Tan-Lines OC

Philanthropic Fashion Show…Beverly Hills

{ July 2, 2009 @ 3:07 am } · { Impel }
{ Tags: Red Eye Inc } · { Leave a Comment }

Howdy folks!

Well I had the amazing opportunity of serving with the Red Eye Inc crew at the Philanthropic Fashion Show held at The Peninsula in Beverly Hills. There was a red carpet, and a silent auction. The silent auction featured items from area designers to raise money for Red Eye. Clothes, art, and gifts were among the items up for grabs. The place was buzzing the moment I arrived and it was more than full…so full I didn’t get to see the show itself. Bummer….but serving the people and seeing them turnout for such a great cause thrilled my heart! Check out more about Red Eye at www.redeyeinc.org and read all about their adventures. These people have accepted me and allowed me to participate in their world while finding my place in Cali. They are WONDERFUL!

Confessions

{ June 14, 2009 @ 9:28 pm } · { Personal Thoughts }
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the Vette They say confession is good for the soul…but I’m not Catholic. So confession is good for the blog. HA!

I confess…. to watching TV to relax and zone out or to have some noise in the background while I work on other things. My favorite shows are 24, Big Bang Theory, House Hunters, and UFO/urban legend-types (ask a skeptic.)

I confess…to having mini-candy bars in my night stand by my bed. They make good random mini-snacks when you don’t want a big sugar rush, but just a little something sweet.

I confess…as much as I love John Maxwell and his writings, I’ve only ever read 3 of his books all the way through. I start a book, and then start another one, never finishing the first one. But if you know me, then you know I live by and teach his principles as if I have read all of his books.

I confess…sandals, heels, loafers, flipflops, sparkly pink hi-tops…and the list goes on. IHeartShoes. I never throw any of them away…because I might “need them later.” So I just buy more. Hello California malls!

I confess…to having 2 alcoholic drinks over the course of my whole life (29 years). The first one was in St. Louis about 3 months ago. It was a very light Strawberry Daquiri. The second was about 1 month ago in an attempt to re-create the first drink but it was very strong so I only had a few sips. If my friends have their way, there’s more to come.

I confess…owning a very fast and wonderful 1986 Chevy Corvette. It was my dream car and I enjoyed every second of my ownership until it became necessary to allow someone else to care for it. Being the chick in the hot car was a very cool feeling, one I hope will be relived.

So what’s your confession? Hey, its ok to tell the truth. We are all friends here.

Jesus in our heart?

{ June 1, 2009 @ 6:24 am } · { The Word }
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So what does it mean when people say, “Would you like to have Jesus in your heart”?

The parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23) is about a farmer scattering seed on various types of soil – rocky, thorny, and good. The seed is the Word and the soil is our heart. Read the parable, its self explanatory. Basically, when we receive Jesus we are renewed. Our lives begin a process of being molded and shaped into a disciple. The more of Him and His Word we allow to take root in us, the more fruit we will produce (Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 7:16-19.)

Let’s compare two verses:

Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”

John 1:1, 4 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…In Him was life and that life was the light of men.”

John 1:14 “The word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

Jesus is the Word. We hide the Word in our hearts. Thus, Jesus in our heart.

So when we invite Jesus to be Lord of our lives its vital that we daily meditate on the Word and allow it to manifest in our lives (Joshua 1:7-8.)

The dream is alive!

{ June 1, 2009 @ 5:39 am } · { The Word }
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Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Myth: Your dream must die before it becomes reality.

Truth: The dream never dies – we do.

Paul explains in Romans explains a timeless truth of conformity – God’s way. God has a great plan for out lives (Jeremiah 29:11) but in order for that dream to be fulfilled we must continue to conform to His Word. Our will conform to His (Matt 26:39.) I hear people say, “I have to put the dream on the altar.” This is wrong; it removes responsibility from us to surrender to the process of God’s will. What’s right is we place our will on the altar and surrender to God’s plan. This is when we begin to see the dream become reality. No where in scripture do I see the dream dying, only the people surrendering in obedience and trust to God.

Let’s think about it this way. When you are in a car with a GPS system, it gives directions based on where you are and gives turn-by-turn directions to the destination entered. I remember when a friend came to California and had bought a GPS system to use on his travels. Sometimes it looked like it was taking us the wrong way, and we would try to navigate on our own but then it would be fine – we had to trust the system. I would say, “Trust Curtis.” Haha! When you’re navigating to a destination the roads leading to it never change – we change our direction by adjusting and turning. Sometimes we make a wrong turn, or take detours, but if we trust the system – The Word – it always leads us to the right place. Psalms 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

So if you feel like the dream is far away, adjust your direction and surrender to the Word in your life you’ll end up exactly in the right place at the right time.

John Maxwell Interview…

{ May 20, 2009 @ 7:39 pm } · { Blog Referrals }
{ Tags: John Maxwell, Maximum Impact Simulcast } · { Leave a Comment }

I follow John Maxwell’s blog and he posted a video that was a spoof of an interview. It was shown at the Maximum Impact Simulcast. I laughed so hard I cried. Check it out!

Serve the City, Long Beach

{ May 17, 2009 @ 10:51 pm } · { 30 things, Impel }
{ Tags: Long Beach, Serve the City, volunteers, Parkcrest, beach clean up, Lakewood } · { Leave a Comment }

Saturday, May 16, I participated in Serve the City Long Beach. This is a day full of volunteers from 25 churches working on on over 100 projects around the city and surrounding areas. Projects such as Family Fun Day, school painting, garden planting, childcare, beach clean up, etc. Three projects caught my attention: 30-minute Beach Clean-up, Serve the City Lunch, and Mom’s Day Out.

Project #1: 30-minute Beach Cleanup, Granada Street, Long Beach

Sponsor: Parkcrest Christian Church, Project Coordinator: Jeff Taylor

As people arrived between 9:30am and 9:50am it was obvious that people were excited about serving the city. I discovered that every 3rd Saturday at 10am people gather at this beach spot for 30-minute beach clean up every month. Justin Rudd started the cleanup campaign 10 years ago. Justin is not directly connected to Parkcrest. Jeff Taylor, the project coordinator, chose this project as a show of support. At 9:50am Pastor Drue Boles, Administrative Pastor, led the group in a short prayer. We were led to a canopy where we received a latex glove, plastic bag, and a ticket for a raffle drawing at the end of the clean up. Justin Rudd and his team were honored by the Mayor of Long Beach, Bob Foster and local news came out to interview Justin and document the historic event. It was inspiring to see the dedication of a group of volunteers.

Project #2: Serve the City Lunch, 59th Street, Lakewood

Sponsor: Light and Life Christian Fellowship, Project Coordinator, Ayanna Adams

People gotta eat! Volunteers from all over Long Beach and Lakewood came through Life and Light between 11:30am and 1:30pm for lunch. Ladies put together boxes with sandwiches, potato salad, chips, cookies, and granola bars. As each person, family, or group came through the line they were thrilled to find such a satisfying lunch with delightful servers. Ayanna and her team worked efficiently to keep up with the demand, everyone had a smile and love to share. I felt very welcomed and loved by people I had just met. The first person I served looked at me and said, “You’re not from around here are you?” I cheerfully responded, “No, I’m not.” Everyone laughed and I was readily accepted.

Project #3: Mom’s Day Off, 6th Street, Long Beach

Sponsor: New Life Beginnings, Project Coordinator: Janeen Wegrocki

Every girl deserves some time off and a chance to be pampered. Manicures and pedicures are just the “cure” for Ana and Segrita. I met these two amazing women and instantly knew they needed some time to themselves. Ana, I discovered, has 6 children…give that woman a trophy! As they sat in their pedicure chairs, they laughed and relaxed. They even upgraded themselves to a french ending – it seems my nails inspired them. New Life Beginnings has been taking in pregnant homeless women for 25 years (this November.) NLB allows the ladies to come and stay for however long they need until they have the skills and resources to live on their own. This is a ministry I look forward to hear more about and being more involved.

Overall the day was indescribable. I met wonderful people who were excited about Impel and something new coming to the area. Next year Impel will have a project or two of their own to contribute to the city. in the meantime, we’ll keep looking for ways to serve and love the city of Long Beach and the surrounding areas.

Impel…making a difference in southern California

{ May 16, 2009 @ 3:44 am } · { Uncategorized }
{ Tags: community, Impel, Long Beach, Red Eye Inc, Serve the City, service, Smashbox } · { Leave a Comment }

Impel is making a difference every weekend in the lives of those living in Southern California. I had the opportunity to join with Red Eye Inc, another nonprofit that is committed to serving the area this past Mother’s Day. It was an amazing experience – Mother’s Day Makeover on Skid Row. Smashbox Cosmetics donated the makeup and volunteers from Red Eye pitched in to set up shop. We had food, conversations, and pampering. Here’s a blurb from Justin Mayo, founder of Red Eye…

“As many of us crafted food and handed out water bottles, the women lined up to have their pampering begin! Many of these women found themselves with up to 4 girls styling, massaging, and flat out loving them at any given time. One wonderful client exclaimed that she had a glimpse of Heaven as was transformed by Salon de Red Eye.”

Rosemary and Lynn were two ladies that sat in my chair and got made over! Talking with them about their kids and grandkids was a great joy. They had lived a hard life but took the time to sit and be refreshed. Another one was a young lady named Maria, she sat in the corner and just watched. After a few minutes I walked over and asked if she wanted to have a makeup put on. She said no, but would let me paint her nails. She was quiet and did say much except that she was “kinda a mom.” I didn’t venture further sensing her hesitation. I just prayed within myself as I added a splash of color to her hands that had endured so much hardship. Love sometimes doesn’t need words.

Saturday, May 16 I’ll participate in another community service project, but this time with 25 churches. Long Beach’s churches sponsor and event every year called Serve the City. Hundreds of people scatter throughout the city and perform over 100 projects. Anything and everything is available – beach clean ups, school updates, mom’s day out, planting gardens, etc. I chose three projects that would intentionally spread me out around the city and with various groups of people. Every chance Impel has to serve is another chance to reach people!

No longer a dream…it’s a reality. Moving forward…Impel!

30 Things to do before I’m 30

{ April 19, 2009 @ 3:39 am } · { Uncategorized }
{ Tags: 30, California, countdown, facebook, thirty, twitter } · { Leave a Comment }

In 3 months, 1 week, and 1 day I will be turning 30. Just the thought of it used to make my stomach turn. But God has done so many amazing things in my life, that I am now looking forward to it.

However, I need your help before crossing over the “threshold” of a new decade. Since I will be in Southern California new opportunities are before me and I need to have some serious fun! So I’m looking for 30 things to do before I’m 30. I’m taking any and all suggestions into consideration.

Post your suggestions via:
Blog Comment
Facebook
Twitter @tanya2911

As I accomplish these things I will document them and post them to my blog. So let the countdown begin!

THANKS!!

Tan Lines in OC

{ April 19, 2009 @ 3:33 am } · { Uncategorized }
{ Tags: California, Orange County } · { Leave a Comment }

Dear Readers,
In two days I will be living in a new state, and I decided to put a spin on things and start a fresh blog. Tan-lines blog has a new home: Orange County, California. Stay tuned to updates and news and fresh tidbits of fun info as I share part 2 of my journey in this beautiful thing called life.

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