Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Salvaged a T-top

This morning as I was using my Sonicare toothbrush, I managed to splatter a little toothpaste on my shirt. To my dismay, the spots left a bleach stain. I was so distraught! I felt I ruined a nice top that I had only warn a couple times. I couldn’t even enjoy my morning walk. So I returned home feeling disgusted with myself.

I decided to try to wash out the toothpaste, hoping to recover my shirt. I found that it had bleached. 

Finally, the thought occurred to me that I had a Sharpee pen of the same color as my shirt. So, in desperation, I gave it a try, only to discover it made the spot darker this time. 

But, for a final measure, I got a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and began to dab it while the shirt was wet so there would not be a sharp edge to the work I had done on the shirt. I used my blow dryer to dry it. To my pleasure, I got a satisfactory result. I’m happy to report, my shirt looks as good as it did before I splashed toothpaste on it! It looks as good as new!

New Swim OUtfit for a Special Occasion

 Dreaming of transitioning back to Western Colorado where friends are family, I bought a couple items to celebrate the occasion when it becomes a reality.

One Sunday I stopped at a Ross store and found this swimsuit which I tried on. The size is a little bigger than what I normally wear. So I put it back.

Well, I couldn't get it out of my mind. So, on Tuesday, which is senior discount day at Ross stores, I returned to look for it. I first went to another store but couldn't find it there. Then, I returned to the other store and couldn't find it where I found it. Feeling brought down, I found a couple other items that I had seen the other day and bought those. I was relieved to find them. One was on clearance and the other didn't have a price tag. So I took my chances.

Long Skirt

Short Skirt

While in line to purchase them, I found the swimsuit hanging in the Q-line. Apparently, someone else who was in line to buy it had changed their mind. So I grabbed it. 

I was so excited that I couldn't keep the joy to myself and told the young gal behind me in line. She rejoiced with me and asked if I had a special occasion for it. I told her I am hoping to return to Colorado soon and wear it at the Hot Springs Pool. She was pleased to hear it.

When I went to pay for everything, the cashier looked up the price on the short skirt which was missing a price tag and discovered it was also on clearance. I got a huge deal! Everything was 10% off because of the senior discount. It ended up being a happier day!

   
New Swimsuit

Then, I looked on Amazon at Sketchers because of an ad I got in the mail, to see if I could find a better deal on sneakers. It was the I saw these sandals. They were in my size and the only pair left. So I snatched them. I got them delivered to me on a Sunday which was a surprise to me.





Sketchers Sandals





But the thing that was so significant to me was the leading of the Holy Spirit through this process and how He reserved this outfit for me. I didn't get to the store to find the swimsuit until Tuesday afternoon and I was able to find it again. That in itself is a miracle!

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

My Eyes Are Blessed!

But blessed are your eyes, for they see... Matthew 13:16a KJV

On September 7, 2018 I went to the eye doctor for my annual checkup. The technician saw me first before the doctor came in to see me. I explained my diet has been poor and therefore didn’t expect a good result.

So he checked my right eye which has been my stronger eye and it was just OK. Things were a tad blurry but I could still make out the letters on the line I had to read. 

Then he checked my left eye, the weaker eye. I was shocked to see things crisp and clear and be able to read most of the same line as with my right eye which has NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE!!!! 

All my life I have had childhood macular mal-development which left me feeling hopelessly depressed when leaving the doctor's office in the past from an eye exam. In fact, I decided to switch doctors within the same clinic rather recently because I would bump heads with the previous one who fed me a negative prognosis. I believe that had to have helped open the door to a miracle, making it possible for me to believe and receive.

So things were different this time, and I could see clearly though it was still hard to make out the characters. It’s hard to explain, that even though I had good acuity, I still couldn’t make out all the letters, especially so close together. But my vision was by far the best it’s ever been! The technician said he is still counting this line for the left eye reading for my chart. So my sight in the left eye almost matches that of the right eye for the first time in my life!

Then, the doctor he came in and looked at my eyes, and was in utter amazement! Upon examining my retinas, he said they both look great with no ill signs. He said this doesn’t just happen! I told him my diet has been poor so I’m amazed too! 

I explained that I’m a Christian and that one morning, and on another occasion, the Lord told me He would be healing my left eye! The doctor said that whatever I’m doing, I should continue! 

I am reminded that a while back Pastor Tom Hernandez at Heart of the Bay Christian Center had a word for someone, "Macular Regeneration!" I don't think I was present in the meeting in which he gave that word, but later he determined it was for me.

Well, I will continue to give God all the glory! I’m taking it as a miracle unfolding! Amen.

Monday, January 29, 2018

A New Family Member

For some time now, the Lord had been speaking to me about adding another bird to my flock. I already had four and felt that was my limit. However, the Lord continued to speak to me about an additional bird, but was unclear about who, what and where.

Meanwhile, I've been aware of a family who received a cockatiel as a gift by a couple who bred her. The name given to her was Enoch. Wasn't sure if they realized the bird was a female but they liked the name because of the Bible character.

Over time, I had visited this home for Bible study which met weekly. I had been drawn to this bird that looked like she could use some enhancements to her habitat and would offer suggestions. I brought treats and maybe even a toy or two on occasion. But I soon learned that the bird would be finding a new home. I was saddened a bit but knew it was probably the best move.

So I offered to take the bird. Here she is in her new setting. She has settled in very nicely. She really loves her swing and her treats! Her name has been changed to Sweet Pea, and what a sweetie she is! 🐦





Shoe ❤️

Saturday night at work at Ross Dress For Less, I was recovering women's shoes and facing them all out to make it easier for shoppers to look through. I came across a couple pairs that appealed to me but I never set them aside to purchase. I thought about how I already have more financial obligations than I can handle at the moment.

The following morning I thought about the shoes and wanted to go visit my store and look for them. Instead, the Lord prompted me to visit another store in Daly City. He apparently had a pair of shoes reserved for me there. I stopped at the Colma store first and found nothing of interest before wandering over to Serramonte Center in Daly City where the other store was that the Lord was directing me to.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before running across the pair of shoes the Lord hid for me though they were in plain sight! They were a size 8 and I usually wear a 7 1/2, but they were the only pair there, and they were on clearance. After some hesitation, I resolved to buy them. I got them on clearance and with my employee discount. It was a significant savings and with an insert in each toe, they fit comfortably! Praise God for His infinite love! 💞





Saturday, March 12, 2016

Encouraged About an Old Soulmate

I had just received word about Meredith who has been living at a bird sanctuary 32 miles away from me, formerly my pet for the first 25 years of his life, that he was ill. It sounded like he was about to exit this world. I wasn't ready for that although I was already sensing something was going on with him.

So I asked God to allow me more time with him. As it was, I was feeling badly for not visiting him more often, though I had good reasons. I had car issues and commitment to school.

But on the way to visiting him yesterday, enduring the wind and rain on the highway, I asked God for a turnaround in Meredith's health. I had to no longer entertain the thought that he was about to die, but that he could have extended life. I thanked the Lord and saw a rainbow grace the sky in the direction where he is living. I wish I could have pulled off the highway to take a picture of it. It was perfect, and too good to be a mere coincidence! That gave me great hope and joy that God heard my prayers. That felt special to me!

When I arrived and saw his cage on the table, I was hesitant about approaching him. But after setting my things down, I got a better look at him. It was hard at first and he didn't look well. But with a few moments of interacting with him, he seemed to perk up and eat and drink. He allowed me to stroke his head, although not at first. But once he warned up to me, he made the sounds he used to make when getting his neck rubbed.

This encouraged me and revived my faith which had seemed to fade away. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness! ♥️


Update tonight:


This is nothing short of a miracle, given the bird's age and his condition when I first heard about this and saw him weak, unstable on his feet, and shivering! Now he has his life back!

Friday, January 15, 2016

A Star Gone Dark

Last Friday was David Bowie's 69th birthday which was publicized a lot on Facebook. Up to that point I had not thought much about the rock star, though I once upon a time had a couple of his albums and recently heard my favorite song of his while shopping at a second-hand store in Haight/Ashbury which was "Ziggy Stardust." Back in the day, when I used to listen to it, I admit I didn't pay much attention to the lyrics. I liked a song by the way it sounded.

On his birthday I played at work a playlist of his music that someone had created on YouTube. My boss enjoyed his music too. We both come from that same era. His music seemed to liven up the workplace and my job which is often very repetitive seemed lighter.

Then, the day following, my curiosity about this artist whose music I grew up with led me to videos of interviews with him. I was intrigued about his past and inspirations and even his setbacks which he seemed to overcome very well. He didn't let adversity and rejection and failure stop him from pressing on with his music and theatrical talents which made him a great success. I was intrigued by the many personas he assumed on stage and how he warmly interacted with his audiences. I saw him progress from bizarre to upbeat over the passing of time and really admired his transformation. I perceived that he was happily married and loved being a father. I was pleased with his decision to give up drugs because he valued his family too much.

But then I was feeling prompted to look for his more recent work to get a feel for the shape his career has taken. I came across a couple videos -- "Lazarus" and "Black Star." I was rather shocked by the mood of these videos as they portrayed a very dark David Bowie, apparently on his recently released project called "Black Star." It was definitely occultic, as a commenter said. Satanic symbolism was used throughout the video "Black Star," and both videos were about death. Their content was blasphemous, and dishonoring God and His Word. I had posted a comment below the "Black Star" video, saying that I was very disappointed. I believed much better things of David Bowie. Both videos received a lot of negative ratings, yet still outnumbered by positive ratings.

An old secular friend of mine said he just bought his album Black Star though he found the lyrics to be very dark. I personally would not have it in my house. Here is a video review from a Christian perspective: David Bowie - Blackstar of Satan EXPOSED! Demon Worship Ritual in Plain Sight!

So, I was mortified and feeling burdened for this creative and flamboyant rock star gone dark. I couldn't get him off my mind. I prayed that God would draw him to Himself and that He might send someone across his path who could win him over to the Lord. I didn't know quite what to pray, nor was I aware that he had been battling a terminal illness for the past eighteen months until the next day when it was aired that he had passed away.

Facebook fans were in shock, as I read many comments. Many were struggling to process this tragedy, including me. It seemed so sudden to us who were clueless about his battle with cancer and how it was kept secret from the public. My heart sank after studying about a music icon who became interesting to me for the first time in a new way, and suddenly he's gone.

David Bowie died two days after his 69th birthday. How I wanted so badly for David Bowie who I never met in person to be there in Heaven when I finally arrive, but the message that kept coming back to me was very chilling. "He is not in Heaven. He wasn't saved." There are no words right now to describe the heartache I feel for this loss. God cared enough to burden me for him before he died. I also read in someone else's comment that they were led to pray for him two weeks earlier, also unaware of his illness, yet they prayed for him.

David Bowie in his early years engaged in a bisexual lifestyle which I believe set a trend in our nation. Today marriage has been redefined to accommodate those of same gender or transgender. Since my conversion to Christianity, I had veered away from listening to his music. However, upon learning of his recent (and final) birthday, I decided to research him and found a refined individual from the one I used to know. I had high hopes of better for him. But upon reviewing his most recent material and learning of his sudden disappearance from the world, my hope for him just turned to ashes. He committed spiritual suicide. I don't think I can ever listen to, or enjoy his music again.

Ultimately, a person for whom we pray has to make a choice. I just wish David Bowie had accepted God's invitation. He certainly must have had plenty opportunity. I'm sure he's regretting his choices right now. Someone else stated that he knelt down and recited the Lord's prayer on stage for AIDS victims, but only God knows the heart. Jesus said many will say "Lord, Lord" but He will say Depart from me; I never knew you. In other words, He is looking for those who will put their complete trust in Him and their life into His hands. He is looking for continuous, intimate fellowship with His followers -- those who will keep His words and obey Him.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

The Tree Climb

When I was just a youngster, probably preteen, I used to climb up into the largest tree in my grandparents' backyard. One day I was inspired to climb to the very top, above the foliage, the highest point I could reach. In the process, a branch broke from under me and I landed perfectly onto another branch before my mind could catch up with the reality that took place. I remember being stunned and thinking how unlikely such an event could happen that a branch below could break my fall.

So, for a story for my storyboarding class, I chose to use this experience for my project.

The Tree Climb Storyboard

The Tree Climb Final

The final version is a more refined animation where all the assets are created in Flash. The story is foreshortened as per the decision of my instructor. The storyboard animation consists of assets that were created in Frameforge, the trial version of which I made screenshots to remove the overlaying black text generated by the trial Frameforge.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Jesus Stamp Popular in Bookbinding Class!

We were working on our accordion books today in class and using rubber stamps to decorate the pages. We had been asked to bring in rubber stamps to use and/or share with the class. I brought in several stamps and ink pads. Among my stamp collection were an assortment of butterflies and some Christian stamps. To my amazement, a very popular one was a stamp that was of a key with the name Jesus on it, and it says "The Key to your Heart."

The people I least expected to, went hog-wild over it and used it on their accordion books. I was happy to see Jesus get a lot of good press today. No pun intended. (Images to follow.)

Sunday, February 16, 2014

He Cared Enough about Birdy and for Sophie!

I awoke on Valentine's Day with a heavy heart. I was depressed over my bad choices and my many disappointed hopes. As I laid in bed, I was hammered with memories of some cruel injustices done to me over recent years. I wanted to die.

Then, I sought escape and picked up my phone to look at the San Francisco Animal Care and Control website to see what's available for adoption. I landed on Birdy, a pied cockatiel. I took a screenshot of the ad and emailed it to several bird loving friends, and got an immediate response from one of them. I was asked to go fetch the bird for her and she would reimburse me. At first I didn't want to do it but I phoned the animal shelter to see if Birdy was still available, and he was. So I headed down there, though I was slow at getting out the door.

I came with carrier and brought Birdy home a couple hours later. I cleaned a cage to house him since his nails were overgrown and I wanted to make him more comfortable. I stayed out of the room I had him in because of my weakness of getting easily attached. My friend arrived later with her husband to pick up Birdy. It went smoothly.

Later, I got an update that they arrived home safely and clipped Birdy's nails, and changed his name to Valentine. I thought that was honorable and would help the bird to make the transition in his new home.

Then, the following evening I received a report via email that read something like this:

"I had Valentine checked at the Vet today. It turns out his wings are a lot more damaged than we thought. The left side is completely unstable probably due to a recent fracture. The right wing is all beat up and swollen but more stable overall. I don’t think he will fly anywhere anytime soon. His feces are normal. He has lots of dust and debris in his nose. Poor guy needs good showers. His blood is lipemic which makes me think he must have been on a seed diet.

"On a funny note – when we removed the leg band it clearly showed the year 1997 ! So, whoever made Valentine 4 years young has not paid attention in math class.

"I moved Valentine in with 3 mellow females who treat him well so he can recover. He started eating fine tonight, comes up to the front when I talk to him and is definitely more calm than he was this morning. We will give him time and TLC. I’m sure he will be ok in the long run."

My heart was broken as I read this but realized that this bird's life was saved on Valentine's Day and his name change marks a real turnaround, a new beginning for him.

Then, I realized that God orchestrated this event and He wanted to teach me something. He showed me how He cared for this precious bird in a wonderful way, and that He is ever so interested in caring for me, even the finest detail. That touched my heart!

Then later on Valentine's Day, I received word that Craig was reunited with his lost cat Sophie who was missing for over a week. I had prayer going up for him ad his missing cat, and God answered that prayer on Valentine's Day. So it was a wonderful day after all!

Sophie the missing cat

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An update on Birdy who was renamed Valentine:

He lived a short time in his new nurturing home and passed away due to heart complications. Now he is pain free and grief free in the presence of the Creator. For that only am I comforted. It is believed that he received a poor diet of just seeds most of his life which is a valuable lesson for pet bird owners. Birds need a wide variety of nutritious foods to provide a healthy life for them, besides lots of attention. For more information on birdcare I recommend you check out Mickaboo's site.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

When I Thought Differently, I Acted Differently

Having a positive mindset had been so foreign to me growing up. I grew up with a spirit of suspicion, with a belief of hopelessness and failure and being punished for my actions continually. Still not sure how I developed that but I believe it was early on. I was used to being surprised with punishment and being led to believe I was different and inadequate and even inferior. So I only expected to fall short of everyone else, and still, from time to time, I'm plagued with these thoughts.

However, I recall my first experience with challenging myself to think differently than usual, at least if felt unnatural at the time, affirmatively about having the ability to do something that was a struggle for me. In this instance, I have always been the slowest hiker of anybody I was with. I could be out-hiked by anybody, and especially a group. I was always at the end of the group. It continually frustrated me and so I enjoyed hiking less as a result.

But on this one occasion I was hiking with a group up Mt. Masada. It was quite an incline. In fact, it was called the Snake Path. I felt weary, probably because of inadequate sleep to add to the load. I decided that instance to think to myself and not out loud, "I can do this, I can do this, I can do this." Then, I found myself looking up toward my destination. Every now and then I would revert back to the inclination of "I can't" and it would become difficult for me again. But when I tried to focus on "I can" the hike became easier. I even recall setting my gaze farther ahead of me as I climbed that steep incline. I still may have arrived later than everyone else, but I got up there in time for the sunrise without much feeling of weariness.

Then, surprisingly, and for the first time I can recall, I sprinted down the mountain like one of those sure-footed gazelles I had seen. I was down the mountain in a very short time and probably one of the first in our group. I usually hike slowly down a mountain because of not being sure of my footing.

It's funny to me now looking back now and realizing that this occurred in Israel, a land charged with God's presence, and I was there before I ever embarked upon a relationship with Him.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Forever Changed

I met a woman named Jill, another Jewish believer on AOL in a Christian chat room in the 90s. We used to visit over the phone. She was living in Knoxville, Tennessee, a single mom with two teens who were unmanageable. I used to tell her about the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. She would not buy it, saying she didn't think she needed it. Well, it's not a requirement for salvation but it sure adds to it.

Well, some time later, I spoke with her on the phone again and she told me of a peculiar incident that had just occurred while talking with someone on a park bench. She said that while she was talking, suddenly she began to speak in tongues. Wow, talk about a God-incidence!

I had never heard of anyone being filled this way before. I struggled with getting my prayer language. I had too much doubt in the way. I remember having prayer time every night with God and running out of words and almost going into a language I never learned but would somehow reason it away.

But for Jill, who was very intellectual, this was truly a miracle! She was a changed woman from that moment on, and God began to bless her and increase her since.

It's been years since I had last been in touch, but the memory of her has come back to me and I felt to share this. Someone else must needs this. This is your time, says the Lord. So enter in.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

What Goes Around Comes Around

Today I brought in a bag of clothes to donate at my neighborhood Goodwill store. It contained things that I enjoyed maybe a time or two, although I liked them and it pinched a little to give them up.

I have noticed, however, when I do give and it feels like a sacrifice, I have managed to stumble upon some very nice items. Today I found a couple tops and some knit pants. It makes the value seem greater. Today I feel amply rewarded.

New Outfit

Sunday, March 24, 2013

How It All Began With God And Me

I was transcribing from tapes by John-Roger, founder of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness in Los Angeles in 1981 during my sophomore year at Colorado Mountain College. I was seeking truth and some sort of mentor at the time and I thought John-Roger was it, until I came across a couple things he said that caused me to question his authenticity. He said that "Jesus was not the only begotten Son first." I didn't know the Bible but somehow that struck a weird chord with me. The other thing he said was that he only had capacity to disciple a limited number of people. After spending a lot of money on his instructional material that left a lot of uncertainty about my investment. So my searching continued.

Meanwhile, during the time I was involved with this MSIA which I became acquainted with through an Insight Training Seminar which my father sent me to and paid for (and bless his heart for wanting to help me in a meaningful way), I was encountering several people who were challenging me about religion and to try Jesus. I was so afraid to because I felt it was exclusive and I thought I would have to give up being Jewish which I did not want to do. But one day the school receptionist Jan, who challenged me the hardest, told me to ask God to reveal to me the right way, even though I thought I had finally found the right way.

So that night I did. I approached God and said I think I'm on the right path but please show me whether I am or not. The following day or so, I encountered a small group of students, a dozen or so, sitting in a circle in the mezzanine on the floor, holding hands. I discerned that they were praying in the name of Jesus.

Then I asked God if I could be saved for a day to see if I want it. I asked this twice. Both times I heard audibly, "You either get saved for always or not at all."

I remember how timid I felt. But I approached Lee, a friend of Jan's, in the kitchen at school and called him out to the mezzanine to speak with him while nobody else was around. I asked him if there is really such a thing as Hell. He told me what the Bible describes as a "lake of fire." I told him "I don't want to go there. Let's pray!" And prayed we did. That was on Tuesday, November 3, 1981 around 10 AM Mountain Time.

I remember leaving that meeting with Lee as a different person. I didn't feel any different in my emotions per se but I knew there was a change on the inside of me. I sensed a golden glow like the sun shining from my inmost being. It was as though someone had removed sunglasses from my eyes that I was completely unaware of obstructing any light. I was also aware of two burdens being lifted from me: one of being a woman who had to prove herself strong and independent, and the other of being ashamed of my Jewishness. To my surprise, I felt more connected with my Jewishness than before and now was unashamed of it. As I headed for class, I was being greeted and acknowledged by people I passed by in a way I never experienced before. That was a miracle in itself too.

 I eventually abandoned the new age movement that I was involved in and became engrossed in the Bible. It gradually changed my way of thinking as I learned God's perspective. I have become a disciple of Christ Who never turns anyone away who come to Him. I used to think that all roads lead to the same place but found out they all lead to a place other than where I want to go. I found out Jesus is the real deal! No other spiritual leader or guide has done what Jesus Christ has done for humanity and there will never be another One. I have never gone back to new age practices now that Jesus is my Lord. I will not have it any other way.

Probably the two most significant events in my journey as a new Christian were the water baptism and the Holy Spirit baptism. The water baptism helped solidify my commitment to Christ and the Holy Spirit baptism added another dimension to my communion with God. Both were important steps for my spiritual growth and intimacy with God. Having my supernatural language has helped the Bible come alive with more revelation than before and has heightened my spiritual discernment and prayer effectiveness.

I recall eight years previous, being in Israel with a group and visiting Christ's tomb. Everyone else described an awe they felt while walking around in there but I never felt anything. I didn't believe in God then but was searching. Now I feel His presence in my life and in my soul.

I am very thankful for all who have prayed for me, among whom is my sister Pam, to come into fellowship with Jesus Christ!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Remembering High School Days

When I was in high school, I didn't give a rip about God, but instead I was continually ripped--ripped on pot and ripped off by the devil.

I remember this hippy guy who approached me on campus to tell me about his Jesus and I thought he was nuts because he told me he used to be an acid head. So I thought he was missing a screw when he told me about his God. I just wouldn't receive it.

I showed up to my ceramic class stoned out of my mind as was my custom at the time. It was my favorite class and I felt accepted and esteemed by my teacher Ms. Uribe then. I would make her laugh by my foolish outbursts.

One day while I was sitting in ceramic class across from Joyce Gintel I said something about Jesus, not even believing in Him. Joyce said, "Cathy, I thought you were Jewish!" I replied, "I am but so is Jesus!" I forget if I actually said it in the present tense, nor am I sure how I knew that Jesus was a Jew.

But little did I know that one day I would come to know Him as my personal Savior and Lord, Who I once mocked.

Thank You, Jesus! You're the Best!


Friday, September 7, 2012

Being Chased by Candy

Since recently making a quality decision to give up a sweet tooth, I have managed to resist the candy jar twice in a row now at work. But yesterday evening in class, I discovered two pieces of candy lying on the chair between my classmate Janice and me. I pulled the chair out and showed Janice the candy, asking her if it belonged to her. She said, "no." I had to laugh and I may have told her why.

Then, I got up to take a quick break. When I returned, there was candy all over the tabletops and my classmates were all partaking! It was like a bad dream! They said they found it taped under the tables. I couldn't believe it! They were the small Halloween-size candies, such as what I saw in the jar at work over the past couple days.

I told the class about my resistance to sweets and why. I explained that I was pre-diabetic, and asked them to discourage me from indulging.

But I resisted until the last half hour of class. I was released by the Lord to have just one piece. I chose to have a Nestlé Crunch. But I told a classmate who watched me take it that I could have just one and I gave him permission to slap my hand if I take another. He never had to slap my hand.

At the end of class, the candy was taped back underneath the tables where it was found. This has to be the only time in my life I could credit the devil for a sense of humor.