Miss USA Pageant…

May 12th, 2010

Every once in a while I have to express my convictions and here is one of them.


This year the theme of the Miss USA Pageant is “Waking Up In Vegas” with the promo pictures to go with them of the contestants partially dressed, most in lingerie.  After years of making it a tradition of watching the Miss USA Pageant please join with me in boycotting this years show, put on by Donald Trump and NBC/Universal.

You have joined with me in the past over Abercrombie and Fitch’s displays in stores and magazine ads that have quickly been taken down.  Your opinion can make a difference.

I hope you will join with me this time too.

Our Daughters and Grand Daughters deserve better.  Christians and young women in general in these pageants are being asked to compromise themselves regarding modesty of any kind.  This morning I listened to the President of this years Pageant on the Today Show speaking to Matt Lauer say; Yes, it is a marketing ploy, that seems to be working.  Please don’t let it work in your home this Sunday.

Quoting from a recent interview with Raquel Welch “Seriously, folks, if an aging sex symbol like me starts waving the red flag of caution over how low moral standards have plummeted, you know it’s gotta be pretty bad” end quote.
Yes, Raquel…I agree it’s gotten pretty bad!

God bless you my friends - Leesa


4th Annual WELL DONE Awards Launched Today…

May 3rd, 2010
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Kingdom Assignment
WELL DONE Awards

Date: Sunday June 6th 2010

Time: 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Location: Life Church
25 Tesla Irvine, CA 92618

We look forward to seeing you and three of your family and friends at this years Annual WELL DONE Awards. Enjoy an afternoon of hearing amazing stories of faith while on a Kingdom Assignment. This event is to encourage the Saints, proclaim the Gospel and help Kingdom Assignment International continue their work of Globally advancing God’s Kingdom while spurring others on to be good stewards of their Talents, Treasure and Time.

Please note that seats are on a first come, first serve basis. We expect this NEW event location to be full to the brim with fellow believers, so being on time for seats will be important.
Red Carpet begins at 3:30 pm-Doors will open at 4:00 pm.

Be there at 3:30 and meet presenters and performers:
icarly’s Nathan Kress and Noah Munck
2010 American Idol Contestant Charity Vance
Singer Bobby Bannister of Half Priced Hearts
Author and Radio Host Stephen Arterburn
And many more…

Join us on Twitter and Facebook and/or check back often towww.GoServeSomeone.org for exciting updates

May God richly bless you as you fulfill your daily
Kingdom Assignments for Him…See you soon!

WDA 2010 Poster

WELL DONE Awards 2010
4 Tickets per order
(limited seating)

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Season 9-American Idol Ministry Resource…

April 13th, 2010

Every year I always tell the Lord, I will obey.  If you want to use me to bear fruit for your Kingdom here on earth and for eternity…I’m in.  I don’t go looking for AI contestants, I just stay F.A.T. Faithful, Available and Teachable. Even though I am giving my body to Science (my last Kingdom Assignment on Earth) I do want a Grave Stone somewhere and I want it to read: “She was so F.A.T.”  :-)

This season started unexpectedly early.  I received an email from good friend Mark Joseph who had passed my info on to Byron Spradling who passed my info to  Shelley Vance out of Little Rock, Arkansas and the Mother of Songbird Charity Vance.  She needed a place for her husband “Vance” to stay while Charity was in Hollywood Week.  I called Shelley…we talked, got to pray with Charity and my love affair with the Vance family began.  Charity calls me Miss Leesa…gotta love that :-) Just say it to yourself in a cute Southern accent and well…it’s just really cute, especially since I have not been a “Miss” in over 36 years.  Shelley invited Denny and I to Hollywood Week auditions and it was such a joy to attend.  When I first met Shelley and Charity face to face.  I immediately gave her a AI Ministry Resource standard, made by my friend Deborah Harder, “Sterling Grace” Silver Bracelet which read Jer. 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans not to harm you, but to give you a hope and a future. I’ve given the bracelet to several of the AI players and have worn them on the Show, Katharine McPhee, Jordin Sparks (Jordin wore hers on every show until she won at the Finale), Paula Abdul, Kristi Lee Cook, Syesha Mercado now Charity Vance.  God’s word as a constant reminder of His love and plan for them.  Two kids that had a special place in my heart also made it to Hollywood Week and we were able to cheer them on.  Colin Benward…He calls me his CA Mama, and has worked for me at the Award Shows, Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmy’s and others.  He did so so good and he was just darling…spoken like a Mom huh?!  But so true.  As I held his Sisters had as the Judges said; step forward, step back we knew he would make it past the first round.  He didn’t…whaaat?!   My theory on that is 1) He looks just like Lee and 2) He’s from Nashville like Di Di, it definitely is not because he wasn’t good, because he WAS GOOD!  Not all the best voices make it to the top.  It is a reality show and they have many  things to consider, especially giving every state someone to be proud of and vote for.  The other favorite and friend was Michael Castro.  He is just so talented and has grown so much in the last year.  Surprised he didn’t make it further, but he made it a little further than Colin, Group Night.  Big Mike was in his group and Little Mike did great, but sadly was sent home.  Michael was so gracious, I was really proud of him.

Now on to Charity…

But hold on…off to tonight’s viewing party at the Dixon’s.  Pics and her story when I get home :-)

Is One Door Hard To Swallow?

March 10th, 2010

Today’s Billy Graham Devotional reminded me of Kingdom Assignment 2, a book Denny and I wrote in 2001. After asking our Congregation to sell something worth 100 dollars and give the money to poor we saw the Lord multiply that to over $345,000.00 in just a few short months.  Every penny was given away to help local food banks and Homeless Shelters. The assignment was based on a passage in the Bible, Mark 10:17-22 read along:

17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”18“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.

20“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

21Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

22At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Billy Graham’s Day by Day Devotional for March 10th:

“People go through many doors which do not lead to the Kingdom of God.  Some try the door of good works. They say, “I can get to heaven if I only do enough good things, because God will honor all the good things I do.”  It’s wonderful to do good things, but we cannot do enough good things to satisfy God.  God demands perfection, and we’re not perfect.  If we’re going to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we have to be absolutely perfect.  You ask, “Well, how will I ever be perfect?” We need to be clothed in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus.  There is one door to the Kingdom and it’s Jesus.  And we will never get to heaven unless we go His way.”

Day After My Birthday…

March 10th, 2010

I always look forward to Tuesdays when I get to watch my Grandson Evan.  This time gives Emily and her Mommy Natalie a chance to get away just the two of them.  I do get some time with Emily… reading Daniel to her before her nap.  She is such an Angel Baby, she almost puts herself down for her nap.  Natalie and Eric are fantastic parents.  Even though Emily is not even 2 yet she reads to me.

Evan is so sweet and affectionate.  He is laughing and talking at 6 weeks.  He loves to communicate. Check out the pics.

Spent the evening at Ray and Virginia Dixon’s to watch American Idol.  We all agreed there seems to be no Danny, no Katharine, no David’s, no Daughtry…but the contestants all seem like wonderful people.  It’s still very entertaining and we all get an opinion :-)  Denny and I got invited to Hollywood week auditions.  Very fun and fascinating.   Feeling it was a mistake in letting go Charity Vance, Tasha Layton and Colin Benward this season.  But God doesn’t do oops.. and it’s okay cause they will be at this years WELL DONE Awards… don’t miss it.  Sunday June 6th back at Coast Hills Church this year :-)  www.charityvance.net   check out her new site and songs.  What a talent!

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Thank You Lord…Excellent Birthday Today!

March 9th, 2010
After my Sweet Husband Denny went to Starbuck”s and picked up Coffee for me just how I love it… Venti Cafe Latte, half caf, Non-Fat, 140 degrees (they don’t call me high maintenance for nothing :-)  We headed off to Loehman’s where I got an extra 15% off on my Birthday… I stuck to the yellow tagged stuff that was already an extra 75% off.  I got a skirt originally $280.00 for $8.28…kinda fun.  Then to Red Robin for my FREE Birthday Lunch, then Cold Stones for my favorite Chocolate, with Banana and Walnuts for FREE.  We set aside the afternoon to see Avatar…I am still creeped out by the coffin like sleeping arrangements. And how many agendas did that movie have?  Too many for us.   Many other fun and funky filled moments…too many to mention.  Thank you for all the great messages from my precious friends and family…love you true!  I have now officially lived half my life… I can dream can’t I :-)
P.S. Anybody see Jason Castro on the Bachelor Wedding tonight…what a doll!  Way to go J :-) Check out his excellent new album on iTunes.  www.jasoncastromusic.com

Day Before My Birthday…

March 8th, 2010
It’s my 55th Birthday today Monday March 8th 2010… but I want to talk about the day before my Birthday. Pics at the bottom of this post…
Stop #1- I kissed Denny goodbye as he left to go preach at Coastline, where he is Lead Pastor and I took off my Pastor’s Wife Hat to be
Mom visiting Crossline Church at their new location in Laguna Hills.  It was fantastic!  Sitting next to my daughter Brooke as we
enjoyed the worship leading of Son-In-Law Darren was such a joy.  He’s my favorite WL, as it should be.   The Staff has done a great job with
their remodeled new digs lifting high the name of Jesus.
Stop #2- Flower Shop to pick out some Lillys and a single red rose (for love) for our Grand daughter Camryn at her first Gymnastics Recital, she can hold a head stand for 2 minutes :-) Brilliant!
Stop #3-Cafe Rio, for lunch with some family and a bunch from Crossline.  I sat at the kids table and became a living jungle gym.  It was fun giving Horsey rides in between bites, while teasing the boys that I didn’t know I had salad stuck between all my teeth (an old youth worker joke :-)  They thought the old lady was pretty funny…
Stop #4- Camy’s Gymnastic Recital was so fun.  This girl is pure joy.  This is Grandma Bo Bo speaking, but, I thought, she absolutely stood out from the crowd and was the most talented child in the room, no one could tell me any different.  Denny made it there just in the nick of time to catch her choreographed performance.  He was speedy and quite the trooper, scooting off to the car and on the road just minutes after the last service.  Camy was so happy to see him.
Stop #5 has a set up story.  This last Thursday I was enjoying a pre-birthday day at “The Spa” in Costa Mesa.   During a treadmill run a conversation was struck up between myself and a young man when after a trainer commented on his good form. I said. it was because he was a dancer.  ”How did you know that”, he asked.  I said, “because I am a dancer and I could just tell.” He asked me a few questions about my dance career and then I started in on asking about his dance career, asking if he took classes at Jimmy DeFores, the best and closest dance studio in town.  He humbly replied; “no, I’m here from out of town, performing at the OC Performing Arts Center across the street.  I’m with the Alvin Ailey Dance Company.” What, what, what… I was jogging next to greatness.  He looked so young, maybe 20 years old, I figured he was with them a year or so. More about that later.
Our faith came up when I gave him a scripture sticker of Jer. 29:11.  He was a believer and had a Dance Ministry at his church in New York where Denny and I knew the Pastor.   I have always dreamed of an opportunity to see this dance company perform, but had never had the chance.  I said; “you know it’s my birthday on Monday and I’ll bet I could get my husband to get tickets for your last show on Sunday.”  We exchanged phone numbers and a hug.  On Saturday my new dancer friend Matthew Rushing (google him) called me and said he had two comp tickets for Denny and I and that we could come back stage after the show. What, what, what?
So Stop #5 came next.  We were a few minutes late, but arrived and were seated just before he took the stage in the most gorgeous solo piece.  Come to find out young Matthew has been with the Company for 18 years, he’s not 20, but 36.  He is one of their most beloved performers and choreographers.   We had, in my opinion the best seats in the house, Orchestra center.  We sat next to one of the other performers Aunts and bonded over both being Christ followers and her now living where I grew up, Northridge, CA.  Just another Godsequence in my book.  The last half hour section is a famous piece that they do called Revelation, which is basically one big dance worship sesh and revival.  What a wonderful and inspiring time.  Afterwards there Matthew was waiting for us at the Stage Door, kids all around him wanting pictures.  As we greeted he handed me a big rolled up poster.  He said; I got everyone in the Company to sign this poster for you for your birthday… Happy Birthday!  What, what, what?!  I am crying now and will always cry when I think about that unexpected moment.  I had to sit down I was so blown away.  I just could not believe this was happening to me.  We hugged and Denny and I waited tell everyone was gone and had their picture with him so we could pray with him.  What an amazing journey he has been on.  While we were chatting we met Marta, the security guard, a believer that we asked to join us in prayer.  What a privilege to pray with and for this young man that made my birthday so special and it hadn’t even happened yet. Can we say Birth Month :-) We all should have one.
Stop # 6- Home and a night of breakfast for dinner and the Oscars.  The best Oscars I have ever seen.  I just loved every moment.  Yeah!  Mom power, yeah Women power.  Denny and I both cried at the speeches.  So sincere and authentic we thought.
And finally Stop # 7- the Internet where Denny looked up “Places to eat for free on your Birthday”.  So tomorrow we are going to every place, Breakfast, Lunch, Ice Cream (2 different places) and Dinner.  I’ll let you know how it goes :-)  Good night my friends.
www.kingdomassignment.org
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Warning-Watch Your Mouth…

February 20th, 2010

James 1:26

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. TNIV

From Billy Grahams Devotional Day by Day -

“The problems of the world could be solved overnight if people could get victory over their tongues.  Suppose there was no anger, no profanity, no lying, no grumbling or complaining; suppose there were no dirty stories told, no unjust criticism-what a different world this would be!  The Bible teaches that a person who can control their tongue can control their whole personality.  We should ask ourselves three questions before we speak:  Is it true?  Is it kind?  Does it glorify Christ?  If we would always think before we speak, there would be much less evil speaking, and there would soon be a spiritual awakening that would sweep the church in America.”

There is a reason I do not allow comments on my Blog and the reason is… people have not gotten control over their tongues, or their thoughts.  People have written me the most bizarre and unkind things.  Down right evil.  Kindness in the Blog world is a pipe-dream of mine.  If you’re reading this and you make the practice of giving your unkind opinion about everything because you can, consider praying about or for that person instead.  You’ll be laying up treasure in Heaven instead of breaking some ones heart.  Sticks and Stones can break your bones, but names will always hurt you. Bones mend in time, Hearts may never.  Some of these American Idol kids, well I don’t think any of them escape the cruel, mean, obscene comments people make about the way they look, their clothing, family members…what?  No one deserves that. When I was in High School, I remember my Youth Pastor and good friend Jim Grindle told me and other student officers “what you say may be THE THING or final straw that breaks that person spirit”.  I’ve always tried to remember those words and when I haven’t I try to apologize and ask forgiveness.  Stay clean…let’s encourage one another with the words of our mouth as a testament to our lives.  Must I remind you God hears not only our words, but our thoughts too.

Psalms 7:9

Bring to an end the (verbal) violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure— You, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts. TNIV

If you want to email me you are welcome to write to me through our website at:

www.kingdomassignment.org

Jesus calling…

October 28th, 2009
Mark and Shirley Swenson, owners of Sonshine Books here in Orange County just recently had to close the doors on their beloved store for the last time.  Location and the economy just weighed too heavy on this Icon in our area.  Denny and I shared a meal with them here in our home about the same time and heard their story.  This was such a dream of Mark and Shirley’s for so long and to see it come to an end was devastating.  In the midst of it all “one book” rose to the top amongst the thousands that had passed through their hands while managing Sonshine for over 25 years.  As a thank you they sent it to us.  It is entitled “Jesus Calling”.  It is short and I mean short daily devotionals that are from the Creators perspective.  It’s Jesus speaking to you. They are kind and yet sharp.  They comfort and then can cut through your heart… so quickly I might add, seeing as they are such small paragraphes.  I put it on the shelf for a few months and then picked it up one day this month and is now a daily routine.  It NOT consequently always seems to relate to what I am dealing with that day.  Often after Denny or I have preached a sermon or given a message people will ask us were you spying on me this week.  Ummm… no, but God was, is our usual response.
Jesus Calling - by Sarah Young, Thomas Nelson Publishing for October 28th
Do not expect to be treated fairly in this life.  People will say and do hurtful things to you, things that you don’t deserve.  When someone mistreats you, try to view it as an opportunity to grow in grace.  See how quickly you can forgive the one who has wounded you.  Don’t be concerned about setting the record straight.  Instead of obsessing about other people’s opinions of you, keep your focus on Me.  Ultimately, it is My view of you that counts.


As you concentrate on relating to Me, remember that I have clothed you in my righteousness and holiness.  I see you attired in these radiant garments, which I bought for you with My blood.  This also is not fair; it is pure gift.  When others treat you unfairly, remember that my ways with you are much better than fair.  My ways are Peace and Love, which I have poured out into your heart by My Spirit.

Recommended follow up verses.

Colossians 3:13
Isaiah 61:10
Ephesians 1:7-8
Romans 5:5

Early Viewing…This Is It…the Michael Jackson Movie!

October 28th, 2009

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It’s late and I am too tired to write a proper review of the MJ Movie that Lysa, Amy and myself went to see tonight.  The theater in Foothill Ranch was not exactly a sell out, maybe 30 percent filled.   We sat between a woman that coughed every uummm… 45 seconds, not exaggerating.   And a family that took their 5 kids, ages 5,4,3,2,1 to a 9 pm movie, but I digress.   Ignoring the outside irritation I give it a C+.  I love production, choreography, behind the scenes stuff and getting to see that aspect up close and personal was cool.  They showed a snippet of the audition process for the dancers.  Having been a dancer I really enjoyed that part… but it was just a snippet… would of loved more of that.  Seeing Michael relaxed was fascinating.  Glad I went and some of the dance sequences were wonderful.  It would of been a fantastic show.  Warning!!! and I was afraid of this.  There is an icky crouch grabbing scene at the end that I really could of done without and the “inspirational” moment following it was weird.  A little too much MJ worship for me.  I have to wonder if Michael really would of been very happy that this was made into a movie… not so sure about that.

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First In and Out Burger!

October 28th, 2009

It’s hard to believe, but our Admin Assistant Lysa has never had an In and Out Burger even though she was born and raised in Orange County, CA.  How can this be?  Our Web Designer, Victor, and I dragged her for a Protein Style (no bun) Burger.  She was given an In and Out Crown for the day.  This adventure was very bonding for our staff :-) img_1896

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P.S.  Did you know there are scriptures on bottom of the cups and other items at In and Out… also, did you know John 3:16 are on the bottom of the bags at the clothing store “Forever 21?”  In and Out Burger was founded by an amazing Christian Family.  The son that ran the operations was called home during a plane crash in the early 90’s.  The scripture tradition and great service did not change and we are thankful for that.  We love In and Out Burger!

Gun in her face…One Woman’s Assignment from God!

October 23rd, 2009

Check out this woman’s amazing Kingdom Assignment… you just never know when God will call on you!

Atheists Campaign

October 22nd, 2009

I have been slightly fascinated lately by this new PR campaign for Atheists.  Someone is putting out some bank in subways and on buses to tell people that you do not need faith to do good.  I literally ran into (along side of) one of these people while on side by side treadmills at 24 hour fitness the other day.  Wow!  Seemed smart enough.  He had created his own ideology.  No need for God’s miraculous change agent in people lives, they just needed to down size their lives.  No Nellie Gailers could be doing anything of value, because they just were living life too lavishly.  I’ve been in many a Nellie Gailers home and I could of told him of the good, the bad and the ugly, just like every other community (no dif) but their was no air space between his words.  Judgement spewed from this, seemingly easy going, Surfers mouth.  ”People just need to do good” is what he kept saying, “wish people did more of that”.  But wait where was his joy, where was his servants attitude?  I pondered his goodness as he hogged one of the work out machines, I thought… It must be exhausting TRYING to be so good.  I thanked the Holy Spirit for the power that is instilled in every believer through His fruits: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, GOODNESS, Faithfulness, Gentleness and at the time most importantly… Self Control.   Only God is good… read the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10:17-22.

I also thought it timely as I read my devotions today October 22nd 2009.

Day by Day with Billy Graham:

Romans 3:28 - “So it is that we are saved by faith in Christ and not by the good things we do.”

Many people still cling to the notion that man is naturally good. We did not get this from the Greeks, Aristotle said, “There is no good in mankind.”  We did not get it from Judaism.  Jeremiah said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).  We did not get it from Christian teachings.  The Apostle Paul said, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  We got this illusion, I believe, from the philosophers and psychologists of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries who taught the false doctrine that man is a helpless victim of his environment.  The Bible says that man is not naturally good.  All human experience confirms it.  Man is rebellious by nature.  This first rebellion in history happened in the Garden of Eden, where the environment was perfect and there was no heredity on which to blame it!

Prayer For The Day:  Each time I become obsessed by the idea that my deeds are so noble, let me remember the magnanimity of Your perfect life.

Go Billy… Graham Devotional

August 27th, 2009

From Billy Graham’s Devotional Day by Day for August 26th:

“And the disciples were called Christians…” Acts 11:26

In the third century Cyprian, the Bishop of Carthage, wrote to his friend Donatus, “It is a bad world, Donatus, an incredibly bad world.  But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people, who have learned a great secret.  They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any of the pleasures of our sinful life.  They are despised and persecuted, but they care not.  They are masters of their souls.  They have overcome the world.  These people, Donatus, are Christians… and I am one of them.” If you have repented of your sins and have received Christ as Savior, then you, too, are one of them.

Prayer For The Day:

Today, Lord God, I remember all those Christians who have gone before me and thank You for all the inspiration of their memory.   May I never take for granted the heritage I have in Christ Jesus.

Submit to One Another-Best Wedding Entrance Ever!

July 25th, 2009

 

Not sure if you caught this on the Today Show, but (click the link below) here is an example of pure joy.  I laugh and, I am not sure why, but cry all at the same time.  What a beautiful example of submission in marriage.  Even the Wedding Party being willing to submit to one another (Eph. 5:21) and the Brides wishes.  Such a happy view of people being unified and working in one accord.  See what they accomplished :-)
Don’t miss the Grooms entrance, it is fantastic!!!
The whole Wedding Party reenacted it live on the Today Show this morning (7-25-09) maybe it will be posted on youtube some time later if you missed it, what a crack up!
Click here to watch the best Wedding Party entrance in history.  On Earth as it is in Heaven… this was kind of a taste of Heaven for me.