Reality Praise

Dear Reality Carpenteria,
I visited your church last week. I was in town with some old friends from college, we all used to go to Reality when it was at CCSB. The five of us decided to go to Reality Carpenteria on Sunday morning. I was so blessed by Britt’s message. He was actually at the hospital with his wife that day, I hope that she is doing better.
He shared from Hebrews about Jesus restoring us in our times of failure. We watched his message on dvd. I was so touched by the passion of your church, the worship, prayer team and people.
I spent a year in Africa as a missionary through Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. I haven’t been with a body of people truly engaging in the presence and power of God the way your congregation did since being in Africa. I was blessed, uplifted, and encouraged. The Lord used Britt’s message to speak to my heart and I was so blessed when I went up for prayer.
On the way home from church one of my friends, who also attended the service, turned to me with tears in her eyes and poured out what was going on in her heart and life. We turned it over in prayer and I believe God really did an amazing work.
What an awesome way to end a weekend visiting Santa Barbara with old friends. I think we were all blessed, it was the icing on the cake for sure, an amazing way to end an already wonderful weekend. God blows my mind.
I just want to encourage you to do what you are doing. It is unique and unusual and such a breath of fresh air!! Thank you!!

When I was 20 years old I discovered I was pregnant with my son just weeks after leaving an abusive relationship. I was offered a job as a Professional Cheerleader at the time & had to make a choice. Being that I didn’t want to go back to my ex, & though I didn’t support abortion, I opted for the latter because of the situation in my life. I was in a horrible place in my life at the time. While waiting for my appointment, they informed me that they had to reschedule me for the following week because the Doctor had gotten called out for emergency surgery. I was actually angry!
I was on my way back the following week when I suddenly got a flat tire, making me miss my appointment again! Hysterical & at the end of my rope, I called my best friend, who invited me to church with her that Sunday. I said, “FINE! I don’t have anything else to do!” Well… that Sunday I gave my heart to the Lord. Nobody knew that I was pregnant yet, but this woman came up to me at church & said, “Don’t ever refuse a Gift from God, because you might not get another one!” I didn’t realize what she was talking about, but my friend said, “She’s talking about your baby.” I attended that church for 14 years and never once saw her again. That woman was an angel sent by the Lord.
My testimony goes on and on through the years. The Lord told me that day that he would always provide for my son and me. He has remained true to his word!
When I was 3 months pregnant, I had no money. I was in college and working as a waitress, earning roughly $14/shift part time. My car payment was late, as was my Visa payment, both approaching the end of the 10 day grace period on Thursday. On Sunday at church, something nudged me to give everything that I had to the offering plate. I went out to my car, pulled my ashtray of coins out & dumped it in the offering plate! At first I was embarrassed, but the feeling was so overwhelming to do it, that I obeyed, embarrassment and all! I didn’t know how I was going to eat that week, but I was sure that God would find a way. That Wednesday night (my deadline was the next day before my late payments would be reported to the credit agencies), my boss called me in to work. He said, “You’re on the patio.” I said, “I only made $13 the last time I was on the patio! ” My car payment that was due was $156 and my Visa bill was $20. I needed to make $176 before Thursday morning. My manager said, “There’s no better person for this job, please set up the patio.” Lip service… I see..
The next thing I knew, the majority of the Raiders Football team had come in & had reserved the patio. My boss was looking out for me (and so way my restaurant manager!) They tipped me $178 that night. I made the $176 I needed for my bills and got the $2 back from my ashtray! The Lord said, “I told you I would provide.” and he did!
Praise the Lord in Good and Bad times. HIS plan is ALWAYS better than ours. ALWAYS. We don’t always understand why things happen the way that they do, but if we put our entire trust in the Lord, one day your purpose will be revealed to you.
I have the most gorgeous, well mannered, thoughtful, God-faithful son I could’ve ever asked for. He has been truly a God-send his entire life! He has a calling on his life (we don’t know yet what it is), but I am glad that I had the strength in my weakness to surrender my will to the Lord’s. I am now a Family Law Attorney in Ventura who has used my experiences to help other Domestic Violence Victims. The Lord will use your experiences to help others, so always praise him in times of darkness! You are going through your life experiences for a bigger reason.
Remember always… Jesus Never Fails, Even When WE do! God bless you! Angela Curtis

Thank you Jesus for homegroups! I was in a bit of a low point this week. I had a hectic week, didn’t get much sleep and was contemplating on skipping homegroup. Whenever I don’t make it…I always regret not coming…so I went…..and boy was I blessed! God opened up my eyes and revealed to me how real He is. He also convicted me of a few areas I haven’t been obedient in. I am so glad to have such a gracious, loving Savior. I’m pumped up…ready for tomorrow….wanna live in victory in the Lord. Not give in to sin or temptation but be guided by the Spirit. God has lifted me up from the miry clay!