His Abundance

January Blessings...

FLO (Forever Loving Others) Second Annual Soccer Camp 

The Campers 

Beach Soccer, on the last day

M.P's Birthday-this hike was where he first shared his intentions with me:) 

My New Job

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory! 

Abundance is an extremely plentiful or over sufficient quantity or supply; overflowing fullness. 

 

There are several things I am learning right now.  One, He is good, His hearts desire is to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think! Two, His timing and plan is better than my own! Three, He knows me, He really knows me! 

At the end of December I was hired  to work with foster teens as the California Youth Connection Coordinator.  As I continue to work for the county in various avenues as a health educator, counselor, and now a foster youth advocate I am burdened by the deep needs in San Luis Obispo county.  This gem in California a tourist attraction to many and a nesting place for retirees; has hurting people.  And I feel honored to be a hand in Gods grander picture of loving others.  It has been a great fit for me in more ways than one. 

 

Another Abundance has been in school.  Michael and I both got into our nursing pre-requisite classes at Cuesta.  There were 30 people crashing Anatomy (what I am taking) and 40 people crashing Physiology (Michael's class).  We have both been thoroughly enjoying learning and are continually amazed at the workings of our human body and how perfectly God has created us.  I am starting to get new eyes for myself (in other words a greater appreciation for how I have been made).  I have to tell you, I am not academically disciplined but oh man is the holy spirit dumping on me because I am like a magnet to my book:) Much prayer has gone into pursuing this possible future path for me and I am experiencing His presence in the midst of it.  

Of course another Abundance was Michael's birthday.  Which for those who haven't seen the post for that, it is below! 

And the last of many Abundances this month was FLO ministry.  A group of godly men committed to Jesus and loving others coached, encouraged, and gave testimony of Jesus in their lives for a week in January at the second annual FLO soccer camp.  Children were prayed for, dumped in the ocean, chased after by Stinky Cheese (aka Michael Paine) and 'oh yah' played soccer:) Overall it was huge blessing to everyone involved.  

more to come...He is good! Pray Big!! 

30 Glorious Years

Michael Paine turned 30 today!  He was born on 8:47am in Culver City weighing 4lbs 14oz.  He had big blue eyes and blonde hair.  He hasn't changed a bit, well maybe besides weighing 4lbs 14oz!  I can't describe how heavy the Lords presence has been on the planning, preparing and executing of Michael's birthday celebration.  This process has reminded me of our Heavenly Fathers desire to be involved in the details, even silly birthday scavenger hunts.   I really cannot take credit for the events that have involved his birthday I would like to think I am really creative but I have to give the person who knows Michael the best the credit, his Abba.  One afternoon it was particularly clear in Shell Beach and I felt this pull to hike the ridge.  As I was climbing higher and higher I began to pray for Michael and intertwined with prayer and holy spirit ingenuity ideas began to come for Michael's birthday, thus leads me to his birthday.  Come along with us as we take you through senior Michael's big day! 

Friday evening I planned a romantic five course meal titled Michael's Birthday Specials for two.  Under a starry filled sky and the glow of candles around us we satiated our palettes into the night.  Later in the evening a few friends came over and we all lifted up Michael in prayer covering him in the Lords blessing and praising the Lord for this life he has made.  There were several things the Lord really spoke to my heart about Michael when I was praying.  One was Michael is a picture of David in a lot of ways.  He is a warrior, a leader, a freedom seeker, joyful like a child, extreme, and a man after Gods own heart.  I am honored to be Michael's provision in this lifetime:) 

Saturday morning we woke up to some home cookin french toast.  Michael wanted to open one of his gifts, a book with over 50 people who love Michael with written memories, encouragement, prayers, and pictures (Thank you!!)  We brought it on our Scavenger Hunt to over 30 places on the central coast from Orcutt to San Luis Obispo.  I chose some of my favorite photo's of the day.  The Hunt ended with Michael putting a puzzle together (30 pieces) of a photograph from his brother and sisters laws flat in Hong Kong.  The last gift a surprise plane ticket to Hong Kong to stay with some of the people he loves the most Jason, Christine, and Josiah!! 

Birthday Dinner at our House 

Our Romantic 5 course Meal

The Menu

Set the Mood 

"The Book" thank you everyone for writing such beautiful messages!! 

The first Paine residence on the central coast

the old AG pharmacy 

Oceano Sand Dunes

Michael has spent many times out on the dunes running and praying

Bernardos now Doc Bernsteins 

New Mascot, "Michael Paine" 

He worked here when he was 17, new poster child for Klondikes

Judkins Middle School, trying to break into his old locker

Our morning bible study stomping grounds 

Pismo Heights Star Gazing hill

TJ's where I knew I wanted to marry Michael 

Sea Canyon 

Shell Beach

the end of the scavenger hunt Michael had to crack the puzzle

Hong Kong here he comes!!!

Christmas

Daley Ranch, Escondido

Matt gave me the honors of blowing the flowers for our photo shoot

Lucky Lady

Paine Boys

Grandma's 90th birthday lunch "she insisted on the gyro's!"

the birthday girl, going strong

We had a full two weeks in Southern California this Christmas and New Years. We spent a few days with my family before christmas tying last minute details together for the holiday while avoiding the crowds at the malls. One of my families traditions is to go out christmas eve for a fish dinner and to come home and open one gift. Of course one gift usually leads to a couple more as my excitement heightens as I see each expression of gratitude and surprise as each gift is open. Michael and I usually try and bless my parents with a date they have never been on before, this year we got them tickets to Cirque De Solei! Christmas morning we enjoyed homemade cinnamon rolls and had brunch with my family. We ended up bringing in the New Year with my parents as well and of course Michael ran outside at midnight with the rest of the high schoolers on the block, hooing and hollering :)

The second week of our trip was with the Paine's in Oceanside. Michael's oldest brother Matt flew in from Denver and we pretty much harassed him the whole time:) Matt has a witty and sarcastic sense of humor which I play off of a lot! We enjoyed a lot of family time together and had several classic moments.
-singing Happy Birthday to Jesus & fighting as to who would blow out candles

-gerry decking herself out in her biking gear for our bike ride along San Luis River to Oceanside Beach

-the Paine's overtaking the Flores's on our Sunday Soccer Tourney

-Matt always having an opinion about the movies we watched (he actually left one time because he thought it was so bad, lol)

-the Paine boys devouring an entire cake, 2 dozen cookies, and a 9x12 pan of gerry's jello dessert

-grandma turning 90 and still being as feisty as ever. At one point this very handsome elderly man came into her party and I asked her if that was her boyfriend. She looked over yonder and said, "which one?"

-scrabble slam most nights

-Hiking Daley Ranch

Thank you family for being such a blessing in our lives. It never feels like quite enough time together:) The Paines were missed in Hong Kong this year!