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Steps to Christ

by Ellen G. White
“Rejoicing in the Lord”

The children of God are called to be representatives of Christ, showing forth the goodness and mercy of the Lord. As Jesus has revealed to us the true character of the Father, so we are to reveal Christ to a world that does not know His tender, pitying love. "As Thou hast sent Me into the world," said Jesus, "even so have I also sent them into the world." "I in them, and Thou in Me; . . . that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me." John 17: 18, 23. The apostle Paul says to the disciples of Jesus, "Ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ," "known and read of all men." 2 Corinthians 3:3, 2. In every one of His children, Jesus sends a letter to the world. If you are Christ's follower, He sends in you a letter to the family, the village, the street, where you live. Jesus, dwelling in you, desires to speak to the hearts of those who are not acquainted with Him. Perhaps they do not read the Bible, or do not hear the voice that speaks to them in its pages; they do not see the love of God through His works. But if you are a true representative of Jesus, it may be that through you they will be led to understand something of His goodness and be won to love and serve Him. {SC 115.1}

Christians are set as light bearers on the way to heaven. They are to reflect to the world the light shining upon them from Christ. Their life and character should be such that through them others will get a right conception of Christ and of His service.
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{SC 115.2}

If we do represent Christ, we shall make His service appear attractive, as it really is. Christians who gather up gloom and sadness to their souls, and murmur and complain, are giving to others a false representation of God and the Christian life. They give the impression that God is not pleased to have His children happy, and in this they bear false witness against our heavenly Father. {SC 116.1}

Satan is exultant when he can lead the children of God into unbelief and despondency. He delights to see us mistrusting God, doubting His willingness and power to save us. He loves to have us feel that the Lord will do us harm by His providences. It is the work of Satan to represent the Lord as lacking in compassion and pity. He misstates the truth in regard to Him. He fills the imagination with false ideas concerning God; and instead of dwelling upon the truth in regard to our heavenly Father, we too often fix our minds upon the misrepresentations of Satan and dishonor God by distrusting Him and murmuring against Him. Satan ever seeks to make the religious life one of gloom. He desires it to appear toilsome and difficult; and when the Christian presents in his own life this view of religion, he is, through his unbelief, seconding the falsehood of Satan. {SC 116.2}

Many, walking along the path of life, dwell upon their mistakes and failures and disappointments, and their hearts are filled with grief and discouragement. While I was in Europe, a sister who had been doing this, and who was in deep distress, wrote to me, asking for some word of encouragement. The night after I had read her letter I dreamed that I was in a garden, and one who seemed to be the owner of
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the garden was conducting me through its paths. I was gathering the flowers and enjoying their fragrance, when this sister, who had been walking by my side, called my attention to some unsightly briers that were impeding her way. There she was mourning and grieving. She was not walking in the pathway, following the guide, but was walking among the briers and thorns. "Oh," she mourned, "is it not a pity that this beautiful garden is spoiled with thorns?" Then the guide said, "Let the thorns alone, for they will only wound you. Gather the roses, the lilies, and the pinks." {SC 116.3}

Have there not been some bright spots in your experience? Have you not had some precious seasons when your heart throbbed with joy in response to the Spirit of God? When you look back into the chapters of your life experience do you not find some pleasant pages? Are not God's promises, like the fragrant flowers, growing beside your path on every hand? Will you not let their beauty and sweetness fill your heart with joy? {SC 117.1}

The briers and thorns will only wound and grieve you; and if you gather only these things, and present them to others, are you not, besides slighting the goodness of God yourself, preventing those around you from walking in the path of life? {SC 117.2}

It is not wise to gather together all the unpleasant recollections of a past life,--its iniquities and disappointments,--to talk over them and mourn over them until we are overwhelmed with discouragement. A discouraged soul is filled with darkness, shutting out the light of God from his own soul and casting a shadow upon the pathway of others.
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{SC 117.3}

Thank God for the bright pictures which He has presented to us. Let us group together the blessed assurances of His love, that we may look upon them continually: The Son of God leaving His Father's throne, clothing His divinity with humanity, that He might rescue man from the power of Satan; His triumph in our behalf, opening heaven to men, revealing to human vision the presence chamber where the Deity unveils His glory; the fallen race uplifted from the pit of ruin into which sin had plunged it, and brought again into connection with the infinite God, and having endured the divine test through faith in our Redeemer, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and exalted to His throne--these are the pictures which God would have us contemplate. {SC 118.1}

When we seem to doubt God's love and distrust His promises we dishonor Him and grieve His Holy Spirit. How would a mother feel if her children were constantly complaining of her, just as though she did not mean them well, when her whole life's effort had been to forward their interests and to give them comfort? Suppose they should doubt her love; it would break her heart. How would any parent feel to be thus treated by his children? And how can our heavenly Father regard us when we distrust His love, which has led Him to give His only-begotten Son that we might have life? The apostle writes, "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32. And yet how many, by their actions, if not in word, are saying, "The Lord does
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not mean this for me. Perhaps He loves others, but He does not love me." {SC 118.2}

All this is harming your own soul; for every word of doubt you utter is inviting Satan's temptations; it is strengthening in you the tendency to doubt, and it is grieving from you the ministering angels. When Satan tempts you, breathe not a word of doubt or darkness. If you choose to open the door to his suggestions, your mind will be filled with distrust and rebellious questioning. If you talk out your feelings, every doubt you express not only reacts upon yourself, but it is a seed that will germinate and bear fruit in the life of others, and it may be impossible to counteract the influence of your words. You yourself may be able to recover from the season of temptation and from the snare of Satan, but others who have been swayed by your influence may not be able to escape from the unbelief you have suggested. How important that we speak only those things that will give spiritual strength and life! {SC 119.1}

Angels are listening to hear what kind of report you are bearing to the world about your heavenly Master. Let your conversation be of Him who liveth to make intercession for you before the Father. When you take the hand of a friend, let praise to God be on your lips and in your heart. This will attract his thoughts to Jesus. {SC 119.2}

All have trials; griefs hard to bear, temptations hard to resist. Do not tell your troubles to your fellow mortals, but carry everything to God in prayer. Make it a rule never to utter one word of doubt or discouragement. You can do much to brighten the
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life of others and strengthen their efforts, by words of hope and holy cheer. {SC 119.3}

There is many a brave soul sorely pressed by temptation, almost ready to faint in the conflict with self and with the powers of evil. Do not discourage such a one in his hard struggle. Cheer him with brave, hopeful words that shall urge him on his way. Thus the light of Christ may shine from you. "None of us liveth to himself." Romans 14:7. By our unconscious influence others may be encouraged and strengthened, or they may be discouraged, and repelled from Christ and the truth. {SC 120.1}

There are many who have an erroneous idea of the life and character of Christ. They think that He was devoid of warmth and sunniness, that He was stern, severe, and joyless. In many cases the whole religious experience is colored by these gloomy views. {SC 120.2}

It is often said that Jesus wept, but that He was never known to smile. Our Saviour was indeed a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief, for He opened His heart to all the woes of men. But though His life was self-denying and shadowed with pain and care, His spirit was not crushed. His countenance did not wear an expression of grief and repining, but ever one of peaceful serenity. His heart was a wellspring of life, and wherever He went He carried rest and peace, joy and gladness. {SC 120.3}

Our Saviour was deeply serious and intensely in earnest, but never gloomy or morose. The life of those who imitate Him will be full of earnest purpose; they will have a deep sense of personal responsibility. Levity will be repressed; there will be no
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boisterous merriment, no rude jesting; but the religion of Jesus gives peace like a river. It does not quench the light of joy; it does not restrain cheerfulness nor cloud the sunny, smiling face. Christ came not to be ministered unto but to minister; and when His love reigns in the heart, we shall follow His example. {SC 120.4}

If we keep uppermost in our minds the unkind and unjust acts of others we shall find it impossible to love them as Christ has loved us; but if our thoughts dwell upon the wondrous love and pity of Christ for us, the same spirit will flow out to others. We should love and respect one another, notwithstanding the faults and imperfections that we cannot help seeing. Humility and self-distrust should be cultivated, and a patient tenderness with the faults of others. This will kill out all narrowing selfishness and make us large-hearted and generous. {SC 121.1}

The psalmist says, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." Psalm 37:3. "Trust in the Lord." Each day has its burdens, its cares and perplexities; and when we meet how ready we are to talk of our difficulties and trials. So many borrowed troubles intrude, so many fears are indulged, such a weight of anxiety is expressed, that one might suppose we had no pitying, loving Saviour ready to hear all our requests and to be to us a present help in every time of need. {SC 121.2}

Some are always fearing, and borrowing trouble. Every day they are surrounded with the tokens of God's love; every day they are enjoying the bounties of His providence; but they overlook these present
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blessings. Their minds are continually dwelling upon something disagreeable which they fear may come; or some difficulty may really exist which, though small, blinds their eyes to the many things that demand gratitude. The difficulties they encounter, instead of driving them to God, the only source of their help, separate them from Him because they awaken unrest and repining. {SC 121.3}

Do we well to be thus unbelieving? Why should we be ungrateful and distrustful? Jesus is our friend; all heaven is interested in our welfare. We should not allow the perplexities and worries of everyday life to fret the mind and cloud the brow. If we do we shall always have something to vex and annoy. We should not indulge a solicitude that only frets and wears us, but does not help us to bear trials. {SC 122.1}

You may be perplexed in business; your prospects may grow darker and darker, and you may be threatened with loss; but do not become discouraged; cast your care upon God, and remain calm and cheerful. Pray for wisdom to manage your affairs with discretion, and thus prevent loss and disaster. Do all you can on your part to bring about favorable results. Jesus has promised His aid, but not apart from our effort. When, relying upon our Helper, you have done all you can, accept the result cheerfully. {SC 122.2}

It is not the will of God that His people should be weighed down with care. But our Lord does not deceive us. He does not say to us, "Do not fear; there are no dangers in your path." He knows there are trials and dangers, and He deals with us plainly. He does not propose to take His people out of a world of sin and evil, but He points them to a never-failing
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refuge. His prayer for His disciples was, "I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil." "In the world," He says, "ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 17:15, 16:33. {SC 122.3}

In His Sermon on the Mount, Christ taught His disciples precious lessons in regard to the necessity of trusting in God. These lessons were designed to encourage the children of God through all ages, and they have come down to our time full of instruction and comfort. The Saviour pointed His followers to the birds of the air as they warbled their carols of praise, unencumbered with thoughts of care, for "they sow not, neither do they reap." And yet the great Father provides for their needs. The Saviour asks, "Are ye not much better than they?" Matthew 6:26. The great Provider for man and beast opens His hand and supplies all His creatures. The birds of the air are not beneath His notice. He does not drop the food into their bills, but He makes provision for their needs. They must gather the grains He has scattered for them. They must prepare the material for their little nests. They must feed their young. They go forth singing to their labor, for "your heavenly Father feedeth them." And "are ye not much better than they?" Are not you, as intelligent, spiritual worshipers, of more value than the birds of the air? Will not the Author of our being, the Preserver of our life, the One who formed us in His own divine image, provide for our necessities if we but trust in Him? {SC 123.1}

Christ pointed His disciples to the flowers of the
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field, growing in rich profusion and glowing in the simple beauty which the heavenly Father had given them, as an expression of His love to man. He said, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow." The beauty and simplicity of these natural flowers far outrival the splendor of Solomon. The most gorgeous attire produced by the skill of art cannot bear comparison with the natural grace and radiant beauty of the flowers of God's creation. Jesus asks, "If God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" Matthew 6: 28, 30. If God, the divine Artist, gives to the simple flowers that perish in a day their delicate and varied colors, how much greater care will He have for those who are created in His own image? This lesson of Christ's is a rebuke to the anxious thought, the perplexity and doubt, of the faithless heart. {SC 123.2}

The Lord would have all His sons and daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient. Jesus says, "My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." "These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 14:27; 15:11. {SC 124.1}

Happiness that is sought from selfish motives, outside of the path of duty, is ill-balanced, fitful, and transitory; it passes away, and the soul is filled with loneliness and sorrow; but there is joy and satisfaction in the service of God; the Christian is not left to walk in uncertain paths; he is not left to vain regrets and disappointments. If we do not have the
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pleasures of this life we may still be joyful in looking to the life beyond. {SC 124.2}

But even here Christians may have the joy of communion with Christ; they may have the light of His love, the perpetual comfort of His presence. Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a deeper experience of His love, and may bring us one step nearer to the blessed home of peace. Then let us not cast away our confidence, but have firm assurance, firmer than ever before. "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us," and He will help us to the end. 1 Samuel 7:12. Let us look to the monumental pillars, reminders of what the Lord has done to comfort us and to save us from the hand of the destroyer. Let us keep fresh in our memory all the tender mercies that God has shown us,--the tears He has wiped away, the pains He has soothed, the anxieties removed, the fears dispelled, the wants supplied, the blessings bestowed,--thus strengthening ourselves for all that is before us through the remainder of our pilgrimage. {SC 125.1}

We cannot but look forward to new perplexities in the coming conflict, but we may look on what is past as well as on what is to come, and say, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." "As thy days, so shall thy strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25. The trial will not exceed the strength that shall be given us to bear it. Then let us take up our work just where we find it, believing that whatever may come, strength proportionate to the trial will be given. {SC 125.2}

And by and by the gates of heaven will be thrown open to admit God's children, and from the lips of the King of glory the benediction will fall on their
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ears like richest music, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Matthew 25:34. {SC 125.3}

Then the redeemed will be welcomed to the home that Jesus is preparing for them. There their companions will not be the vile of earth, liars, idolaters, the impure, and unbelieving; but they will associate with those who have overcome Satan and through divine grace have formed perfect characters. Every sinful tendency, every imperfection, that afflicts them here has been removed by the blood of Christ, and the excellence and brightness of His glory, far exceeding the brightness of the sun, is imparted to them. And the moral beauty, the perfection of His character, shines through them, in worth far exceeding this outward splendor. They are without fault before the great white throne, sharing the dignity and the privileges of the angels. {SC 126.1}

In view of the glorious inheritance that may be his, "what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26. He may be poor, yet he possesses in himself a wealth and dignity that the world could never bestow. The soul redeemed and cleansed from sin, with all its noble powers dedicated to the service of God, is of surpassing worth; and there is joy in heaven in the presence of God and the holy angels over one soul redeemed, a joy that is expressed in songs of holy triumph. {SC 126.2}

Weekend of Home Cookin'

Very garlicky garlic bread

Breaded eggplant - since finding this recipe i'd rather have it at home then in a restaurant =)

Eggplant "Parmesan"

(adapted from Sara Moulton)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 (1 1/4-pound) eggplant, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick rounds

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 1/2 cups fine fresh bread crumbs

5 - Egg replacer

Vegetable oil or olive oil

Tofuttti Mozarella slices

To make the eggplant:

Toss eggplant slices with 1 teaspoon salt in a colander set over a bowl, then let stand 30 minutes.

Stir together flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl,

then put bread crumbs and in another shallow bowl.

Dredge eggplant slices in flour, shaking off excess,

then dip in egg replacer, letting excess drip off,

and dredge in bread crumbs until evenly coated.

Transfer eggplant to sheets of waxed paper, arranging slices in 1 layer.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat oil in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately-high heat until hot but not smoking,

then fry eggplant 4 slices at a time, turning over once, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per batch.

Transfer with tongs to paper towels to drain.

Put Tofutti Mozarella on eggplant. Bake in oven 3 to 4 minutes (enough for the "cheese" to melt)

Allow to cool a bit before serving with your spaghetti & garlic bread.

Sabbath evening dinner - spaghetti!! (dad luna's recipe is soOoO good!)

Fried Chikett with veges - that we made into a wrap with flour tortilla

Mom Luna's so yummy Pecan Tarts

And when we weren't cooking we played.... BIBLEOPOLY!!
(well not really the whole time...heehe)

Em & Shy - holding up the churches that we built...
The white church built in Nazareth & the orange church built in Capernaum

BJ's Restaurant

As vegan/vegetarians we've tried to be creative at various places with their menu items. Although there are some vege options you can tweek certain things and have the outcome of a yummy meal like we did.

The above is a made-to-order pizza. This is Sharon's creative invention. The toppings are: white onions, green & red bell peppers, roasted garlic (the secret ingredient), mushrooms, & cilantro. They key is to put marinara sauce over it. Of course no cheese on the pizza. Believe me you'll think it's delicious!!

Other menu items that are very good:

• Gardenburger (no cheese, no mayo if you like). Steve adds avocado and barbecue sauce!!
• Wedge-cut seasoned fries is very yummy!
• Brushetta on foccacia bread
• Spaghetti
• Strawberry lemonade - but sometimes it is very sweet. Steve and i had to do 1:1 of the lemonade & water! heehee
  

So Yummy!!! Vegan Carob Cookies
Adapted from Alton Brown's "The Thin" recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 Egg replacer
• 2 ounces soy milk
• 1 1/2 teaspons vanilla extract (non-alcohol)
  
• 2 sticks margarine = 1 cup
• 1 cup evaporated cane juice sugar (i put a little less sugar)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups carob chips (put according to preference)
• walnuts and/or pecans (optional)

Hardware:

• Ice cream scooper (or i use a tablespoon)
• parchment paper
• baking sheets
• mixer

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda in a mixing bowl.
combine the egg replacer, soy milk, and vanila and bring to room temperature in another bowl.
Cream the margarine in the mixer's work bowl, starting on low speed to soften the margarine. Add the sugars. Increase the speed, and cream the mixture until light and fluffy. Reduce the speed and add the "egg" mixture slowly. Increase the speed and mix until well combined.
Slowly add the flour mixture, scraping the sides of the bowl until thoroughly combined. Stir in the carob chips and nuts.
Scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheets - about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-13 minutes, checking the cookies after 5 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet for more even browning.
Remove the cookies from the pans immediately. Once cooled, store in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-13 minutes
Yield: 2 1/2 dozen cookies

Vegan Restaurants!!

We wanted to add to our blog all the places we like to eat besides our home-cooked meals.
The first place we'd like to introduce is Chico's - a vegan friendly Mexican restaurant.
9948 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, California (92501) (at Tyler)
951-588-3663


"Fried" Soy Ice Cream

Us at Chico's

Vegan "chicken" flautas - so yummy & very filling!

What else is good at Chico's??

• Colorada Wraps (veges in a delicious sauce wrapped in a spinach or red pepper tortilla)
• Pancakes with nuts served with honey & margarine - very yummy & not too sweet
• FYI: desserts may come with chocolate, they don't have carob with the desserts.

• 

• 

"Out with the old, and in with the new"

Sermon by Steve @ FSDA on 06 Jan 07

Spiritual New Year's Resolutions

The Lord Calls Women to His Service...

"All who work for God should have the Martha and the Mary attributes blended -- a willingness to minister and a sincere love of the truth. Self and selfishness must be put out of sight. God calls for earnest women workers, workers who are prudent, warmhearted, tender, and true to principle. He calls for persevering women who will take their minds from self and their personal convenience, and will center them on Christ, speaking words of truth, praying with the persons to whom they can obtain access, laboring for the conversion of souls.

- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 118

Happy New Year 2007!!

Shy worked New Year's Eve, but Steve was so sweet to come and eat lunch with her. He came right at the stroke of midnight!! We had a yummy meal of chickett satay with carrots & cucumbers and fruit salad. Then we went for a short walk around the hospital. We walked outside for a bit and had to circle half of the hospital to get back in because the door we exited wouldn't open! It was fun though and Shy was so happy to see her husband (:

Shy & Steve's Year 2006 in Review

Beautiful sunset, driving home one day

We say this every year, but "This year went by so fast!" The Lord has been so faithful and so good to us. It certainly has been one best and challenging years so far. Best because June 25, 2006 we were MARRIED!! Challenging and awful because March 3, 2006 our brother Lance Andrew Salagubang Luna past away.

"They Shall Be One"

This was somewhat the theme of our wedding!! Yay we're married! I can't say enough that it truly was the best wedding I've ever been to (Ok I'm biased, but others did tell us that!). The Lord was just in everything. Our family and friends really pulled together to make Steve & me so happy. The day went by at a good pace, it didn't just fly by. And we both soaked in every moment. It may have been hot & humid, but I didn't care - I was about to marry the love of my life, my best friend, my protector, and my everything.

The hardest part of that day was knowing that Andrew wasn't there with us. His presence was strongly missed especially as we had a moment of silience, as I put the red rose, and as my parents lit the candle in his memory. I know many people were touched. Andrew deserved to be remembered in that way. Another hard part was knowing that we would be leaving our parents' homes. I know that they loved us so much and we did also - they were the precious people that brought us into this world and sacrificed unselfishly for us. I'm sure there were mixed feelings for all of us. But Mom & Dad, we LOVE you and are so thankful for you.

Walking down that aisle was amazing. A few more moments and I would be called Mrs. Lauren-Shylene Toscano!!! Then Steve started to cry, Shy started to cry - oh it was a big mess! heehee but the day was for us. There was so much emotion - we had gone through so many trials and blessings in our relationship. I remember holding his hands and looking into his eyes during the service and thinking, "This is it! I'm finally marrying the man I love!"

The homily was perfect from Pastor Isaac and the vows were WOW! Such deep and loving words were shared that made EvEryOnE cry! So we blend the sand, have the prayer, exchange the roses, yadayadayada and the KISS! and then we were pronounced, "Pastor (preacher of righteousness! heehee) and Mrs. Steve & Shylene Toscano!!" Yay! Thank you again to all of you who attended, who supported us, who prayed for our relationship, and who encouraged us each step of the way.

Married life has been such a great blessing. (no little stevens or little shylenes on the way yet, but YeS we do wish to have children sometime in the future). We thank the Lord for guiding our relationship and allowing us to work together as a team, have open communication, and strenthen & support each other.

25 December 2006 = Six Month Wedding Anniversary!!!

For those in current & future relationships please consider this quote:
"Let those who are contemplating marriage weigh every sentiment and watch every development of chracter in the one with whom they think to unite their life destiny. Let every step toward a marriage allieance be characerized by modesty, simplicty, sincerity, and an earnest purpose to please and honor God. Marriage affects the afterlife both in this world and in the world to come. A sincere Christian will amke no plans that God cannot approve.
The Ministry of Healing 359

"The warmth of true friendship and the love that binds the hearts
of husband and wife are a foretaste of heaven.
God has ordained that there should be perfect love and perfect harmony
between those who enter into the marriage relation.
Let bride and bridegroom in the presence of the heavenly universe
pledge themselves to love on another as God has ordained they should.--
In Heavenly Places 202

Us on the 2nd biggest yacht in Marina Del Ray (Essence's parents)

Misters at Victoria Gardens

This year the text in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (especially starting in March) really stuck out to Shy- "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (KJV)

I remember asking Steve, Gomez, & my friends (the night we found out) that is 1 Corinthians 10:13 the reason why my dear & only brother had to die. I learned that it is NEVER God's will for His children to die or even suffer and grieve. God's will is for us to live and for us to be saved. God allowed this tragedy to happen, but it wasn't His will. I still have my moments of reminiscing about Andrew. It hurts so much. I know it pains my parents' hearts as well. There are times that I sob - and my husband is there to comfort me. (I'm so lucky to have such a loving and supportive husband!!)

Andrew's 1 year is coming up. It'll be on Sabbath. We want to have a church service and invite Andrew's friends. We keep praying for them - praying that their souls may be won for Christ - that they may live a life of service and love for our Lord. Oh how I long to see Andrew again! - to see him smile & laugh, to make that noise that just bugs some people, to see him become a dentist to "make people smile," to see our family together, to see him be an uncle. I know that the Lord did everything He could to save my brother's soul. My parents, Steve, and I have the hope and confidence that we will soon (and very soon) be reunited with Andrew.

MIP mission trip - www.pi06.blogspot.com

We also have a newsletter that we'll post very soon.

Making our first home together homey

Love having our parents visit: Our lovely parents have visted/slept over a few times since moving into the condo. We miss them terribly and wish we can see them more often - so it's a nice treat to drive out there or have them come over. It's nice that during these holidays we can spend quality time with them. Love you dear parents of ours! Oh and through Shy's parents we got to eat mangosteen here in the US! - but they were frozen... Steve says that it's about 50% of the taste, but at least now Shy's actually tried it. We're hoping we can it though in the Philippines where everyone says it tastes so heavenly! =)

Friends coming over: We've enjoyed having our family and friends come and visit us - either for ministry meetings, prayer, Bible studies, or just to hang out. Of course we always feed everyone!!

Ecuadorian food: Steve had made really good food that his dad used to make when Steve was growing up. This is the first time he's tried it since becoming vegan. We made potato pancakes (mashed potatoes filled with vegan mozarella cheese, then fried), lentils (with blended up yummy veges as the sauce), papas con salsa (potato chunks with a savory peanut sauce. Sorry no pics for now, but it was so yummy!

Desserts! - Shy started making vegan cheesecake again. It's been awhile since I've made it, but it's been a blessing sharing it with others and giving out the recipe. So many people say it's even better than real cheesecake! I think it's quite yummy! Many of our family/friends say they don't know what to eat when they become vegetarian/vegan - we like to cook/bake for them allowing them to taste & see the good foods they can eat/make.

Steve & Shy also became apple pie connoisseurs (somewhat) - around October we were trying any vegan apple pie we saw. Our friend Chad even made us his own apple pie. May we suggest that apple pie is best warm and with a scoop of vanilla soy ice cream. Our favorite apple pie is found in Sam's Club. We tried it first in March, but we can't buy it since we're not members there, only Costco (although) there's is yummy also!.

Vegan Cheesecake Recipe

“Cheese” cake
1 ½ whole containers of Tofutti “Better Than Cream Cheese”
(low on fat compared to regular cream cheese)
⅓ c. – evaporated cane juice sugar
Egg Replacer – equivalent of 2 eggs (follow directions on box)
1 ½ tsp – lemon juice
½ tsp – pure vanilla extract (non alcohol)

Graham cracker crust
1 ¼ c. graham cracker crumbs
⅓ c. margarine = melted
(Earth Balance is non-hydrogenated and does not contain whey or casein which are milk proteins)

Preheat oven to 350ºF
Mix all crust ingredients and form into the bottom of an 8 inch pie pan
Bake for 2 minutes and let cool
Mix all “cheese” cake ingredients and pour into crust
Reduce heat to 275ºF
Bake for 20-25 minutes

Fruit topping
Any variety of fruits (strawberries, kiwis, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, etc…)
- blend a few strawberries and pour over "cheese" cake
- top with favorite fruits
- sprinkle some evaporated cane juice sugar (as desired)

The ingredients can be bought at Trader Joes (i.e. tofutti cream cheese, evaporated cane juice sugar, vanilla extract (non alcohol) and Clarks or Loma Linda Market (i.e. graham crackers, egg replacer, fruits, Earth balance – non hydrogenated margarine)

Enjoy!

Guitar & piano: We invested in a new guitar & piano (although we are using Andrew's Taylor also). We want to practice these instruments especially in preparation for future little Stevens & little Shylenes!

Songs Shy can play: Colossians 3, James 1, Revelation 21, the beginning of "My First Vision", and 1 Chronicles 29 like really sssloooowwww. Songs Steve can play: a lot more than shy!! Is perfecting 1 Chronicles 29)Fontana SDA: Steve is currently the associate Pastor at our new home church. It's a blessed small church in Fontana, CA. Right now we'll be having prayer meetings on Wednesdays, we have a Bible study every Friday night at 7:15 pm. We're currently presenting Bible characters and for the last month we've been going over the lives of the disciples. Shy presented Andrew and Steve presented Thomas and Judas Iscariot. What's amazing about oging over Bible characters is that we apply who they were to us living today. Many times Bible studies goes over events in the Bible, but it is amazing to study the characters. We'll be finishing off the year with Peter on Dec 29 during our all-night prayer meeting.

This past year at Fontana SDA we also had 2 revival efforts in April and this past Oct-Nov. This last one was entitled: "Contending for the Faith" where Pastor Williams and Steve presented the Investigative Judgment and the Spirit of Prophecy.

Along with Bible studies during Sabbath we have godly "movie" nights on Saturday evenings. Our latest series was Hells Bells - uncovering the history of music and its dangers. We have a great church at FSDA and many visitors each week. Please continue to pray our church.

Networking with different youth, young adult, proffessionals - different churches/ministries.

Bible Studies: Shy's been studying with Sheryl Tuazon since this past September. The studies have been a blessing. We've gone over the Sabbath, Spirit of Prophecy, and baptism. And praise be to God we got to witness Sheryl & Will get baptized on Dec. 2, 2006. What a wonderful day that was!

Steve currently is studying with a group every Sabbath afternoon on the subject of music. Come and see if you too are interested. The group definitely shows a strong interest on what the Bible and SOP have to say concerning music and worship. Topics that are covered: Is music moral or amoral? What role does music have in our worship? What are the principles of music and how do we apply them today? Anything you think of and we're probably covering it!

NICU: Shy is still working the the cute, tiny, and sometimes very sick babies at LLUMC. It's been hard, but a growing experience. My co-workers are all very helpful. My patient lists range from queit lists, to fussy babies, to critical babies - the SCs have been assigning me to some challenging lists that allow me to grow as a nurse and improve my skills and critical thinking. Such diagnoses I have worked with are: PPHN, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, gastroschesis, Coarctation, TGA, 24-27 weekers, etc. I ask for your prayers that I can represent our Heavenly Father even at work, to my co-workers and my patients' families.

Steve @ School: While working at Fontana SDA church Steve is continuing his M.A. in Teaching and M.A. in Religion. He'll be done with the M.A. in Teaching June 2007, the Religion one will be June 2008. He's worked very hard juggling church, school, and married life. There were many papers & projects and lots of driving between his 3 student teaching/observation experiences. Shy was able to sit in a teaching class and one religion class. The religiong class was quite interesting as it discussed God and His relationship with the world. The teacher promoted open theism - where the future is open-ended (and not predetermined) and is decided upon the decisions of man with God working with them - but God does not know the future or the decisions that will be made. The Bible however, (as well as the traditional teaching of SDA's) does teach of a God that does know the future - the countless prophecies are proof of that. God does work with the human race AND gives them free choice AND He does know the future. AMEN!

Devotions: Proverbs & Psalms

Books reading:

They Were There by Herbert Douglas

Acts of the Apostles by Ellen G. White

Patriarchs and Prophets by EGW

My First Vision

I want to go to Heaven and pick a never fading flower,

From the moutain overlooking the temple of my God.

I want to go to Heaven, where all is light and glory.

Oh I long to be with Jesus, O I long to be with God.

Sometimes I think I can stay here no longer.
I feel very lonely here, for I've seen a better land.
Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
Then would I fly away, and be at rest.

I want to go to Heaven, I want to hear the voice of Jesus.

'You have washed your robes in my blood, stood stiffly for my truth.'

And when I get to Heaven, I'll cast my crown at Jesus' feet.

I want to praise His name forever, He has done so much for me.

Sometimes I think I can stay here no longer.

I feel very lonely here, for I've seen a better land.

Oh, that I had wings like a dove!

Then would I fly away, and be at rest.