Local Community News and Public Relations established in 1997 and serving cities of Eastvale, Norco, Chino, Walnut, Corona, Riverside, and San Gabriel Valley.
I have lived a very exciting and fulfilling life. I have travelled to all seven continents, have had many close-up wildlife experiences, worked with shamans and chiefs, meditated with the monks in Thailand, swam with sharks, have two published books on Amazon and so much more. My bucket list was very short because at sixty-five I really have done it all. Skydiving was always on that list and it seems like every time I was ready to go, we would have a death in the family. Well in July I finally had the opportunity to finally go and it was life-changing. I have never felt such freedom as I did jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet. As a child I would have flying dreams and on that day my dreams came true and I was flying like a bird. Skydiving also reminded me that there isn’t anything that I can’t work through or accomplish.
I think Covid has left many of us complacent because our lives got shut down and we got comfortable in that. I know many people are having a hard time going back to school, work and just generally back into life. Skydiving was a great way to awaken me and all of my senses. I just feel so very alive again and excited for the next adventure. I hope you can find something to wake you up and make you part of the living again. Try to fight the fears and the lies that hold you hostage from the life you deserve to have. You deserve to be excited, fulfilled, happy and content. Make today the day you start living your best life and being your best self!!!
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 on Amazon.net.
A new school year! Who is ready? I have enjoyed these past summer months with my kids at home, and it seemed we were off to some adventure almost every day.
It could be that we subconsciously are making up for the summer before when we were in “lockdown.” The summer, let alone this year, has flown by in a blink of an eye. Now the kids will be starting school, and though that much-needed break between us is probably needed. I will miss the lazy days of sleeping in, the swimming, the extended sunshine days, no schedules, and all the downtime. Now isn’t that what summer is all about?
In a few short days, we will buckle back down and get back on our daily schedule. It won’t be easy, and granted, I should have stayed on a schedule during the summer, but my kids needed this break and had only a few short weeks of summer. With my boys having ASD, autism spectrum disorder, they attended ESY (extended school year). So these few weeks of summer were precious to us, we enjoyed them and made as many memories as we could.
My youngest will even be going back to school with a brand new look. He decided to find his daddy’s beard trimmer and start shaving his head. There’s never a dull moment in our world, now onto the next season of life. Reach out and let me know if you are ready for school.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 1. For everything there is a season, and a time for every a purpose under heaven
Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com
Follow her on Instagram @So_Cal_Autism_Mom_Adventures and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures
For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.
“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me…” 2 Timothy 4:17
What gives you confidence? Watching the “2020” Olympics, I can’t help but to be impressed by the confidence of the athletes who are on one of the biggest stages of their lives. Families and whole countries are cheering them on and hoping they bring home the gold. It would seem a lifetime of training, a strong support system, a focused mind, and for some faith, has given these athletes such strong confidence. Paul the Apostle used athletic metaphors often. One of his last metaphors he employed was of both a fighter and runner. As Paul was penned his swan song letter to Timothy, he says “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). What is most impressive is that he wrote these words from prison, with few friends left. In prison for his faith in Christ. Having few friends willing to stand with him for fear of their own lives, or because of societal shame. What then gave Paul confidence? Paul experienced God standing with him in past circumstances and difficulties. He also knew countless others were spurred to faith in Christ through his chains as his faith was on display (Philippians 1:12). Many saw the reality of Christ power in his willingness to suffer for Christ. Oswald Chambers once said, “Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” Paul found himself at times in chains, being beaten, shipwrecked, and even abandoned, but those were times when he knew the Lord was closest and stood with him (2 Timothy 4:17). Paul said, “none of these things move me” so to finish his race with joy (Acts 20:24). Joy in the fact that he would finish his race on this side of Heaven with unwavering faith. Deliberate confidence is (Faith) that God is always in control. The Lord stood with Paul as Paul stood with the Lord. I pray you that you live deliberately confident in the fact that God hears you and is standing with you.
Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets at Eastvale Elementary located at 13031 Orange St, Eastvale. Sundays 8:30/10:30am. Livestream, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live is also available. http://www.calvaryeastvale.org.
One of the most memorable places my wife and I have visited is India. Several years ago we flew from Los Angeles to Taiwan then on to Singapore and arrived in Mumbai on the west coast of India. It was a long journey. We spent several days in Mumbai seeing some of the sights and visiting some ministries working among the poorest people in the city. Then we flew to Hyderabad where our host met us at the airport and drove 3-4 hours outside the city to a boarding school and orphanage.
We were surprised by the heavy traffic. Driving in India is not for the faint hearted. Hundreds of cars, trucks and scooters crammed together honking their horns as they waited for the traffic lights to change. When we left the city behind us we found the two-lane highway heart stopping too. Cars and trucks struggled to pass each other on the busy highway.
The countryside provided a different perspective of life in India. We saw people working the fields and were impressed by the variety of agriculture that stretched to the horizon.
We spent a week at the boarding school and orphanage working alongside the staff and leading a children’s program with over 300 students participating. We shared Bible lessons, led recreation and engaged the students in making crafts and art projects.
We were impressed with the hard working staff and the enthusiastic students. Students were respectful and energetic. The school provided meals, housing and a rigorous education for the children. It was a week we will always remember.
Our host drove us back to the airport in Hyderabad where we caught a flight to Delhi in northern India. We couldn’t leave this beautiful country without seeing the Taj Mahal. This magnificent structure is located about two hours outside of Delhi. It is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Several of our neighbors in Diamond Bar are from Indian descent. They are delightful people who are proud of their heritage. I love to tell them about our trip to India. It is a beautiful country with beautiful people. Let me encourage you to set your sights on visiting other parts of the world. Get outside the tourist centers and catch a glimpse of daily life in the country. And get to know your own neighbors who have come from other parts of the world. You will be glad you did and they 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.
“Be of good cheer, daughter, your faith has made you well.” Matthew 9:22
As Jesus would pass through the region, people would crowd him to see Him, hear Him, or seek to be healed by Him. His reputation preceded Him as a prophet and healer, but little did they know at the time that He was the Christ, who was prophesized about going back to Genesis 3:15. As Jesus made his way through this particular city, and as crowds were pressing into Him, He says “who touched me?” (Luke 8:45). One of His disciples says with exuberant confidence “Master everyone is touching you.” Yes, obviously, many seemed to be touching Him, but Jesus said this was different. He says, “I perceive power has gone out from Me.” (Luke 8:46). Something was different about this person’s touch. When Jesus asked the question “who touched Me,” the crowd dissipated a bit and all who was left was a woman on her knees trembling. This woman reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed instantly. She “reached out” as a last resort after 12 years of seeking physicians and exhausting her every dime. She was a woman most likely ostracized for her condition as she was considered “unclean.” Ostracized from family, friends, and being able to worship at the temple. Jesus then reaches out to her and speaks to her. He calls her “daughter.” Something that she needed and possibly longed to hear. A term of endearment. Having a stigma follow her for years, she had little contact with people. He fulfilled her emotional need, but most importantly, He says to her, “your faith has made you well.” Her greatest need was for a Savior. Faith was necessary for her healing. She, in the midst of years of disappointment, believed God could heal her. Religion or a church cannot heal you, but if you reach out to Jesus and ask Him into your heart, He can touch you spiritually. Believe He can transform you today.
Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets at Eastvale Elementary located at 13031 Orange St, Eastvale. Sundays 8:30/10:30am. Livestream, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live is also available. http://www.calvaryeastvale.org.
Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
By Nancy Stoops
Your instincts can guide you well if you can just learn to trust yourself. Remember when you were younger and taking a test and you were told to go with the answer you first thought was correct. This is truly the concept of trusting your instincts or your gut. Nobody knows you better than you know yourself so it makes sense to learn to trust yourself to know what is best for you. Think about how many times you have proven that you can trust your instincts. Look at the evidence in your life about how many times you have been right about something. So then why is it you still doubt yourself and feel you can’t make good life decisions? It’s probably some lie about yourself left over from your childhood. You can learn to combat that lie by looking at the truth about what an amazing person you are today.
Take a moment right now and think about how far you have come. Take some time to look at all of the evidence in your life that shows you that you are worthy of self- trust. Take some time to think about how proud you are of where you’re at and that your mindset has really changed for the better. Now that you are learning to value yourself you are making healthier and more functional decisions about your life. Learn to journal as you continue to move forward in your personal growth and document each step as evidence that you can trust yourself and believe in yourself. It’s really important that you start to recognize your progress and give credit to yourself to build the confidence you need to trust your instincts and in turn trust yourself. I believe in all of you and celebrate all of your personal growth and I’m here to tell you that you can trust yourself!
This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Nancy is now accepting new clients. She also works as a motivational speaker. Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens and can handle many courts mandated needs. 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 book’s Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.
This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let shine. I sing this to my boys almost daily to remind them that they have a light within them and let the world see it.
Being autistic, they may not fully understand the concept of what I am singing, but I know they are taking it in.
I pray my boys will grow up and be confident, have strength, follow their hearts, know they are essential in this world, and let their light shine.
I also take to heart that I need to shine my light and walk and talk with confidence. Not everyone I run into is kind or understanding of my boy’s ASD. On social media, some people could be mean and rude behind their keyboards.
At times I have been defensive, or I feel defeated. I get unsure of myself, and I question things.
I know I am the best mother for my kids though I let people dim my light or shake my confidence from their nasty words. I have to remind myself who I am. I am a child of God and I don’t need validation from anyone. We all have a light inside of us, so let’s go out and brighten up the world and let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Deuteronomy 31:6: 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com
Follow her on Instagram @So_Cal_Autism_Mom_Adventures and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures
For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.
I love the long summer evenings in Southern California. I love to get more things done after dinner with the extra daylight we enjoy in June and July. I was surprised the clock read 8:30 PM when I came into the house after washing my car.
An added bonus to the long summer evenings has been meeting more of my neighbors. There are a lot of men, women, and young adults walking past our house every evening. Many of them are doing laps around our block and come by several times. And many of them are walking with a spouse, children or exercise partner.
I like to pause what I am doing and say hello as people pass by. Some share encouraging comments on how nice my car looks. I like to return the compliment and tell them what a good job they are doing as they walk through our neighborhood.
Some people pause when I ask them their name or where they live. It has been challenging to learn new names and remember them the next time I see them. But I enjoy our brief conversations and I like getting to know my neighbors better.
There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). It is hard to love your neighbors if you don’t know your neighbors. One of the biggest obstacles to getting to know your neighbors is the garage door. People drive down the street, press the garage door opener, pull into their garage and close the door. It is pretty hard to get to know them when you can’t even speak to them.
Other obstacles include the back yard patio and the indoor air conditioning. It is interesting that older homes were built with a front porch. People would get out of their warm house on a summer evening and sit outside to enjoy a cool evening breeze. The front porch provided a natural setting to greet people walking by. It enabled neighbors to meet other neighbors.
Let me encourage you to get to know the neighbors who live around you. Why not wash your car during these long summer evenings and say hello to the people who walk by. Why not set up a lawn chair in your front yard instead of sitting in your air conditioned house or the back yard patio. You will be glad you did and your neighbors will too!
You can read 365 more stories (one for every day of the year) in the book Let Me Encourage You. by Mark Hopper for only $25 (includes postage). Order your copy this week at markh@efreedb.org. Visit Mark’s website to read his latest stories at Letmarkencourageyou.com.
Ontario – Voortman’s Egg Ranch has been in the business of providing farm fresh eggs to friends and visitors to the local area for over 60 years. Originally from Bellflower, the Voortman family – who has always been in the egg ranching business – moved their operation to Ontario in 1951.
Voortman’s has a small-town farm ambiance, with the latest in technology. Their happy chickens are enjoying their newly remodeled home; and their egg-processing machine can handle about 36,000 eggs per hour at its peak. If the average bird lays one egg about every 26 hours, that equals a lot of chickens at the Voortman ranch!
Did you know that you can tell how fresh an egg is by how high the yolk stands up in the frying pan after you crack it? Voortman’s will have your over-easies standing tall. Their fresh eggs are the highest in quality, with dark, nutrient-dense yolks. You will immediately notice a difference in your cooking and baking.
Have you ever wondered how long the eggs in the grocery stores have actually been sitting around? Despite the use-by date, there is really no way to know how long ago they were produced. With Voortman’s, the eggs are selected daily, on site, and readied for you in their store.
Third-generation egg rancher, Eddie Voortman, says, “We are a local, family-owned business that provides fresh, quality products to the public.”
Customers of Voortman’s rave about their all natural, cage free eggs, touting the freshness, and great pricing. One customer said, “They make the fluffiest scrambled eggs!”
The eggs come in all sizes and colors, depending on your needs. Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed.
Voortman’s is centrally located just minutes from Chino at 13960 Grove Avenue in Ontario (just north of Edison). You can reach Voortman’s at (909) 465-1319; and Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Voortmans-Egg-Ranch.
Stop by any time Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chino Hills – Hiring an attorney can be very intimidating and let’s face it the industry doesn’t exactly have a “trustworthy” reputation. We should be careful and ask some questions when we do need an attorney. What questions should we ask before we actually hire an attorney? First, how long have they been practicing law? Second, who are they, what evidence do we have of their honesty and integrity? Third, do we believe they actually care about us, our case and not just the money? Also we have to ask can we afford the legal fees and will this firm give me the most bang for my buck?
In a society where money is king and less costs more with every passing day finding an attorney that we can trust and afford can be like finding a needle in a haystack.
William Radcliffe is the attorney that not only answers these questions positively but exceeds expectations in his areas of expertise.
William became one of the youngest attorneys in California at the age of 23. He began his career 32 plus years ago working with his father John Radcliffe, a well-known and respected personal injury attorney in Covina.
In 1986 William married his wife Bonnie who was a legal secretary at a law firm in Ontario at the time. “Bonnie’s Paralegal” processed uncontested divorces and became very successful while William continues to work with his father. After some time William decided to start his own law practice and with Bonnie’s business serving as a client base it was a no brainer for them. William Radcliffe Law Offices became one of the first law firms that offered traditional attorney representation as well as assisting people in representing themselves in cases that didn’t really need attorney assistance.
In the 1990’s the business expanded their services to bankruptcies and a few years later added Wills and Trusts to their growing list of services. “Experience in the area of your need is important” says William. “I think someone who will try to keep the Client’s legal expenses to a minimum is important and that is what got us to where we are today” William added. William said, “We know that not everybody can afford a large legal retainer and no one wants to spend more money than is necessary so if all they need is a paralegal we are there for them”.
Whether you need traditional attorney representation or simply some legal assistance The Law office of William Radcliffe will assess your case and do “whatever it takes” to give you the most cost effective legal assistance plan available today.
“Every Client will receive hands on personal service from an attorney every step of the way through their case” says William. William Radcliffe law offices are always keeping their eyes open to what the latest needs might be for future clients. They are constantly looking at what other offices are doing and what the current trends are for the legal needs of the people. “We now see that mediation is a common trend in the industry today and that ties into our philosophy of helping our clients avoid runaway attorney fees”.
William Radcliffe is bringing these philosophies to Orange County to help even more people by showing them that there is somebody out there trying to help them with this need in an industry that just put simply doesn’t have that type of reputation.
The main office is in Chino/Chino Hills but they also see clients in their home office in San Clemente where he and Bonnie reside. They are involved in the Children’s Ministry at Saddleback Church in San Clemente and provide legal service to the public at the church’s PEACE center.
Bankruptcy, Wills, Trusts and Divorces contested and uncontested services available at reasonable prices. You can contact William Radcliffe at (909)597-3633 or docoflaw@aol.com. Go to www.docoflaw.com for further information.
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:12
We read of Daniel being a fearless follower of God (Daniel 2). The Babylonians were trying to assimilate the young Jewish males in order to control them. They knew the young men had strong religious ties, so the Babylonians sought to change the names of the young men, change their worship, and change their diet. Daniel resisted the king’s delicacies, purposing in his heart not to defile himself and honor God. Another occasion finds Daniel resisting mandated worship of the king and continued to pray to his God. Scripture says that “when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God” (Daniel 6:10). As a result, Daniel eventually finds himself in the lion’s den, where God delivers him. You can’t help but to notice a truth in this Biblical account of Daniel. God delivers Daniel while in the lion’s den. As we walk with the Lord, we can experience God delivering us from our troubles on occasion. Many times, our prayers are requests for God to take us out of any given difficulty. One of the things that may be hard to process is that sometimes God wants to deliver us while in the time of difficulty. No doubt, the Lord was with Daniel in the lion’s den and God delivers him. What gave Daniel the strength to stand against the enemy? In Daniel 6:10, it says that Daniel “always prayed.” He was accustomed to praying. Daniel heard God often, and it would appear that Daniel drew strength from his prayers. Do you need strength today? You will find great strength in kneeling before the Lord (Philippians4:7). Due to school closures, Calvary Chapel Eastvale is temporarily meeting in a “Drive In format” at American Heroes Park in Eastvale. Livestream, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live are also available at 8:30am and 10:30am Sundays. Starting Sunday JULY 11, Calvary Eastvale will be moving to a new location at Eastvale Elementary School.
Sometimes I worry, I get frustrated, and anxiety fills my soul. I am uncertain about things and I get overwhelmed. Just the other day, I felt all these emotions and felt consumed with what we were going to do. I had bought Disneyland tickets and reserved our day for June 1st.
I started to panic a little after reading that there was no tram. Instead, you would have to walk from the parking garage to Disneyland.
Though my stress was more about, you had to walk back after a big day at Disneyland with two autistic boys.
Plus, I was reading where it was best to line up at the parking garage before they opened.
Oh, the thought of waking my boys up very early and getting them out the door, I could feel the stress rise within me. I started to think maybe I should have never bought the tickets and said a prayer, Dear God, what am I going to do, help.
Then out of the blue came an invite to spend two nights at The Howard Johnson Hotel in Anaheim by The Mommy Blogger Tribe I belong to. It just so happened it was from May 31st to June 2nd. I had no clue this hotel was right across the street from Disneyland and within walking distance until we checked in.
I couldn’t have asked for more of a perfect two days at the hotel and a fun-filled day at Disneyland.
It’s incredible how things work out when you turn them over to God.
Joshua 1:9 NIV Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
You could read all about our mini-vacation on my website: Autsimmomadventures.com
Follow: @So_Cal_Autism_Mom_Adventures and Follow: Facebook.com/autismmomadventures
Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I have been meditating daily since I was a teenager and now, I am sixty-five and am very peaceful in my mind, body and spirit. There are three different ways that I would recommend that you start meditation. The first one can be done daily with those of you that take walks. As you are walking pay attention to the rhythm of your walk. Practice paying attention to the rhythm as each foot moves. Make that rhythm all that you are focusing on. Any time your mind starts to wonder or think about anything take your focus back to the rhythm of your walk. The second way to meditate is to just focus on your breathing. You should be breathing deep from within your diaphragm not your chest. Once again just focus on your breathing just like the rhythm of your walk. If you get distracted or start to think, just go back to focusing on your breathing. The last one is to focus on a word. I like the word peace. So now close your eyes and just see the word peace. When your mind starts to think or you lose your focus just go back to seeing the word peace. I would recommend you start practicing these forms of meditation for 5-10 minutes daily. Meditation is a very difficult skill to master so be patient with yourself.
Many of my patents were on pharmaceuticals for depression and anxiety and now nobody in my practice uses them anymore. I attribute much of this to the meditation that I include in their sessions and in my free support groups. You are welcome to come and experience a guided meditation and body scan two more forms of meditation led by me in my groups. My groups meet every Monday evening from 6-8p.m. and the first and third Friday of every month from 9a.m.-11a.m. and they are free. Just email me before each group at nancyjstoops@verizon.net and I will send you the link for the zoom group. 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 tomanage anger. For moreinformation about any of these services feel free to contact herat (909)229-0727. You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net.
In my previous article I shared how unfulfilled expectations can result in frustration. That is true when you are playing a round of golf. If you expect to play well and get a good score, you may find yourself discouraged and disappointed by the end of the day. Your score may be a lot worse than you expected!
I believe there are many married couples who are disillusioned after years of marriage. They started married life filled with hopes and dreams. But as the years passed they found themselves frustrated and disappointed. Their married life has not turned out the way they expected it would.
There is a powerful song in the musical Les Miserables where a woman expressed her heartache about the way her life has turned out. It is titled – “I Dreamed a Dream”. Some of the lyrics are:
“I dreamed a dream in days gone by, when hope was high and life worth living – I dreamed that love would never die, I dreamed that God would be forgiving. Then it all went wrong”
Those words may express how you feel about your marriage. But I want to urge you to not give up hope and don’t give up trying. God loves to repair relationships and restore marriages.
One of the things that can undermine a marriage is unfulfilled expectations. Spouses can become bitter and resentful when their hopes and dreams are not met. One of the best things you can do is changeyourexpectations. Don’t wait for the other person to change – look for ways you can change your expectations with God’s help.
Years ago we met a wonderful couple during my summer internship in El Centro, California. The husband was a cattle rancher. He rarely got home on time for dinner. His wife was frustrated. Dinner was ready and the kids were hungry. But she decided to change her attitude and not expect him to be home for dinner. She realized that cattle, fences and water pumps may need immediate attention. She decided to just feed the kids when dinner was ready and warm up dinner for her husband when he got home. She changed her expectations and it reduced the level of stress on their relationship. Let me encourage you to change your attitude and your actions. Change your expectations. Ask God to change your heart. Be willing to forgive others that you feel have hurt you (Ephesians 4:32). You will be glad you did and they 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.
It was only a 45-minute drive, but I arrived at the site. It took me another 10 minutes to find his “section,” but we were soon in the vicinity of where his life was laid to rest. As I paced each headstone, I had an eerie vision of him lying beneath the surface, watching me pace the yard, while his spirit yearned for me. Almost as though he was screaming, “I’m over here,” in a silent spirit. I walked up to his plaque and I stared at the etching in the stone. I reluctantly read the words, “Cipriano Armijo, beloved man of God.” And after kneeling down on the soft, damp, green grass, I relaxed my body over the 8 by 4 foot section of landscape that was the last home to daddy’s body. I traced each word on the plaque with my hand, etching each letter of his name with my fingers. When I knelt, I looked down upon the freshly cut, softened soil and confessed all the things that have happened since he left this earth. I explained to the ground, and to the bronze piece of metal that bears his name, my life without daddy with hopes his spirit heard my deepest fears and my strongest accomplishments. I told him that I had hoped he was proud of me, as my life had followed strange paths that have given me journeys of learning and routines of pain. Since his departure, life had become interesting and successful, yet painful and confusing. When I sat at his gravesite, I realized what a misconception the phrase: “I no longer have parents, they died.” Because when I knelt at his site I held myself accountable of my actions and perceptions of life, just as when he was alive. I relayed the message; “I know you’re there, I know you’re watching.” As I crept to my knees, I still had a father and I still had someone to answer to. I believe that parents are forever. Good or bad, their behavior and their actions stay in our memories. I believe that we never end our influence on our children, we never stop being parents. That’s why it’s so important that we do a good job each day while we’re here on earth; we have no guarantee of how long we’re going to be here. When we’re gone, when our heart stops and our spirit rises to the world beyond our hearts and minds, we can only hope that we’ve loved enough, lived enough, and laughed enough for our children to remember our lives as a benefit to their own, because we do live in their hearts forever. Someday, when our own children kneel on the soft, moist, green grass that lies our last home to our bodies, we can only hope the tears that fill our children’s eyes and hearts are tears of love that yearn for us to forever watch over their joyous lives. This will remind them that we’ll never, ever, stop being their parents.
The SGV-IE News covers local news for Walnut, Diamond Bar, Chino, Chino Hills and the surrounding areas. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
WALNUT, CA—TheBoard of Trustees celebrated stellar members of the Walnut Valley family during the February 17 meeting.
Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile; Caption….
Maple Hill Elementary parent volunteer Saralie Ekowibowo was acknowledged with the Partner in Education Award. For the past six years, Saralie has served on Community Club and the Hawk Shop weekly after-school shopping experience featuring candy, handmade ornaments, Boba, pizza, and gifts. “The Hawk Shop was Saralie’s brainchild,” lauded Principal Kelly Morris. Saralie also volunteers every Thursday in the reading intervention group for first and second graders. She has helped hundreds of students learn how to read and to foster a love for it. Last year, she organized yard sign deliveries, drive through celebration with swag bag, and virtual activities to celebrate promoting fifth graders. “Putting kids first each and every day is her anthem – Saralie is a champion for kids!” Morris added.
Photo courtesy/Caption
Fourth grader William Lee received the Super Star StudentAward.In 2nd grade, William lost his mother. Mrs. Lee was one of the school’s most dedicated parent volunteers. During this life-altering event, William has demonstrated great perseverance and character. When he returned to school, William chose peace, kindness, and persistence, Morris said. “We saw the beauty of William’s true character in the face of adversity and we witnessed the abundant love of his parents.”William is gentle to others and a caring citizen. He continues to have a brave heart, strong mind, and brave spirit – the school’s motto. “We could all take a page out of William’s book,” Morris added. “Life will present us all with challenges, we can turn to sadness or we can do what William did and move towards hope and resilience.”
Quail Summit Elementary fourth grader Anjelica Liu was lauded with the Super Star Student Award. Last summer, in the midst of the pandemic while many children were playing or watching television, Anjelica decided to start an online business called Charity Girls to raise money to help others. The nine-year-old began creating small beaded items with all funds donated to the Feed America non-profit organization. Anjelica said she knew that a lot of people didn’t have money for food and clothing and she just wanted to help. “Anjelica makes us extremely proud!” said Principal Frances Weissenberger. “What you want most of a student is that they demonstrate not only high academic standards, but also characteristics that show empathy, kindness and love – and Anjelica demonstrates all of these!” Anjelica’s items are available at: www.etsy.com/shot/CharityGirlsCo.
Quail Summit Elementary parent volunteer Nicole Zhou was honored with the Partner in Education Award. Nicole always goes above and beyond in everything she does. She is supportive of all teachers, works diligently in the classroom, and participates in Community Club, School Site Council, and the Superintendent’s Parent Leadership Seminar. Before distance learning, Nicole was a regular figure in the hallway, always working on projects to help students. “We have always relied heavily upon Nicole and she never waivers in her support of our school,” Weissenberger said.
The school is most appreciative of all that she does, but funnily enough Nicole is the one that always takes the time to show her appreciation. This year, she gave every staff member perfume as a gift during the holidays. “Nicole not only supports us with her help, she helps us smell good in the process!” the school leader shared.
The Board of Trustees presented a special recognition to the 2020 Classified Employee of the Year, David Arionus. David is a morning aide at Suzanne Middle School. Since joining the team he has provided exceptional customer support while connecting with students and staff on a personal level. Due to the pandemic, the annual Cornerstone Awards was held virtually this year. Twelve classified employees were lauded for outstanding customer service, culminating with the Classified Employee of the Year announcement. “David is a people person, and he is someone everyone really loves and respects!” lauded Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “We’re just super proud of him!”
WALNUT, CA—The Board of Trustees celebrated stellar members of the Walnut Valley family during the February 17 meeting.
Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile; Maple Hill Elementary parent volunteer Saralie Ekowibowo receives the Partner in Education Award on Feb. 17th.
Maple Hill Elementary parent volunteer Saralie Ekowibowo was acknowledged with the Partner in Education Award. For the past six years, Saralie has served on Community Club and the Hawk Shop weekly after-school shopping experience featuring candy, handmade ornaments, Boba, pizza, and gifts. “The Hawk Shop was Saralie’s brainchild,” lauded Principal Kelly Morris. Saralie also volunteers every Thursday in the reading intervention group for first and second graders. She has helped hundreds of students learn how to read and to foster a love for it. Last year, she organized yard sign deliveries, drive through celebration with swag bag, and virtual activities to celebrate promoting fifth graders. “Putting kids first each and every day is her anthem – Saralie is a champion for kids!” Morris added.
Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile; Maple Hill Elementary 4th grader William Lee honored with Super Star Student Award
Fourth grader William Lee received the Super Star Student Award. In 2nd grade, William lost his mother. Mrs. Lee was one of the school’s most dedicated parent volunteers. During this life-altering event, William has demonstrated great perseverance and character. When he returned to school, William chose peace, kindness, and persistence, Morris said. “We saw the beauty of William’s true character in the face of adversity and we witnessed the abundant love of his parents. ”William is gentle to others and a caring citizen. He continues to have a brave heart, strong mind, and brave spirit – the school’s motto. “We could all take a page out of William’s book,” Morris added. “Life will present us all with challenges, we can turn to sadness or we can do what William did and move towards hope and resilience.”
Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile; Quail Summit Elementary fourth grader Anjelica Liu presented with Super Star Award on Feb 17th.
Quail Summit Elementary fourth grader Anjelica Liu was lauded with the Super Star Student Award. Last summer, in the midst of the pandemic while many children were playing or watching television, Anjelica decided to start an online business called Charity Girls to raise money to help others. The nine-year-old began creating small beaded items with all funds donated to the Feed America non-profit organization. Anjelica said she knew that a lot of people didn’t have money for food and clothing and she just wanted to help. “Anjelica makes us extremely proud!” said Principal Frances Weissenberger. “What you want most of a student is that they demonstrate not only high academic standards, but also characteristics that show empathy, kindness and love – and Anjelica demonstrates all of these!” Anjelica’s items are available at: www.etsy.com/shot/CharityGirlsCo.
Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile; Quail Summit Elementary parent Nicole Zhou receive the Partner in Education Award.
Quail Summit Elementary parent volunteer Nicole Zhou was honored with the Partner in Education Award. Nicole always goes above and beyond in everything she does. She is supportive of all teachers, works diligently in the classroom, and participates in Community Club, School Site Council, and the Superintendent’s Parent Leadership Seminar. Before distance learning, Nicole was a regular figure in the hallway, always working on projects to help students. “We have always relied heavily upon Nicole and she never waivers in her support of our school,” Weissenberger said.
The school is most appreciative of all that she does, but funnily enough Nicole is the one that always takes the time to show her appreciation. This year, she gave every staff member perfume as a gift during the holidays. “Nicole not only supports us with her help, she helps us smell good in the process!” the school leader shared.
The Board of Trustees presented a special recognition to the 2020 Classified Employee of the Year, David Arionus. David is a morning aide at Suzanne Middle School. Since joining the team he has provided exceptional customer support while connecting with students and staff on a personal level. Due to the pandemic, the annual Cornerstone Awards was held virtually this year. Twelve classified employees were lauded for outstanding customer service, culminating with the Classified Employee of the Year announcement. “David is a people person, and he is someone everyone really loves and respects!” lauded Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “We’re just super proud of him!”
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“Let nothing you dismay, Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas Day, To save us all from Satan’s power, When we were gone astray, Oh tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy…”
These are the amazing words from the Christmas Carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” I love these words. Such a reminder of the Heart of Christmas. During this Covid-19 Climate, people have unwittingly said “we have to cancel Christmas.” I understand the reason for the phrase, I understand the fear and the hurt that this year has brought. I also understand not meeting with family because of uncertainty. But the message of Christmas is so much more than a gathering or gifts.
I pray that this Christmas, we don’t miss the heart of the celebration of Christmas. We see some in the Gospels who missed the heart of Christmas. We see the innkeeper who missed out on Jesus because he was too busy (Luke 2). We need to make time for the Lord. We see that King Herod was too fearful to let Christ rule his life (Mat 2). Turn to Christ today. Don’t let the pandemic replace Christmas in your heart. May we not allow anything take the place of worshipping Jesus Christ, who is the true meaning. Christmas is the ushering in of hope to this world. The hope of eternal life. This hope was wrapped and placed in the manger.
We remember Jesus wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger (Luke 2:12). In time, your Christmas gifts will mostly be forgotten. But God has given us the ultimate gift—the gift of His Son Jesus Christ. This year lets mindfully peel back the exterior and look at the Heart. Jesus is our gift. May we remember it’s God’s eternal Gift that cancels out the power of sin and death over us who trust in Him (John 3:16).
Due to school closures, Calvary Chapel Eastvale is temporarily meeting in a “Drive In format” at American Heroes Park at 8:30am and 10:30am. All midweek services can be viewed on Facebook Live at 7pm. All of our services can be viewed on our Facebook Channel (Calvary Eastvale). Download our online bulletin to stay current at calvaryeastvale.org.
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