My KA DNA – Leesa Bellesi

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

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.

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.

I know it really won’t matter to anyone else, but myself… but there is this pressure… you bloggers know what I mean… it’s when you have not updated your blog and you feel so behind and have no idea where to catch up.

I try to be respectful to the AI kids when they are here and not post anything until they are gone so that has been some what of my hold up.  Jason Castro’s girlfriend Mandy and Michael Castro’s girlfriend Mackenzie have been our Interns for the Kingdom Assignment for the last two months living here with us in Lake Forest… so it has been a revolving Castro door for quite some time now.  The girls parents came out and stayed at the Beach House and then here last night.  But yesterday we sent a fond farewell to the girls with a big thank you for all their help.  We gave them each a special gift of jewelry to remind them of the importance of prayer in their relationships and it was a blast to match it up to their personalities.  If you see them ask them what they got

So more pics will soon follow.  I have had some wonderful daily Billy Graham devotionals… time to share those again… whew… I am far far behind.

Okay so we are clear with a fresh start… let the blogging begin again

This post is long in coming… so much about AI I have not even gotten to, but I will.  Got to go to the Finale and sit with the Gokey’s, After Party, Limo… all good and fun (pics to follow).  But what I had to throw myself into the day after was the 3rd Annual WELL DONE Awards that I was producing.  Millions of details including publishing and printing 3 new books.  Kingdom Assignment 3 “What Will Do With The TIME God Has Given You”,  Children’s book “I Have A Special Purpose” Daniel Goes On A Kingdom Assignment, and a pictorial book telling the story of the Kingdom Assignment and how it came to be… whew!  Miracle… something only God could do and He did!

A few AI people were there… Phil Stacey, Jason Castro, Michael Castro, Warm-Up Artist from AI Cory Almeida, and from iCarly Nathan Kress and Noah Munck…

If you go straight to our website www.kingdomassignment.org     you can check out the latest on the WDA, below is the thank you I sent to all who served us and the Master so so well.  WELL DONE!

We will be in touch, but wanted to get this off to you asap!

Please check out Todays and last Fridays article in the OC Register.  

Lori Basheda did a wonderful job covering this years WDA story. 

Check it out at:

  

http://strangeoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/06/01/well-done-awards/16479/

Video/ intro of the night…

http://kingdomassignment.com/getmedia_video_wda2009_intro.php

Also, Darren Kings Pics (taken by Joe Ohman, thanks Joe) from the night…

fun to relive it all

http://gallery.me.com/crossline#100171

I don’t have everyone’s email so please pass this on and please forgive me if some of you get this twice or even three times

Love, love, love to you all – Leesa and Denny

Jeremiah 333

“call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

 

Check out the latest Article on the AI Ministry and the WELL DONE Awards, Sunday May 31st at the Grove of Anaheim… do not miss it

Danny Gokey clan hanging in the OC – Offbeat OC – OCRegister.com

But thank you for the compliment  On Tuesday of this AI week I was invited to sit with Danny’s family. His Sisters, Angie, Janell, Gina and Tracey had all been out to stay with us (see post below) and then a few weeks later their Husbands (Danny’s Bro in Laws) Rick, Rob and Brandon, sans one (Janell’s Husband Tony) arrived.  I was honored and privileged to be asked to sit with the family and represent for “the Danny” as we, no I guess it’s just me, likes to call him.  

I sat next to Kris’ Dad Neil and the rest of his clan… so nice… such a wonderful family.  I noticed the AI Camera was there a lot, but having done this before I knew that that meant nothing and that the “booth” makes those decisions and that they might take a quick shot of the family when Danny sang, and that would be it.   When I got out of the show my phone was flooded with “oh my goodness” they showed you more than the Kadarshian Sisters, no, more than Simon, no, more than Adam…right… I have funny friends…. I have not watched the show back yet, can’t bring myself to do it… too embarrassing… all I can do is laugh about it and hope I did not look too much like a dork…. so back to the point of this post.  

The next day, at Wednesday’s Show, the sweetest people came up to me with this look, this gentle, precious look and these same words, as they took my hand, moved in close and said; Hi… “Are you Danny’s Mom”? “Oh no just a friend I would respond”. They would go on,”Well they showed you so many times on Tuesday… I was just sure that you were his Mom”.  Understandably, curiosity would get the best of them… “well then WHO ARE YOU they would eventually ask”… which gave me opportunity to tell them about the AI Ministry and the Kingdom Assignment and the WELL DONE Awards.  By the end we had exchanged information and were friends for life  

That is the way I roll people!  If I am given an opportunity to brag about my Lord and Savior I am going to take it.  No one is going to get away from me with out hearing how much I love Jesus and if they don’t love Him already, it’s my hope that someday they will love Him too… rock on AI Ministry… rock on!

The Guys…Rick, Brandon, Rob on Tuesday night after watching Danny’s rendition of “You Are So Beautiful”.  I seriously used to hate (that’s too strong, let’s say highly dislike) the Joe Cocker version and now… well now, after hearing “the Danny” version, it is one of my favorites.  Go Gokey Go! iTunes download for sure…

What handsome boys… fun and in the moment of it all Smile Brandon Smile… “I am Smiling”…

Okay.. if you will scroll down you will see the Gokey Girls doing this same pose… had to get it with the guys… it was my goal… Sweetie thank you for filling in for Tony… you are such a good sport!  Note: Denny and I also celebrated 35 years of marriage this last week.  Honey… you are such a gift to me… okay now I’m crying…

Sophia Martinez  Gokey was one of  four Sisters.  We got the privilege of hosting another Sister, Margarita with Ivan, Petto and Marilyn (Mari)… Don’t miss the jumping shot… it is one of my favorites…

Whoa!  Nice height  :-)

See below to meet more of Sophia’s family.  And please check out Sophia’s Foundation at:  www.sophiasheart.org

What fun it was to share our story about the Kingdom Assignment, WELL DONE Awards and the AI Ministry on the Rich Buhler Show, Talk from the Heart, KBRT AM 740…

After the interview we joined Rich and his wife Dianne for dinner and a night of sharing our stories of how we met our spouses and how we came to a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Lots of laughter and tears… one wonderful evening with great friends.  Amen!

P.S.  Denny and I are about to celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary…. what?!!!  I thought that was just for old people… oh yea… it is for old people….

My favorite thing is to be with my fantastic family… every chance I can steal a kiss from any of them it makes my day…

A stop at Swirls Yogurt or as the Grandkids call it Squirrels… after a great day of watching Caeden play on his Baseball team… 

Game Ball… After playing an amazing game… I turned to Brooke and said “there is no way they are going to give him Game Ball two weeks in a row”…. but sure enough Caeden was honored with the Game Ball two weeks in a row… 3rd this playing Season… Caeden you’re blessed and humble… your Bobo and Papa love you!

And not to be out done Camy does an excellent and consistent headstand… seriously Camy your getting so brave… we are so proud of you.  We now call her Cirque Du Soliel.

Sweet Baby Girl Emily enjoys the wonder of water… Growing up is so fun Love this face… so happy… so joyful… so perfect.  Almost walking any day!

Day by Day Devotional with Billy Graham for April 19th 

I advise you to OBEY only the Holy Spirit’s instructions.  He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won’t always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to.  Galatians 5:16 (TLB)

To walk in the Spirit is a challenging and inspiring exercise, for it combines activity with relaxation.  To walk means to place one foot in front of the other.  If you stop doing this, you are no longer walking – you are standing still.  Walking always implies movement, progress, and direction.  Sin shall no longer rule or dominate you when you are allowing the Holy Spirit to live Christ’s life through you.  It is living by faith, living by trust, living in dependence upon God.  If we look to our own resources, our own strength or our own ability, as Peter did when he walked on the water, we will fail.  You cannot live the Christian life by yourself.  The Holy Spirit must live in you and express Himself through you.  Living for Christ is a day-by-day experience.  It is a continuous dependence upon the Spirit of God.  It is believing in His faithfulness.

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The fruits of the Spirit and the marks of a Christian are:

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control… I ask myself everyday “do people see these things in me?”

The same power that conquered the grave lives in me… if you know Christ… lives in you!

What began as an unspoken dream and a silent prayer has now become a full blown ministry, proving God hears our thoughts and listens to our wildest of prayers. Forgive me as I reflect on the last four years and how God has brought something my way that only He could of done in the most beautiful and creative of ways.  As of today Denny and I and our ministry partners have had the privilege of meeting the needs of 9 American Idol contestants families affecting over 75 people with flights, lodging, meals on the road, meals in our home, game nights (Apples to Apples , rides to and fro, gasoline to make it from state to state, lots of prayer circles, scripture bracelets to remind of God’s love for them… all round good stuff.

A big thank you to:  Janet and Dave Brown, Nicole and Earl Reed, Dee Dee and Paul Dirks and their kids, Deborah and Gary Harter, Margie and Brad Fogal, Diana and Jerry LaMont, Suzette and Charlie Schafer for their faithfulness to this ministry.  Couldn’t do it without you… no way!

Prayer requests:  Please pray for Scott MacIntyre’s Sister Katelyn.  On Friday April 17th she will be having kidney transplant surgery.  Please pray for Katelyn’s and her donors quick recovery.  Continued support of Sophia’s Heart Foundation.

Below are some of my latest favorite pics…

Danny Gokey’s In-Laws at Saddleback Church with the coolest, Youth Director….Josh Griffin…

 Us jumping for joy… you go Josh… nice height…. truly  Everyone… nice effort!

Sweet and wonderful, Ana (Sophia’s Mom) Damadis (Sophia’s Sister) Sophia’s Cousins, Amadis and Kimmy.  At the Montage Hotel… had to show them the view… I love these ladies … ahh I miss you girls… but you’re coming back soon!

Friends we met along the way after a day at American Idol… what a blast… Oklahoma, Illinois, San Diego… we all still stay in touch.

Cinderella and Amber even came and stayed the night before their 24 hour trip back home to Okalahoma… home for Easter morning…. sweeeeet!

A night of fellowship and great preaching at the Dream Center in LA.  Danny’s family with Dream Center Pastor Matthew Barnett.

Picked up Carole MacIntrye, Katelyn MacIntrye from LAX last Wednesday.  They met up with Scott’s Music Teacher visiting from Canada when they checked into their hotel.  Fantastic, gracious and precious people they are… if you look up “nice” in the dictionary the MacIntyre’s family picture is there  Return trip thanks to Dee Dee and Paul Dirks… thanks guys!

What a warm and gracious guy… just like you see him on TV… authentic and real!

It has been 15 days since my last post due to “computer photo adding issues” and then was sick for, going on, two weeks now.  But as you will see this cough and cold did not hold me back from having a full birth month.  My family party was a blast, Tea Party with Camy, Baseball games with Caeden, Emily’s 1st B-day, Beach House stay by Danny, Suzanne, Emmy and Jake from Lakepoint Church in Rockwall, TX, Visit by Jason, Betsy and Jackie Castro, Lunch with my Homies… Lysa, Terry and Claudine, Spa B-Day with my Girls… Brookie and Talie…. one of the best days of my life… really, a day uninterrupted with my girls… yipee! Denny and I enjoyed watching friends Jerry and Brenda Wilkinson’s son Keith win the National Championship for USC’s Basketball team…. how cool was that! Fellow worship leaders with Danny Gokey at his church made a visit.  Destiny and Yadi drove 39 hours and stayed with us in Lake Forest… precious girls!  Great prayer time, Balboa Island Frozen Banana’s (my fav), Montage Resort visit, Josh Griffin (Youth guy at Saddleback Church) meeting at the Refinery, waved goodbye and sent them to stay with Diana Carreno so they could hang with Danny in LA.  They made so many new friends and went so many new places… back on the road again… be safe girls.  They will be back for the WELL DONE Awards and do back up… awesome.  So here are the pics to follow the words.

Today is my 54th Birthday… I feel like I did when I got married at 19… so how is it possible that they keep trying to send me an AARP card… I just tear them up… denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.

My parents are here and we will be having a great family meal together later, but it is what I did this morning that made my birthday.  I woke up at 4:00 am which was really 3:00 am due to day light savings time and once I was fully awake I did my devotions (below).  Even on a Sunday, when I knew I would be going to church.  You know some times I would slide on Sundays thinking church balanced it all out… do you do that too?  But God wants quiet time with us.  Alone time with us.  We  always hear it the other way around.  But actually He desires our full attention so He can whisper things to us and we can actually hear them.  You just never know what life is going to swing your way, but ever since I have been consistent with my devotions first thing in the morning I have been able to withstand better the unexpected side swipes that come my way.  Which, in every day, there are quite a few for all of us.  Life is a gift and so fun when lived on purpose and “On Assignment”!

Day by Day with Billy Graham for March 8th 2009

1 John 2:15 (TLB)

“Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love these things you show that you do not really love God…”

There are certain elements of daily life which are not sinful in themselves but which have a tendency to lead to sin if they are abused.  Abuse literally means “extreme use” and in so many instances, overuse of things lawful becomes sin.  Ambition is an essential part of character, but it must be fixed on lawful objects and exercised in proper proportion.  Thought about the necessities of life and taking care of one’s family is absolutely essential; but this can generate into anxiety, and then, as Christ reminded us, the cares of this life choke the spiritual seed in the heart.  Making of money is essential for daily living; but money-making is apt to degenerate into money-loving, and then the deceitfulness of riches enters and spoils our spiritual life.  Much so-called worldliness in Christian circles is misunderstood.  You cannot confine it to a particular rank, walk or circumstances of life, and say that one person is spiritual and another is unspiritual.  Worldliness is actually a spirit, an atmosphere, an influence permeating the whole of life and human society, and it needs to be guarded against constantly and strenuously.

Thanks Billy…