Praise the Lord!

 Just a quick hello.......

Hope all is well. Parenthood is a full-time job, you may or may not know that my wife and I welcomed our first child last year. Our little blessing from the Lord. 

Madison :)

 

Keep the faith and God bless!

20200811

Wedding Bells!

Good Morning!

  I woke up wedding day feeling really calm. I was asked plenty of times through out that day if I was nervous. In all honesty I felt completely calm. I spent most of the morning running around and doing little errands to help out. I got up very early and went to downstairs to the hotel breakfast. Sure enough, my father in law was already there. The early bird himself. I nodded at him and sat with him. I will admit I was feeling tired because my guys didn't let me go to sleep. They were up all night! We had multiple rooms but many of them wanted to stay together, so I got no sleep. I understood they were just all excited for me.

  I told my fiance at the time, to embrace it all. You only get this experience once. All our bridal parties excitement for us, it was a long and crazy busy process for us. So as it was coming up on the big day, we really had to step up and allow ourselves to enjoy the last moments building up to it. If that makes sense. lol I wanted us to make sure our bridal party know we were having a good time.

  Back to breakfast, it was almost as a last confirmation from God. It started with me taking my father in law to breakfast and asking for his daughters hand in marriage and now here we were on the big day, having breakfast.

  So I'll fast forward to moments before the wedding. I actually spent over an hour stuck in a room. You would have to understand the the layout of the beautiful church we had the wedding at. Well I couldn't really go out because there were many guests that I wanted to wait till the reception to really talk to them so that we could really have a conversation. My coworkers came early and they brought them to the back where I was able to get a picture with them. They had been along for the ride since the moment I started planning the proposal!

  Photographers came and they are seriously great guys. Very professional and skilled. What I enjoyed was their ability to calm the nerves and make everyone feel comfortable. I would gladly forward you their information so just say the word!

   It was all over so fast and we moved on to the next phase, photos! Then back to the reception. I was living up the last moments with our bridal party and then I couldn't wait to get back to all the friends and family. I didn't know who all was there. I am not really going to talk about the actual wedding ceremony,  itself because I really can not put it into words. I am blessed.

  After the reception we drove off, till we couldn't see them in the rear view mirror. It was a blast. We stopped and changed into comfortable clothes. If you wish to run around in a suit and wedding dress all evening, more power to you! lol We then hit the road and the rest was history.

   Be faithful to God, that's what I will end this post with. You won't be perfect but God makes up the difference. He honors them that honor him.


   Okay here are some pics!

To God be all the glory, have a good day!

Elias
20171109

Been There, Done That

Good Morning!

  Its finally getting cold over in So-Cal. It feels like at this point we might as well skip winter. lol We have been having a great church as of late. Many, many, many bible studies and people added to the church.

   The main point of this post, is this...

   Although I feel like I should really take my time with this point or even make it a series of posts, I want to talk about Elders.

   I can say that for most of my teenage and adult life I have had an appreciation for elderly people. This world teaches that we really don't need to pay any attention to older folks, they are sort of a hindrance. There in the way, holding back "progress". This perhaps one of the most devastating mind sets a young person can hold. Whenever I hear of old people being disrespected its cringe worthy. Don't equate older people with wisdom necessarily. You can pray for wisdom at an early age and not all elderly people should be looked to for wisdom but for the most part they should. You see life teaches you many many tough lessons. The elderly brothers and sisters are usually eager to share a little wisdom with an up and coming young person. A pastor can't do it all, the saints serve a vital role as well. With that said, looking to peers for direction can set you off course. If the goal is heaven, we need to ask those who have had life experiences come along, tribulations and stumbling blocks. The day will come when we will have children of our own, why wouldn't you ask godly parents of now older kids, for advise? Elders are very important. 

   "Trail Blazer" seems like a nice title. There are somethings that however don't need new trails. I highly esteem those that have given a lifetime to the kingdom of God. Although there is a special place in my heart for older ministers and their family, there is something precious too about elder saints that have been a pillar at their local church.

  We were all blessed to have Elder Abbot and his family with us for a couple weeks. Health conditions have made mobility more difficult for him. You can see that his desire to help people has not changed. God has been good to him. He expressed to me his frustration with not being able to move around and pray with people at the alter. That really stirred me up, we hear preaching about the importance of alter working all the time. I will end this post here, don't forget the gift that God has given the church. Elderly folks, pillars in the church. Elders in the form of ministry, all help saints stay on the right path. A valuable asset to God's people. After all, they have been there and done that.




   The Abbott's are, as many people know, very musically talented. I'll include a link to their iTunes songs. The family album, has a track titled, "He's my Lord and my God". Check that one out.

"Take me to Jesus" is actually on Danae's solo album, which is one of my favorites.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-david-abbott-family/id639829470


Have a good day and God bless,

Elias
20171108

 

 

New Chapter

Hello,

Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths". 

I just wanna testify ;)

Trust God and stand by the man of God in your life, be a fisher of men (Soul winner). That's the only life worth living. All the other things, material etc. are blessings but how you live your live and what you live it for, is the most fulfilling part. Eventually God will send the one your way, but don't ever forget that even with the blessings and .....

Even after marriage, your prayer should still be for revival, souls can never cease from being the goal. The one you marry should share that same vision and never hinder it. If Saturday outreach is not a priority in that persons life, that is a red flag. That is just one simple area to use as a gauge. If its all about you, marriage is not for you. Do it God's way and in all ways acknowledge him, for we are not worthy and his ways are higher than our ways.

I have more wedding pics if you would like. Send an email to Crystalandelias0826@gmail.com to request more good stuff, I don't mind sending them.

Love you all and God bless,

Elias
20170913

Proposal Story

Good Afternoon!

Do you want to know how the proposal unfolded? 

To all the faithful readers, I'll get straight to the point.

I will be getting married this summer to best friend :) In this post I only hope to encourage someone and as the saying goes, "A joy shared is doubled". By the goodness of God, I am marring a godly girl, kingdom minded, that works hard. I will have to do a post on the type of person you should look for. Anyway, as members of God's church, it is a time to rejoice. I look forward to the next wedding in our church, to rejoice with whoever it is. With that in mind......

I took Crystal on a date, we for the most part each live pretty busy lives. At the time, it was high stress for both of us. I hope this would play well into the element of surprise. I can recall telling her that we needed a date and time to just hang out. I reached out to our most faithful chaperone. Thank God for Mary Perez. lol (Name Drop) I did not tell Mary about our plans. I called some close friends of ours and family members.  

Where did you propose at? I thought this would be the hardest thing to determine. I looked at many different places. I am not a "Cheesy" kind of guy. If you are and you're reading this, more power to you. lol I also don't believe in making something like this a public spectical. So it had to be breathtaking and peaceful. When Point Dume came across my search, I felt so at peace with it. I also became super anxious once I found the location. 

I went to the location days before and scouted the area. Took pictures and even stood in the exact location. I looked for a restaurant that was close by. 

Interesting details of the planning: 

1) Hiring photographers, a great team of guys that were referred to me by a close friend. They are the same group that shot the proposal, engagement, and will be doing the wedding. I will gladly forward you any information should you need it. They really captured the natural joy of each moment. Nothing felt scripted. I told them about my plans to propose and so they posed as guys simply taking pictures up at the top of the cliff. 

2) Hiring a musician. A guitarist and vocalist all wrapped in one. I had him work directly with the photographers and they even pretended to take pictures of him up there. He would begin to play my request once she said yes. 

3) The restaurant was a place I had taken her before, only further adding to the element of surprise. (Talk more about this shortly.)

4) I had to be very short with crystal and misleading in our conversations leading up to this. It was rough but I really wanted to surprise her. 

5) I will never forgetting calling one of her best friends the day of the proposal. I called at 9am and basically said, "____ where are you?, it's happening today" She had no idea what I was talking about, took her a few more seconds...She said, "No way!" and screamed. I was very careful with all the planning. I didn't even tell our Chaperogne! lol 

6) Buying the watch, it was the most difficult part! guys start your search early on that! know what she likes and start your search early. My coworkers were touched when I explained the reason for the no rings and how we really don't need a ring or watch to represent our commitment. It was about the way we conducted ourselves. There are those that where rings and don't act as if they are married. My coworker, even cried when I explained this to her. She was so deeply moved. 

6) Working with my pastor through the whole process leading up to being able to propose. Just know that your pastor desires to work with you and is there to help. 

There are many more points but those are just a few.

They day of

I had breakfast with her father that morning, she did not even know. Her father and I are both very early birds. I will never forget that breakfast and our discussions....

So the day of, I gave the impression that I was very busy that day. Even changing the time once I believe. We all rode to the restaurant together which was a very short drive from the location. I felt I was for the most part calm. My biggest fear was her finding out, I worked so hard at keeping everything under wraps. We made reservations but the place was very crowded. We had no choice on the seating location. Which was nice however seated right in front of the road that lead to the entrance of the proposal location. I feared she would recognize one of the cars of those that came to be a part. Girls, never underestimate them. They are very very keen. Almost like a 6th sense. So for me, the seating location really set me into a panic. I complained about being cold where I was sitting at our location and traded places with her. I felt like she was still looking at the outside, who could blame her, it was a coastal view. I didn't feel safe so I switched seats with her again. I will never forget Mary's look on her face at my actions. lol! I saw some of the cars cross by and got her attention each time with random statements. Once it was getting time I excessed myself and paid bill and sent a text to my main contact, that we were heading up!!. I had the watch I had purchased. I somehow fit in my back pocket. I drove us up to the point and we walked and walked. I pointed to the location and we started walking there. Somehow we ended up loosing our chaperone in the process!! I knew there were at least a dozen pair of eyes glued on us so we continued. I found this to be the weirdest part. I remember thinking, what is wrong with Mary?!! (I later found out that my main contact told her!!!) I will never forget once we reached the cliff. 

I checked what time the sun would set. It was beautiful and windy. The photographers even found a way to hold down our spot, my heart was racing as I lead her to that point. I really can't explain the feeling. We got to the edge (some words were said, none of which I will share) lol I got on one knee and the rest of was history. We then heard a bunch of snapping and a lot of screaming from the distance where our family and friends were hiding. lol! 

Pictures :)

Bonus picture of some of our Bridal Party on our trip to Disney.

This post was rushed for the most part but I wanted to share with you all. To God be all the glory and keep living for God. Have a blessed day!

Eli

20170821

Good Morning! Summer Time!

Good Morning!

 I haven't posted in a while, I had some ask me at PCC about my blog. (2 people) lol jk 
 I hope everyone is having a good summer and staying busy in God's kingdom! I have various  pictures I hope to post. So brace yourselves...

With that said, have a good day. Excuse the lazy blog post!



-Eli
20170712

When God Unfolds The Rose

  "When God Unfolds the Rose"

There've been times when I thought my prayers

Didn't even reach the ceiling of the room

Where I knelt to pray

And a voice inside kept asking me

Did I think God was really listening

To anything that I had to say

But I just kept on a praying 

And holding on by faith

Knowing God is always in control

And I waited like a rose bud in the garden

For only God can unfold the rose

When God unfolds the rose 

He always gets it right

When the petals are in place 

Oh, it's such a beautiful sight

God knows when to hold on

And the perfect time to let go

So let God have his way

And watch God unfold the rose

There are trials and tribulations

We must all go through

When it comes to heartaches 

We've all had our share

Oh, but when times are the hardest

We need to hold God to the promise

He said He'd never give us more than we could bear 

So, I'll just keep on a praying 

And holding on by faith

Knowing God is working all things for my good

And I'll wait just like that rose bud in the garden

For only God can unfold the rose

When God unfolds the rose

He always gets it right

When the petals are in place

Oh, it's such a beautiful sight 

God knows when to hold on 

And the perfect time to let go

So let God have his way

And watch God unfold the rose

God knows when to hold on 

And the perfect time to let go

So let God have his way

And watch God unfold the rose

Hello, I think I might have me a Co-Contributor to this blog. ;) As another chapter closes, another one opens. To God be the glory. 

20170411

-Eli

Full Circle

Good Morning,

This past weekend I was able to take a quick trip to the bay area. I have family that lives up that way.

About a month ago, my cousin (who lives up there) called..She let us know that shes hungry for God and wants to find out more about him. We were excited and happy to hear that.

Just remember, new converts, your physical family may question your beliefs or even mock you. Just hold on, they are watching you. Things come full circle. Stay faithful to the house of God! If its Sunday, they should know where to find you. Your life should continue to be a light to their life.


"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" Joshua 24:15


Everyone loves their family. Don't ever stop praying for them, everything is in God's timing. It may takes many years but HE knows whats best. To God be the glory. Gods doing a work in their life. 


So with that said, we took a trip to see them. The drive was nice. Let me just say that I love the weather up that way. When we arrived I was greeted by my little (SECOND) cousins. lol  There now old enough to talk to and they have plenty to say. They are the sweetest and I miss them. One of them is a boy and so hes almost like the nephew I don't have. lol! I had a lot of fun playing basketball with him. 

FOOD: Oh and by the way, my aunt made her famous pupusas from scratch! I wish you all could try it. :)) (Double Chin Smile Appropriate) We then went to a salvadorian bakery and the rest was history!

Sunday: We took my cousin and her kids to the Rohnert Park Church. Plus my Aunt and her son joined us! Which was a nice surprise. The saints of the church were so friendly and made us feel welcome. It is always good to see the Luke's as well. My little cousins went to Sunday school and the rest of us enjoy the worship part of the service. The presence of God was in that place. All of my family was praying at the alter and it was so surreal seeing them up there praying and seeking God. I was so moved and filled with joy. My cousin had so many questions and we talked about God on the car ride back.

We ended up leaving real late from their house, to be honest we didn't want to leave!

Please keep them in your prayers. 

I had so much to say in this post so I just wanted to hit the main points, so bare with me on the reading format lol! 

Keep on Keeping on!

20170208 

-Eli

"You go to church alot"

Good Morning,

Hope everyone is enjoying this time of year as much as I have been. Mostly the weather! Sure I love the summertime but something about this cold weather, makes me want to play some football. lol


Anyways..quick post because I felt inspired. Make a long story short...My coworker is a long time friend of mine...We have known each other since 4th grade. I'm 26, you do the math. lol

Monday mornings usually go like this...

Me: "What up man, good morning."
Coworker: "Sup bro, how was the weekend?"

Keep in mind the following.....Usually my weekends consist of some sort of church function or event, along with actual service on Sundays..My coworker has been to my church once before but does not regularly attend church.

So he says, "that's too much, your always at church..."

What? hold up. lol I don't take offense to that and I realize that he just doesn't fully understand..

Let me just remind the church going readers of this blog of the following:

We LOVE the church, that's why we do it. We put God's house first and essentially you are putting God first in your life..Putting God first in your life and the promises that come with that are a whole blog post in and of itself. You will soon find that your life revolves around the church, we want to raise our family in this truth. God has been so good to us and we in return give back...of our time, resources etc. As much as there is work and sacrifice involved, there are countless memories and good times that go with that. Its an honor to dwell in the house of the Lord.

Be proud of your church, regardless of the number of members there are in it, put all you can in it...it might be later down the road that your kids will reap the benefits but it doesn't matter. Its all worth it. I think of my church, we celebrated a 35th pastoral anniversary this year and to just be a part of it, is awesome. There was a point in time where it was just a store front. There were couples that made commitments to God and now they are grand parents with gran kids on the drums, leading service, etc. There were several storms and seasons between then and now but look what the Lord has done.

I also looked around at our sanctuary and thought of all the men and woman that helped build this church. Literally and figuratively. Some of those people have since passed away but they were apart of a work that will have eternal effects..all you can do is stand in Awe.


So yeah...I do go to church alot ;)



Have a great day everyone :)

20161213
-Eli

August Already

God Bless you all!

Get over your Monday blues, get ready and go! haha I'm preaching to myself too. Before all that, don't forget to start your day off with prayer. Before you get ready, eat, or even get your Starbucks...Start things off on the right food, by putting God first. 





Scripture of the day:

Matthew 6:33 " But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."


Some of you might be wondering if I know any other scriptures, since I reference this one so often... well as a matter of fact I do! I can quote roughly 5 more! Boom.

Joking aside...Simply put, it settles it. The uncertainty, anxiety, and fear that comes from a young person with ambitions, not sure of how things will all work out or come to fruition. God says, just put me first. That's our job, he will take care of the rest. (God will always do his part)



Have a great day, I'm taking requests on blog topics so send them my way. Except in the area of marriage, can't help you there.....Yet ;)


God Bless,

Elias 
20160801

My Last Camp as a Camper! Part 1

   

Okay ya'll so I have been going to church camps for as long as I can remember. It all started when a friend of mine convinced me to go to Donkey Rock! (Shout Out to Fresno)...It was a big deal for me because I was sort of an introvert and feared if my friend was caught up talking to his friends, I would be forced to...(GASP) meet new people lol...I'm going to try and do a multi post blog on this so I can take my time...For now I'll leave you with this pic...From last years camp, Team 2 will always hold a place in my heart...You had to be on the team to really understand what a ride it was, that ultimately culminated in receiving first place. :)



 

Special recognition to the ladies of this team. They gave it their all and I was so proud of them. So stick with me as I pull together my best memories..A little bit of DK camp...But mostly PCC.


God Bless
-Elias
20160628

How is everyone doing?

Anyone going to CAMP?!

-Pacific Coast Camp to be exact.....

I'm looking forward to it, its a special time for kids and their families to enjoy a week of awesome church and activities...It's worth every penny so do the best you can to make it there.

Btw.... I miss the days of consistent blog posts :(

God Bless you all!

Much Love,

-Eli

20160523 

Full Circle

Good Morning,

Hope you all had a great weekend! At least for today only, most of southern California is experiencing heavy rain. Yes, rain. I had anticipated today's forecast thanks to my weather app. So while doing some shopping at Home Depot, I scooped one of these up

lol! I can't remember the last time I bought one.


The problem with this weather is that we don't know how to handle it. We simply don't know how to drive in the rain, like a 16 year old borrowing his dads muscle car to run an errand. Imagine, a sea of first time drivers! That is what you get when it rains in L.A. 



Moving along.....

This past Sunday, I helped one of the youth leaders at our church teach the youth class lesson. It was her lesson plan and I just tried to find random ways to help her because I felt like the guy getting paid to not really do anything. So I would hold any and all print outs she printed, greet the kids, collect the offering etc. Organize things that didn't really need much organizing..lol I had helped with Sunday school before but never the youth class, so I did some observing and took a lot of mental notes. I have a few weeks to prepare my own lesson and after observations I came to the following conclusion: We need an alter call in those rooms, them kids are something else. lol Maybe the reason why they don't do that is because you would have to haul wooden benches up a couple flight of stairs. lol! In all honesty, I enjoyed it and count it an honor. That age range is such a crucial time in a persons life. God bless all the Sunday School teachers! amen.

Tis all for now,  Hope to see you at Oncourse, PCC and other meetings soon to come.


Have a nice day/week/month/year/life

 

-Elias
20160307