Saturday, November 15, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
A Testimony of His Faithfulness
Okay, I saw this video on the recent tragedy that struck Steven Curtis Chapman's family and it was difficult to keep my eyes dry. A lot of things hit me that were said, but what stuck out the most is what he told his son. View the video and find out:
Christian Star Grieves Daughter's Death
God is good.
Christian Star Grieves Daughter's Death
God is good.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
New Addition to the Nacke's
This is from our very much missed family in Illinois, Cory, Mindy, and Tessa Nacke:
"...Owen William Nacke!!!!!!!
He came into the world yesterday (5/15/08) at 2:13pm He weighed in at a healthy 8 lbs. 3 oz. and stretched to 20" long. Mother and baby are doing great, Big Sis doesn't know what to think and Daddy is ready for a nap! Here are some pics of our little man!
Cory, Mindy, Tessa and Owen"
Congratulations to the Nacke's! Great work Nackes in bringing yet another beautiful child into the world!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Prayer for a Friend
Hey Family,
I have a friend here at work (Brittany) who is having some major problems in her life right now and is in need of prayer. Here is the deal:
Her Mother was diagnosed with cancer a couple years ago. She's been going through Chemotherapy since but the tumor is still growing. So this week, the doctor's just found a blood clot that is on top of the tumor and preventing its removal. Doctor's are telling them that its hereditary, since her grandmother died young from similar causes and around the same age. Also, doctors are thinking that Brittany herself needs to get re-tested for this particularly rare form of cancer.
The last doctor (of 4) put the mother on Xanax and she is now experiencing schizophrenic episodes and reduced mental capacity as she has been, at times, unresponsive to her family.
Lastly, her parents are on the fritz and are going into bankruptcy and having already separated.
So thats the gist of it.
Here are some specifics to pray for:
Strength in their time of need
Healing
Godly encouragement
Deliverance from habits
Wisdom
Patience
Peace
Salvation for the Mom (and family)
God's will be done
Thanks all.
Call me with questions.
949*278*6963
JG
I have a friend here at work (Brittany) who is having some major problems in her life right now and is in need of prayer. Here is the deal:
Her Mother was diagnosed with cancer a couple years ago. She's been going through Chemotherapy since but the tumor is still growing. So this week, the doctor's just found a blood clot that is on top of the tumor and preventing its removal. Doctor's are telling them that its hereditary, since her grandmother died young from similar causes and around the same age. Also, doctors are thinking that Brittany herself needs to get re-tested for this particularly rare form of cancer.
The last doctor (of 4) put the mother on Xanax and she is now experiencing schizophrenic episodes and reduced mental capacity as she has been, at times, unresponsive to her family.
Lastly, her parents are on the fritz and are going into bankruptcy and having already separated.
So thats the gist of it.
Here are some specifics to pray for:
Strength in their time of need
Healing
Godly encouragement
Deliverance from habits
Wisdom
Patience
Peace
Salvation for the Mom (and family)
God's will be done
Thanks all.
Call me with questions.
949*278*6963
JG
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Hailey Follow Up
My friends, it is my prayer that as witnesses to the Lord's miraculous hand that we can memorialize this moment which He meant for US to experience as a group to "further advance the Kingdom."
Rob
This is from Jeff, our friend whose niece is Hailey (See May 16th Post):
"It was definitely a crazy couple of days. Definitely the power of prayer that pulled this whole thing to a good spot. She is good to go as of right now, been at home for the last couple of days. They think that she might have had a seizure or just tried to hold her breath too long while under the water.
Thanks for the prayers."
Jeff Sherod
From Christy:
"But the quick synopsis, is that God heard everyones prayers, and performed a miracle. Yesterday, it was doubtful that Hailey would live, and this morning, she is BREATHING, TALKING and they have confirmed that there is NO brain damage. Absolutely amazing. She went from being blue, unresponsive and on life support, to possibly getting discharged as early as TONIGHT! The doctors are attributing the quick recovery to the fact that the dad immediately did CPR on Haily, and therefore got crucial oxygen to her brain at a key moment. But we are attributing it to a Great God who hears our prayers, who still works miracles today, and who holds the keys to life and death. Praise the Lord that he gave this little girl back to her parents and those who love her. He is good. His love endures forever!"
Christy
From Meegs:
"Good is good.
Thank you, Lord, for restoring faith in prayer for me!
I'm sorry, God that I doubted you for a long time when I heard you say, 'no' or 'wait'.
Thank you, God, as you ARE good.
please forgive me, Jesus.
For you, in fact, are good."
Megan (Meegs)
Rob
This is from Jeff, our friend whose niece is Hailey (See May 16th Post):
"It was definitely a crazy couple of days. Definitely the power of prayer that pulled this whole thing to a good spot. She is good to go as of right now, been at home for the last couple of days. They think that she might have had a seizure or just tried to hold her breath too long while under the water.
Thanks for the prayers."
Jeff Sherod
From Christy:
"But the quick synopsis, is that God heard everyones prayers, and performed a miracle. Yesterday, it was doubtful that Hailey would live, and this morning, she is BREATHING, TALKING and they have confirmed that there is NO brain damage. Absolutely amazing. She went from being blue, unresponsive and on life support, to possibly getting discharged as early as TONIGHT! The doctors are attributing the quick recovery to the fact that the dad immediately did CPR on Haily, and therefore got crucial oxygen to her brain at a key moment. But we are attributing it to a Great God who hears our prayers, who still works miracles today, and who holds the keys to life and death. Praise the Lord that he gave this little girl back to her parents and those who love her. He is good. His love endures forever!"
Christy
From Meegs:
"Good is good.
Thank you, Lord, for restoring faith in prayer for me!
I'm sorry, God that I doubted you for a long time when I heard you say, 'no' or 'wait'.
Thank you, God, as you ARE good.
please forgive me, Jesus.
For you, in fact, are good."
Megan (Meegs)
Friday, May 16, 2008
GOD IS GOOD-- MIRACLES HAPPEN!
I AM BLOWN AWAY BY HIS FAITHFULNESS AND GOODNESS! And to be quite honest with you, I've been wanting to see Him work in a situation that is close to me so I can bear more witness to His Kingdom with my personal experience.
Last night at LG, all of us were given some disturbing news. A dear friend's niece had fallen into a jacuzzi for numerous minutes and was motionless. She was taken to the hospital and given a very bleak diagnosis-- basically guaranteed brain damage of some kind and no guarantees of coming out of her coma (from what I understood). On top of that there may have been water in her brain and lungs.
Well as a group we prayed for this little girl (Hailey)-- passionately and pleading with the Lord. Mid-way through LG we received a call from the little girl's aunt and it turns out that when they took out the breathing apparatus she gasp for breaths on her own. Apparently this was a good thing because it meant that her brain was working! Still we all acknowledge that the Lord was above all this and could perform insane miracles. We prayed again at the end of life group and passionately called out to God to rescue and save. See the email conversation between Tracey and Megan Beeney (aka Meegs) below:
From: Beeney, Megan [mailto:MBeeney@usa.norgren.com]
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 10:03 AM
To: Beeney, Jacob; Susan Beeney
Cc: Espero, Tracey M; Ashley Beeney (hurley7142003@myway.com)
Subject: God is sooooo good, Good all the time!!!
Importance: High
Beens, I just needed to update you.
I just got a call from Christy Norland, from life group.
Hailey, the one that we prayed for last night, IS TALKING THIS MORNING!!!!
after being found under the water, presumed dead from drowning, with only small brain activity.....
THEY MAY EVEN RELEASE HER TONIGHT TO GO HOME!!!!!
GOD, YOU ARE SO GOOD.
WE PRAISE YOU, AND THANK YOU, FOR THE ANSWERING OF THIS PRAYER.
The medical doctors will blame it on the fact that she had a seizure from the heat of the Jacuzzi, and the fact that she was only under the water a few minutes, and because CPR was performed on her....
BUT WE KNOW THE REAL REASON - PRAYER.
God may have used all of those things, but she was saved by God's Holy sovereignty!!!
they only had her sedated a little bit last night, then she was breathing on her own.
and this morning, she started talking
WITH NO BRAIN DAMAGE AT ALL!!!
Thank you, Lord, for saving that little girl, we praise you, and thank you for the innumerable blessings we are surrounded by each day.
and thank you, Lord, for using this to remind me how awesome and amazing you are.
trace, thought you might like an update.
ash and sue, just thought that you should know that I got a HUGE reminder today that God is so good... sometimes we don't understand it, and sometimes we do.....
last night, I got it!
Thank you,
Megan Beeney
Direct Sales - LA Area
Norgren, USA
562-331-6672
www.norgren.com
Last night at LG, all of us were given some disturbing news. A dear friend's niece had fallen into a jacuzzi for numerous minutes and was motionless. She was taken to the hospital and given a very bleak diagnosis-- basically guaranteed brain damage of some kind and no guarantees of coming out of her coma (from what I understood). On top of that there may have been water in her brain and lungs.
Well as a group we prayed for this little girl (Hailey)-- passionately and pleading with the Lord. Mid-way through LG we received a call from the little girl's aunt and it turns out that when they took out the breathing apparatus she gasp for breaths on her own. Apparently this was a good thing because it meant that her brain was working! Still we all acknowledge that the Lord was above all this and could perform insane miracles. We prayed again at the end of life group and passionately called out to God to rescue and save. See the email conversation between Tracey and Megan Beeney (aka Meegs) below:
From: Beeney, Megan [mailto:MBeeney@usa.norgren.com]
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 10:03 AM
To: Beeney, Jacob; Susan Beeney
Cc: Espero, Tracey M; Ashley Beeney (hurley7142003@myway.com)
Subject: God is sooooo good, Good all the time!!!
Importance: High
Beens, I just needed to update you.
I just got a call from Christy Norland, from life group.
Hailey, the one that we prayed for last night, IS TALKING THIS MORNING!!!!
after being found under the water, presumed dead from drowning, with only small brain activity.....
THEY MAY EVEN RELEASE HER TONIGHT TO GO HOME!!!!!
GOD, YOU ARE SO GOOD.
WE PRAISE YOU, AND THANK YOU, FOR THE ANSWERING OF THIS PRAYER.
The medical doctors will blame it on the fact that she had a seizure from the heat of the Jacuzzi, and the fact that she was only under the water a few minutes, and because CPR was performed on her....
BUT WE KNOW THE REAL REASON - PRAYER.
God may have used all of those things, but she was saved by God's Holy sovereignty!!!
they only had her sedated a little bit last night, then she was breathing on her own.
and this morning, she started talking
WITH NO BRAIN DAMAGE AT ALL!!!
Thank you, Lord, for saving that little girl, we praise you, and thank you for the innumerable blessings we are surrounded by each day.
and thank you, Lord, for using this to remind me how awesome and amazing you are.
trace, thought you might like an update.
ash and sue, just thought that you should know that I got a HUGE reminder today that God is so good... sometimes we don't understand it, and sometimes we do.....
last night, I got it!
Thank you,
Megan Beeney
Direct Sales - LA Area
Norgren, USA
562-331-6672
www.norgren.com
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Looking to community... a request
Hi all,
First of all, hello to you out-of-staters (Womacks & Nackes), folks we
haven't seen for a while (Regehrs, Hogues) and everyone else in between. I
am writing to apologize for not being at our last week's discussion on
Community. I know that we are all being challenged to push our boundaries as
to our perception of what doing "true community" is like and I
know the Lord is not exempting Tracey and I from it-- believe me I wish we
were-- which brings me to the purpose of my email.
Amidst all the real serious stuff that we have discovered that is going on
in other people's lives due to our new role as Community Pastors, Trace
and I have talked to and prayed for people who are on death-beds, lives
being brought out of chemical dependency, families down to cents in their
bank accounts, people in abusive relationships, and so much more. I mention
this because this has created a certain mentality within me-- one that
causes me to think, "Gosh, these people have real problems compared to
what Trace and I are struggling with."
Why do I say this do you ask? Because this thought process has made me feel like I am selfish to ask for prayer in what I consider "minor" or trivial struggles
compared to the struggles other people are challenged with resulting in keeping me from reaching out to those for which we are supposed to be in community with
(you guys). One thing I am realizing is the Lord is calling me and Trace
to share our "stuff" with you guys, our community, as we go through the journey of life with all of you.
For this I apologize for because I have missed out on the true gift of
community that the Lord has blessed us with. There are SO MANY people
desiring to be in close community with others within RH and I have taken for granted the gift the Lord has given Trace and I with for over 7 years. We are called
to "be real" with each other and therefore this is my attempt to
break out of what has been of this thought-process that has kept me
from being a part of our community-- which brings me to my prayer requests:
Can you please pray:
1) Against this flu I've been struggling with for the last 2 1/2 weeks. I've
been missing quite a bit of work (both my full-time job and announcing
commitments). It has been a difficult couple of weeks because I turn into a
big baby when I get sick and I'm sure that Trace hates dealing with me especially since I hate being laid out to a point where I can't do a thing.
2) Since being back from Australia/New Zealand, I sense that my supervisor
has not been very satisfied with me and the atmosphere between her and I has
been one of thick tension due to time loss from work from being gone on
vacation for 3 1/2 weeks at a crucial time, time off due to the passing of
my Grandmother and the missing of even more time due to illness related to
the stress of all these things happening at once (migraine headaches, lack
of sleep, worry, etc).
3) The ability to see the Lord in what He is doing in this season of life He
has placed me in (which one is obviously doing true community with all of
you).
Some of us can make the argument (this includes Trace and I) that we have
"community", but it is my belief that our MLG has been hand-picked by the Lord for each of us see if we can be good stewards of the relationships He has given to us. For example, I could only imagine how hungry Trace and I would be for community if we
moved to another area (like Narrabeen near Sydney, Australia) without a community of
believers-- I would be pretty depressed without this gift community.
Hebrews 11:16 refers to a community who have an earnest desire to "seek
the heavenly country" with others. This is my first humble step in that
direction to re-nurture a deeper a appreciation of this Divine gift
entrusted to me and Trace.
I apologize for my long-winded email, but just felt the Lord prompting me to
take a first-step in watering this seed within our group to see what kind
kind of fruit is born from His calling for me. I would love to dialog with all
of you in this (so please feel free to reply to everyone).
Thanks for your eyes and ears-- and your entrusting of your hearts to
include Trace and I in our MLG community!
Seeking the heavenly country (Heb 11:16),
Rob Espero
P.S. I try to post this to our blog at:
http://millerlifegroup.blogspot.com
P.S.S. Great job as of late to the Norlands since taking over of LG
leadership. I love seeing the desire the Lord has placed in Josh &
Christy's hearts to bring us to a deeper relationship with the Lord and each
other.
P.S.S.S You've got to check out the photos at the RH 10-Year Celebration at:
http://www.rockharbor.org/photo/thumbnails.php?album=75&page=9
Notice the feet on the blanket next to Josh in the grass. He bored one of his kids to death!
What's up with Josh being anti-social at a group picnic-- what up dude? Social skills deteriorating? Checking ESPN.com?
There are also pix of myself & Nina, Cassi and others.
First of all, hello to you out-of-staters (Womacks & Nackes), folks we
haven't seen for a while (Regehrs, Hogues) and everyone else in between. I
am writing to apologize for not being at our last week's discussion on
Community. I know that we are all being challenged to push our boundaries as
to our perception of what doing "true community" is like and I
know the Lord is not exempting Tracey and I from it-- believe me I wish we
were-- which brings me to the purpose of my email.
Amidst all the real serious stuff that we have discovered that is going on
in other people's lives due to our new role as Community Pastors, Trace
and I have talked to and prayed for people who are on death-beds, lives
being brought out of chemical dependency, families down to cents in their
bank accounts, people in abusive relationships, and so much more. I mention
this because this has created a certain mentality within me-- one that
causes me to think, "Gosh, these people have real problems compared to
what Trace and I are struggling with."
Why do I say this do you ask? Because this thought process has made me feel like I am selfish to ask for prayer in what I consider "minor" or trivial struggles
compared to the struggles other people are challenged with resulting in keeping me from reaching out to those for which we are supposed to be in community with
(you guys). One thing I am realizing is the Lord is calling me and Trace
to share our "stuff" with you guys, our community, as we go through the journey of life with all of you.
For this I apologize for because I have missed out on the true gift of
community that the Lord has blessed us with. There are SO MANY people
desiring to be in close community with others within RH and I have taken for granted the gift the Lord has given Trace and I with for over 7 years. We are called
to "be real" with each other and therefore this is my attempt to
break out of what has been of this thought-process that has kept me
from being a part of our community-- which brings me to my prayer requests:
Can you please pray:
1) Against this flu I've been struggling with for the last 2 1/2 weeks. I've
been missing quite a bit of work (both my full-time job and announcing
commitments). It has been a difficult couple of weeks because I turn into a
big baby when I get sick and I'm sure that Trace hates dealing with me especially since I hate being laid out to a point where I can't do a thing.
2) Since being back from Australia/New Zealand, I sense that my supervisor
has not been very satisfied with me and the atmosphere between her and I has
been one of thick tension due to time loss from work from being gone on
vacation for 3 1/2 weeks at a crucial time, time off due to the passing of
my Grandmother and the missing of even more time due to illness related to
the stress of all these things happening at once (migraine headaches, lack
of sleep, worry, etc).
3) The ability to see the Lord in what He is doing in this season of life He
has placed me in (which one is obviously doing true community with all of
you).
Some of us can make the argument (this includes Trace and I) that we have
"community", but it is my belief that our MLG has been hand-picked by the Lord for each of us see if we can be good stewards of the relationships He has given to us. For example, I could only imagine how hungry Trace and I would be for community if we
moved to another area (like Narrabeen near Sydney, Australia) without a community of
believers-- I would be pretty depressed without this gift community.
Hebrews 11:16 refers to a community who have an earnest desire to "seek
the heavenly country" with others. This is my first humble step in that
direction to re-nurture a deeper a appreciation of this Divine gift
entrusted to me and Trace.
I apologize for my long-winded email, but just felt the Lord prompting me to
take a first-step in watering this seed within our group to see what kind
kind of fruit is born from His calling for me. I would love to dialog with all
of you in this (so please feel free to reply to everyone).
Thanks for your eyes and ears-- and your entrusting of your hearts to
include Trace and I in our MLG community!
Seeking the heavenly country (Heb 11:16),
Rob Espero
P.S. I try to post this to our blog at:
http://millerlifegroup.blogspot.com
P.S.S. Great job as of late to the Norlands since taking over of LG
leadership. I love seeing the desire the Lord has placed in Josh &
Christy's hearts to bring us to a deeper relationship with the Lord and each
other.
P.S.S.S You've got to check out the photos at the RH 10-Year Celebration at:
http://www.rockharbor.org/photo/thumbnails.php?album=75&page=9
Notice the feet on the blanket next to Josh in the grass. He bored one of his kids to death!
What's up with Josh being anti-social at a group picnic-- what up dude? Social skills deteriorating? Checking ESPN.com?
There are also pix of myself & Nina, Cassi and others.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Last Night's Life Group Discussion
Found this on Bible Gateway this morning. :)
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”- 1 Corinthians 10:13
No coincidences...
Thought it appropriate to share with everyone. Love you guys.
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”- 1 Corinthians 10:13
No coincidences...
Thought it appropriate to share with everyone. Love you guys.
Monday, November 12, 2007
ROCKHARBOR Dance @ Verge Weekend of Ephesians
Hi Miller-Life-Groupees,
Here's Tracey performing with the rest of the RH Dance Team to the Ephesians 2 piece! If you didn't get to see it live you missed out-- but no fret-- the power of internet streaming video saves the day...
Here's Tracey performing with the rest of the RH Dance Team to the Ephesians 2 piece! If you didn't get to see it live you missed out-- but no fret-- the power of internet streaming video saves the day...
Monday, October 15, 2007
Norland Response to "New Night, New Location"
I can't believe it had been 5 years! It has gone by in the blink of an eye, but it was so nice to be reminded of just how much happened in those 5 years! A lot of new friends made, and old ones missed, but God has controlled it all and blessed the MLG in so many ways. We count it a joy and a privilege to have been invited into the group all those years ago and are so thankful for each one who has contributed! A special thanks to the Miller's for making their home a place of peace, and a real haven to run to on Monday nights. I will miss that home but can't wait to establish our group at the Esperos!
Christy
Christy
Friday, October 12, 2007
New Night, New Location
It is truly amazing how fast time flies, how many people come in and out of our lives, and the change that comes upon us (and within us). After 5 years of meeting at David & Debbie's wonderful home in Newport Beach (who are some of the most incredibly loving, Christ-like hosts one will ever come upon), a new chapter of the Miller Life Group has come about. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the 5 years of Monday nights we have had at the Miller's.
When we first started the MLG, the OG (original "groupies") where the Regehrs, Millers (ALL the Millers, lil David, Hayley and Murf) and Esperos. Then we had the Norlands (pre-Bria & pre-Casi), Hogues, Bruce Erickson, Michael Gomsi, the Winnekes (Byron & Diane), Denise (I can't remember her last name) and another Dave (can't remember his name either-- I'm losin' it). There are some names I may have overlooked and I apologize-- I'm emotionally reflecting. How funny is this-- Tracey and I have seen all the Miller kids off to college! Murf to Cal Poly, Hayley to Pt. Loma, and now Lil David to Wagner in NY.
One of the memories I recall is that of Sara Baker & Josh Peary (now the Peary's) in their engagement period and preparing for their wedding and being at their lovely wedding day. They were both so incredibly beautiful on their wedding day. Josh and his mesmerizing Kiwi accent and Sara and her beautiful smile-- what a couple. I rememember seeing Sara & Josh driving away in that classic convertible from Old Hansen's Beach Club in San Clemente knowing that their lives would take them back to New Zealand (FYI, Josh, for a brother with whom I've spent only a breath of time with, you are one of my closest mates-- my Kiwi soul brother). This lovely couple radiates Christ wherever they go and they have hearts that love large.
Let's not forget Jason & Trisha Regehr before little JJ was born and going through their first pregnancy. I could see Jason trying to figure out the whole fatherhood thing while Trish was "filling out." Now they not only have JJ, but they also have James Patton!
We also were blessed to have had a young, single man named Jason Piel be a part of the MLG community. In our time with him, we discovered a deep and intimate relationship with God. He had a soul that wanted to serve Him more and surrender everything he had for the King. Jason left Orange County to move to Los Angeles and serve at the Los Angeles Dream Center, to witness to members of LA Street Gangs and prostitutes (check out http://www.dreamcenter.org/).
Then there was another young couple, Jason Cronin and Amber Stout (now the Cronin's) who had incredible music and vocal talents. Who knew that Amber's soft, conversational voice could sing as powerfully and beautiful as waves hitting an ocean shore? The MLG got to share in their wedding day at the Japanese Gardens in Long Beach and hear them perform an opera together for the first time as a married couple.
Then we had this loving young couple named Mindy and Cory. This couple embodies joyful, playful love as God intended. Their hearts are of pure gold and deeply missed. One of the most spirit-filled nights involved ministering to the Nacke's not only because we had all had the opportunity to act as Jesus' hands, but also because we did it as a community of Christ followers. Tracey and I got to spend a few nights with them before the RH Easter 2005 Celebration (you know the one when the power went out) because Dance Team rehearsals. It was cold in that big, white tent at night that's for sure. You would see Cory, Mindy and their lil pup, Samwell hanging out in the chairs during rehearsals.
But even as these people left more wonderful people filled their places. The Womacks (now up in NorCal), the Kennedys, the Greenhills, the Harvilles and the Simmons, and they have been all an immeasurable blessing to the MLG.
Why do I share all this with you? Because I want everyone to see that we, as a community of followers of Jesus have done what Dietrich Bonhoeffer (one of my favorite Christian authors) calls "Life Together." We've been through peaks and valleys, celebrations and sadness-- all under the banner of Christian fellowship. At times I wondered how God would make us all "fit", but as I reflect He did a wonderful work in doing so. Was it according to my plan? No way! If it was there would be a bunch of self-centered, Robert-clones saying what I would want them to say to make me feel like I could do this life alone, but of course, God did have something to say because He brought us all together to work out our "edges", encourage each other, love one another and to in essence, live out "Life Together."
I want to thank the Millers for their gift of hospitality, leadership and servanthood this last 5 years. They graciously opened up their home for one purpose-- that all of us could experience Jesus in community-- to do LIFE TOGETHER. Now let us continue this on Thursday nights in Costa Mesa @ the Espero's!
Seeking the heavenly country (Heb 11:16),
Robert Espero
P.S. Please feel free to add your memories to this blog or email me and I'll post them for you!
When we first started the MLG, the OG (original "groupies") where the Regehrs, Millers (ALL the Millers, lil David, Hayley and Murf) and Esperos. Then we had the Norlands (pre-Bria & pre-Casi), Hogues, Bruce Erickson, Michael Gomsi, the Winnekes (Byron & Diane), Denise (I can't remember her last name) and another Dave (can't remember his name either-- I'm losin' it). There are some names I may have overlooked and I apologize-- I'm emotionally reflecting. How funny is this-- Tracey and I have seen all the Miller kids off to college! Murf to Cal Poly, Hayley to Pt. Loma, and now Lil David to Wagner in NY.
One of the memories I recall is that of Sara Baker & Josh Peary (now the Peary's) in their engagement period and preparing for their wedding and being at their lovely wedding day. They were both so incredibly beautiful on their wedding day. Josh and his mesmerizing Kiwi accent and Sara and her beautiful smile-- what a couple. I rememember seeing Sara & Josh driving away in that classic convertible from Old Hansen's Beach Club in San Clemente knowing that their lives would take them back to New Zealand (FYI, Josh, for a brother with whom I've spent only a breath of time with, you are one of my closest mates-- my Kiwi soul brother). This lovely couple radiates Christ wherever they go and they have hearts that love large.
Let's not forget Jason & Trisha Regehr before little JJ was born and going through their first pregnancy. I could see Jason trying to figure out the whole fatherhood thing while Trish was "filling out." Now they not only have JJ, but they also have James Patton!
We also were blessed to have had a young, single man named Jason Piel be a part of the MLG community. In our time with him, we discovered a deep and intimate relationship with God. He had a soul that wanted to serve Him more and surrender everything he had for the King. Jason left Orange County to move to Los Angeles and serve at the Los Angeles Dream Center, to witness to members of LA Street Gangs and prostitutes (check out http://www.dreamcenter.org/).
Then there was another young couple, Jason Cronin and Amber Stout (now the Cronin's) who had incredible music and vocal talents. Who knew that Amber's soft, conversational voice could sing as powerfully and beautiful as waves hitting an ocean shore? The MLG got to share in their wedding day at the Japanese Gardens in Long Beach and hear them perform an opera together for the first time as a married couple.
Then we had this loving young couple named Mindy and Cory. This couple embodies joyful, playful love as God intended. Their hearts are of pure gold and deeply missed. One of the most spirit-filled nights involved ministering to the Nacke's not only because we had all had the opportunity to act as Jesus' hands, but also because we did it as a community of Christ followers. Tracey and I got to spend a few nights with them before the RH Easter 2005 Celebration (you know the one when the power went out) because Dance Team rehearsals. It was cold in that big, white tent at night that's for sure. You would see Cory, Mindy and their lil pup, Samwell hanging out in the chairs during rehearsals.
But even as these people left more wonderful people filled their places. The Womacks (now up in NorCal), the Kennedys, the Greenhills, the Harvilles and the Simmons, and they have been all an immeasurable blessing to the MLG.
Why do I share all this with you? Because I want everyone to see that we, as a community of followers of Jesus have done what Dietrich Bonhoeffer (one of my favorite Christian authors) calls "Life Together." We've been through peaks and valleys, celebrations and sadness-- all under the banner of Christian fellowship. At times I wondered how God would make us all "fit", but as I reflect He did a wonderful work in doing so. Was it according to my plan? No way! If it was there would be a bunch of self-centered, Robert-clones saying what I would want them to say to make me feel like I could do this life alone, but of course, God did have something to say because He brought us all together to work out our "edges", encourage each other, love one another and to in essence, live out "Life Together."
I want to thank the Millers for their gift of hospitality, leadership and servanthood this last 5 years. They graciously opened up their home for one purpose-- that all of us could experience Jesus in community-- to do LIFE TOGETHER. Now let us continue this on Thursday nights in Costa Mesa @ the Espero's!
Seeking the heavenly country (Heb 11:16),
Robert Espero
P.S. Please feel free to add your memories to this blog or email me and I'll post them for you!
Finding Our Stride...
My Utmost for His Highest - October 12
Title: Getting Into God's Stride
Key Verse: Enoch walked with God.
Click link below to study this verse: Genesis 5:24
http://www.studylight.org/desk/?query=ge+5:24
The test of a man's religious life and character is not what he does in the exceptional moments of life, but what he does in the ordinary times, when there is nothing tremendous or exciting on. The worth of a man is revealed in his attitude to ordinary things when he is not before the footlights (cf. John 1:36). It is a painful business to get through into the stride of God, it means getting your second wind spiritually. In learning to walk with God there is always the difficulty of getting into His stride; but when we have got into it, the only characteristic that manifests itself is the life of God. The individual man is lost sight of in his personal union with God, and the stride and the power of God alone are manifested.
It is difficult to get into stride with God, because when we start walking with Him we find He has outstripped us before we have taken three steps. He has different ways of doing things, and we have to be trained and disciplined into His ways. It was said of Jesus - "He shall not fail nor be discouraged," because He never worked from His own individual standpoint but always from the standpoint of His Father, and we have to learn to do the same. Spiritual truth is learned by atmosphere, not by intellectual reasoning. God's Spirit alters the atmosphere of our way of looking at things, and things begin to be possible which never were possible before. Getting into the stride of God means nothing less than union with Himself. It takes a long time to get there, but keep at it.
Don't give in because the pain is bad just now, get on with it, and before long you will find you have a new vision and a new purpose.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taken from 'My Utmost for His Highest', by Oswald Chambers. © l935 by Dodd Mead & Co., renewed © 1963 by the Oswald Chambers Publications Assn., Ltd., and is used by permission of Barbour Publishing, Uhrichsville, Ohio.
All rights reserved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Getting Into God's Stride
Key Verse: Enoch walked with God.
Click link below to study this verse: Genesis 5:24
http://www.studylight.org/desk/?query=ge+5:24
The test of a man's religious life and character is not what he does in the exceptional moments of life, but what he does in the ordinary times, when there is nothing tremendous or exciting on. The worth of a man is revealed in his attitude to ordinary things when he is not before the footlights (cf. John 1:36). It is a painful business to get through into the stride of God, it means getting your second wind spiritually. In learning to walk with God there is always the difficulty of getting into His stride; but when we have got into it, the only characteristic that manifests itself is the life of God. The individual man is lost sight of in his personal union with God, and the stride and the power of God alone are manifested.
It is difficult to get into stride with God, because when we start walking with Him we find He has outstripped us before we have taken three steps. He has different ways of doing things, and we have to be trained and disciplined into His ways. It was said of Jesus - "He shall not fail nor be discouraged," because He never worked from His own individual standpoint but always from the standpoint of His Father, and we have to learn to do the same. Spiritual truth is learned by atmosphere, not by intellectual reasoning. God's Spirit alters the atmosphere of our way of looking at things, and things begin to be possible which never were possible before. Getting into the stride of God means nothing less than union with Himself. It takes a long time to get there, but keep at it.
Don't give in because the pain is bad just now, get on with it, and before long you will find you have a new vision and a new purpose.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taken from 'My Utmost for His Highest', by Oswald Chambers. © l935 by Dodd Mead & Co., renewed © 1963 by the Oswald Chambers Publications Assn., Ltd., and is used by permission of Barbour Publishing, Uhrichsville, Ohio.
All rights reserved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 31, 2007
Prayer Request: Killer Dana
Hey Life Group Family.
I have a prayer request for the a friend over here at Killer Dana. Her name is Jamie. The deal is that she is pregnant and she just found out that her baby has a heart issue where there is a 6mm hole in her (the baby's) heart between the left and right ventricles. As with any good mother she is stressed/concerned about it, so I offered that we as a group would pray for her and their child.
"Where two or more are gathered in MY name..." (dont remember the exact scripture, but you get the point)
They go to the doctors again on Wednesday of next week (Sept 5.) so please begin to pray for the health and healing of her child and for trust, patience, peace and submission to the Lord's will for her family.
JDG
Wholeheartedly His...
1 Kings 8: 22-23
I have a prayer request for the a friend over here at Killer Dana. Her name is Jamie. The deal is that she is pregnant and she just found out that her baby has a heart issue where there is a 6mm hole in her (the baby's) heart between the left and right ventricles. As with any good mother she is stressed/concerned about it, so I offered that we as a group would pray for her and their child.
"Where two or more are gathered in MY name..." (dont remember the exact scripture, but you get the point)
They go to the doctors again on Wednesday of next week (Sept 5.) so please begin to pray for the health and healing of her child and for trust, patience, peace and submission to the Lord's will for her family.
JDG
Wholeheartedly His...
1 Kings 8: 22-23
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Prayer Request: Killer Dana (01)
Hey all.
This is Jacin. I just wanted to ask the group to pray for the Lord's hand and blessings over the job offer I am about receive. Specifically that the salary and benefits would a blessing for our family (the Lord knows the figure we need). Also, that we will remain faithful with whatever He chooses to give us.
For those of you who may be lost and have no idea what I am talking about, I applied for the creative director position over at Killer Dana in Dana Point. I interviewed for the position last Friday and went through a second-round "test" of sorts on Monday and met with them again today to discuss the results of the "test". The short story is that God is so amazing through all of this! The CEO called me earlier this evening and told me that they are going to make an offer tonight, he just need to put the paperwork together.
I really am trying to be very patient with this while at the same time being very expectant in waiting on the Lord to do something beyond what I could even ask or think. This opportunity is... well, let's just say this opportunity is a welcome one. There will be loads of hard work ahead and a lot of good connections made.... blablabla. I am trusting in His provision.
Anyway, what you can glean from that is my prayer request for now.
JDG
Wholeheartedly His...
1 Kings 8: 22-23
This is Jacin. I just wanted to ask the group to pray for the Lord's hand and blessings over the job offer I am about receive. Specifically that the salary and benefits would a blessing for our family (the Lord knows the figure we need). Also, that we will remain faithful with whatever He chooses to give us.
For those of you who may be lost and have no idea what I am talking about, I applied for the creative director position over at Killer Dana in Dana Point. I interviewed for the position last Friday and went through a second-round "test" of sorts on Monday and met with them again today to discuss the results of the "test". The short story is that God is so amazing through all of this! The CEO called me earlier this evening and told me that they are going to make an offer tonight, he just need to put the paperwork together.
I really am trying to be very patient with this while at the same time being very expectant in waiting on the Lord to do something beyond what I could even ask or think. This opportunity is... well, let's just say this opportunity is a welcome one. There will be loads of hard work ahead and a lot of good connections made.... blablabla. I am trusting in His provision.
Anyway, what you can glean from that is my prayer request for now.
JDG
Wholeheartedly His...
1 Kings 8: 22-23
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Psalm 29:11
"The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace."
This last July 11th was my 12th Spiritual Birthday-- the anniversary of when I came to that point in my life when I wanted to relinquish control of my life and give it to the Lord. Since that time I have read through the entire Bible many times and 12 years later it always seems new to me because of new revelations that the Lord blesses me with. Today is no different! That is what is so awesome about His word. New things are revealed to you based upon how hard you are seeking Him.
Check out my revelation in this morning's devotional time. How many times have we tried to do things under our own strength and failed? I don't know about you but since giving my life to the Lord the (at times hard) lessons I have learned is that everything I do-- is because of what the Lord wills it. My responsibility is to seek Him in prayer and listen for what could be a still, small voice or something as loud as a gong, then in obedience respond by my action. What we all seem to forget at times is that God allows things to occur (good and bad) for a greater purpose (see Romans 8:28) -- all we are to do is look to Him for His strength and he will annoint us with His peace-- which is a peace that transcends all understanding (see Philippians 4:5-9)!
This last July 11th was my 12th Spiritual Birthday-- the anniversary of when I came to that point in my life when I wanted to relinquish control of my life and give it to the Lord. Since that time I have read through the entire Bible many times and 12 years later it always seems new to me because of new revelations that the Lord blesses me with. Today is no different! That is what is so awesome about His word. New things are revealed to you based upon how hard you are seeking Him.
Check out my revelation in this morning's devotional time. How many times have we tried to do things under our own strength and failed? I don't know about you but since giving my life to the Lord the (at times hard) lessons I have learned is that everything I do-- is because of what the Lord wills it. My responsibility is to seek Him in prayer and listen for what could be a still, small voice or something as loud as a gong, then in obedience respond by my action. What we all seem to forget at times is that God allows things to occur (good and bad) for a greater purpose (see Romans 8:28) -- all we are to do is look to Him for His strength and he will annoint us with His peace-- which is a peace that transcends all understanding (see Philippians 4:5-9)!
How Awesome He Is...
Hey my friends, Rob here and I'm recovering from my Surfer's Ear surgery! What's cool is I have an incredible praise report to throw your way. The surgery was performed by Dr. Carol Jackson of the Sonos Hearing Group in Newport Beach. All I have to say is that I give mad props to her and her staff. They were so cool, compassionate, understanding and knowledgable about EVERYTHING. But what is more important is this-- I have had no pain, dizziness, or nausea during or after the surgery! I've heard from many that this is a pretty painful procedure-- being that they literally drill down the bone that has developed in your middle ear-- but man, IT WAS PAINLESS! Paise God for that because all I could do before hand is pray-- and God listened, heard and responded!
One of my favorite verses in the Old Testament comes from Job 9:8 which says, "He alone stretches over the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea." Yeah, sure, I joke that this is scriptural proof that God surfs (and believe me, I wish I knew), but it speaks of something that we, as His cherished creation need to understand. God is all powerful (omniscient) and huge (omnipresent) and we cannot escape His goodness and His undying pursuit of us.
Why do you ask? The answer is found in Jeremiah 31:3-- a verse which is representative of my marriage to my lovely wife, Moo (it's a great nickname, don't you think? A sound a cow makes)-- which says, "I have loved you with an EVERLASTING LOVE; I have drawn you with LOVINGKINDNESS."
You see, in all of God's power, He still desires genuine relationship with ALL OF US. Yes, I understand that for some of you this is hard to believe but it is true. We overlook the blessings that we have in our lives, big and small, and the fact of the matter is GOD GAVE THEM TO US OUT OF HIS GENEROUS LOVE.
What does this have to do with a land-locked, post-surfer's ear surfer's surgery?
God knew the desires of my heart-- to be free of pain, dizziness, nausea and my desire to be back in the water by the end of July. Guess what? He answered each and every one of them and all I can do is give thanks to my loving Father in heaven!
If any of you want to discuss online or offline, post comments below or feel free to email Jacin (aka "Boogie")at jacin@harnessmedia.com, or myself at newportsoulsurfer@yahoo.com!
Seeking the heavenly country (Hebrews 11:16),
Rob
One of my favorite verses in the Old Testament comes from Job 9:8 which says, "He alone stretches over the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea." Yeah, sure, I joke that this is scriptural proof that God surfs (and believe me, I wish I knew), but it speaks of something that we, as His cherished creation need to understand. God is all powerful (omniscient) and huge (omnipresent) and we cannot escape His goodness and His undying pursuit of us.
Why do you ask? The answer is found in Jeremiah 31:3-- a verse which is representative of my marriage to my lovely wife, Moo (it's a great nickname, don't you think? A sound a cow makes)-- which says, "I have loved you with an EVERLASTING LOVE; I have drawn you with LOVINGKINDNESS."
You see, in all of God's power, He still desires genuine relationship with ALL OF US. Yes, I understand that for some of you this is hard to believe but it is true. We overlook the blessings that we have in our lives, big and small, and the fact of the matter is GOD GAVE THEM TO US OUT OF HIS GENEROUS LOVE.
What does this have to do with a land-locked, post-surfer's ear surfer's surgery?
God knew the desires of my heart-- to be free of pain, dizziness, nausea and my desire to be back in the water by the end of July. Guess what? He answered each and every one of them and all I can do is give thanks to my loving Father in heaven!
If any of you want to discuss online or offline, post comments below or feel free to email Jacin (aka "Boogie")at jacin@harnessmedia.com, or myself at newportsoulsurfer@yahoo.com!
Seeking the heavenly country (Hebrews 11:16),
Rob
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Tessa Simone Nacke Dedication
Hey Miller Life Groupees (MLGs), Cory & Mindy Nacke, former MLGs now living in Illinois sent some pictures of their beautiful lil daugther, Tessa Simone, on her dedication day to the Lord on June 3, 2007, and wanted to share them with all of you!
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