I found me a boy....

a BIG BOY! he's a good provider, he always makes sure i have a full tummy, he has his own business and is rich, he's huggable and kissable, he's bigger than me so i'll never feel insecure, and he never talks back...he's perfect!

If only there was a real man out there like that! LOL :)

a day with my Auntie Lin and Gramma

For the first time, my Auntie Lin and I had a lunch together today...just the two of us! Usually we're joined by other family members, but today we decided to make it just about us! It was great! I met Auntie Lin at her house and then we headed over to YUMMY Bob's Big Boy where we enjoyed a great conversation over their delicious chili spaghetti. We were there for a little over two hours before we had to head back to her house for her piano student's arrival. She had to give lessons for the next few hours. In the meantime, I took my Gramma shopping at a couple thrift stores and Target. We shopped for quite a few hours and then spent the rest of the evening back at my Auntie's house playing games. We ate some pizza and played "Aggrevation" and "Flinch" till around midnight. It was fun, but gosh...we Vasquez ladies are super competitive!!! hahaha, lol! :) At least we all had a chance to win one game in "Flinch"...so that was good. Here's our pic together after we each won one game I had a great day with my family! Thanks Auntie Lin and Gramma for letting me spend the day with you! Let's do it again soon!!!

I'm His Masterpiece

Ephesians 2:10
"For we are God's masterpiece.
He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,
so we can do the good things
He planned for us long ago."

I don't often think of myself in this way, do you? As...
"God's masterpiece"
I wake up, get ready for the day, do the things on my to-do list, play on the computer, eat, sleep, etc. and many times forget to even spend time during the day with the Lord. I feel so selfish when I realize how little time I spend with my Creator. Taking time to sit and talk with Jesus is so easy! I just stopped what I was doing a bit ago and spent a few moments in prayer. I was texting on my phone with my friend and realized from our conversation that I needed to stop and pray. My friend has been struggling with his faith lately, well for a long time, and I was trying to give some encouragement when I realized that I needed to stop and pray for him. During my prayer for him, I realized that my life isn't all it needs to be either and I continued in prayer for my heart too. Its neat when God uses others to see what's needed in our own life too. I LOVE that its so easy to talk with God...He's always there whenever we need Him. So why don't we do it more often? He's the only true constant in our lives and we put Him on the backburner. Its pretty sad! I've been trying to get better at spending more time in prayer and its amazing to see the difference in my life. I see the wrong that I ignored before and am taking steps to change...I see the bitterness I have and am trying to forgive...I see the laziness and am trying to get more involved and be more active...I am moving forward to do the good things that God created me for. I encourage you to spend some time this week looking at your life, attitude, heart and soul and see what it is you need to change so that you too can do the good things you were created for. I have realized that I'm not the best example of Christ's love, nor is my life the best example of what living in His image should be. I hope and pray that with God's help I can live more humbly, righteously, and holy...and He would see it as good in His sight. I'm so grateful for forgiveness and second chances. There's no way I can do this on my own, as I am weak...
but with GOD at my side,
ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Luke 18:27
But he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Phillipians 4:6-13
[6] In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understnading, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
[9] The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
[10] But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity.
[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.
[12] I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
[13] I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.

we don't deserve it

Yesterday at church, Pastor Josh Matlock spoke on Mark 10:46-52. The passage explains how Bartimaeus, the blind man, was healed because of his faith. He didn't care about what the crowds of people thought...he was persistent and Jesus heard his plea for mercy and answered with healing.

What faith this man had...blind faith! He didn't have to see Jesus to believe, which is what many people struggle with. He called out to the "Son of David", the Messiah, with no concern for judgement from others around him, asking for something he knew he didn't deserve but had faith that Jesus would hear him. And Jesus did...using the crowd [to teach them], He sent them to bring Bartimaeus to Him. Although the crowd initially shunned B and tried to quiet him down as Jesus was on His journey towards Jerusalem, Jesus showed them the faith of a poor blind beggar, teaching them the need for:

1. Persistance: Bartimaeus persists in faith, in prayer. He continued to cry out for Jesus. Learn to rely on Jesus and not on your own accord. The more you go to Him, the more you will rely on Him.

2. Specifics: Jesus asked Bartimaeus to be specific. He told Jesus he wanted mercy, but Jesus wanted him to be specific about what he wanted. And B answered and said he wanted to see again...and he was healed! Even though Jesus already knows the desires of our hearts, He still wants us to ask, because we learn through asking. We learn by relying on Him, but also because once we hear our own prayers we can refine them. He's helping us to get a better understanding of what we really need, instead of what we think we need. Have you ever wanted something and then prayed and asked God for it, and as you're asking realize how silly it sounds? Geez, I do it all the time.

3. Following Jesus: No matter what the crowds were saying or doing, Bartimaeus believed and sought after the Messiah.

Do we really understand God's love for us like Bartimaeus did? Do we have his blind faith? Or are we more like the crowds of people that didn't understand those three concepts of how to receive God's love?
When you go to pray this week, take a moment before you start to really think about who you are praying to, and think about what it is you are asking for...and see if things change when you bow your head to pray to God. Are you seeking God and His Will for your life as you go to pray? Are you relying on Him by being persistent and specific with your prayers? And are you following Him as you walk through life this week, listening and waiting for Him to answer?

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found
T'was blind, but now I see

Just for fun...[this was shown at the beginning of the service]

fun evening at disneyland

A couple girlfriends from church invited me to Disneyland tonight for a few hours of fun at the happiest place on earth. We had a great time! Despite the crowds, we were able to go on all of our favorite rides, including a few just thrown in to top off the night. We later met up with a few others from church who were there too.
Good Times!But let's start at the beginning...
We started off the night at California Adventure. It was a beautiful night, but just a little warm. I'm definitely looking forward to the Fall weather coming up! :) Anyway, when we got into the park we headed straight towards the rollercoaster but made a quick stop for a photo-op Then off to the ride we went. The line was about a half hour long, but time passed by pretty quickly. But of course I took a pic of us while we waited...And then it was time...I was nervous, as I don't do real rollercoasters all that much. We got on and headed out...I was holding on for dear life! The ride took off FAST and zoomed around up and down and all around. I screamed a lot, while Ashley was laughing next to me having a great time! As we're flying around the tracks Ashley yells to smile for the camera...I love it! I'm glad she told me to smile, otherwise I would've had my eyes squeezed shut while holding my breath...or screaming! lol :)After the coaster ride, CA Adventure was closing so we headed towards Disneyland. On the way, we walked past some construction areas where lil Ashley took a cute picture in the kids outline of Mickey...she's so cute!!!
Then we headed into Disneyland...We HAD to take a picture in front of the castle...its just a MUST DO! Aren't we so cute?!!!! :)The first ride we went to was Thunder Mountain. The three of us squeezed into one seat and didn't move at all when riding the coaster! Pretty funny! :)
Then we met up with everyone over at Indiana Jones and waited in a 40 minute line where Holly and I tried to pass time kissing skulls! lol :) We also went on the Carousel...I tried to get on Mary Poppins horse, but some little girl beat me to it [darnit!] But I still found a cute horse next to my sweet girlfriends!All us girlies took a fun pic on Mr. Toad's carand then the park was closing [it was midnight] so we headed out to leave. As we were leaving Fantasy Land we did "the ninja" pose for a fun pic! I think it looks pretty cool!And then on Main Street we went through a few stores before leaving...and for only $0.25 I got my fortune told by EsmereldaI love how it asks for more money at the end!! haha :)
We had a great night!
Disneyland really is one of the Happiest Places on Earth!

dumpster diver...treasure finder

Ok, so I am going to admit it, I am a....
DuMpStEr DiVeR!!!
Yep, that's right...I dig through people's trash to find treasures of my own. A lot of times it pays off - literally! Lots of people throw away furniture and homegoods that are still in good shape and I take them and sell them at my yard sales and make some pretty good money! Well, tonight I was heading home and saw something next to someone's trashcan and had to stop to pick it up...I had actually been wanting it for sometime but didn't want to fork out the cash for a brand new one at Target or Home Depot. So I was stoked when I found it for FREE! My 'treasure' is the cute little cushion you see on my porch swing! Its a little shorter than the length of the seat, but it works!! And you can't beat FREE!I also found this cool chair. I will be painting the arms and legs and hopefully the seat will clean up nicely. So, have you judged me yet? I hope not. Yes, its a dirty job, and going through trash is pretty gross...but I don't go overboard. I usually only pick stuff up that's sitting on top or next to the trash cans. I've only actually gotten into a dumpster once when someone threw away a ton of stuff that made me close to $100!!! So it was worth it! Ok, you now know a 'dirty little secret' of mine! :) Are we still friends? lol! :)

Oh, one more thing...If you ever want to get rid of anything and are thinking of throwing them away, let me know cuz I may want to come take them off your hands! Hopefully one day I can make a real business out this, cuz I think its pretty fun! It's a good feeling being able to take old beat-up furniture that was being thrown out and fix it up as good as new! I did that with a dresser I found on the side of the road. My mom did not want me to pick it up because it was pretty gross, but I did anyway, and now its all fixed up and being used in my bedroom...and it looks really cute!! You'd never know that someone had once thrown it out. Anyway, I'll pick up anything from old clothes to household items to furniture, etc. Just lemme know! :)

jody gets *beautified*

Today was a much needed day!
My sweet friend Thiam beautified me!! She took my boring old hair and gave me a new style! With my new warm colored hair and funky style, I've been spiced up and given the boost I needed to start the Fall season ahead! I feel great and can't stop checking myself out in the mirror...I just love my hair!!! :)

I also had a much needed pedicure today! After 5 camping trips this summer, my feet needed some TLC! I love being pampered!! :) But what girl doesn't...am I right or am I right?!! With my Starbucks Mocha Frappucino (w/a pump of pumpkin spice) in-hand, I sat in the spa chair and got my feeties beautified! What a great day!

Later this evening I hung out at my cousin Duana's house along with my Gramma and other cousin Diana. We had some tasty Chinese food and I especially loved my fortune I hope it comes true!!!
And we watched "Newsies"...one of Christian Bale's first movies.
We had a good time! :)
Diana - Duana - Jody - Gramma
Networking...
If you need hair and/or makeup done, please check out Thiam's info...
She does AMAZING work!!!

AND...
If you need a photographer, I would love to shoot your photos!
Jody Vasquez PhotographyIf you're planning on sending out Christmas cards this year, I would love to shoot your family photos for you. Hit me up for pricing and availability.
Let's work it out!

Youth Camp-Out @ Camp Pendleton

This past Labor Day weekend was spent down south in Camp Pendleton at San Onofre Beach with the Bethany Baptist Youth Group. The High Schoolers and Leaders had a great time camping outdoors in tents and sleeping bags, with dirt, sand, burns, bugs, lobsters, and all! That's right, lobsters! There were a few practical jokes made, one in particular being a lobster in Anna's sleeping bag!It was gross, but she was a good sport! The lobster got passed around a few times and I think it ended up in one of the ice chests to scare those going in for a refreshing water bottle! hahaha, good times!! I'm just glad that no one ever put it in my sleeping bag...I think I would've cried! I don't like sea creatures all that much!! And then a discusting bug was found in the girl's tent, but one of the boys rescued us!Anyway, the trip got off to a late start, but we made it down to the campgrounds with no holiday traffic so we were pleased. We arrived and set-up camp. Everyone showed great teamwork and helped get the tents up and luggage in. Then we headed up to the site where all our meals would be and devoured some scrumptious hot dogs! It was late, about 10:30pm...we were all tired and hungry, so the dogs went fast! I think a few boys ate between 3 and 4 of them! Them grow'n boys need lots of food I guess! heehee!! Tim and Charley enjoyed a few dogs themselves!That was about it for the first night. Since we had a late arrival, the kiddos had a little while left for free-time and then had to be in the tents by midnight...then off to sleepy land for us all!!Everyday started with breakfast at 8am and then morning "devo's" (group devotionals) shortly after. Charley led the group in a devo and then had them spend about 15 minutes on their own, alone with God where they could dig deeper into the Word and apply the lesson to their lives. They learned that 'Sin is Real', 'Love is Real', and 'Hope is Real'...We reap what we sow: the things we allow in our lives do affect what comes out of our lives! If we allow bad things/sinful things in, then bad things will grow and flourish in our lives and we will live in sin. But if we plant good things and use God's Word to feed us, then we will produce good fruit.

After devos, it was beach time. We all had so much fun playing in the water, boogie boarding, laying out, playing beach volleyball, shell hunting, lobster finding, eating, hanging out together, running away from bees, playing with Charley and Thiam's kiddos, and just being in fellowship with one another.

I found camping to be a great way to get to know the teens. Spending time outdoors with them goof'n around encourages not only them, but us as leaders to take time to raise up the youth right, as they will be the leaders in the future! They are such great kiddos, I'm so glad I was able to help out and be one of the leaders on this trip.

Here are some fun pics from the weekend at the beach:

julie's disney birthday

Today Julie turned....
21 again!
heehee! To celebrate, we spent the day at Disneyland. It's great that they offer free entrance to the park on your birthday! And since I have an annual pass, we were able to celebrate together, at the...
Happiest Place On Earth
We met outside the park and stashed one of the cars in a nearby parking lot and drove in together, so we only had to pay for 1 car to park. I would recommend noting where you park in the parking structure, so that you can find your car at the end of your visit...unfortunately we did not. BUT, we found it after searching two floors :) Anyway, we made it into the park and immediately took the standard Disneyland photo...its a necessity! :)It was a HOT day today, it felt like 120 degrees!!!! But we had fun! Our first mission was to go on the Indiana Jones ride...and practically walked right onto the ride! And so our good luck with no lines continued the rest of the day! It was awesome! For some reason, there was hardly anyone at the park today...well, until about 4pm and then more and more people started showing up. But by that time we had been on almost every ride, some even two times! How cool is that!!
We went in the Haunted House...scary (not really)!! Splash Mountain...
LOL...I have to laugh at this photo, it looks like we're headed towards our death or something! I love this photo! hahaha! :)The BEFORE & AFTER photo from Splash Mtn.
BEFOREAFTER
(we got DRENCHED!!!!)Thunder Mountain was fun, but for some reason I felt a little sick afterwards. That's the 1st time that's ever happened. I'm thinking its from the heat, and not the ride...or maybe its a bit of both, who knows.We went on the Pooh ride because we had a few more minutes before we could use our fastpass on Splash Mtn (our 2nd ride). We were the Queen Bees!Its a Small World was totally empty when we went on it...really, I think we were the only ones on the ride! Not sure it is the happiest cruise, but it was entertainingWe had dinner at the Golden Corral where we watched the show, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies and ate our yummy food. Oh, how cute are our Minnie Ears?!!! We saw them on a little girl and thought they were fun, so we each got a pair. They're little barretts instead of a headband that gives headaches! We love them :)We saw a few characters...
Woody was a little too flirty with us!The line to see Pooh-Bear was too long, so we took the pic from afar.Julie is so cute...we had fun taking pics around the parkMinnie & Mickey Mouse...
they were on the move, and wouldn't stop walking long enough for us to take a picture with them...so we had to walk while we had a stranger trying to take the pic for us, while walking backwards! He was a good sport!Disneyland at night...At the end of our day, Mickey Mouse thanked Julie for celebrating her birthday with them...how nice is that! :)Well, we had a great 10 hour day at Disneyland. We lived through the heat, the sweat, the drenched clothes from the rides, the whiplash...well, it was FUN, really! :)
Thanks for letting me celebrate your birthday with you Julie! I love you, sweet cousin, and hope we can spend more time together soon!!!
HaPpY BiRtHdAy!!!