Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.
SET God-sized goals...
Go after a dream that is destined to fail unless God intervenes.
Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God.
STOP pointing out problems and become part of the solution.
STOP repeating the past and start creating the future.
STOP playing it safe and start taking risks.
Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey.
Find every excuse you can to celebrate every good thing you can.
Live life today as the first day and last day of your life.
Don’t let what’s wrong with you, keep you from worshipping what’s right with God. (my favorite).
Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating.
Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks.
Don’t try to be who you’re not, laugh at yourself.
Quit holding out.
Quit holding BACK.
Quit running away.
CHASE THE LION
From my “Sparks” friend, Ana-Marie
Blessings,
Torrence
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
MEETING NEW PEOPLE.....
Today was a good and productive day...... Still getting settled and enjoying our new home. Tomorrow we will have family over....exciting for me.
I always enjoy some special time with my husband. We watched a biography of the tennis great, the late Arthur Ashe together this afternoon. It was so moving and informative. A sports nut, and really a TENNIS nut, I thought I knew a lot about Mr. Ashe, but the documentary was excellent. We don’t watch much tv, so this was very special for me.
Then I thought, its supper time, I enjoyed whipping up a chicken dish, threw my own stuff in and was “gone to town”. LOL. The family really seemed to enjoy it, the boys cleaned the kitchen so I don’t know if there were leftovers or not….
I quickly got ready to go to church, here in Palm Bay a lot of churches have prayer, or Bible study on Friday night. As I was coming home, I began to think of how God has really placed nice people in our path so far.
Its been a whole month in Florida, and we have really been surrounded by nice, friendly and helpful neighbors and friends.
My husband bought a lawn mower when we first got here, while the boys were getting started, our next door neighbor (Rob) says, “hey, I’ll get that for you”. My husband said “come on”, he brings his riding mower and cuts the grass and did the trimming too. With all the rain we’ve been getting here, the grass really grows fast, and he cuts it for pennies….Also Rob replanted a tree in the front yard that had been disfigured because of "Fay".
Across the street there is Pat, and her husband Bob. We had met their sons, and they were so friendly, so when we saw Pat, we weren’t surprised. They had sowed some "good seeds" in them....“Come over and see us when you have a chance, she said”. Her husband had five strokes in a month or so, the last one left him quite ill. She can’t leave him for long at a time, so this is why she wanted us to come over. I’m using every opportunity, and every open door I find to help hurting people. Please pray for him and her also. Being a caregiver is very difficult. Also, please pray for Rob and his wife.
I feel ministry in this place, I know we’re not on this street, in this city, in this world by chance, God sent us here; and there is work to do. Jesus said “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”.Matthew 5:16. Meeting new people and helping wherever I can is truly wonderful, I give praise to God.
Goodnight…..
Torrence
I always enjoy some special time with my husband. We watched a biography of the tennis great, the late Arthur Ashe together this afternoon. It was so moving and informative. A sports nut, and really a TENNIS nut, I thought I knew a lot about Mr. Ashe, but the documentary was excellent. We don’t watch much tv, so this was very special for me.
Then I thought, its supper time, I enjoyed whipping up a chicken dish, threw my own stuff in and was “gone to town”. LOL. The family really seemed to enjoy it, the boys cleaned the kitchen so I don’t know if there were leftovers or not….
I quickly got ready to go to church, here in Palm Bay a lot of churches have prayer, or Bible study on Friday night. As I was coming home, I began to think of how God has really placed nice people in our path so far.
Its been a whole month in Florida, and we have really been surrounded by nice, friendly and helpful neighbors and friends.
My husband bought a lawn mower when we first got here, while the boys were getting started, our next door neighbor (Rob) says, “hey, I’ll get that for you”. My husband said “come on”, he brings his riding mower and cuts the grass and did the trimming too. With all the rain we’ve been getting here, the grass really grows fast, and he cuts it for pennies….Also Rob replanted a tree in the front yard that had been disfigured because of "Fay".
Across the street there is Pat, and her husband Bob. We had met their sons, and they were so friendly, so when we saw Pat, we weren’t surprised. They had sowed some "good seeds" in them....“Come over and see us when you have a chance, she said”. Her husband had five strokes in a month or so, the last one left him quite ill. She can’t leave him for long at a time, so this is why she wanted us to come over. I’m using every opportunity, and every open door I find to help hurting people. Please pray for him and her also. Being a caregiver is very difficult. Also, please pray for Rob and his wife.
I feel ministry in this place, I know we’re not on this street, in this city, in this world by chance, God sent us here; and there is work to do. Jesus said “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”.Matthew 5:16. Meeting new people and helping wherever I can is truly wonderful, I give praise to God.
Goodnight…..
Torrence
Monday, October 6, 2008
THE BEGINNING OF MY VACATION...IN FLORIDA
Today the Torrence’s ventured out to the big old Atlantic Ocean, yep we hit the beaches!! Listening to the sound of the ocean bearing down, and bringing big waves, and plenty of enjoyment, brought back some happy memories. It was the “perfect” day, of sorts, very few people and the weather was just nice and right. There was so much sand between our toes, we had to wash and wash before getting back in the car!!!
As a child I was raised about an hour from the Ocean, and daddy made sure we got there two or three times a year, especially ensuring the Sunday School children got to enjoy a trip to the waters. On one such trip I slipped off with my friend Patricia and her father in a BOAT…My daddy had a fit and I was “dubious to the obvious”….Anyway back to Florida…
Living here is like a long awaited dream come true, I can’t explain how happy I am; how fulfilled mentally and socially and emotionally, though I can truly say, I thought I was always a happy person. But its different here…. I guess I needed a change in ways even I hadn’t realized. I thank God.
In a way, its as if I’ve found myself, I fit perfectly and I’m meeting people who seem to really like me, and I'm having fun singing and meeting new people, not as John Torrence wife, but just as a person, this is new to me and I’m loving it!! I'm doing new things with new people and its great! I call my life, THE NEW BEGINNING, and so far, so very good. Looking forward to having people over and doing some Herbal Hours, now I have room enough to invite a bunch of people!
We are so close to the beaches, about 20 minutes and “I’m there”. We were going to Sebastian, but a storm was brewing, so we decided to come home, but we spent a good deal of time enjoying our new enviroment.
Gilda enjoyed it too; she usually can’t handle the roaring of the water, but today was somewhat calm. Wanted to share our special day, next.. THE GULF OF MEXICO, but now more unpacking……..LOL
Blessings
Torrence
As a child I was raised about an hour from the Ocean, and daddy made sure we got there two or three times a year, especially ensuring the Sunday School children got to enjoy a trip to the waters. On one such trip I slipped off with my friend Patricia and her father in a BOAT…My daddy had a fit and I was “dubious to the obvious”….Anyway back to Florida…
Living here is like a long awaited dream come true, I can’t explain how happy I am; how fulfilled mentally and socially and emotionally, though I can truly say, I thought I was always a happy person. But its different here…. I guess I needed a change in ways even I hadn’t realized. I thank God.
In a way, its as if I’ve found myself, I fit perfectly and I’m meeting people who seem to really like me, and I'm having fun singing and meeting new people, not as John Torrence wife, but just as a person, this is new to me and I’m loving it!! I'm doing new things with new people and its great! I call my life, THE NEW BEGINNING, and so far, so very good. Looking forward to having people over and doing some Herbal Hours, now I have room enough to invite a bunch of people!
We are so close to the beaches, about 20 minutes and “I’m there”. We were going to Sebastian, but a storm was brewing, so we decided to come home, but we spent a good deal of time enjoying our new enviroment.
Gilda enjoyed it too; she usually can’t handle the roaring of the water, but today was somewhat calm. Wanted to share our special day, next.. THE GULF OF MEXICO, but now more unpacking……..LOL
Blessings
Torrence
Thursday, October 2, 2008
GOOD STUFF.....
It has been a very good day, the weather is so cool and fall is beautiful in Florida. Of course its still "sunny" in the Sunshine State!
Yesterday we became legal Floridians. We got our official driver's licenses, and our brand new Florida tags, and it was easy and stress free. I was really impressed by how organized and efficient the driver's license place was, it was truly an experience!!
The gentleman that waited on me, gave me a lesson on the
Bougainvillea plant. Yes, the name of my street is a flower, and a pretty one at that. My neighbor Kelly (in Nashville), told me it was a flower, we just thought it was a weird sounding long name. ha ha. The gentleman showed me two beautiful Bougainvillea's located across the street. They are green and flowing and the variety he showed me had purple flowers, according to my "teacher", white, red, pink and blue are the other colors of the bougainvillea flowers. Hope to find some in the nursery, would
like to plant one, they grow big he said, "so plant them a bit
from the house". I plan to do just that....
We also had to find another bank today, our favorite, US Bank, is not in this area, we went with Bank of America. So many things to
do when you relocate, so glad my husband takes care of all that stuff; he took a big BREAK yesterday, after finishing up the official moving stuff. I thank God for my husband, I would be totally lost in these areas without him!
To God be the glory, great things He has done.
Last night I visited a church close to my house. That GPS is the bomb, just put the location in, and it talks you right to it...love it. The name of the church is Glory Bound Church of God. The name cracked me up, it was pretty nice. I was surprised at so many out on Wednesday night, so many older people and all ages, and men, I didn't count, but I think the men were the majority. I really thought that interesting. Had never seen that before... Many of the congregation were from Jaimaca,Trinidad, Haiti, the Virgin Islands , Bahamas, Africans etc. There were regular people as well. LOL I love the way they talk, but I had to listen closely sometimes, they probably thought I talked "funny" too.
The closest church to us is over an hour's drive. wow! John says we're strike out and find the churches after we settle in some more. I am looking for a church I can frequent during the week, I can't drive an hour to church, but we hope to get there some Sundays. Starting a mission here is still my vision, but I do enjoy meeting other saints. I know God will give us the very desire of our hearts as we continue with him. Getting late, better get to bed..I like to "get up early"...
Blessings
Torrence
Yesterday we became legal Floridians. We got our official driver's licenses, and our brand new Florida tags, and it was easy and stress free. I was really impressed by how organized and efficient the driver's license place was, it was truly an experience!!
The gentleman that waited on me, gave me a lesson on the
Bougainvillea plant. Yes, the name of my street is a flower, and a pretty one at that. My neighbor Kelly (in Nashville), told me it was a flower, we just thought it was a weird sounding long name. ha ha. The gentleman showed me two beautiful Bougainvillea's located across the street. They are green and flowing and the variety he showed me had purple flowers, according to my "teacher", white, red, pink and blue are the other colors of the bougainvillea flowers. Hope to find some in the nursery, would
like to plant one, they grow big he said, "so plant them a bit
from the house". I plan to do just that....
We also had to find another bank today, our favorite, US Bank, is not in this area, we went with Bank of America. So many things to
do when you relocate, so glad my husband takes care of all that stuff; he took a big BREAK yesterday, after finishing up the official moving stuff. I thank God for my husband, I would be totally lost in these areas without him!
To God be the glory, great things He has done.
Last night I visited a church close to my house. That GPS is the bomb, just put the location in, and it talks you right to it...love it. The name of the church is Glory Bound Church of God. The name cracked me up, it was pretty nice. I was surprised at so many out on Wednesday night, so many older people and all ages, and men, I didn't count, but I think the men were the majority. I really thought that interesting. Had never seen that before... Many of the congregation were from Jaimaca,Trinidad, Haiti, the Virgin Islands , Bahamas, Africans etc. There were regular people as well. LOL I love the way they talk, but I had to listen closely sometimes, they probably thought I talked "funny" too.
The closest church to us is over an hour's drive. wow! John says we're strike out and find the churches after we settle in some more. I am looking for a church I can frequent during the week, I can't drive an hour to church, but we hope to get there some Sundays. Starting a mission here is still my vision, but I do enjoy meeting other saints. I know God will give us the very desire of our hearts as we continue with him. Getting late, better get to bed..I like to "get up early"...
Blessings
Torrence
Friday, September 26, 2008
DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY...AND KEEP YOUR PEACE
One night at Teledyne many years ago, the Lord spoke this in my
spirit "this is a weary land, but you don't have to be weary in
the land". Don't worry, be happy.
There are a lot of things going on in the world's system at this time, but I rejoice tonight and
always, because I am in the world, but not of the world. In other
words, I do not operate and trust in man and the worlds system. I
operate in a higher system, a just system, a system in the love
of God.
Yes I am affected by things happening, but don't worry,
be happy. John 16:33 says "These things I have spoken unto you,
that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have
tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world". Oh
hallelujah!
God will always work things out for the good of His people.. I'll say it again, don't worry, be happy, happy about what Sis Torrence?, be happy in Him..period. Jesus says, yes you will have
difficulties, yes, you will have tribulations (or troubles), but then He sets us up nicely, "but be of good cheer;, I have overcome the world, its system, its WICKED SYSTEM. So DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY....thats what Jesus seem to be saying...and I embrace it.
If we make our abode in Him, we have already overcome, because he
has overcome. For the scripture says "as He is, so are we in this
world. We abide in Him, so we rejoice in Him and with Him. And we
give Him every care and he takes care of every little trial and
thing. Who wouldn't serve God! Such a wonderful life, such a
wonderful hope and blessed assurance.
Through faith in the blood of Jesus, I have put myself INSIDE OF the overcomer, so I overcome with Him! What you talking bout...LOL What a great life and a happy abode.
David says in Psalms 144:15b,"happy is that people, whose God is the Lord." I told you, DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY, AND KEEP YOUR PEACE .....CHILD OF GOD!!!!
Blessings,
Torrence
spirit "this is a weary land, but you don't have to be weary in
the land". Don't worry, be happy.
There are a lot of things going on in the world's system at this time, but I rejoice tonight and
always, because I am in the world, but not of the world. In other
words, I do not operate and trust in man and the worlds system. I
operate in a higher system, a just system, a system in the love
of God.
Yes I am affected by things happening, but don't worry,
be happy. John 16:33 says "These things I have spoken unto you,
that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have
tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world". Oh
hallelujah!
God will always work things out for the good of His people.. I'll say it again, don't worry, be happy, happy about what Sis Torrence?, be happy in Him..period. Jesus says, yes you will have
difficulties, yes, you will have tribulations (or troubles), but then He sets us up nicely, "but be of good cheer;, I have overcome the world, its system, its WICKED SYSTEM. So DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY....thats what Jesus seem to be saying...and I embrace it.
If we make our abode in Him, we have already overcome, because he
has overcome. For the scripture says "as He is, so are we in this
world. We abide in Him, so we rejoice in Him and with Him. And we
give Him every care and he takes care of every little trial and
thing. Who wouldn't serve God! Such a wonderful life, such a
wonderful hope and blessed assurance.
Through faith in the blood of Jesus, I have put myself INSIDE OF the overcomer, so I overcome with Him! What you talking bout...LOL What a great life and a happy abode.
David says in Psalms 144:15b,"happy is that people, whose God is the Lord." I told you, DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY, AND KEEP YOUR PEACE .....CHILD OF GOD!!!!
Blessings,
Torrence
Thursday, September 25, 2008
ITS IN THE HOUSE...OR GARAGE!
Thank God the Torrence's are finally moved, the piano was the
last piece to come thru the door and was it was a little job...ha,ha. But we
did it, well really Sam and Dad and John DID IT.
Thank God the Torrence's are finally moved, the piano was the
last piece to come thru the door and was it was a little job...ha,ha. But we
did it, well really Sam and Dad and John DID IT.
I can't say enough about our new home, 441 Bougainvillea St. N.W. Palm Bay
Florida, 32907, we thank and praise God. I really like it here,
its as though I've lived here all my life! Florida is John's home
(not why we came here), and when we would visit his family and
friends here, upon leaving I would always say "Florida's a nice
place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live here"! STUPID...
I'm thankful for the years in Tennessee, I know there was "purpose"
there, but I really am glad God has allowed me to see this happy
day, this very comforting day, this calming place, a lovely place, a place big and wide, a land flowing......
And the move is finished, and every thing in, it was almost as smooth as silk LOL
God really helped my husband and sons and we are so
thankful! Yes He helped us all!
The using of the Sam's moving pod was the best ever, we would suggest that to anyone wanting a "stress-free move". Oh how wonderful, they bring the pod, you load it up at your speed, and call them , and they pick it up and transport it to you. Oh my, so much better than the 5 day u-haul deal. It was so much more economical in the long run, we counted up the cost and the pod was cheaper. The Sam's pod is less expensive than the "real" POD, but does the same thing, they just use a different truck. All our things were in tack and perfect, like we packed it, even the piano made it, no slipping or sliding. Yes, I'm happy and praising my God!!! Now in the words of Les Brown, we "march forward" in
Jesus name.
Jesus name.
I'm working on my Natures's Sunshine business and have
an opportunity to particpate in a Health Fair at Kameki's church,
Saturday the fourth of October. She asked me and I thought,
yes...an opened door to do business, and to minister what God has put in me. Jesus said "occupy, till I come."
an opportunity to particpate in a Health Fair at Kameki's church,
Saturday the fourth of October. She asked me and I thought,
yes...an opened door to do business, and to minister what God has put in me. Jesus said "occupy, till I come."
I would appreciate your prayers as I endeavor to put my
best foot forward here in Florida. Anything I can do for any of you, do let me know. May God bless us, EVERY ONE..
Torrence
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAMUEL TYSON
Twenty-two years ago, September 16, 1986, our wonderful son Samuel Tyson Torrence was born at General Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee around midnight! It seems like only yesterday, really, Samuel seemed to have grown up so fast, always moving and learning, and very active as a child. He could get in the most stuff…We once found him in the middle of the kitchen floor with an OPENED bag of sugar, all over the place! Taking off his shoes as soon as we walked in church was a mainstay for him, it could be the dead of winter, but the shoes were coming off!
I can hardly believe he’s 22 years old but its true.
Now he’s a senior in college, looking to graduate with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, November 30th, my birthday...He is taking his last quarter from ITT Tech on line, and he's busy as usual, making sure his work is completed. Samuel has always liked school and does very well, we're praying he land a good job, or better still, start his own business, which he would like to do.
Last night we gave him a birthday bash, the first party in our new home in Florida. It was wonderful, and we thank God for the wonderful son he has given us. His oldest sister Kameki and her family came over to celebrate with us, having family close by is great, and the grandkids are a pleasure. He really enjoyed having his party with his oldest sister, he has always had Loria and Kenna Boo, but now he has his brother-in-law Kim, nephews Little Kim, and Kenan, and beautiful neice Kelsia. We tried to get some of his favorite things and he really enjoyed it.
Settling in Florida has been great so far, and we are enjoying our newfound life and home. In a way, I feel I’ve been here all the time, the adjustment has been unreal. I started my walking again today, we live right down the street from a nice walking sidewalk that goes all around our area. We are all enjoying our new life in Florida….
Happy Birthday! Samuel Tyson, may God continue to bless your life as you continue to walk with Him….We love you!!!
Mama Torrence
I can hardly believe he’s 22 years old but its true.
Now he’s a senior in college, looking to graduate with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, November 30th, my birthday...He is taking his last quarter from ITT Tech on line, and he's busy as usual, making sure his work is completed. Samuel has always liked school and does very well, we're praying he land a good job, or better still, start his own business, which he would like to do.
Last night we gave him a birthday bash, the first party in our new home in Florida. It was wonderful, and we thank God for the wonderful son he has given us. His oldest sister Kameki and her family came over to celebrate with us, having family close by is great, and the grandkids are a pleasure. He really enjoyed having his party with his oldest sister, he has always had Loria and Kenna Boo, but now he has his brother-in-law Kim, nephews Little Kim, and Kenan, and beautiful neice Kelsia. We tried to get some of his favorite things and he really enjoyed it.
Settling in Florida has been great so far, and we are enjoying our newfound life and home. In a way, I feel I’ve been here all the time, the adjustment has been unreal. I started my walking again today, we live right down the street from a nice walking sidewalk that goes all around our area. We are all enjoying our new life in Florida….
Happy Birthday! Samuel Tyson, may God continue to bless your life as you continue to walk with Him….We love you!!!
Mama Torrence
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