In an effort to raise the additional $2,800.00 needed to go to Israel as a worship leader next summer, I have been selling my photography and full color calendars (with 12 different photos)!
If you need unique Christmas or birthday gift ideas, or are just looking to redecorate your house, please check out these photographs!
Prices:
$15 for 5×7
$25 for one 8×10 or two 5x7s
$30 for 11×14 (Lesa’s recommended size for framing!)
$40 for two 8×10’s
$50 for 16×10
On July 14th, 2008, I drove away from Glendora, CA and the life I had known for seven years (and the state in which I had resided my entire life). My mom and I headed east, with maps in hand and a great adventure in store. But the biggest adventure awaited me at the end of the journey: building a new life in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania practically from scratch. With no job, no church, and a few friends in the Harrisburg area, I trusted the Lord and I took the first step with faith that He would prove to be faithful. Eight states and 3,000 miles later, I arrived!
A year ago today, I was saying tearful goodbyes to my best friends, and the people who had walked beside me through so many experiences. We had an evening of bluegrass and fellowship, sharing music and memories, and it was the perfect way to say goodbye to those I love. Today, I am surrounded by new friends who have blessed my life beyond my wildest dreams; friends who hold me accountable in my walk with the Lord and who are seeking Him fervently; friends who are so genuine, so loving, so encouraging…and God has shown His faithfulness through them.
A year ago today, I left my church in Glendora after being a part of it for six years. I came to Pennsylvania praying that the Lord would bring me a church where I could serve and grow, a church that was seeking to love Jesus more and to be Jesus to the community in everything they did…and He, again, blessed me beyond my wildest expectations! My church has truly become FAMILY to me…I love serving there, I love worshiping there, and I am SO blessed to be a part of East Shore Baptist Church! And God again showed His faithfulness here…
All of this came after I had spent many months praying for the Lord to make me uncomfortable–for Him to present situations that would create growth in my relationship with Him…and I never dreamed that would mean moving across the country to a relatively unknown place (I had only been to Harrisburg three or four times before I moved), leaving everything behind. But, that is sometimes what He requires of us! And I am so glad that He answered my prayers for discomfort, for the joy that has come from these experiences and from my deepened walk with Him is immeasurable.
People consistently ask me why on earth I would leave “wonderful California” for Pennsylvania…and the best answer I can give is this: God said to go! 🙂 Pennsylvania is where I am called to be, and I love it more each and every day! Each state has its pros and cons, and no state is truly better than any other, in my opinion. After living in California for 25 years, I was more than ready to experience something new.
God is faithful, and when we listen to His voice, we are blessed beyond compare. :0)
Don’t worry–this is not going to be a speculation on their relationship or anything like that. 🙂
Last night as I watched the “season premiere” of Jon & Kate +8, my heart was broken for this family. I cannot even imagine the stress and strain a couple would go through having eight kids at such a young age (they were in their twenties), nor can I imagine the challenges of living in the limelight while trying to raise your children to walk with the Lord. I also cannot imagine what it must feel like to have so many people start rumors and fill their trashy tabloid papers with pictures and stories that are completely false, trying to ruin your life.
But more than that, I realized something last night. I have lived with people over the years who followed every little tidbit of “celebrity gossip” that they could get their hands on, and I have never been a fan of such garbage. The Bible states that we should not gossip–and I believe that includes people that we don’t know! I’m not perfect in this area–please understand that–but it is something I have been working on for a few years now because I was so deeply convicted.
Last night, it occurred to me that we, as Christians, need to be praying for the Gosselin family. We don’t know the details of their strife, and it honestly doesn’t matter. The Lord knows what is going on in their hearts, and I have decided to pray for them rather than listen to the garbage that surrounds us regarding their relationship.
Can you imagine the difference that we as Christians could make in the lives of public figures by praying for them rather than gossiping about them? I read about a church once that decided to pray fervently for Britney Spears and wrote her letters filled with love and encouragement, rather than gossiping about her. What an amazing concept!!
So, this is where I’m at with the Gosselin family. They need our prayers–and we know that God can heal their relationship and restore peace to their family. Whether or not you agree with their decisions is irrelevant. Our brother and sister in Christ are in trouble, so let’s start praying!!
One year ago today, I flew out to Pennsylvania to begin the process of moving. According to my driver’s license, tomorrow (April 16th) is my “anniversary” of being a resident. 🙂 It’s so crazy to think that it’s already been a year (kind of)! When I came out last April, I signed my lease (and met my roommate), began job-hunting, and got pneumonia. 🙂 Besides the pneumonia, it was a great week out here!
God is SO good, and SO faithful.
Many people asked why I was moving to a new place, where I really didn’t know anyone, so far away from family…and I told them that I knew God would bring “family” into my life, and I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that He would take care of me. When I moved to Southern California, He brought “family” into my life. When I spent two summers in Williamsport, PA, He brought “family” into my life…
…and He most definitely has done the same for me here in Harrisburg! My church has become like family–and I absolutely adore them! There are a few families in particular who have really “adopted” me, and I have felt so loved, so appreciated…and I simply adore them. I have been blessed with having amazing roommates, amazing friends here in Pennsylvania…and I really can’t complain. 🙂 I even survived my first “real” Winter! Haha.
Thank you, Lord, for leading me here to Pennsylvania…I am so blessed, far beyond I could have ever imagined! 🙂
On March 23, 2003, a friend of mine took her own life unexpectedly. This story was covered by several news agencies around the country–including the San Francisco Chronicle (click here for the story) and Oprah.
Six years later, her family is still on a mission to ensure that those who use the Internet as a way to coerce others into committing suicide are punished.
Please take a few minutes to write to your Congressman regarding H.R. 853: “The Suzanne Gonzales Suicide Prevention Act of 2009”. It is currently going through Congress, and it is a great piece of legislation!
Please pray for her family, as this will no doubt be another rough day. Pray also that their mission to hold people accountable for their actions on the Internet is successful. Let’s do everything we can to prevent another tragic loss of life.
I wrote this one year after the tragedy, if you want to read it.
September 24, 1983-March 23, 2003
It has been one year…one year since that heartbreaking day when a young life was taken so suddenly…so tragically…the life of a girl I had known since fourth grade…a girl who went trick-or-treating with me…helped with our “Jump-Rope Olympics” in fourth grade…my friend in G.A.T.E….someone who could always make me smile, always make me laugh with her. Suzy was bright, funny, unique…everyone knew who she was…she was extremely talented in so many areas…Suzanne was a truly beautiful person in so many ways; but she did not see what everyone else saw.
The last time I saw her was June 7, 2001…Graduation day. We had a picture taken together, embracing, smiles on our faces…so much to look forward to! We made promises to keep in touch, a promise that we kept for over a year. She was heading to Florida, to pursue meteorology, a dream she had when I first met her…
It was in Mrs. Tranbarger’s class, fourth grade, Jackson Heights Elementary School. She was new to Red Bluff, and we became immediate friends. We were in Gifted and Talented Education together, we attended each other’s birthday parties, and we spent our recess and lunch together in our group of friends. I remember going out to see her new house as it was being built…I remember the amazing view, and how excited she was to have her own bathroom, and the added excitement of being able to decorate it “all by herself.”
She was one of the people who mocked me incessantly for years because I would not kiss Casey Coffman in the sandbox…Casey “asked me out,” and after we had been dating for awhile (who knows how long it really was) he said that in order to be really girl-friend/boy-friend, we had to kiss. He told me to meet him at the sandbox at lunch one day…I took two friends with me to avoid kissing him, Suzy being one of them. They never let me live it down that I would not kiss him.
I will never forget the sandbox…
I will never forget the tether-ball competitions we held in 6th grade…
I will never forget band with her, fourth through seventh grade. She played the alto saxophone…
I will never forget the Geography Bee’s…or our Odyssey of the Mind team…prune juice…
High school did not grant us as many opportunities together, but our friendship was still strong. We had several classes together…I loved to hear her insights, as they were often deep and profound. Whenever we met in the halls, she would stop and say hello…little did I know that I would never get to say goodbye.
It was March 29th, 2003. I was at Huntington Beach with Leslie and Jessica. We had a wonderful day playing football and getting tan; my phone was in the car, and I had a voice message. It was my mom. I called her, and she told me to call her when I got home. Immediately, I knew someone had died. My mind raced to figure out who it was…but I never, ever expected to hear the name Suzanne Gonzales. I called my friends from home to find details, and when I found out it was suicide, I was completely and utterly devastated…shocked…I could barely even cry because I wanted to believe that it was untrue…
Her memorial service that May was filled to capacity, with many, myself included, standing. My pastor of 15 years officiated, which was a great comfort to me. It was a time of laughter and remembrance as we recalled stories and viewed pictures of this precious young woman’s life…so short, someone abruptly taken from us.
I have many regrets…I saw her online several times in the months before her death, but I did not talk with her…I “didn’t have time” to talk to anyone. Oh, how I would make the time today! I was unable to get together with her in Redding the December before she died…the things I would do to make that happen now. What could I have done? Probably nothing…but now I would try! I would have bought a plane ticket for Florida that day had I known what was to become of her…
In her online journal, she wrote this about me about a year before she passed away: “Lesa Close is really cool. She is the future Governor or California, I know it.” If only she had believed in herself that much! 😦 Suzy was so intelligent, and had so much potential…
Today I wear a red ribbon with white polka-dots, just like the one they gave us at her funeral…just like her prom dress…
I miss you, Suzy. You were loved by so many people…we just never let you know…
Story about Suzy in the San Francisco Chronicle
She asked, in her online journal, to have this song played at her funeral…if you know the story behind it, you will see the thick irony…James Taylor wrote this after his friend, Suzanne, committed suicide while he was on tour…it was played at her memorial service, while photos were displayed on the screen.
Fire And Rain
By James Taylor
Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone
Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I just can’t remember who to send it to
I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain
I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I’d see you again
Won’t you look down upon me, Jesus
You’ve got to help me make a stand
You’ve just got to see me through another day
My body’s aching and my time is at hand
And I won’t make it any other way
Oh, I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain
I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I’d see you again
Been walking my mind to an easy time my back turned towards the sun
Lord knows when the cold wind blows it’ll turn your head around
Well, there’s hours of time on the telephone line to talk about things to come
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground
Oh, I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain
I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I’d see you, baby, one more time again, now
I am entering a contest that will allow me the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s called the “Name Your Dream Contest”, sponsored by Microsoft. The winner gets $50,000 (among other things) to travel around the world, living their photography dream.
Here’s my dream:
I want to tell the stories that have not been told. I want to tie in my love of learning about new cultures with my love for photography. By so doing, I want to inspire people to action, not sympathy.
Every person has a story to tell…every culture has colorful traditions, enticing recipes, rich histories, enchanting music, and beautiful people. But some cultures are more focused on than others. Everyone travels to London, Paris, Rome, and Sydney. But, who goes to Greenland, Siberia, Mongolia, or Oman?
I want to tell the stories that have not been told. I want to tie in my love of learning about new cultures with my love for photography. I want to live a day in the life of a Rwandan woman…I want to travel across Russia via the Trans-Siberian Railroad to reach those places that most people have never heard of and couldn’t find on a map. I want to explore these villages, learn from these cultures, taste their cuisine. I want to discover what we have in common–as well as our differences. I want to find out what brings them joy, what brings them sorrow.
What are we missing by ignoring these cultures?
As part of my learning experience, I also want to tell my own family story by visiting the village that my great-great-great grandparents came from, on the Austrian/Hungarian border.
I want to bring awareness…if I come across an area of need, I want to be able to inspire people to help. I want to inspire people to action, not sympathy.
So really, my dream isn’t about me at all–it’s about those whose stories have not been told…and it’s about bringing a voice to those people.
I want to use this as an opportunity to serve around the world as a short-term missionary…if I were to win this contest, that would be my focus–to be Christ to these people.
Please vote for me to help make this dream a reality! 🙂 The contest is open through April 3rd, 2009. Thank you in advance!
It’s been a good week…overall 🙂
A few random tidbits:
* I’m apparently allergic to something, as I have developed a rash on my hand that I was told is “contact dermatitus” or something. Awesome. LOL. Now to figure out what it is…
* I’m SO blessed to be a part of a church that is actually healthy, loving, encouraging, and supportive. I feel the Spirit there each and every week, and I leave feeling energized and ready to serve/live for the Lord!
* I love being the new guitar player at my church…
* I have so many ideas about mission projects my church can do this year, and I can’t wait to bring them before the “Missions Committee”…
* It’s 60 degrees today!! I’m totally going to wear flip-flops! And, I really should wash my car…
* I’m really beginning to love Harrisburg…I pray that the Lord will continue to give me a heart for this city in which I now live…
* I’m SO excited about Spring (even though I know we still have a few weeks of Winter left)…my friends and I are planting a garden in my backyard (vegetables), and it will be SO fun! I love fresh produce, and this will provide food for three families.
* I have some new ideas about the direction my photography is going to take this year, and I’m VERY excited about that.
* My windshield wipers have gone insane. I had to pull the fuse out today because they keep going off without me telling them to (for 15 minutes at a time, some times), and it was driving me crazy! I’m hoping it’s not too expensive to get fixed, but I think it’s the wiper motor.
* Life is really great…I’m constantly learning, growing, experiencing new things, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 🙂
It’s been awhile since I last posted anything!
It’s no secret that I have a passion for photography…I feel so alive, so creative, so joyful when I have my camera in my hands, ready to photograph the world. It is a goal of mine for 2009 to grow in this area–to develop my natural talent and perhaps begin to bring in some income from photography–which typically comes from photoshoots of people, not scenery. In order for this to happen, I’m going to need to start practicing on people (an area in which I’m not very confident)! So, if you live within a couple of hours of me and would like to be a model this spring/summer, please let me know! The shoot would be free, of course, and you’d get a CD with the finished photos. 🙂
My other great passion is music…and, though I hadn’t set out with the goal of “growing” in that area this year, it appears that I am going to be. I was asked to begin playing guitar for my church’s worship team, and I said yes. My first Sunday was two days ago, and I went into it somewhat nervous for a few reasons: One, I have nerve damage in my right arm that has greatly inhibited my growth in playing stringed instruments, so even though I’ve been playing for 13 years, I’m not a professional by any means; Two, for the past six years I didn’t really have to play guitar because my church in Glendora was filled with professional guitarists…so, I was able to focus solely on singing, and really enjoyed that, even though my guitar skills didn’t improve greatly; Three, it was my first time being a part of this worship team here in PA, so that added a bit of nervousness as well.
However, it went splendidly! The worship pastor is SO encouraging and he expressed confidence in my abilities that I truly needed to hear. And, I was able to sing while playing, which also made me more confident, because I know I can sing, whereas I don’t always feel like I can really play the guitar. I am really learning that God can overcome any disability we may have in order for us to be able to serve Him and His people.
This year is becoming one of “filling holes”, and I’m beginning to really love that. 🙂
So, in order to make these absolutely frigid months bearable, I decided to have some fun. It all started last night when I decided to put a water bottle out on the porch to see how long it would take it to freeze (at 15 degrees): it took 3 hours. I put a water bottle in the freezer at work today, and it took 4 hours and 2o minutes.
Tonight, I put out six bottles (salt water, Gatorade, Raspberry Acai juice, Sunny Delight, milk, and water without a lid).
In the meantime, I tried the boiling water trick someone had told me about. It didn’t freeze in midair, so that was a bummer, but it did freeze VERY quickly.
When there’s ice on the INSIDE of your door, you know it’s way too cold! 🙂
After 2 hours: water without lid was solid.
I blew bubbles, but it wasn’t really exciting. Nothing happened–except I got VERY cold since it was 8 degrees! 🙂
After three hours, the results:
Water and milk: Frozen solid.
Juice and Sunny D: Slushies
Gatorade and salt water: not even close!
So there you go. I am going to leave them out overnight (since it will be around 2 or 3 degrees tonight) to see if they will all be frozen in the morning. 🙂 It’s been interesting!!
A few years ago, I created a list of 100 things about me (because my other friends had been doing the same thing on their blogs)…I found that list today, and thought it would be fun to revise it/repost it… 🙂
1. I was born in Hayward, California on New Year’s Eve.
2. When I was almost 7, my parents decided to move to Northern California.
3. I won the spelling bee in 5th grade and progressed to the county level.
4. I misspelled the word “enamel”, much to the dismay of my father(the painter).
5. I won the “Geography Bee” twice between 5th-7th grade (don’t remember when).
6. Much of my life was dedicated to beating Casey Coffman in everything. 
7. I started playing the clarinet in 4th grade.
8. I got bored with the clarinet in 6th grade and started the flute.
9. My first piano lesson was at the age of 8.
10. My freshman year I started playing French Horn (bored with flute).
11. I have always loved camp–whether being a camper or a counselor… 🙂
12. In 8th grade, I went to the state level of the “History Day” competition.
13. My entry was a video documentary on The Beatles.
14. In 1998, I sang at the State Youth Conference in front of 7,000 people.
15. In 1999, I was an exchange student to Guadalajara, Mexico.
16. I was in three musicals in high school.
17. “Bye Bye Birdie” –I was Alice, the mayor’s daughter (1 solo and 2 trios)
18. “Brigadoon”–I was Jean (a lead, with two solos)
19. “The Sound of Music”–I was Sister Sophia (a nun, opened the play a capella).
20. I graduated high school with a 3.998 GPA.
21. I was .02 from graduating with “Distinction and Honor”.
22. I graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2005 with a 3.67 GPA. So close to honors, again!
23. I have been to 31 states: Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware and Nevada.
24. I have been to three countries: Canada, Mexico and Tunisia.
25. One of my goals in life is to visit all seven continents.
26. I want to have four kids someday (2 adopted, 2 of my own).
27. I now play seven instruments: Piano, guitar, flute, clarinet, french horn, mandolin, and ukelele (learning).
28. I have an incredible family (immediate and extended), and love them dearly.
29. I have a rabbit named Casey (after Casey Jones, railroad conductor), who lives with my parents.
30. He was NOT named after my life-long rival, Casey Coffman.
31. My favorite NASCAR driver is Casey Mears.
32. My favorite driver was always Ricky Rudd until he retired.
33. I raced once, led a few laps and then was spun into the wall.
34. That ended my racing “career”, LOL.
35. I once had a prescription to chew gum (6th grade). Seriously.
36. I love photography and purchased a Nikon D-80 a year ago.
37. I used to eat Heinz Ketchup on everything. Even fruit.
38. I love getting reactions out of people (i.e. #37).
39. I would love to go to Italy on my honeymoon…or a road trip in some remote area of North America…
40. I’ve been told by over 60 people that I look like Lindsay Lohan.
41. And that was on two continents (N. America and Africa).
42. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Azusa Pacific Univ.
43. I am in TIME Magazine (in a group), in the very center of the magazine.
44. I was on ABC for approx. 30 seconds during the 2005 Inauguration.
45. My parents have sacrificed far more than I will ever know, so that I could have the life I have so enjoyed.
46. I started to learn Arabic, and will finish someday. Just not right now.
47. I love biking and hiking.
48. I think picnics are a perfect way to spend a day.
49. I love surprising people.
50. The most elaborate surprise I’ve ever done was in February 2004.
51. I flew to Chicago to cheer up a friend who needed it.
52. He had NO idea. And it was a great weekend.
53. Classical music can move me to tears.
54. I was a Southern Baptist “Summer Missionary” for two summers in Pennsylvania.
55. I worked on three campaigns during college.
56. I have only been to one protest (Hillary Clinton and Gray Davis). It was fun!
57. I still can’t believe that I lived in Southern California for 7 years.
58. I moved to Pennsylvania in July 2008, without a job, and the Lord has truly blessed me here…
59. I’ve learned that you never really know someone until you live with them.
60. I had 17 roommates during my four years of college: Allison, Leslie, Sara, Jessica, Alli, Katie, Rebecca, Jo, Jen, Kori, Brianna, Jes, Erin, Courtney, Erin, Kait, Ananda.
61. I had four more roommates after college: Molly, Christy, Mindi, and Laura. And one more soon: Lena. 22 total.
62. I really should be a detective–I’d be good at it.
63. I love driving.
64. I love baking/cooking.
65. Camping and fishing are two things I wish I had discovered much earlier!
66. I am lactose intolerant. Grrr!! However, I found medicine in 2007 that solved that problem!
67. I am very allergic to bees (Epi-pen at all times!), and am terrified of them.
68. My sophomore year in high school I got the Performing Arts “Juliet Award”.
69. The award was given to the female with the most relationships that year.
70. It was NOT a compliment! Especially because I only “dated” four guys, I think.
71. I love maps. I can spend HOURS studying them.
72. I have had two surgeries on my radial nerve in my right arm.
73. Because of those two surgeries, I have a “Nike sign” scar that is 8 inches long.
74. James Madison is my favorite U.S. President (and my future daughter will be named Madison 🙂 )
75. Of all the books I own, I’ve read less than 50% in their entirety.
76. I could drink apple juice every day.
77. I am extremely opinionated, but have become more open-minded as I get older.
78. For 21 years, I had straight hair, but always wanted curly hair.
79. Between 21-22 yrs, my hair began to develop a wave/curl to it.
80. I finally have curly-ish hair!!
81. I lied about my weight on my driver’s license in California, and was happy that PA doesn’t ask for it…
82. I was a vocal performance major when I first started college.
83. I have issues with can-openers. Sometimes I just can’t figure them out!
84. I haven’t been kissed in four years. It was six years before that. And that’s okay!!
85. I love singing the National Anthem; One of my life goals is to sing it at a major sporting event…like NASCAR!
86. I love event planning and would love to do that as a career.
87. I am a redneck. It didn’t occur to me until I moved to SoCal.
88. Voting is SO exciting to me!
89. My favorite band EVER is Caedmon’s Call. Hands down.
90. I don’t like alcohol and don’t drink. Designated Driver is my title. 🙂
91. I love “The Learning Channel” and “The History Channel.”
92. I really love Jack Bauer!!
93. For 11 years of my life I planned on being an astronaut.
94. I even had a Congressman lined up to write my recommendation to the USAF Academy.
95. Daisies are my favorite flowers. They’re just so happy!
96. I found Jon & Kate’s house and church, and loved that challenge!
97. Most of my closest friends in life have been guys.
98. I dealt with local taxes for 2.5 years at ADP–and don’t know how I survived the boredom.
99. I was class treasurer for three years in high school.
100. Without God, none of this would have been possible.
Click Here to View HR 853
Even So, Joy 