Life group – great food, friends & fellowship

Every Thursday night I have Life Group. We are a group of young Christians who get together and feast on great food, share our thoughts, struggles, successes, personal stories, and pray for each other… what an awesome group of friends!

Tonight, our menu was Mexican (now, I am not a big fan of Mexican food – when I first came to visit the USA back in 2001, I ate a burrito from this hole-in-the-wall Mexican place in Westchester, LA, I just about died from food poisoning! Never again did I go back). But I still contributed Spanish rice and salad to tonight’s meal.

As we shared our stories and prayed about our needs, I spent some time looking back at the last 9 months since my divorce started. Wow! Nine months ago, I had just 2 friends – Jeff & Marie, that was it! But today, I have a group of strong Christian believers in fellowship, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and “almost” family here today. I am so thankful to the many people and families who have entered my life, supported me through these difficult times, gave good counsel and offered help.

But I am most thankful to the Rucker’s. They have brought me to a place where I needed to be at peace with my self and closer to God. I thought I knew everything I needed to know in life…boy, was I stupid! But is it really life if you don’t – learn from your mistakes, fail forward, or even admit your wrong? I still have a lot to learn, but this is what I do know – Jesus is my Saviour!

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John14: 6

So as I sign off tonight and get some rest… tomorrow I have a busy day, 2 CIA projects, kayaking on the lake, training for my marathon, picking the kids up from school and getting ready for another weekend! I think the following scripture is relevant tonight – “For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.” Matthew 18:20

Good night and sleep well world!

Vince’s Extreme Makeover

Tonight I’m thinking back to last year, 2008 was a huge year in my life… divorce, job loss, starting over and a total transformation of myself – physically, emotionally and spiritually. I had gone through an extreme makeover… and I like to say that the new Vince is… well see for your self! Below are just 3 photos of me that I have downloaded online.

My heaviest weight was 264 pounds… I now weigh 170 pounds, and I have not yet reached my goal weight (well, I’ve reached my goal weight a few times, it keeps changing to something less each week). A year ago I had an annual physical exam… my cholesterol was over 330, my blood pressure 150/110, my body was tired and I was advised by my doctor to make a lifestyle change or I may miss my daughter’s wedding day! So far I’ve lost over 90 pounds in the last 6 months.

So why post this blog about my weight loss? Well, a few reasons… firstly, my self image has improved and I am happy with who I am! Secondly, I want to let go of the former Vince and get ready to launch the new Vince; and finally, I want to let you know that you can do it too! I had my annual physical exam a few weeks ago and my cholesterol is now 140, my blood pressure is normal at 120/80 and I am running a marathon in June. Yes… I am actually training for a triathlon in September too!

My doctor, my family and my friends have asked me how I did it. My secret… a healthy diet (no fast food, no eating out, no junk food and no Pepsi, lots of fresh fruit & vegetables and Cheerios), exercise everyday (I workout everyday at the gym and stay very active during the day- my kids help me with that!) and determination (I know what I want and I go get it!). No fancy meal plans, no quick fix surgery, no travelling to Tibet to meditate… just a positive mindset and my trust & faith in God!

Today’s scripture is – “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” – Hebrews 10:35-36

So my friends, stay tuned for more about the new adventures of Vince. Good night and stay strong!

There’s no “I” in TEAM!

 

Sunday is usually a day of rest… not for the Sapina clan! Today we went to the Rucker’s to help with a special backyard project. The kids were so excited to be helping dad work in the yard. Every time I’m outside doing something, Bella & Ty always want to help. One of the many things my dad taught me was to work hard (sometimes I get the work hard and play hard mixed up!).

Today we cleared a 15 x 15 area of rocks to make way for a patio area. The Rucker’s are good friends of mine, and the kids enjoy hanging out with the Rucker’s too!  Did you know they have 10 children! I’ve met most of them; Ty has a crush on Lauren! He’s got a photo of Lauren in his bedroom on his desk… he’s definitely a ladies man!

The kids worked hard to help move the rocks. At one point Bella loaded up the wheel barrow and pushed it over to the pile of rocks and unloaded it herself, now that’s a tough girl! It was fun watching the kids working together – there’s no “I” in team here. Everyone contributed to the work and got rewarded with a hearty breakfast of JITB. Every sunday morning we enjoy a family breakfast of JITB!

After working at the Rucker’s, we all went to church and the kids got to see their Sunday school friends. I work for the church, so the kids are always hanging around me watching and even helping me do my jobs. Today I was filling in for the Technology team – directing the projector and slideshows. This church family is small, but we are all very close.

After church we all went down to Spring Valley Lake for lunch and a swim. We were planning on going on the boat, but it was too windy! So we rescheduled for Tuesday morning. The kids were sad that they never got to go out on the boat, but we got to make sand castles and bury Ty’s body in the sand. The kids had the best time… Ty couldn’t stop laughing, and Bella loved splashing around in the water!

What a great way to end the weekend… a family activity, fellowship with friends and lot’s of fun!

Today I came upon this verse in the Bible – “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corintians 9:6-7

I thank God for all His work and blessings in my life! Have a great week ahead. Vince

A special bond – Bella & Ty

 

This weekend the kids and I went to California Adventure Park (for those in Australia, this park is opposite Disneyland in California). The kids had a great time, and dad got to spend some time relaxing too! The fun thing about Disneyland & California Adventure is that these are memories we will never forget. Every day is an adventure for Us – we [kids and I] are adjusting to 2 homes, a split co-parenting schedule, each parent doing the work of both, and making a fresh new start as families apart.

After a great day at the park, we went to Samantha’s birthday party. Samantha is a neighbor who lives a few doors down. Today is her 5th birthday. The kids were so excited about the party – there isn’t a birthday party without a bounce house! So the kids rushed into the house, not even stopping to say Hi, and ran into the bounce house to jump around! Watching Annabella & Tyler bouce and play together was special. I’ve noticed since their mother and I separated, both Bella & Ty are closer – like best friends! One would never leave the other behind, even if they had to miss out on something! That’s a special sister & brother bond!

Tonight I am worn out! I had a busy week doing 3 CIA projects, working out at the gym, and doing the single dad things – washing, cleaning, changing bed sheets, driving to playdates, cooking dinner, bathing kids, reading stories, playing games and kissing “ouchies.” It’s funny to think back to when I was a kid, everytime I got hurt I would run to my mum and show her my “ouchie,” as every parent knows, just a simple kiss can take away the pain and tears from that injury, and we would go right back to playing again. That’s how it is with my kids – a simple kiss can take away the pain and tears!

Today’s scripture is – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4

So as I sign off tonight and get some rest, I pray that you all can share these special moments with your children and families, and encourage the lifelong bonds with your brothers and sisters. I’m still working on my brothers.

Have God bless you and your families.

Here are a few photos from Disneyland/ California Adventure park today.

With these hands

 

Wednesday’s are great days for us, it’s the middle of the week (2 days before the weekend), it’s the end of the kids stay at Dad’s house (the kids spend the first half of the week with Dad and the other half with their mom), and Wednesday mornings we have breakfast at Jack In The Box (JITB). We love Wednesday mornings at JITB, the kids look forward to this treat, and Dad doesn’t have to cook breakfast on Wednesdays!

After dropping the kids off at school, Bella & Ty attend a Montessori Pre School together in Apple Valley, I usually go ahead with the rest of my day – log on to my computer, email, make calls, attend CIA projects and meet new people - just an ordinary day at work! Well, today was no different!

I had scheduled an appointment to check out a CIA job, I will call this job – Project Barbara, it was out in the Mariana’s on a dirt road. If you have ever been to Apple Valley, you know there are paved roads and there are dirt roads! I met Barbara who needed some work done clearing 5 acres of weeds and brush to create a defensible space for fire protection. We surveyed the property and talked about the history of Apple Valley (Barbara and her husband Tom have lived in Apple Valley over 20 years).

As we talked about life, kids and God – we came to Tom’s workshop. On the outside it was just a steel building, right? On the inside it was a carpenter’s heaven. Tom had every tool, machine, template and equipment you could have to build your own furniture, or house, well maybe a doll house! So, to get to the point of this post, I am gearing up to make a piece of furniture for my friend Lon, he and his wife Susan are good friends of mine, and they need a Media Entertainment Unit custom built in their lounge room.

A few months back, I volunteered to help with the Extreme Home Makeover project in Phelan. If you are not familiar with the EHM deal – Ty Pennington comes in with his team, they demo your old house and rebuild a new 3,500 sq ft home with everything you dreamed of having in it in just 7 days…. yes! 7 days. Anyway, I worked on this EHM project for 3 days and built a bed and some picture frames for the ED Center. What a nice feeling it was to create a memory for someone I did not even know!

Back to Barbara and Tom, they offered to allow me to use their workshop, anytime I need, to create furniture and projects for CIA. Wow, isn’t God awesome! He led me to someone’s home, allowed me to help them, and at the same time they helped me find a workshop to help others. I hope to teach my son, Ty, to build with his hands, pieces of furniture that will last a lifetime , just as my Dad taught me to work with these hands of mine. After this meeting I went to the movies to watch ‘Aliens vs. Monsters’ with a friend and her son. We had a nice time.

I spoke with the kids earlier this evening, they are the best! Tyler wanted to come over to hang with Dad – I miss my kids in the second half of the week!

My scripture for today is – I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:25

So as I sign off tonight and get some rest – I’ve been working out at the gym this week; know that God has a plan and it includes You!

May God bless you my friends

Finish Strong

“It’s not what matters to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Epictetus

This quote is all about attitude and reason. Today, I received a gift… isn’t God amazing! He blessed me with finances that I did not expect. Just when you think all is impossible, He comes through in the last minute.

I know who I am… for I am yours [Jesus].

I am listening to Israel Houghton. Last month, I visited Houston, Texas. After 7 years of watching Joel Osteen on TV, one of my life’s wishes was to visit Lakewood Church in person… I finally got to chance to meet Joel and Victoria Osteen on 3/15/09. Visiting Lakewood reminded me about Hillsong Church back in Sydney, Australia. It was on February 12th, 2003 that I got saved. The race was just beginning…

Reading my daily devotional I was lead to this scripture – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

As I continue to run the race of my life… I know I have what it takes to finish strong & win the race! I am is my attitude, & my children Annabella & Tyler are my reason. The prize… my place in Heaven. The scripture reads – “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure…  and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:10-11

So, as I sign off tonight and put the kids to bed, I am certain that tomorrow will be better! Stay strong in your faith and believe in yourself and Jesus Christ.

Have a blessed day.

Water in the desert

 

Vince watering the palm trees

 

Today I did something special – Darla & I went to help a friend water their garden. You may say, “That’s nothing special!” But here is the difference – we helped a widow, who just had surgery on her foot and is not able to walk during her recovery, to water her flowers & garden areas.

As part of my duties as Director of CIA, I am required to go into the community and serve – regardless of the need, the recipient or the task. We [CIA] are here to serve.

The Great Commission is your commission, and doing your part is the secret to living a life of significance. Jesus said, “Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.” Mark 8:35

 

I just watered a garden, but I really brought water into the desert – we ‘touched‘ a member of our community by showing we care! It was a great act of kindness, my great commission. As today comes to a close, and both Bella & Tyler are home again in bed, I am thinking – Where will I serve tomorrow?

 

Good night

 

“Christianity is not a doctrine, not truth as truth, but the knowledge of a Person; it is knowing the Lord Jesus. You cannot be educated into being a Christian.” — T. Austin-Sparks

The next level

Early this morning my mum called from Australia. The last time we spoke was about a week ago when she got back home from her visit here with us in the USA. Mum was doing well and has adjusted to the jet lag from flying 14 hours across 2 time zones.

Grandma says Good Bye to USA at LAX

We talked for hours, it’s different when we talk now, because she has experienced the life we live here,  I can tell her I’m in my kitchen making dinner and she can picture it like she was here. We had done many things during her stay, like shopping in Las Vegas, drives around town & down the Hill, shopping at Victoria Gardens, visit the kids at school, shopping at the mall, lunch with my friends, shopping at Target & Walmart, a day trip to Disneyland, and lots more shopping! We spent more time walking around shops than doing anything else. But Grandma did spoil the kids with clothes, toys, jewellery and more clothes!

Anyway, we had caught up on all the happenings in Apple Valley, CA and Sydney, Aus. Today is Jessica’s 2nd birthday.

Happy Birthday Jessica from Uncle Vince, and your cousins Annabella & Tyler.

I went to the gym this morning for a workout. I was so tired from the night before, I just kept looking at my watch, waiting for the 45 minutes to be up. We worked out for over an hour and a half! As I was driving home from the gym, the kids called me, it was a surprise as they don’t call me much when they are at their mom’s. It doesn’t bother me any more when they don’t call me, I know they miss me and count the nights till they come back to dad’s house. Yesterday, Bella had injured herself on the playground at her mom’s and called to tell me she was hurt, needing some of dad’s TLC. It was nice to speak with the kids today!

This afternoon at church we previewed the latest CIA slide show and new updated CIA website – check it out at www.hdcia.org.

Pastor Don had spoken about what it takes to be a Level 5 Congregation. I found this topic interesting, as I’ve had many discussions with Pastor Don about leadership best practices, organizational structure and leadership theories in the past. Dr Don Rucker, D.Min is an Administrative Director for Azusa Pacific University (APU) here in the High Desert. He is an expert in the field of transitional & organizational leadership. The goal at The Harvest Church is to move us to a Level 5 congregation over the next few months – here are the five levels:

1. Alienation
2. Separation
3. Conversion
4. Incorporation/ Assimilation
5. Consecration

I recommend you read the book – Tribal Leadership - Dave Logan, John King, and Halee Fischer-Wright. I just got the book last week and it is a great read.

The following scripture really helps me understand why faith and service go together – “As the body without spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26

As this week comes to a close and a new week begins tomorrow, I will be praying for guidance and wisdom for myself to become a Level 5 Christian.

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24

Cheers, Vince

Dancing in the rain

I spoke with the kids on the phone briefly tonight. Bella had something happen to her just as I was saying good night, and the phone hung up. I hope she is OK!

Most weekends when the kids are at their mom’s house, I get together with friends and head out for the weekend. This weekend was no different, I went out to dinner & dancing with friends.

I recall a weekend back in March, we went to Tao Nightclub at the Venetian Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. What a ‘wicked’ night it was. I won’t divulge the details of the weekend, but I recommend this – when you head to Tao, be prepared for a good time!

Anyway, I had an epiphanytonight on the dance floor, hence why I am posting so late in the evening. Isn’t life just so weird (in a funny way that is!). I had danced the steps I have learned from dance classes I take each week. Yes! I have been taking dance classes to pass the time away. But I am actually feeling like I am 23 years old again! I recall back in my early days… I feel so old at 34, but I am doing stuff that I either stopped doing, or just never pursued since I got married. Sometimes I wonder the “what if’s.” (I shouldn’t because there are many “what if’s” situations I can think about) But here is what I decided tonight (back to my epiphany) – life is too short to dwell on the “what if’s, could’ve, should’ve & would’ve,” we should live with passion, take risks (careful with that one!) and dance in the rain! I danced in the rain one time, it was back in 1989 and I went to a Belinda Carlisle concert with Marica (I wonder what she is doing now?), anyway, we finished the concert and stepped out of the Sydney Entertainment Centre and it was raining, and guess what we did? We danced in the rain! I think that’s what I missed out on in the past few years.

Here is my scripture for the evening – ‘Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.’ James 4: 13-14

Try this – get that ’special one’ and go dancing in the rain!

Vince

I am

Today I read my daily devotional and really understood something important. The scripture reads – “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2

I have gone through life being what I thought everyone would want me to be! Funny thing… I didn’t like any of those representations. I like the old Vince… I had a friend visit yesterday and we talked about life, friends and stupid stuff. But something interesting came to light during our conversation – why do people change? Now I’m not trying to be philosophical or theological, but I know I personally have changed over the years. Maybe life’s intricacies forces us to change, maybe we consciously make the change… only God knows the answer to that! Here is what I do know… I have changed, or at least I’m still transitioning from someone I didn’t even understand to someone different.

I had lunch with Pastor Don today at Buffalo Wild Wings. Nice food! Great Atmosphere! During lunch he asked me a question that I was stumped on, “If you had to do it all over again, would you?” After a moments pause, I answered “No!” Sometimes you need to start over, just this time with someone else or something different.

I began to look back at my life, wow! I can recall the best times, the right decisions, some stupid decisions and many mistakes, we are all not perfect! We all make mistakes, we all have regrets, we remember the good times and try to forget about the not so good times. Here is what I do know today – I am confident in who I am. I’m not going to go around pretending, wishing I were something else, trying to fit into everybody’s mold.

This is ME! Love it or leave it…