Category Archives: Eastvale Lifestyle

Lifestyle tips, health and fitness, movie reviews

A New Grandchild

By Mark Hopper

Recently I received an invitation to attend the opening service of a new church starting in Redlands, California. It is called Portrait Church and will be meeting at an event venue in the downtown area.

What makes this church special is the fact it will be a grandchild of the Evangelical Free Church in Diamond Bar where I served for 30 years. Many years ago, a small Bible study began in the home of Greg and Carol Crawford in a new community called Eastvale. This group began meeting in January 2003. We sensed this was a unique opportunity to launch a new church. Two members of the Diamond Bar staff stepped up to lead this effort. Additional people from Diamond Bar joined with the Eastvale Bible study to launch a new church in 2007. They called the church Vantage Point.

The first weekly services began in February 2008, with 200 people attending. Over the next decade Vantage Point met in the local Middle School and High School. The church grew along with the community. Eventually they were able to purchase 10 acres of land and construct a building on Archibald Road near the Santa Ana River in Eastvale.

The church now has over 2,000 people attending Sunday services. They are supporting missionaries around the world and serving their local community too. They have helped start several more churches.

Now in 2023, people from the Vantage Point Church in Eastvale are launching the new Portrait Church in Redlands. In other words, the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar is having a grandchild. The small beginning twenty years ago has resulted in many lives being impacted and many people becoming followers of Jesus. And now Redlands will have a new church too.

I will never forget the day one of my daughters called to tell us she was going to have a baby. My wife and I were going to be grandparents. It was amazing. I was in awe when I heard the good news. I felt that same sense of awe when I heard our church was going to have a grandbaby too. The Book of Acts records the history of the early church. Many new churches were started by the Apostles across the Roman Empire. These new churches started more churches. It was a chain reaction which continues around the world today. Let me encourage you to help plant a new church in a community near you.

You can read more encouraging stories by Mark Hopper in his books “Let Me Encourage You More” and Let Me Encourage You Again” or by visiting his website: Letmarkenccourageyou.com

Lazy Dad

By Mark Hopper

When our kids were young we enjoyed camping in the beautiful White Mountains in eastern Arizona. We had a Coleman tent, a Coleman stove and a Coleman lantern. We camped along a bubbling mountain stream in the Upper Log Creek campground. The bathroom facility was a rickety wooden outhouse. It was pretty primitive but we have a lot of good memories of the times we spent there.

We also enjoyed camping with other families. One had a motor home and another had a pop-up tent trailer. We had the leaky canvas Coleman tent. Our kids enjoyed playing with the other kids. The older kids watched over the younger kids. The mothers liked to enjoy time together and the dads liked to fish in the beautiful mountain stream.

One day one of my daughters asked if she could try fishing. I was busy trying to catch my own fish and we didn’t have any extra fishing rods. But one of the other dads found a stick and put a hook and fishing line on it. Then he put some bait on the hook and helped my daughter to carefully climb out onto a dead tree limb so she could put her fishing line in the stream. 

Suddenly she felt a tug on her fishing line. She caught a fish! But she was so excited that she fell off the dead tree branch and into the cold mountain creek. I was able to wade into the cold water and help her get back to dry land. But in all of the excitement she never let go of her fishing pole. She had caught a fish and she wasn’t letting go.

We still smile when we reflect on the day she caught a fish with a stick, line and hook. But as I look back on that event I realize that I had not been a good dad. I had been lazy. I didn’t want to stop what I was doing to help make her a fishing pole. Thankfully another dad did and she caught her own fish.

There is a verse in the Bible that says “Jesus did not come to be served but to serve others” (Mark 10:45). He put the needs and requests of others ahead of his own interests. This was a lesson I needed to learn too. I had put my own interests ahead of the needs of one of my kids. That day I was a lazy dad. Let me encourage you to put the needs and requests of your family ahead of your own. Be a servant leader. Be ready to respond to their requests. Watch for ways to help them and encourage them. You will be glad you did and they will too.

You can read more stories by Mark Hopper in his new book “Let Me Encourage You More – An Encouraging Story for Every Day of the Year”. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org. The price is $25 per book or two books for $40 plus postage ($5). Purchase one for yourself and give one to a friend. You will be glad you did!

Singing

By Mark Hopper

I have shared some of my thoughts about music in our culture today and what was written and sung in Bible times 3,000 years ago. But there is a big difference between listening to music or hearing a choir perform than there is when you actually sing a song yourself.

Sometimes I will stand next to one of the men in our church service and tell them I want to hear him sing. Women seem to be more comfortable singing out loud than men. I tell my wife I love to hear her voice when we sing worship songs in church. But most of the men sing quietly and most of the women sing loudly.

There is something powerful and personal when we actually sing along with other people. One voice can be beautiful but there is strength in many voices singing together in a church service or public gathering.

I vividly remember the first time a group of men from our church went to a Men’s Retreat at Forest Home Conference Center. There were about ten men from our church and we arrived late. We quickly took our sleeping bags and duffle bags to our cabin and then hurried to join the evening meeting in progress in the Chapel. When we opened the door we were amazed to hear almost 500 men singing together. It was a powerful moment.

The same thing was true when a larger group of guys from our church attended the Promise Keepers gathering at Angel stadium in Anaheim. There were over 20,000 men at the weekend event. It was amazing to hear so many men singing contemporary praise songs and old hymns like Amazing Grace. It was so encouraging to hear men singing boldly with their voices from their heart.

There is a passage in the Bible which says, “Sing hymns instead of drinking songs. Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything. Use any excuse to sing a song to God” (Ephesians 5:19 – the Message Bible). Let me encourage you to sing with confidence and conviction. Sing hymns and praise songs at church so your spouse and children can hear you and follow your example. Proudly sing the National Anthem at the baseball or football game too. Don’t be a silent spectator. Be a proud participant as you raise your voice in song. You will be glad you did and your family will too.

You can read more stories by Mark Hopper in his new book “Let Me Encourage You More – An Encouraging Story for Every Day of the Year”. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org. The price is $25 per book or two books for $40 plus postage ($5). Purchase one for yourself and give one to a friend. You will be glad you did!

Be Proud To Be Unique

By Nancy Stoops

I have always looked for the unique in this world. Growing up I always heard how different I was and how differently I did things. I take pride in being unique and not wanting to be ordinary. For me, being unique has always given me a silent inner strength, never a weakness.

The media seems to frown upon being unique and tells us who we should be if we’re to be accepted. The media tells us what we should look like, what we should wear, what music we should like, what shows we should watch and how we should act, if we are to be cool and well liked. I believe we should look like ourselves, wear what is comfortable, listen to music and watch programs that make us feel alive and then we are truly cool and should be accepted by others.

It takes a very strong individual to believe in themselves when they’re not the average. It’s hard to be different but it’s even harder to fight that difference all of your life. Learn to embrace who you are and celebrate in being a one-of-a-kind. Learn to understand that there is such inner peace in being who you are intended to be. Take all the energy you put into trying to be different than who you are intended to be and use it to be the best one-of-a-kind you can possible be.

I see many unique people wasting their lives trying so hard to be average and to fit in. I wish people could learn to embrace their uniqueness and understand that they are very special and being special is a gift. So please don’t throw that gift away because then you throw the best part of yourself away and then you waste your life!!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members. Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger. For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727. You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

Inflation

By Mark Hopper

The cost of everything has skyrocketed over the past few years. The cost of food, fuel and other necessities have risen dramatically. The government continues to reassure the public that inflation is slowing and things are under control. But most consumers are skeptical.

I have used the cost of donuts as an example. A dozen donuts at my favorite shop used to be nine or ten dollars. Recent purchases are now sixteen dollars for one dozen! One day I bought a half dozen and it was about the same price a dozen was only a couple of years ago.

Sometimes it is difficult to accurately measure inflation at the grocery store because manufacturers have reduced the quantity of the contents. A breakfast cereal box may look the same but it may contain less cereal. A bottle of orange juice may look the same but the contents have been reduced from 64 ounces to 59 ounces. Now it contains only 52 ounces. Looks can be deceiving. Read the fine print to clearly understand how much orange juice you are getting. Prices have gone up while the contents have gone down.

Years ago the State Department came up with a formula to measure the cost of living for diplomats serving in different countries around the world. They adjusted the salaries of employees based on how much it cost to live in more expensive cities like Tokyo, Moscow or Paris. They compared the price of a MacDonald’s Big Mac burger.

I got the idea to measure inflation by comparing the prices at my favorite fast food restaurant In N Out Burger. Several sources I found online confirmed the price of a Double-Double Cheeseburger in 2022 was $3.95. The price for the exact same burger in 2023 was $4.90. An increase of 24% in one year! The same size with the same ingredients. Some of the reasons cited by various authors were increased wages for workers, the higher cost of transportation and the price of the raw materials for the burgers and fries.

I think most people feel helpless fighting inflation. We need to feed our families and fuel our cars. Prices at the gas pump and the grocery store continue to increase. Jesus said our Heavenly Father knows our needs and will provide for us (Matthew 6:25-34). Let me encourage you to put your faith in God and not in the government. You will be glad you did and He will too.

You can read more stories by Mark Hopper in his new book “Let Me Encourage You More – An Encouraging Story for Every Day of the Year”. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org. The price is $25 per book or two books for $40 plus postage ($5). Purchase one for yourself and give one to a friend. You will be glad you did!

A Plane Full of Children

By Mark Hopper

My wife Susan and I celebrated our honeymoon by spending two weeks in Hawaii. We enjoyed a quiet restful time eating breakfast on the lanai at our condo and discovering new restaurants for lunch and dinner. We also did a lot of cooking at the condo and enjoyed eating some delicious steaks from the BBQ grill.

We used a rental car to visit a variety of places on Maui and to purchase some souvenirs and gifts. It was fun to discover some new places and beaches that neither of us had been to before. We continue to smile as we remember our time together in Hawaii.

However our airplane flight home brought us back to reality. We flew my favorite airline Southwest non-stop from Long Beach to Maui. Our return flight was also non-stop back to Long Beach. But unlike our outbound flight the trip home was very different.

Both flights were full but the plane ride home was filled with over 40 children. There were a large number of families with little kids. It wasn’t as bad as it could have been but it was a noisy active group on our flight. Some babies and little children struggled with the change in air pressure. It was difficult for some to sleep. The cabin was filled with the cries of infants who were tired and uncomfortable.

The parents tried so hard to comfort and quiet their little ones. Some walked them up and down the aisle of the plane and tried to settle their child down. Others used electronic toys and video screens to keep their kids quiet. Some were successful and some were not.

Eventually we arrived safely in Long Beach. It was a long flight. By now most of those little kids are home in their own beds and their parents are probably reconsidering their plans for their next trip to Hawaii. I suspect they may wait until their young children are teenagers.

There is a passage in the Bible which illustrates Jesus’ love for little kids. He scolded his disciples for preventing young children from gathering around Him. He opened his arms and welcomed them to his side. (Mark 10:13-16). Let me encourage you to be patient and understanding when you are in a room full or a plane full of young children. And you may want to check with your airline to schedule your next flight with fewer kids on board. You will be glad you did.

“You can read more stories by Mark Hopper in his new book “Let Me Encourage You More – An Encouraging Story for Every Day of the Year”. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org. The price is $25 per book or two books for $40 plus postage ($5). Purchase one for yourself and give one to a friend. You will be glad you did!

Back to School

By Melody Kraemer

How could summer be over? It just started. The last week of school seems like last week: the year-end parties, the turning in books, the minimum days, and the excitement of summer ahead.

But here we are the beginning of a new school year. The long days of summer will be coming to an end. The beach days, park days, swimming, and hanging out with friends will soon be just a memory of this past summer.

As we head into the new school year, I urge everyone to pray daily. Pray for the safety of our children and schools, for the teachers who get overworked and overwhelmed but keep pushing through. Pray that each child will be kind to one another and understand that special needs children are around them. Pray that all will have patience and compassion for each other.

As we spent the summer with our kids having a blast and enjoying and soaking up that sun, it’s time we send them off to their new classrooms, teachers, and even maybe a new school. Again pray that each child comes home with a positive attitude. Pray they have a good day each day and are excited to return and learn. For the homeschoolers, pray that each day brings them joy and the love of learning. No matter where our kids are on the level of education, in school or homeschool, we need to pray over them daily. They are our future. Have a great school year!

Verses to pray over your kids as they head back to school

Ephesians 4:32 – Pray they will be kind to one another

Jousha 1:9 – Pray that the Lord will be with them wherever they go

Psalms 56:3 – Pray to always trust in God

Proverbs 17:17 – Pay they love their friends at all times

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k. Tik Tok @lifewithmelodyk and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

Camping & Picnics

By Mark Hopper

I pastored only two churches over a span of 40 years. It was a privilege to lead and serve these two congregations. There were many memories of marriages and new babies. We celebrated the completion of several buildings and participated in many missionary adventures.

But one of the favorite things I remember were the church picnics and family campouts. Picnics at a local park were always a lot of fun. There were games to play for children and adults. Typically the food was potluck although in later years it was easier for the church to provide the food and just ask people to bring desserts to share.  

Family campouts were also wonderful times. In Arizona we camped on Mt. Lemon high above Tucson and also in the White Mountains near the border of New Mexico. In California we camped near the beach above Santa Barbara and also in some inland mountain areas.

It was so relaxing spending a week or a weekend with other church families. The kids played, the dads fished and the mothers talked. I liked getting to know people better in this more personal setting. It was interesting to see family dynamics in a less formal atmosphere. Some people drove large motor homes or pulled travel trailers. Others like my family used a Coleman tent, a Coleman stove and a Coleman lantern and slept in sleeping bags.

I also liked to watch people make new friends at picnics and campouts. Most attended the same church but many attended a different church service. Camping people were usually friendly people. Introductions and conversations were the seeds which blossomed into lifelong friendships. Singing songs around the campfire were memorable too.

One of the most famous books of the Bible recorded a forty-year long camping experience. The book of Exodus tells about the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the promise land. As you read it yourself you will see many similarities to a church picnic or a church campout.

Let me encourage you to make a plan and set a date for a picnic or a campout with some church members, your own family or some friends. You will be glad you did and they will too.

“You can read more stories by Mark Hopper in his new book “Let Me Encourage You More – An Encouraging Story for Every Day of the Year”. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org. The price is $25 per book or two books for $40 plus postage ($5). Purchase one for yourself and give one to a friend. You will be glad you did!

Summertime: A Time for Renewal 

By Nancy Stoops

We all work really hard creating a lifestyle that provides us comfort and allows us to purchase the things that provide us joy. For me, as much as I love my work, I too need breaks. I usually take some time off in the winter and in the summer. I love to do some travelling as well as stay home and just float in my pool. I know when I start looking at the clock during sessions I’m due for a break. I know this means it’s time to put back into myself. I know I need some rest and relaxation.

Burn out can happen in many professions. I know I’m no good to my clients or anybody else when I feel empty. This is when I know I need to spend some time floating in my pool or travelling to a new destination. I love the warmth of summer and being able to spend some wonderful time in the water. I love being able to be on vacation and just move at a slower pace. I also know that when I take some time to relax, when I do return to work I’m a better and more effective therapist.

I think if we run on empty for too long without allowing time for renewal we can become resentful and sometimes even ill. It’s important when your body indicates it’s time for a break that you listen and honor what is being requested of you. Whatever needs to be done will be there waiting for you after you get rejuvenated. So enjoy some down time and go out and just play for a while. Go to the beach, take an evening walk or do some travelling. Reward yourself for all of your hard work and take some time just for you to rest and relax and to just enjoy yourself. It’s the perfect season to put some back into yourself and to just go slower!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens. For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727. You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

Give Grace

By Melody Kraemer

The other day I went out to pick up something, and the person didn’t have it out for me. Now it wasn’t just next door; it wasn’t down the street. It was across town. I had packed up my kids and taken them over there, and I was not happy to find out it wasn’t left out for me and the person was not home.

I was a little upset that I had wasted my time, especially since we had agreed on a pickup time.

I drove away thinking I was not returning and how rude this person could be.

I didn’t care about the item anymore. All I thought why how inconsiderate this person was.

I was halfway home when a text said, “I’m so sorry, my day has been crazy, and I just got home. It’s out now; come whenever you want.”

I didn’t want to go back. I was upset that someone had wasted my time. I was upset that this person didn’t do what we agreed on.

At that moment, I felt my heart was being cold. I told myself I’m far from perfect, I forget things, and I live in a crazy world.

What if the shoe was on the other foot? I would want understanding and grace. The word grace kept flowing through my mind.

I turned around and went back to pick it up. It was a heated blanket for my boy; his had broken.

I handed it to him, and he hugged it all the way home with a smile. He plugged it in when we got home, and I had one happy autistic boy.

All it takes at times is to calm our thoughts and give grace because, when we do, the outcome will bless us.

Psalm 103:8 NIV

8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k. Tik Tok @lifewithmelodyk and Facebook.com/autismmomadventur es. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

Autism Awareness

By Melody Kraemer

As adults, we seek understanding and knowledge of special needs. We teach our children to read, write and spell. We also teach them to be kind, loving and giving. However, we need to start educating all children about disabilities too. We hear of Autism and know some things about it, and somewhere, it seems everyone knows someone with a child on the spectrum. So when you hear Autism, you are familiar with it. But is that familiarity shared with the younger generation? 

 If we teach Awareness that others are different and God created each child special, then I believe we would have fewer stares and pointed fingers. Plus, have people not get scared or worried when an autistic child is around.

They may even stop asking, “What’s wrong with him/her?”

If we teach the kids now to be understanding and loving towards the special needs community, then as they grow older, they become more compassionate with more understanding, maybe more so than their parents were. If we kept this going through the generations, could you imagine the awareness level of Autism? That is something spectacular to think could happen.

Right now, we have to continue to bring awareness about Autism and educate; I dream that one day that all will understand and be aware of Autism, and we no longer have to bring Awareness.

In the meantime, I’m bringing Awareness where I can. 

I am doing the 2023 Autism Acceptance Walk on April 30th. If you want to join my team, here’s my link https://autismsocietyiewalk.flipcause.com/secure/team_fundraiser/MTc0OTkw/12667

Also, please donate if you are inclined to do so with the link above.

John 15:12-13. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

 Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k. Tik Tok @lifewithmelodyk and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

Deciding to Start Therapy

By Nancy Stoops

Deciding to start therapy can be a very hard decision. It’s hard to admit to ourselves that we can’t do it on our own and that we need some help. The truth is even though we take care of ourselves sometimes we need the help of a good doctor or an antibiotic and sometimes surgery. I have always referred to myself as an emotional surgeon. What I mean by this, is that I open you up and help you begin to deal with all of those dysfunctional feelings that are making you feel so bad and so stuck. Starting therapy takes an incredible amount of courage and is a sign of strength not weakness. Please never feel embarrassed that you feel have run out of options and that now you need some help to get through some things.

Over the years I have worked with people 2-91 years of age dealing parenting, drugs, anxiety, depression, autistic spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, appropriate sexual boundaries and so many other issues. Between my groups and my private practice I have literally helped thousands of people learn how to live a happy and balanced life. I want my clients to be healthy mentally as well as physically and spiritually healthy. I think all three of these go hand in hand to maintain permanent well-being.

A good place to start is by visiting one of my groups and seeing if you like my style before you start spending your hard earned money. Keep in mind my co-therapist is a registered therapy dog named Jaida. If you are a dog lover you will have a great team on your side while you are doing some very necessary healing or just getting some tips on how to live more fully!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members. Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger. For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-072. You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may ask Purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

The Eye of the Beholder

By Michael Armijo

   It was a warm yet windy day filled with strong sorrow. The air reflected a deep sense of respect as people gathered to say goodbye to a friend whose spirit had left the earth. As everyone gathered, the vibrant wooden casket lay atop the ground as the family gathered closely around. The youngest boy, a young man, gazed at the casket while tears of sorrow flowed from his swollen eyes. He walked up and lay his cheek on top of the hard, shiny, wooden box, as his white-gloved hands gently caressed the top of the last home his fathers’ body would ever have. He layed gentle kisses on the top of the casket, as his unconditional love reflected in front of all those who watched. A gentle whisper is heard a row back; “did you see that? how sad.”

   When I heard those words; “how sad,” I felt something deep inside that disagreed. Something that didn’t see the message of sadness when the boy showed his respect to his loved one. Instead, I saw an act of love. A love so strong, it displayed the true meaning of unconditional love. Something deep inside that didn’t care if the world looked on or what people felt. A feeling of purity, of joy, of strength.

   I believe the old saying; “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” I believe we all see life in a certain light, and sometimes, in a certain darkness.

   I also believe that when we express the darkness that surrounds our lives, it spreads like a contagious and cancerous disease. It attaches by simple contact, clings like a dependent child, and deteriorates in a short amount of time.

   I’ve learned that opinions are only perceptions of a person’s immediate thinking, and reflections of someone’s inner self. What we see is usually what we feel, what we feel deep inside. Without realizing it, we express past experiences, deep histories, our insecurities of our future; we reflect the perception of our own lives.

   I also believe that when we see life in its darkest hour, we do have the opportunity to see life through the brightest light. For some it’s a short path traveled to a place inside that holds our mind hostage from our heart. For others, it’s a level of confidence that sits deep within that has been damaged by a careless act from an irresponsible adult.

   I believe that the true meaning of life can only be understood through the light of beauty and the inner joy that sets deep in our hearts. I believe the vision of what will come can only be seen through the eyes of a believer. I feel the truest form of emotion can only be felt when a person can feel the presence of a higher power, a stronger entity, something or someone greater than ourselves.

   I understand that life is not always what it intends itself to be, it changes moods like a spoiled child. But I also understand that life can be what we want it to be; all we have to do is apply our hearts in front of our minds. Following what we truly feel and not what we think we see, is the only way to put aside our petty angry thoughts and our insignificant bitterness. Because just as the boy who helped bury his only father, the tears that flow from our swollen eyes are tears of love that can only be seen when beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Growing Up

By Melody Kraemer

We all have heard the phrase, “growing up is hard to do.” But what is even more challenging is watching your kids grow up. They get a little older daily, and you aren’t needed in their lives as much. They reached that Preteen age where yesterday you were “mommy”; today you are “mom.”

What happened to the bright-eyed kids excited to go outside and play? When did they get so big that a kiss goodbye at drop off school is a no-no? Now it’s screen time, video games, and friends.? When it used to be, I’ll miss you, mommy, along with the biggest hug.

Yes, watching babies grow up and move on is heartbreaking, but as a parent, we do our best to raise our children to be good humans out in the world while trying to protect them from the evil around them. All we can do is love our children unconditionally, just as Christ loves us.

As a mom of six, I have four that have flown the coop, and I am so proud of them. I take great pride in who they are. Watching them grow was hard, but letting go was the hardest. My two youngest, who is autistic, will be home for a while, though watching them grow, get bigger, and want to be independent is hard. Hug your babies, cuddle, hold them, and carry them, because one day will be the last time they will be held in your arms or on your shoulders. And before you know it, you will be mom/dad or even Bruh. Every day I’m thankful I still get called mommy here and there.

Proverbs 22:6 NIV

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k. Tik Tok @lifewithmelodyk and Facebook.com/autismmomadventur es. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

Getting Out Of Our Own Way

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops

People love to blame others for their failures or for why they haven’t become who they were intended to be. We do this so we don’t have to accept responsibility for getting in the way of ourselves. It’s much easier to convince ourselves that somebody else is to blame for our failures, rather than looking at ourselves.

There is usually a reason we get in our own way. Sometimes we get comfortable in our misery or in our failures to change. I think there is some amount of fear that comes with change. I think there are those that are afraid of success, because it comes with a certain amount of expectations. For me, staying stuck is much more fearful. I think about a human being having so much potential but never seeing that or never becoming who they were intended to be.

You need to take a look at why you keep getting in your own way. Do you fear change? Do you fear success? Do you fear becoming who you were intended to be? Maybe you just don’t feel like you deserve anything more than you already have. Whatever the reason is, you need to get out of your way and stop preventing the good from coming.

You need to tear down the road blocks you have put up and begin to understand just how wonderful you are and how amazing life could be. We all have the potential to be who we are intended to be. The trick is to stop fighting with ourselves and give ourselves permission to overcome our obstacles and to find our true selves. I think what a beautiful world this would be if everybody would allow themselves to be who they are intended to be!!!!!!!!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members. Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger. For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727. You may e-mail Nancy at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. You may purchase Nancy’s latest book Live, Heal and grow at Amazon.com.

Oh My Aching Back

By Mark Hopper

As a church pastor I often visited people from our church who were in the hospital. It was an honor to pray with them and encourage them. I did not stay very long. It was usually a short visit to learn about their condition, treatment and how their recovery was going.

Sometimes it was hard to find people in the hospital. Older facilities are not easy to navigate. I wrote a story in my first book about how I got lost in a hospital looking for a patient’s room and how a helpful employee escorted me to my destination.

On other occasions my visit might be interrupted by a doctor who was checking on patients in the hospital. Sometimes the patient from our church would ask me to stay and listen to what the doctor had to say about the patient’s recovery and progress.

Sometimes a therapist would show up to work with the patient while I was in the room. There are physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists in every hospital. They also have respiratory therapists who help both infants, children and adults with breathing problems. I usually finished my visit with a short prayer and then departed to make way for the therapist.

One day I visited a patient who was recovering from back surgery. It had been pretty extensive and the recovery would take time. As I listened to the physical therapist address different aspects of the recovery I was surprised to hear them mention a book was available for a small fee. I don’t remember the title of the booklet but it provided important information about sex after back surgery.

I think the patient was surprised too. However he had left his wallet at home and did not have any money with him. I knew he was interested in learning more so I offered to pay for the book myself. I think he was a little embarrassed but very grateful his pastor was present to purchase the helpful booklet.

There is an interesting account in the Bible when Jesus visited Peter’s home near the Sea of Galilee. Peter’s mother-in-law was very sick with a fever but Jesus healed her and she was able to resume her activities (Mark 1:29-31). Let me encourage you to visit a friend or family member in the hospital. I recommend you not stay too long but I do recommend you bring your wallet in case the patient needs to purchase an informative book!

Prince Charming

By Michael Armijo

I thought it was a war movie, or maybe a history movie; the previews were very realistic. Children played ball while the large planes flew overhead. The camera shot followed the bombs as they landed on the enormous ships. I could see the determined look in the crewman’s eyes as he fired the machine guns at the planes in the sky above. It seemed like a pretty cool action movie, but I was taken by deep surprise as a love story unfolded while watching, “Pearl Harbor.”

In another scene, a young woman departed from a train, and you couldn’t help but notice the beautiful glow on her face. She smiled, convincingly, and carried herself as though her life was like a child’s dream. The gleam in her eye, the uncontrollable smile, the happy pitch in her voice – she was most definitely in love.

As she approached a man, he stood there, handsomely, in his compelling uniform.  With flowers in hand, hat in place, and his love beaming like a proud 10-year-old home run hitter, he obviously desired to be near her. He was in love; free from judgment, free from dysfunction. He stood there and confessed his love for her, and she believed him, because he meant it. He meant every syllable, every vowel, and every adjective that came out of his mouth. He loved her as no other. He loved her unconditionally.

When I saw the reflection of his heart on her face, when I saw her overcome with the power of emotion, I noticed how she felt, and then it came to me. It was obvious that she felt the way she did because he loved her, completely. He stood there in his fairytale book stance, and he proved he was, undeniably, her Prince Charming.

The look in her eyes, the love in her smile, was just captivating. It was right then that I knew he was responsible for her love, and I understood that as men, we are responsible for our partner’s love. It’s our responsibility to provide a strong, loving arena for the one we love, so they have no choice but to feel life is like a Hollywood movie with a storybook ending. I also realized that it’s been years since I’ve seen that movie-like emotion in my wife’s smile. And something surprising came to me:  I am no Prince Charming.

I wondered what it would be like to be someone who was capable of giving their heart to someone else, unconditionally, uncontrollably. I wondered what it would take to love someone and to feel free from fear, to give it all up, opening up to possible pain.

I wanted to be like that actor. I wanted to be someone who was capable of all that emotion. But more surprisingly, I wanted that stature in life, and not for me, but for my wife. I wanted to become something that I wasn’t, so that I could someday stand there like that actor did, at the train station, while my wife’s heart beamed with love for me.  I wanted to be free from all of life’s historical pains, egos, anger, frustration, and unhappiness, so that I could be responsible for her undying love. I wanted her to have this life because deep in my heart I know she deserves it. She deserves to feel the way that young woman did at the train station. She deserves every minute of that joy.

Yes, it was just a movie. But to me, today, it’s real life. Because of a simple, believable moment manufactured by Hollywood, I’m doing all I can to give my wife the love that she deserves. I’m trying my best by forgiving past pain and experiences. I’m letting go of agony that bad love once provided. I’m leaving all the insecurities and the egos in the past. I’m giving her my heart. I’m holding her hand. I’m opening her doors. I’m becoming more patient. I’m learning how to apologize more often. I’m being her friend, and I’m letting her be my friend. I call her, sometimes just to tell her “hi,” or “I love you,” and I have no ulterior motive. I am working so hard to earn her trust, to prove to her that I’m capable of loving. I’m learning how to love again.

And I know that a day will come when she’ll smile brightly. She’ll stand there, and her eyes will glisten with happiness. Her hand will clasp my own. Her hug will be trusting and convincing. She’ll whisper in my ear that she loves me. And she will smile uncontrollably. Then I will know in my heart that that I’ve finally provided her with her fairytale, her movie-like love. And when that day comes I will be able to feel her heart from a million miles away, and I’ll know that I’ve finally become her Prince Charming.

Dead Battery

By Mark Hopper

Many years ago we owned a two-door Dodge Dart with a slant-six engine. I think it was a pretty reliable car but not very practical with two young children in the back seat. We took several family vacations in that two-door car including a trip from Arizona to Colorado in 1977. Members of the Hopper family were gathering in Denver for my Grandmother Hopper’s 75th birthday. We decided to stop at some campgrounds along the way to enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and to reduce spending money on hotels.

I attached a roof rack on the top of the car to help transport the tent, ice chest, sleeping bags and other camping supplies. The trunk was filled with luggage and baby supplies for our new born daughter Trisha. We looked like the Beverly Hillbillies.

When we got everything and everyone loaded into the car we asked a neighbor to take our picture before we departed. However when I turned the key we discovered we had a dead battery. The neighbor got his car and battery cables to try to jumpstart our car. No Luck. The battery was dead and needed to be replaced.

After we got the kids out of the car I removed the old battery and drove to JCPenney’s to buy a new one. A regular battery in those days was about $35. But they also offered a more expensive battery with a life-time warranty for about double the price. In a weak moment I selected the more expensive option. I bought the lifetime battery. It was one of the best investments I ever made. In the years ahead I think JC Penney’s replaced that battery at least three or four times! I certainly got my money’s worth. Eventually Penny’s stopped selling them.

I don’t think many companies offer a lifetime warranty on their products anymore. But I actually do when it comes to weddings. I tell couples in premarital counseling they can come back to me for help as long as I am still alive on this earth. I promise to be available to meet with them when they have problems in their marriage. I am convinced God can heal and restore marriages if couples are willing to follow His instructions and willing to make changes in their own life. If you are going through difficulties in your life or your marriage, let me encourage you to get help now. Begin with your own life. Read my story about “The Man in the Mirror” in my book Let Me Encourage You. You will be glad you did and your spouse will too.

Read 365 more stories and articles (one for every day of the year) in the book Let me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. You can purchase two copies for only $30 plus postage ($5). Buy one for yourself and one to give a friend. Order your copies at mark@efreedb.org.

Dayspring

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“…the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

Zechariah was given word that his wife would have a son. His name would be John. John the Baptist would be the one paving the way for the Messiah. Zechariah doubted and was made mute. When John was born, Zechariahs tongue was loosed, and he broke out in song. Prior to this, it was a dark time for Zechariah. We find that sometimes the darkness and difficulty is orchestrated by the Lord. We have valleys and mountaintops all throughout our lives. Most of the time we spend is in the valleys. The place that even Psalm 23 calls “the valley of the shadow of death.” Martin Luther King said that “it is only in darkness that you see the stars.”

I recently experienced one of the most difficult times in my life and ministry. Someone very close to me tragically took his own life. The guilt, darkness, shame, and horror just enveloped me like never before. It was very hard not to feel responsible in some way. I remember reading this verse during this time of darkness. I knew at that moment that the Lord was breaking through. It’s a process, but I can sense the Lord’s presence even in the darkness. The Lord gives His light in the darkness, and it’s also in the darkness that He gives his amazing peace.

If you are struggling, please reach out to somebody. Be candid and real. If you are on the receiving end of a call for help. Do everything you can to stand in the gap and seek help. I am reminded that no matter how thick the darkness, it can’t put out even the tiniest of lights. Scripture says that Jesus is the light of the world. He is the Dayspring, which means He is the first appearance of light or sunrise. God reveals His light through Jesus, who is the Light of heaven who came into the world (John 8:12). A world which is riddled with darkness, pain, sickness, depression, and hate. He experienced the darkness of death when he gave his life (Hebrews 4:15). He died and was buried. But the grave could not hold him. He rose! He conquered the darkness of sin, which is at the core of so much pain in the world. He did it for YOU. Even though we may be in darkness, we could experience His light and His peace. Trust in Him today. He is the Dayspring.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am at Eastvale Elementary. Visit their website at http://www.calvaryeastvale.org. Download their app to be up to date on all events. Livestream, YouTube live, and Facebook live is available.

Happy New Year

By Melody Kramer

Happy New Year. Another year has come and gone. Be happy, be blessed, and be thankful. I was sitting here thinking and mentally beating myself up for the goals I had set for myself that I didn’t achieve for 2022. Also, for the projects that I said I was going to do and didn’t get done, and for all the time I wasted worrying.  But this verse came across my mind. 

 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I am removing all my anxiety from what wasn’t done or completed to what was done and accomplished. It doesn’t matter if it was on my list of resolutions. Life sometimes seems to take a turn, and what we plan to do is not always what direction God wants us to go in. 

The backyard project may still need to be done. But Spending moments with my kids and seeing them laugh and enjoy life is so much more than a New Years’ resolution that I broke. This year I vowed for 2023 to laugh and smile more,  love deeper, pray a lot harder and walk a little slower and enjoy every step of the way without worrying about what got done or didn’t get done.

Happy New Year to you, and may you take time to smell the flowers, watch a bird fly, count the stars, smile at a stranger, and hug your kids any chance you get, Be blessed, my friends. Have a wonderful New Year.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k. Tik Tok @lifewithmelodyk and Facebook.com/autismmomadventur es. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com