were singing and preaching in a Walmart parking lot and a women came for prayer regarding her back and was healed instantly! She walked away dazed and confused because her pain no longer existed, but she was healed none the less! =) Another received the gift of the Holy Ghost as the spirit gave utterance!It was amazing. We were asked to sing in a Father's Day Parade and that was amazing as well. I believe we are doing the will of God by preaching the gospel to those in our community and this Saturday will be no different. We will reach many people and I pray that we will draw many to Jesus!

Intro+vacation!

I am glad to have a blog and I'm actually surprised I didn't do this sooner! It's nice to have your thoughts written down as opposed to keeping them all to yourself. I think a lot, so this is perfect! Anyway, I had an awesome weekend! Last week on Aug 5th I flew out of Sacramento, CA to Indianapolis, IN to attend a church conference @ Calvary Tabernacle and I had an amazing time. During my stay I went to visit my 2nd cousin and my third cousin that I've never met before! We had a great time together! When me and a friend of mine arrived at their home, we looked at pictures of my dad when he was young and a few of the other family members that I've never met. It was nice to see pictures to match the names I've heard growing up. For dinner we went to Maggianos, which is a nice Italian restaurant in the area of Keystone. We were there for awhile and took some nice pictures. My Cousin Stacie has a son Skyler, and he is so adorable! He is three years old and has a personality already! I thought it was cute that he wanted me to blow his nose and take him to the bathroom. He warmed up to me right away. After Dinner we drove through the Historic District on Meridian St. and saw some nice houses! I love to look at big houses and imagine that I have one! I figure since I won't have one in this life time, I will have one in the next *John 14:2* =) While trying to get back to the freeway, we turned in the wrong section and almost died! Okay I'm exaggerating because there were no cars exiting the freeway but still...I'm telling you, the roads in Indiana are something else...I don't even want to count how many times we got lost because freeways merge into another without any notice! On Friday, we drove to Chicago to visit a friend that I went to Basic Training with. She works on Michigan Ave at the Water Tower Mall. That mall is seven stories high! I couldn't believe it. And I thought San Francisco's mall was elaborate. My friend Tosha took me to a hot dog joint and I had this crazy hot dog! It had peppers, tomato, cheese, pickles, neon green relish, etc...That was the best hot dog I've ever tasted! After eating that, how can I settle for an ordinary hot dog =). I had a great time there and I can see myself going back to see places that I didn't get a chance to see. It's Aug 11th now and I'm back to my "normal" life. I will be traveling to Santa Cruz soon, so I will definately post the details of that trip! Until next time...