8-27-16 Sat

Another week gone by. It's interesting how we measure time by certain events that have happened in our lives. Of course I'm thinking about when Harriet died and we had her funeral service. I would guess as time goes by, things begin to fade away in our memories. Not that they are not important anymore, it just seems that time dims the memories.

Speaking of funerals, we are having a funeral at our church today for Shannon. She was a good friend of Frank DeLorenzo. She was only 55 years old.

Tomorrow's message at church will be "The Joy of the Lord". Do you enjoy going to the house the Lord to worship the Creator of the universe and our redeemer and Savior Jesus Christ? Or is it a chore? I was reading about a recent survey that was just released and it listed the reasons why people don't go to church. It reminds me of that saying, "Excuses,................ everyone has one". I realize I can't write what goes into that blank area because it's very rude, even though it is true. In life we either find reasons why we should go into the house of the Lord or we make up excuses why we don't have to or shouldn't go. How about you? I encourage you to be in the house of for tomorrow to worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

So I'm ending this on a thought-provoking image I received this past week. There used to be a saying when you have a difficult situation in your life, "What would Jesus do?" Now read the little cartoon below.

I hope you have a great week.

Maranatha,
Frank

8-20-16 Sat.

It was a busy week. There is just a lot of things that needed to be attended too which our church related. You know when I was teaching 3 Bible classes per week it was much easier than the actual overseeing is small church. Unfortunately operating a church is like a running a business. That of course is the business side. The other side of the business and I hate to even call it that, is meeting the needs of the people. Both parts are important. One is for the physical operating and keeping track of all expenditures for the IRS. The other part of course is so important because of the different needs within the church.

On a lighter note, my friend Andy has twisted my arm and is forcing me to go to Hawaii. And be has taken up the sport of kite surfing and he would like to go to Hawaii because of the great conditions there. So it looks like and He in his wife will come over approximately the 1st full week of January. I'm planning on being there for about 11 days during that same time.

A great story I want to tell you about concerning our friends Andy and Autumn. Approximately 7 or 8 years ago we are planning on making a trip to Hawaii and in he expressed interest in going there during that same time. But when it came down to it he said that he couldn't make it because of his business. But because we are going there during our anniversary, he said that he wanted to pay for our dinner at Turtle Bay Restaurant, which is on the North Shore of Oahu.

When the actual date of our anniversary came I remember it was raining that evening and I did not want to drive from the South Shore to the North Shore in the traffic and rain, but because we promised that we would be there Harriet and I made the drive. We got there when the restaurant 1st started serving dinner which would be 5 PM. They seated us at a window table overlooking the ocean and it was really beautiful.

Harriet and I were talking before we placed our order and all of a sudden Harriet stood up abruptly from the table. I did not realize it but Andy and Autumn surprised us and came through the door and my back was to that door, but Harriet could see. I thought I'd kick her leg under the table or something because of how fast she jumped up. We had a really nice dinner and they stayed for about 3 or 4 days. This was the neatest surprise. The picture below is of Harriet and Autumn. If you've been watching the blog recently or over the past year you'll know that the picture that I used for Harriet's memorial service was this picture, cropped so that only Harriet was visible.

I also made reservations to go to our nephew's wedding. Harriet's brother John's, son Caleb is getting married in October. So I made reservations to fly up to Oregon. Both Harriet's brothers John and Jim live in Halsey Oregon. After much thought I decided to fly into Portland Oregon and drive down instead of flying to Eugene Oregon which is a lot closer, but it requires a layover of hours and then a short flight of about 30 minutes. It's just hours faster to fly into Portland Oregon and drive down.

Tomorrow's message at church is  titled, "Why Pray?" That's really a good question. It will be thought-provoking message. I hope you can make it. Regardless of whether you're at Maranatha Bible Church in Santee, or another church I hope you go to the House of the Lord on Sunday morning.

Maranatha,
Frank

8-13-16 Sat.

"Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!"  I hope you've had a great week. Some longtime friends came down from Simi Valley California. I've known these friends for over 50 years. They wanted to go to a Mexican restaurant in old town, so we went to La Pinata Mexican Restaurant. I remember my dad and mom taking Harriet and me to this restaurant decades ago.

We then went up to the mission at the Presidio Park. I took a picture of them. They are Bruce, Susie and her grandson Sean.

It's probably been more than a decade since I've been up there. It's still a nice place to visit.

The message I'm preaching tomorrow morning is "What Would You Have Me Do Lord?". Often times we ask God what he would like us to do. I think it can best be summed up that most Christians are educated way beyond their level of obedience to what they already know to do.

Maranatha,
Frank

8-6-16 Sat. Harriet Died One Year Ago Today

An entire year has passed. I was thinking about this blog during this past week and what I was going to write. I really don't want to memorialize Harriet's death, rather I would like to say a little something about her life.

First and foremost I wanted to say that Harriet was the best part of my life. I don't say these things just to say nice words about someone who died and is no longer with us. I say these things because they are the truth. Harriet was one of the most disciplined persons I know. Hard-working, she kept our home no matter where we lived during the 44 years, whether it was a rental or our own home, she always kept it spotless. She fed us. There was a time period where for years she would make homemade bread. Once a year we would buy the wheat in large 50 pound bags, enough for the entire year to feed a family of 6. We bought the equipment to mill the wheat just before the bread was actually made. It was so good!

Harriet also spent time homeschooling our kids and teaching them all to play the piano. She did all that was necessary so that I could teach Bible classes and home fellowship groups. She exercised 6 days a week. Some of you know that when I was teaching Bible classes on Saturday night at Sonrise, she would prepare the food and cook enough food for at least 50 people every Saturday for 3 years. This is no small feat. She would start on Thursday doing all the preparation work and then on Saturday she would cook and have everything piping hot for Saturday night dinner. I know I took some pictures, but I don't have them right now maybe I'll take a look and see if I can find them. She had the ability to make a multicourse meal and have everything that is supposed to be hot served hot. We had multiple heating trays to keep the food warm what was being served. I found some pics of Sat. Bible Class.

There's not a day that goes by that I do not miss Harriet. So I think I'm going to add some pictures that you've already seen but it's the best I can do. I know that Harriet has touched many people's lives. Daniel and I were it our good friend Mike and Kathy's a couple a weeks ago and Kathy reminded me of the impression Harriet had made in her life. Harriet always had the time to help other people. This is truly a great quality.

I will always miss you my love!

Maranatha,
Frank