Thursday, December 27, 2007

Merry Christmas!!!

ok so it's been a little while since my last post. After the shootings, I just took some time to enjoy life and not write. Since the last post, a few things have happened. First, the memorial service for the girls who were killed. It was a very nice service. the best friends of each girl spoke along with their father. That was amazing. He had such grace. I have been around parents who have lost their children and every time, God has given them a grace that is beyond words. I know God promises that, but when you see it in action, it brings it home. I think, I would be in a hump of tears and sorrow, but then when I see what these parents can do, I know my God would be by my side with a strength and peace that would get me through. It is nothing less than miraculous. I was honored to be a part of the choir that sang in the service. I was sick, but felt I needed to be there, to support, to worship, to morn with the family. I wouldn't have missed it for anything. It was a testimony to who God is, and who we are as a family in Christ.

Second, Christmas Eve.....what a blast. Mike, myself, and the boys all were in the service. I was in the choir and then joined them for the nativity scene. How much fun it was to be dressed up in shepherds clothes and walk out on stage together, worshiping our Lord.
After the two services we decided we wanted to eat and then go to the movies. We drove down towards the theatre looking for a place that was open. Each place was given a rating based on whether or not it was depressing to go there for Christmas Eve dinner. The winner??? Del Taco. We decided it was fun to eat there and NOT depressing. Through the drive-up window we went and took our bags into the theatre to see National Treasure 2 and eat Del Taco. It was really a fun night. With no family in town, we just spent it together the way we wanted. It will definately go down in the books as one of the best. (The movie is good too!)

Christmas Day was a fun day as well. The boys woke us up at 7:00am and we just opened our presents in our jammies. A couple of friends came over a little later and we just hung out playing games and eating. Tom and Joyce (Mike's parents) are here now. We just are playing games and going to the movies......so glad they are here.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

He killed himself

Like I said in my last blog....we don't know what happened. I was right. Ms. Assam did not kill Matthew Murry. He killed himself after he knew it was over. He decided death was better than facing up to his sin. How sad. We need to pray for his family. What grief they must be going through. I can only imagine their broken hearts so not only lose their son, but in such a horrific way. They have to live with why their son would murder like this. As a parent, I can only imagine their grief. God be with you Murry family.

People are strange

I made the mistake of reading some of the comments people have left on some web sties about the shooting. Most of the negative comments were about New Life having security guards and Pastor Brady have a body guard. I find this interesting. How is it that Christians are not supposed to be able to defend themselves? Why not? Just because we are Christians doesn't mean we let people murder us. Give me a break. We have had security officers in place for a number of years. we need it. There have been numerous threats on our pastors and to our body as a whole. Sunday proves why we need them. Without Jeanne Assam hundreds could have been killed. The killer did not come because we had officers, he came because he hated. We did not cause this by having officers, we were saved because we had officers. Anyone is the public eye is a target. Pastor Boyd (and pastor Ted before him) is a target because of his influence.

There has also been comments about killing and the ten commandments. Someone asked why she couldn't have just wounded him and not kill him. Well, first there is talk they he might have shot himself once he knew he was going down. She is not sure if she killed him with her shots. Do I need to remind you he had body armor on and a tactical helmet on? He was not going down easy. We were not there, we do not know what happened.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Matthew Murry 24

So now we know the name of the shooter...Matthew Murry-24. He had enough rounds to kill a ton of people. his plan we think was to set off smoke bombs at other entrances to get people to come down the hallway towards him. He had 1000 rounds. 2 handguns and a rifle. He really planned on killing a lot of people. We are so grateful to Jeanne Assam for her quick thinking and courage to take him down before more were killed. Be praying for her as she has to remember those moments. The church is pretty shot up and doors and such will have to be replaced.

The 2 killed were sisters

As I had heard, the 2 girls killed were sisters. 18 year old Stephanie Works was killed at the scene and her younger sister, 16 year old Rachel Works died last night shortly after 10:00pm. What a tragedy for the family. Their father was also shot but appears to be in fair condition. I have not heard anything about their mother and if she was around, is around, or what. Please be praying for that family.

We still haven't heard anything about Wonderland and if it will still happen. I think that decision will be made later this week. I have mixed feelings about it at this moment. I will wait to see what the staff decides.

I will update if I hear any more......

now 2 victims dead, 2 more still hospitalized

The information is still difficult to get, but it is now confirmed a second victim died shortly after 10:00pm last night. There is a rumor that the victims were sisters. I have heard a name of the 1st victim but want to wait to hear that confirmed from the police. There is a press conference this morning at 9:00 MST. I will update after that.

On a side note and a much happier note, I want to wish my niece Sydney a wonderful happy 15th birthday. i love you

Sunday, December 9, 2007

6:08pm shooter dead, 1 victim dead, 4 others wounded

This is beyond words....the shooter is dead. How do we rejoice in that death? I have such mixed feelings. I am glad he can't hurt anyone else, but now he suffers and suffers, and suffers. I know that the families of the wounded and dead will suffer and suffer too, but they know Jesus. Did the shooter? It's all so horrible. A friend of mine saw everything...the shooter, the victims, everything. He watched a friend get shot. pray for all those who have to live with the visions of what they saw today. Pray and pray hard. I myself am a bit nervous about getting back in stage for Wonderland. I know I will feel better soon, but still.

Thank you to everyone who has called and made sure we were ok. Your love and support means a lot to us.

I will update more when I get the info. but for now...shooter dead, 1 victim dead, and 4 other wounded. I pray the death toll doesn't go up.

update from New Life Worship 4:33pm

Dear NewLifeWorship Ministry,
As the events at the church continue to unfold and we all stand in prayer for those injured and involved in the shooting, we wanted to let you know that the Worship Ministry staff, their families, the Interns, and the New Life School of Worship Students have all been accounted for and are safe.

Thank you for your constant prayers and loving support.
Blessings to all of you and your families!

4:22 pm

Channel 5 just said one of the victims is in critical condition. Suddenly there is no news out there to find stuff out. People are just calling around to make sure they are ok. The rumor I heard which I did not post was not true and I am so glad I didn't post it. I want to make sure I am not spreading false rumors.

There is still conflicts as to where the shootings happened. All the news is still staying all shots were outside in the parking lot, although they are saying that is started indoors. He must have come inside and then went outside.

Fox is updating right now....They are saying it is over athough the lockdown is still in effect. Mainly the family members of the victims

3:40 pm update

Now all the churches are in lock down...

Also, they are not saying much so it hard to find out what is rumor and what is not.
They think the shooter had a bullet proof vest on....wow

Police were pursuing a second person and now are saying that there was only 1 shooter. They found explosives in a car and that the shooter had a hand gun and a rifle.

New LIfe Shooting Update

The reports are coming in.....still don't know who is alive and who is not. The news is saying it was only in the parking lot, but Kelly heard them in the hallway...so it seems there is something else going on. I heard something, but I can't say yet. Only pray for those that were in the tent when the service let out....

This is just not happening

I am not sure what to say right now...There has been a shooting at New Life Church here in town. This is my church and I am desperately awaiting to hear what happened. We were there for the first service and had already left the building before the shooter got there. My good friend Kelly was there when it happened. She called me right after she ran out to the parking lot. She was in TAG chapel in the hallway between the Theatre and the main sanctuary. A group of people were waiting to talk to Pastor Jack Hayford after the service when shots rang out. She says she heard it in the Hallway by the Theatre. The news is reporting that the shootings were in the parking lot...it's all crazy. I have heard that the shooter is dead and that he is on the loose....there are also reports that there may be more than 1 shooter as there were shots heard just a while ago less than a mile away from church. Who knows...I will keep updating as soon as I know anything.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Fire Update

Now that the ash as settled, people are trying to put their lives back together. I am happy to report that only 1 of the houses I lived in was lost, but that does not dimish the tragedy of how many homes were lost. The local newspaper there has updated the list of homes destroyed or at least damaged. go to http://www.nctimes.com/fire2007/maps/homesmap.php and see for yourself. It is a LONG list. So sad. My Mom has been in real estate in Escondido for most of my life and now is in the postition to help those in need. Because of her contacts, she trying to help people who lost their homes find a place to rent until thier house can be rebuilt. It is a shift in her job responsiblities, but one worth the effort. If you know someone who has a home in the area that is vacant, and willing to rent it out, please post a comment and I will hook up all the right parties. Also, I am still collecting donations to help. Even if it pays one month of rent, it will help. every dime is valuable.

There is also a wonderful site that still gives updates on all the fires. It is where I got most of my information during the crisis. go to and-still-I-persist.com. It is awesome.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Donation Instructions

1. send a check to me. If you don't know my address, send me an email and I will email it to you.

2. email me the amount and I will send an invoice to you via paypal

3. go to www.paypal.com click the "send money" link at the top and follow the instructions. My email for that account is deniserice@msn.com.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

My Mom is going to start making a list of those in need and what some of those needs are. You might be able to help by sending specific items to them.

CALIFORNIA FIRE RELIEF

North San Diego county is where I grew up. We moved there from Los Angeles when I was 3. I lived there (except when at college) until Mike and I got married. Esondido is my home town. I also lived and worked in Rancho Bernardo. The house I lived in in RB burned down. I have heard different reports about my other 2 houses. 1 of which my Dad built. It's horrible. I can't even begin to share all the stories. My mom lives there and the fire has been within a mile or so the entire time. My aunt, uncle, and cousins fled to her house only to be on watch in case they might have to leave there. They can't go outside as the air is unhealthy and eveything around them is burning. I was told that my high school has damage but was saved. I am so glad.

The point of telling you all of this, is that I want you to hear my heart and know that I want to do everything I can to help this area. When Katrina hit, I started a relief effort called Remember Mercy. God give it to me in a dream. I sold wrist bands inorder to raise money for the effort. This time I am not selling them. I am giving them away to anyone who makes a donation it this cause.

You can send a check to me by mail, email me an amount you want to donate and I'll send you a paypal invoice, or you can make a donation via the paypal site. Make all donations to Remember Mercy.

If you want the significance of the colors in the wristband, please email me and I will let you know. (it's a long story)

Monday, October 22, 2007

LET YOUR EARBUDS BLOOM


Budclicks invented the best iPod earbud accessory

just wanted to let you know that you need to go to www.budclicks.com and check out our earbud accessories. There is another company out there selling something similar, HOWEVER, they are not the same. Budclicks was the first company to come up with this concept. If you live in the Colorado Springs area, you can see, try, and purchase your own budclicks at Dustee's on Carefree Cirle, next to the movie theatre.

FIRE AND ICE


This is a great country...so diversified in it's culture and landscape. Take yesterday and today for example. Southern California is burning up ( I unfortunately know too many people affected by these fires) and Colorado has 6 inches of snow on the ground. strange. My aunt and uncle had to evacuate to my mother's house and I was driving in snow all day. My prayers are with everyone dealing with the fires. After living in that area for 35 years, I know how scary and dangerous it can be. (My mom thinks that my house I grew up in is gone-burned) so sad. This pic was taken this morning off my deck. What a contrast to the scene in CA.
This weekend was fun for me as Joanne and Devon came out to visit. We shopped, went to a spa, ate, and did fun girl things. One of the places we went was to Dustee's who is selling the budclicks. We had the opportunity to explain this cool item to customers and getting people more knowlegable about the product. Some people didn't realized they are for your iPod. That is the market.... iPod earbud accessories and earbud accessory. Once people get to know what they are, they sell like crazy. I saw some prototypes for some of the new line. SO COOL. I can't wait to get them in my hands to sell. I think Dustee's is going to be thrilled and sell them.
Anyway, had a great weekend (Other than the fact the Red Sox are coming to Colorado for the World Series..I can't stand them..) and I am so grateful for Joanne to coming out. You are awesome!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

ROCKIES ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES

can I just say "what a trip" I don't think anyone can believe it. The Rockies? in the World Series? Crazy. But it's true and the entire state of Colorado is going nuts. Finally a team this state can be proud of. Oh yes, we love our Broncos, but the Rockies are kept quiet. "This is a football town" so people say. You wouldn't know it now. We are into the football season and what are people talking about? THE ROCKIES. I don't know how many records are being set here, but 21 wins out of the last 22 games? This is history in the making. Now I just need the Red Sox to lose and I'm good. "wait a minute" some of you are saying.."I thought you were a die hard Angels fan". I still am, but they lost so I have to cheer on the hometown team and hope for better results next year from my boys from OC. (Not LA mind you, the OC) call them what you will, but they are the ANAHEIM Angels. Last I checked Anaheim was in Orange County. Oh well, that's a different subject.

Monday, October 15, 2007

It's Monday morning and God is still GOOD!

My weekend was boring...I laid in bed all weekend because I was fighting the flu and had a migraine. It was a bummer. One of the only joys I had this weekend was the fact the Rockies won AGAIN and are 1 game away from going to the World Series. If my beloved Angels can't go, I would want the Rockies. It's amazing to live her and have this team doing so well. Everyone is talking about it non-stop. Having a winning team in your home town is really fun. You can't help but catch the fever. GO ROCKIES.....actually I can't believe I am saying that due to the fact I said I would NEVER cheer for a team that is purple. YUK. But oh well. I am cheering. All my friends at home would, are probably are, laughing at me in disbelief.

So today we woke up to SNOW on Pike's Peak. What a view. It is so beautiful, I can't describe. Our first snow up there. Now I just have to wait until we get our first snow here at our house. I'll put pics of the first snow when it happens.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Budclicks are taking off!!!

So today was the first trade show for budclicks....I was told it went great. People are buying them as fast as we can make them. So exciting. I got my sample packet today and am going to one of my favorite stores tomorrow to show the owner. We'll see. Isn't it amazing how some people are just sooo creative? I wish I could come up with these kinds of ideas. Would be a gazillionare by now!! Oh well, I'll just have to ride on the backs of my creative friends!


For the last 2 days I have had such a bad headache so pray for me! Mike has been out of town and the boys have had to fend for themselves as I have been in bed with ice packs on my head. what a drag. Some girls from church prayed for me last night and that took some of the edge off, but I still need more prayer.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Oct. 9th

I know I already posted today but I wanted to share about my friends' new company. It's called budclicks.com.....it's awesome. They are little fashion things for your ipod's ear buds. they are so fun. I am going to rep. for them here in Colorado. So excited. To see more info. go to www.budclicks.com and check them out.

Also, Tyler is now playing football again. He broke his finger in 2 places a while ago and was afraid he was out for the season, but he gets to play tomorrow in the last game. Go T!

First Time


Ok so this is my first blog. There has been so much we have been through in the last few years that I thought blogging might help me never forget what The Lord has brought us through. First, let me say that we are Mike, Denise, Josh, Tyler, and Drew and we live in Colorado Springs...now. We didn't always live here. We moved from beautiful Southern California in the spring of 05. We hadn't planned on ever moving out of state, but God has a funny way of reminding us that He is in charge and not us. The short story is that we felt God calling us, so we moved. the long story is just too long, but know that we saw God's hand in so many things, that is was undeniable we should go. So we went. Sold our house, closed our construcation company, left our family and church and left.
Over the next few blogs I will fill in some details, but I don't want this to be about the past. This is for our future. the future God has for us. We are not sure what that is yet, but we are confident it won't be boring....God is NEVER boring.