Over Roatan

I thought I would post a picture of where we are, I took it from the plane! sooo gorgeous!
Be sure to look at the previous post for more pics and video.
- after this I may not post again, I'm officially going on vacation/shut down mode :)
blessings
-missa

Roatan 1st Day

Hello all,
Today we made it to Roatan and the first thing we did was jump into the ocean.
Here is a bit of what we saw close to the shore in front of the resort, can't wait to see what else is out there!
Here's 3 pictures and a very short video.
We have absolutely no phone service but we do have internet! Funny huh!

Song of the day number 2 title is Hot Cross Buns

Yes my friends, our talent has risen up within us again and since we have you to spew it out on, here it is:

I don't really like to sign autographs but, if you must have one please contact my people. I fear too many requests on my blog with crash blogger.com

Let's be honest, nobody wants that!

PS.... Its 1:00 in the morning and we need to be up in 4 1/2 hours.

Vacation here we come!

Save yourself

So..... we finally leave tomorrow and I am in a save yourself mode!

Again, to get my point across I'm going to reference a movie scene- 

Ok so picture this;

The building is burning and the main character goes in to the building to rescue others. While others run away from the fire he (being the hero he is..) runs into the fire. He knows he has been given all power to make this rescue. Others fall short but, not him.... if anyone can do it, he thinks he can! So he runs into the building but...... soon after running in he hears cracking, the ceiling is about to cave in so he has to quickly assess the area. He must look at all that needs to be rescued and make the decision which he save. He must in the blink of an eye prioritize the importance of everything around him because within seconds, time will run out ..... So what is his first thought; Save yourself!!

Well people,

Im there! I took a look over my list of things to do this morning and went into a save yourself mode. I must prioritize. I am only going to do what I can , you know, the things that are most important like..... pack....  :) If I don't prioritize then I could be here another 2 days trying to finish and I am NOT letting that plane leave with out me.... oh no...even if Im running down the tarmac.... Im leaving! 

blessings-

Missa

Chariots of Fire

Have you ever heard the song Chariots of Fire?
It is always played in the back ground of some movie during the finale while the movie play in slow motion.

The movie is usually about a person who is battling something and then in the last 2 minutes they get victory over it (so predictable). OK, picture the scene.... a runner with his hands up, sweating..... he has the finish line in sight.... running slowly... but, he thinks he cant possibly make it....he wants to give up but, suddenly from somewhere deep within he pushes past the doubt and wouldnt you know it, he feels the breaking of the tape of the finish line around his mid-drift. You know the scene, he crosses a significant finish line of some sort (all in slow motion of course- it's more dramatic) then he cries at the thought of achieving such a goal and all onlookers peer at him with a deep meaningful admiration for what he has accomplished all while jealously despising him for it :)

Anyway.......

Well, that is where I am, I'm running- I'm sweating.
I am starting to hear chariots of fire as the finish line of boarding that plane cross my mind.

2 more days to vacation and all i have left to do is.......
sweep
mop
vacuum
import pics & charge batteries (camera)
get a few groceries
run to the bank
finish editing a movie
finish editing some wedding pictures then drop them off
pay some bills
write out a few cards
find someone to mow my lawn (we ran out of time this week)

mail a package to my mom and jo-jo

laundry

and dont forget, PACK!

Unfortunately at this point it feels as though it is all being done in slow motion.

Although, I must secretly admit that I love to pack. packing is the significant finish line for me as it reminds me that we are at the victorious end. It reminds me that we made it, we have our victory over the rat race we have to endure every time we go on a vacation. Im hearing it guys.... The sweet sound of chariots!

Chariots of Fire.....take me away but not soon enough!

SYATP 08'

Today is a BIG day for youth pastors everywhere!
Today was the See You At The Pole!
See you at the Pole is a day when christian teenagers meet together at their schools flagpole to pray for:
1- School
2- Their authorities (teachers, admin etc)
3- Their peers (to come to know Christ)
4- Eachother

Each year we get volunteers to "adopt" a school and go support the youth from our youth church since Scott and I can only cover 2 schools. This year we actually both went to one of the local schools.
Each time we go, I am blessed to see youth (1 hour earlier than school starts), ready to pray. And to also see the ones that despise the ones who pray, they are always close by as well- cursing as loud as possible.
Today, I was reminded that these are our future leaders, these youth will grow up to do mighty things! I was also saddened to see how the amount of students in attendance was almost 1/3 of the number that attended last year. At one school where there were 30+ youth last year, there were NO youth at the flagpole.
This generation is under attack! And this is where we, as adults, come into play. I ask you to please pray for teenagers everywhere. There is a mighty calling on this generation and we can stand in the gap and come before the Lord on their behalf..... pray for them often, pray for boldly. We love these kids and want God's best for each of them.

Blessings-
Missa

Song of the day

Welcome to our song of the day: this one is titled...
"500 mile dorks"

Too much time in the car perhaps??
BUT -> Isnt this what all couples do while on the road????

Hope you enjoyed and yes....... we do weddings and family reunions (for donations of course).
oh yeah people, there is more where this came from!

(and just think, we are some of the ones leading this next generation)

-missa

the beauty of heartbreak

There are many things that break my heart and people are on the very top of the list.Life deals people such hard cards sometimes and it breaks my heart to see how people deal or dont deal with issues. I just pray that God intervene when I see things like this but, man..... when I see these types of things they resonate with me for so long. I want to rescue everyone..... sometimes its hard to know my own limits and just TRUST that God has NO LIMITS! With him there is NOTHING impossible..... he saves, he redeems, he covers, he cleanses and he restores.... NOT ME but, I can pray that person into their victory. Today I ask that you join me in praying about something......

Saturday while I was rushing to a wedding I saw a young girl (about 13-16 yrs old) on the corner under a bridge holding a sign. 

The sign read " Pregnant! Homeless! Please help!" 

It was obvious by her belly that she was late in pregnancy and had not bathed in a while. I did a double take to see if that was what I really saw and yes, she was there. I did not imagine it (I wish I had).

All I could say was "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus". I felt my heart sink and my stomache turn.

What was it that brought this baby- this child herself to this point, where are her parents, where is her family, her friends, the father of the baby? I looped back around to pick this girl up and since it was under IH-45 It took me all of 5 minutes to get turned around and sure enough she was gone!

"Oh my, Lord, please help her", was all I could say while I drove the parking lots in the nearby shopping areas looking for this girl. Had I found her I dont know what I would have done, all I know is, I couldnt just drive by...... !

Late to the wedding or not...... I was gonna find her, I was gonna figure something out.

Well readers, (all 3 of you :)

After circling the area, I did not find her. So, I ask you with a sincere heart to please say a prayer for this young girl! I dont know her name but, my father God does! 

Each day I pass this same area by the bridge and I've looked for her everyday since then... she is in my heart and in my prayers. My heart breaks for her heart ache.

Please pray for the beautiful- precious- soon to be young mother and her baby.

God is faithful!

blessings.

-missa

Final Countdown

Hello All-

(my 3 readers)

5 more days till we leave for vacation.

It is not soon enough :)

Just in case your wondering, I fixed my IPOD. Funny thing is that; in the previous blog I wrote that I can not wait to relax with Shawn McDonald playing, guess what? Shawn McDonald was the list of songs that I could not get to transfer, the files were lost! Can you believe that? But, after a lot of tinkering with the computer, threatening the computers life, a few thoughts of throwing the computer through the wall. I am happy to announce that IT COOPERATED- I was able to recover the file!

And after only ....15 hours of transfering music,

I will sit on the beach and listen to my music and enjoy some REST and RELAXATION with my wonderful hubby all while.....

 basking in my victory over technology!

Love ya,

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa

Smile and say cheese- I baked you a cake

For a few months now I have been praying about and tossing around the idea of starting a baking business on the side (I love to bake). I enjoy baking so much that I do it all the time for our fundraisers and just for fun for others. On friday a friend called and asked about an order for some cakes... is the Lord trying to tell me something? 

Another thing I'm working toward is; I plan to take some photography classes to improve my picture taking skills and then do some photography on the side as well.

Baking and photography are 2 things that I "love" to do so, why not do it to bring in some extra income.

Today was a first for me, I was able to photograph a friends wedding. 

It was a really fun experience and I hope to be able to do it again for others.

Here is one of the photos... just a little somethin to look at. It will get better with practice Im sure.

NE ways,

Have a wonderful day.

Scott and I are gonna enjoy the rest of the evening, as we finally have a few hours of down time.

-missa

take up a towel

Hello readers,

I am happy to report that my IPOD is being fixed right now. I am working on moving my music library from one computer to another, ive been at it for about 6 hours now but I will okay- thank you all for your concern as I experienced panic over my ipod :) Im fine now, I've got some perspective now.

What changed me you ask? well, let me tell you about my thursday- I stated in a previous  post I love thursdays... this one was no different!

I woke up at 5:30am to go get supplies for a luncheon then cook and get to work by 9am, the lunch was for a very special group of people. 

Today was the burial of our dear friend Don so, we planned on having all of his friends come back to the church for a meal. I was blessed to be the one to cook and to serve the food to all of Dons friends- now my new friends.

We had a total of about 12 people and it was  a very sweet time with them. Though we do not have a lot in common physically, (we sleep in a cozy-overly decorated and sometimes overflowing with junk houses and they sleep in tents) I realized today that we had a love for a friend in common and a love for God. Not to mention a compassion for people. 

So, when I stop and think... maybe if I did go on vacation without my ipod I would be okay with that bc today the Lord used me to hold a homeless woman as she cried to mourned the loss of a friend and really, when all the electronics are gone that is all I desire, to be used by God and that my life bring him glory in some way each day! 

Today was a bitter sweet day, I pray that today you also met the Lord with Joy in serving him and others around you.

Today I was reminded that the most important accessory is not an electronic, it is a towel!!!

A towel like Jesus so I can wash feet (serve).

Blessings!

-missa

please anthing but this

I have been counting down the days to our vacation, from today we have 10 days. I have made a list of all the things I need to remember to pack and at the top of the list is my IPOD.

You see, I have visions of sitting on the beach, watching the sun go down listening to my worship music low enough that I can still hear the crashing of the waves. I also have visions of laying on the hammock out front of our room (if there is one) and listening to Shawn McDonald while enjoying my time of doing NOTHING!
I go to bed with my IPOD on, wake up with my IPOD on, have it on as I have my time with the Lord and then when I am at work I plug it in... It is also on when I cook and clean... I love music!!!

I have years and years of collecting all the best worship music, praise music, classical and just over all personal favorites. My IPOD has movies and 80 gigs of storage space...all of the music is neatly categorized to my preference. I saved forever for this and my chain reference bible.

As many of you have read in a previous blog, my Ipod is one of my 5 most prized posessions.
1)Husband (I ADORE my hubby)
2)Thompson chain reference bible (weighs like 15 lbs but I love it)
3)Camera(s) (a gift from my wonderful hubby)
4)IPOD (tear... sniffle)
5)Imac (to sync ipod)

Well, my visions came to a screeching halt last night as I plugged in to sync my IPOD (for the song I bought after my previous blog) and ...........

The computer and the IPOD stopped working!!!!

PLZZZZZZZZZ..... anything but this!!!!!! My vacation is just around the corner. I can not imagine going with no music. I dont know how people survived before technology? I do not want to find out either!
Yes people, I am hurting! I am scared! I am perplexed->(yes, only that big of a word would suffice in this situation)
After several hours of messing with both the computer and the ipod, an hour long call to Apple's technical support, (why, why, why does this have to happen 10 days before?) and then, he says it, what I dread hearing. "Ma'am, you will have to take the computer in to be serviced, you are no longer on a service warranty".

*** I need a miracle people, This is serious stuff.... I atleast need the computers cooperation in letting me back up all my music ***

plz..... anything but this! Im a junkie. I need my music fix! I dont even own a CD player- as if!

All I can think of is that song by Garth Brooks "dont take the girl".. yeah replace girl with IPOD, Im there!!!!

Dearly Loved

A very dear friend emailed this video to me and after watching it, I was touched by it. I wanted to share it with all of you (my 3 readers :) Listen to the words.



There really is nothing that can seperate you from the love of God so remember... you are loved and we love you too!

-missa

Toll-tastic

Recently when i had my nephews and niece here, they taught me a new game.

Each time we would pass through the toll it would flash (when it takes pictures) one day my oldest nephew jo-jo saw the toll picture-taker-thingy coming up, he turned to the other 2 and said " smile bubba and sister"!!!! Then they all made a funny face. 

Each time from then on, it became a game with us... we would go through there making the silliest and strangest faces possible. 

Now, each time I go through the toll booth and see the flash of the picture-taker-thingy it makes me smile. It makes me think of them and the funny games we make up... I also often wonder if we are the only one with this genius idea....... surely there are others.

Anyways, Scott and I decided to play the toll booth picture game and it was toll-tastic!

If you were the lucky one reviewing the pictures, here is what you would have been blessed with this evening ->

 

-Missa

I love Thursdays

Today was one of those "aww does it get any better than this" kinda days. 

My day was spent at the church (where I work) interacting with people who come in to receive from the food pantry. Every thursday is food pantry day so people start lining up at 8:15-8:30 and the doors open at 9am. Today we had about 55 families come through the doors. What I love about thursdays is that there is such a melting pot of people at the church. Thursdays are like no other day, it is usually a busy, busy, busy day but, this thursday I was blessed to get to talk to so many people. Today I mingled, I cut up and laughed with some of the volunteers, I held babies, I met new people- I learned from a homeless women how much it hurts her to be in this phase of her life. (I say that in peace knowing that she is being prayed for and helped to get through  this phase. It won't always be this way and if anything I rest in the fact that with my God, all things are possible). 

Though it hurts to see so many hurting people, I know that God is working.. I see it in things like.......Today, I also saw one of the ladies that used to be on the streets use her life to serve others. 

I am blessed to daily see the hand of the Lord move, not only in my life but in the lives around me. It was an extremely peaceful day for me. These are the days that I stop, take a deep breath and thank God for his grace and his mercies. Everyone has a story and I love to hear all of them- mainly because I love to pray for people and see them get their victory! 

I love Thursdays, what a perfect day.

Next thursday i will take some video footage and post it.

-missa

Deep Thoughts by Scott Taylor

Now, when everyone visits a blog, it is about the pictures and the video and about what is going on today.  My little portion is more about deep thoughts.  Just weird things that we all think about or maybe just me.  Here is my deep thought of today.

"How to Save time in Your Day"

Everyone wants to save time and everyone says "i don't have enough time in the day".  I have an idea.  Lets just abbreviated everything.  Now, everyone knows about LOL, IDK, BFF, and OMG, and everyone thinks that it started with text messaging.  But, it really started in the early 90s, when we all got into chat rooms.  Oh, ya, they were big in the 90s.  Recently, I saw a episode of Friends where Chandler was talking to someone in a chat room and Phoebe asked Chandler what HH meant.  It meant that they are holding hands.  WOW, HH is powerful and yet so romantic.  What if we just decided to make a dictionary of abbreviated words?  And we had over 1,00o words just abbreviated like OMG and then in the future all signs, words, languages were just abbreviated.  It would save time.  Time that everyone wants to spend with their loved ones.  Like I would just email my friend and it would say "mt gm tnt 7p, bg wgs"  which translates into "Lets meet for the football games tonight at 7pm, can you make sure to bring the wings."  I just saved 20 seconds by just abbreviating, WOW, I just saved time.  Lets all save time.  Here are some abbreviated translations for you.  Now this is the Scott Taylor Version: 

hru = How are you?

hmch ds it cst= How much does it cost?

wht r u doin tgt= What are you doing tonight?

i hgry, lts et= I'm hungry lets eat

i thg abt goin to gme tgt, wht r u doin = I was thinking about going to the game tonight, what are you going to do?

i dcd 2 chg my clts and nt whr otft bc i dnt lke the wy it lk on me = i decided to change my clothes and not wear that certain outfit because I didn't like the way it looked on me.

Stp = Stop

Et= Eat 

And just think how much time we can save each day.  Amazing!!

That is Deep thoughts by Scott Taylor

**Next deep thought coming soon***

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

Hello All,
I have recently been on a quest to get rid of some pounds, get back in shape and just feel better.
I've taken up riding my bike every morning at 6am. I'm starting with a short 2 mile ride and then over time I hope to increase it and I'm entertaining the idea of some type of run (small marathon) here in Austin. I'm trying to talk my friend Nichole into doing it with me :) (hint, hint- Nichole).
Anyways, I am starting small and over time I hope to hit that personal goal.

I started bike riding last Monday (Labor Day) morning. It has been so great and such an adventure!
Day one was smooth sailing, scott went with me and the morning bike ride bug bit me. I forgot it is at this time of morning, people are out running... the air is cool and it's so quiet. It is a great time to turn on some good music and just ride!!
-little did I know what was to come:
Day two consisted of me leaving my house in the dark, being slapped in the face by a tree branch (i didn't see it) and ended with me almost backing an SUV over my bike. Luckily I heard the crash of my bike hitting the ground before I fully backed up.... my heart fell into my throat! but, my bike is okay. Thank you Lord!
Day two consisted of me sleeping a little past 5:50 and not leaving till 6:10...BIG MISTAKE... I was not fully awake but, I had to leave bc if I do not time myself just right I will be playing catch up all day. So sleepily and determined I jump on my bike, who knew school buses start running so early... i think I dodged busses and inhaled exhaust more than anything else.....
Day three- yay, I got up on time and thought it was gonna be smooth sailing.... The weather was georgeous- a light breeze so I begin to pedal. I got my worship music on.... I get a 1/2 mile into it and look down to change a song when......... i hear ppssssshhhhh.... and I get a sprinkler right in the face..... I wipe my eyes and there it goes again... pppsssshhhhh..... it was a ground system that was starting in a sequence one-after-the-other.... when I pass one- the next one comes on right in my eyes bc by the time I wipe my eyes its too late to prevent the next one. Cars were passing on the street so I couldnt get off the sidewalk... so, once I get through the sprinklers I stop to wipe my eyes, dry off what I can and check my ipod (one of my most precious posessions)- everything still works!
Not long after I stopped to get my self together I hear a deep grumbling bark of a pitbull... short, white and stocky.... barking and coming my way- QUICKLY!....
My only thought was "oh God, I dont want to die trying to get thin". Needless to say I petal faster and Im freezing from my wet clothes and the beautiful breeze that I spoke of earlier :)Luckily for me, the dog only chased me half a block before the owner came out and called him back. I finally get home 10 minutes later than my normal time so scott is already at the door waiting and when I come in he sees me all wet and says "what were you doing" like I look this way intentionally.
I comment with "running through the sprinklers and playing with Dogs"..
ha! what a morning!
Im determined to make this work so I keep going and since that day, my riding has been smooth and I am finding that I love this time alone, in the silence. I ride, I pray, I talk to the Lord and I think about deep things in life.... things like, who waters their grass in a sequence and why dont people use leashes.... things like, why is that school bus parked there with no lights on.... hmmmmm suspicious, but most of all I think about the goodness of God in my life and I enjoy starting my day this way!

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone!
-missa

Donald Coffman; our friend

Donald Coffman 

Oct 1st, 1958- Sept 3rd, 2008

This week we said good-bye to a very dear and loved friend; Don.

Don was homeless from the age of 12 and spent some time at 

the Hillside recovery home. Scott and I used to pick up Don and his friend Chris for church services and Adopt-A-Block each week so we got a chance to get to know him and love him. Don spent alot of time at the church, he would clean and do whatever we needed help with.

One time he even washed my car while I worked.

He had a tremendously generous heart and genuinely cared for others.

He once told us that he played the lottery and if he ever won he was going to buy us a new church and himself a trailer. Then park the trailer next to the church and live there so he could stay close by. I told him that would be awesome! 

The next day to my suprise I pulled up to the church and sure enough there was a trailer parked in front! No, it did not belong to Don- it was belonged to the company next door to us but, we all got a good laugh out of it...Don especially!

My life is changed after knowing him. 

He went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday morning Sept. 3rd.

This morning we showed a video of pictures and footage of Don during our church service and many of his friends from the homeless community came to celebrate Don's life with us. It was a bitter-sweet moment. 

Don will truly be missed, we loved him- he was a GREAT friend!

Can you hear me

Many of you know Jeff and Nichole, they are our wonderful volunteer youth staff.

Jeff has always struggled with his voice, what most of us sound like when we have strep throat, Jeff has sounded like his whole life. His voice was only as loud as a whisper sometimes but he still has always lived loud for the Lord.

We witnessed a miracle this month; Jeff had surgery to repair his voice and for the 1st time ever, his children, his wife and his friends were able to hear him loud and clear. Thank you Lord! 

We love and are so excited for the Murillo family.

Here is Jeff and Nichole praying with Louie Giglio before his surgery:

Cupcake, Contests and Cuddles

While my nephews and niece were here we made cupcakes then had a cupcake decorating contest.

Here are the winners:

-> Most Chocolate Chips: Gabriel "bubbas" 

-> Best use of accessories (srpinkles etc..): Cineca "sister"

-> Most Stuffing: Joseph "Jo-Jo"

Meet my new friend David

After many years of being a fan of the music of the David Crowder Band - Scott and I were able to meet him.

If you don't know who they are, visit their website and listen. www.davidcrowderband.com

Their music is unique and so good!

Here's a pic with us and our new friend: David Crowder!

-Austin is the coolest place to live.

8 repairs and our sanity later

We have had an interesting and challenging year in vehicles!

Our jeep went to heaven in March and we said Good-bye to our white Ford Focus in August. Both vehicles completely killed over. The jeep after a long time of hanging in there and the Focus after 8 costly repairs.

We tried to stay happily married AND share a car but we quickly realized that was not going to be possible with Scott working across town and in Temple (1 hour away), me running errands, grocery shopping, strange hours and church events. 

Not long after each death, we were blessed with cars in a matter a few weeks. God is always so faithful!

Here is a pic of our first ever new car... it smells so yummy, come over for a drive sometime!

Backpacks and Blessings

Back to school can be a hard time for so many families so, we (Hillside) were blessed to be allowed by the Georgian community (upcoming 2nd AAB location) to come in and pass out backpacks for all of the beautiful children going back to school.

Thanks to all the donations from the congregation we were able to sow some seeds for all of the kids going BACK TO SCHOOL.

Remember, keep the schools covered in prayer.

The AAB torched has been passed

After one year and a few months ..... lots of prayer and some tears and trying to bargan with God, the torch has been passed;

We stepped down for overseeing and co-leading the Adopt-A-Block Outreach at Hillside.

We really feel that our hearts and our focus needs to be completely sold out to youth ministry and all the wonderful youth God has entrusted us with; they are amazing.

Please pray for Xtreme Youth Church as the Lord lays us on your heart.

7 years and a marinating rat

We celebrated our 7th year anniversary on August the 4th.

We didn't do anything spectacular. We usually go the Melting Pot since we LOVE that place for special occasions but, we decided against reservations, traffic and dressing up and decided to spend time home with my mom and nephew. We did however go to the pool and hang out for a few hours.

After we had accidentaly swallowed some water, let it run through our hair and cascade all over our skin, the lifeguards made everyone evacuate bc there was a dead rat marinating at the bottom of the pool the whole time!

ha- my mom almost vomited :) 

oh well, what can you do!

Welcome to our lives

WELCOME TO OUR LIVES!!!!

In the last few months I have sent an email to all friends and family that I can think of to keep them up to date on our lives and all that we have going on. 

As the emails grow longer and longer and the list of people receiving grows longer, I find that the email version, though long, never fully reflects all that is going on in the lives of the Taylors. 

Scott and I have a life of adventure (that is for sure) each day brings a day of new mercies and a wonderful walk with a savior that is so Fun to serve. We will post some of our adventures of everyday life here so I hope that you will all check back with us often.

Our first few blogs will be a look back over the past month (since I have not managed to send the monthly Taylor Update- sorry) and then it will begin to get current.

Both Scott and myself will post on here so who knows what will show up.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

-missa