The last day of 2012...where did this year go? Time to slow down and look back. All in all it has been a good year, although it has definitely come with its trials and heartaches.
We've traveled much more than usual during the past 12 months, which has been great! We've enjoyed two amazing meetings at Highway, as well as being blessed with new folks who have moved here. We still praise God over Frank's baptism! We've welcomed Ricky back into our (no longer empty) nest. I have truly enjoyed becoming a part of CASA and receiving these new young blessings into my life. I've searched for years for just the right fit in volunteer work, and it looks like I have finally found it.
I hope and pray that I have grown during this time...that I have drawn closer to my Maker and Redeemer. I hope that I have become a kinder, less selfish person. And I pray that the next 12 months will bring even more growth and greater commitment, as well as a more loving heart and right spirit.
Wishing all of you a wonderful New Year. May you live well, laugh often and love much!
Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
200 miles, 10 hours, and a full heart later
I set aside all day yesterday for visiting. I wanted to visit my CASA kids and take them a little something and also check on the Foxes. I started out by going to see Jim in the hospital. He is in a regular room now and doing ok. He is still very weak. They were able to sit him up on the side of his bed for a short time...he did get light headed tho. His spirits are pretty good, but he realizes the long road ahead that he has to navigate. Hoping that he is able to recover enough to begin rehab soon.
After leaving the hospital, I headed down to see my babies. It was my first visit since the last week in November. Where has the month gone?! They are both looking so good. I took a little stuffed lamb to my 21 month old little girl. She loved it...hugging it and carrying it everywhere...all the time with that sweet smile all over her face. I took a small stuffed bear to my 10 month old little guy. He still doesn't use his hands much at all, but I could wrap his arms around the bear and he would try to stuff it in his mouth...giggling all the time. I got so many smiles and giggles and sweet loving from him. I would squeeze him to me, giving him kisses on his sweet smelling head, and he would giggle and snuggle closer. Talk about having your heart melt! I love those little kiddos so much! If I could, I would bring them home and keep them. I will miss them terribly when they go up north to live with their grandma, but they do need a stable, PERMANENT home.
On my way back to MW, I stopped off at Mary's house for a "quick" visit (I never can pull that off!). This ordeal with Jim is so hard on both of them. Jim has always handled their business affairs, and now Mary is having to learn to handle that...as well as making all those trips back and forth to FW. She's no spring chicken anymore either!
I went straight from her house to the foster home of my teenage girl to spend a little time visiting with her before observing her visit with her parents. I never thought I'd enjoy taking on a case involving a teen, but this "drama queen" has also stolen my heart. I also took her a teddy bear (CASA supplied all the stuffed toys through donations) plus a couple of other things I thought she'd like. I had a good time catching up with her and then spent another half hour visiting with her foster mom and cottage "sisters". It was nice to have the time to get to know her new temporary "family". It is a special person who decides to become a foster parent. This couple moved down to Texas from Nebraska to take a cottage in this foster home community. They are so very patient and dedicated to the children placed in their care!
Then it was time for the scheduled family visit, which went really well. My girl got really emotional. Even tho this foster home is a very good experience for her (allowing her a "normal childhood" for a change), and she is really enjoying her time and experiences there, she still misses and loves her parents and wants to go home. I am hopeful that both "sets" of parents involved will learn a lot from their "services" and create a stable, loving, SAFE environment, so that their kids can be returned to them and they can have a good life together.
I finally made it home about 7:30 last night, grabbed a quick bowl of stew, and then documented everything from the day. I "chilled" the rest of the evening and then turned in a little early. It was a good but exhausting day! I broke down briefly, talking about my day with Dennis. This is a very emotional job but, oh, so satisfying! These kids break my heart, but also fill it.
Mt 19:13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
After leaving the hospital, I headed down to see my babies. It was my first visit since the last week in November. Where has the month gone?! They are both looking so good. I took a little stuffed lamb to my 21 month old little girl. She loved it...hugging it and carrying it everywhere...all the time with that sweet smile all over her face. I took a small stuffed bear to my 10 month old little guy. He still doesn't use his hands much at all, but I could wrap his arms around the bear and he would try to stuff it in his mouth...giggling all the time. I got so many smiles and giggles and sweet loving from him. I would squeeze him to me, giving him kisses on his sweet smelling head, and he would giggle and snuggle closer. Talk about having your heart melt! I love those little kiddos so much! If I could, I would bring them home and keep them. I will miss them terribly when they go up north to live with their grandma, but they do need a stable, PERMANENT home.
On my way back to MW, I stopped off at Mary's house for a "quick" visit (I never can pull that off!). This ordeal with Jim is so hard on both of them. Jim has always handled their business affairs, and now Mary is having to learn to handle that...as well as making all those trips back and forth to FW. She's no spring chicken anymore either!
I went straight from her house to the foster home of my teenage girl to spend a little time visiting with her before observing her visit with her parents. I never thought I'd enjoy taking on a case involving a teen, but this "drama queen" has also stolen my heart. I also took her a teddy bear (CASA supplied all the stuffed toys through donations) plus a couple of other things I thought she'd like. I had a good time catching up with her and then spent another half hour visiting with her foster mom and cottage "sisters". It was nice to have the time to get to know her new temporary "family". It is a special person who decides to become a foster parent. This couple moved down to Texas from Nebraska to take a cottage in this foster home community. They are so very patient and dedicated to the children placed in their care!
Then it was time for the scheduled family visit, which went really well. My girl got really emotional. Even tho this foster home is a very good experience for her (allowing her a "normal childhood" for a change), and she is really enjoying her time and experiences there, she still misses and loves her parents and wants to go home. I am hopeful that both "sets" of parents involved will learn a lot from their "services" and create a stable, loving, SAFE environment, so that their kids can be returned to them and they can have a good life together.
I finally made it home about 7:30 last night, grabbed a quick bowl of stew, and then documented everything from the day. I "chilled" the rest of the evening and then turned in a little early. It was a good but exhausting day! I broke down briefly, talking about my day with Dennis. This is a very emotional job but, oh, so satisfying! These kids break my heart, but also fill it.
Mt 19:13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Challenges
Mike gave a very good lesson yesterday morning on Challenges...maintaining hope, providing encouragement to one another, and handling the challenge. Last week was full of challenges, both in our congregation and in the nation. Of course we are all appalled by the horrendous massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. The pain that we as a nation feels is nothing compared to what the families and community are dealing with. It always makes us sit back and reexamine our society, as well as our priorities, when something like this occurs.
On a more personal note, I've been keeping you informed about the situation with our dear Brother Jim Fox. Saturday, he lost the battle for his leg...having it amputated just above the knee. After over 2 months in the hospital and rehab and several surgical procedures to strip blood clots and cleaning out the wound, the doctors and Jim decided that the lower leg would never heal and be usable. His only option for renewed health was to have it removed. It was a tough decision for him to make, but once he made it, he accepted it with grace. (He and Mary lost their daughter in recent years from an infection turned septic after her leg amputation - due to complications from her diabetes.) Dennis and I visited with Jim the night before his surgery, as well as the evening after surgery, and his spirits were good. His focus on Friday night was one of shock and sympathy with the hurting in Connecticut and the horrible nature of this tragedy. His tender heart overruled his concerns for his own circumstances. He faces some very difficult challenges in the weeks and months to come, but I feel confident that he will persevere and be back as the same industrious, witty and compassionate man that we know and love.
I have also mentioned our Brother Gary Bell, who had back surgery a couple of weeks ago. He faced a large set-back last week, when a MRSA set in at his incision site. He also developed a blood clot in one of his legs and had to have a filter inserted. He has been transferred back to the surgeon who did the initial surgery (it is an old workman's comp injury) who has had to go back in twice to clean out the incision to try to fight this difficult infection. The hospital is in Dallas which adds to the family's difficulties. Gary is still been in extreme pain and faces a long road to recover and greatly needs your prayers!
Mike used the example of Nehemiah to show us how we can weather these and other challenges we face: by praying earnestly and constantly, by recognizing the power of the One to whom we pray and believing that He will prosper us, by working together and bearing one another's burdens, and by avoiding distractions which come our way. Just as Nehemiah recognized the challenges that his countrymen faced, prayed and fasted earnestly for God's direction and help, then faced the challenge despite all the obstacles that were thrown his way by his enemies; so can we as individuals, congregations, and even as a nation can rise up with God's help to face our challenges...if we truly love, trust and obey Him. A very timely lesson indeed!
Ne 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. 16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
On a more personal note, I've been keeping you informed about the situation with our dear Brother Jim Fox. Saturday, he lost the battle for his leg...having it amputated just above the knee. After over 2 months in the hospital and rehab and several surgical procedures to strip blood clots and cleaning out the wound, the doctors and Jim decided that the lower leg would never heal and be usable. His only option for renewed health was to have it removed. It was a tough decision for him to make, but once he made it, he accepted it with grace. (He and Mary lost their daughter in recent years from an infection turned septic after her leg amputation - due to complications from her diabetes.) Dennis and I visited with Jim the night before his surgery, as well as the evening after surgery, and his spirits were good. His focus on Friday night was one of shock and sympathy with the hurting in Connecticut and the horrible nature of this tragedy. His tender heart overruled his concerns for his own circumstances. He faces some very difficult challenges in the weeks and months to come, but I feel confident that he will persevere and be back as the same industrious, witty and compassionate man that we know and love.
I have also mentioned our Brother Gary Bell, who had back surgery a couple of weeks ago. He faced a large set-back last week, when a MRSA set in at his incision site. He also developed a blood clot in one of his legs and had to have a filter inserted. He has been transferred back to the surgeon who did the initial surgery (it is an old workman's comp injury) who has had to go back in twice to clean out the incision to try to fight this difficult infection. The hospital is in Dallas which adds to the family's difficulties. Gary is still been in extreme pain and faces a long road to recover and greatly needs your prayers!
Mike used the example of Nehemiah to show us how we can weather these and other challenges we face: by praying earnestly and constantly, by recognizing the power of the One to whom we pray and believing that He will prosper us, by working together and bearing one another's burdens, and by avoiding distractions which come our way. Just as Nehemiah recognized the challenges that his countrymen faced, prayed and fasted earnestly for God's direction and help, then faced the challenge despite all the obstacles that were thrown his way by his enemies; so can we as individuals, congregations, and even as a nation can rise up with God's help to face our challenges...if we truly love, trust and obey Him. A very timely lesson indeed!
Ne 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. 16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Blue Norther!
Looks like we skipped fall and are heading straight into winter! Bring it on...I'm ready for jackets and hot drinks!
Last week was pretty full. I picked up pecans on Monday. After cracking and shelling them, we ended up with a gallon of nutmeats...means lots of goodies! (Ricky keeps saying, "Pie!") Along with cracking pecans, Tuesday I had to go to Stephenville to observe a visit, and then we butchered deer after supper. Thursday I drove to Benton for Reba Kelley's funeral. Got home Friday just in time to meet up with Dennis and the kids for supper at Pastafina. Saturday, James and Renee invited everyone over to their house for a party. It was to celebrate Alan White's return to health. The cake James ordered read, "...we're glad you are alive and well!" That became the catchphrase for the evening. (Actually it was shortened to A & W...alive and well, or Alan White...take your pick!)
Emily Westbrook came down and spent Saturday night with Rebecca, so we had all the kids over Sunday afternoon. We had our first deer steaks of the season...yummy! This will be the last time Chris will be around for awhile...he's heading home for the holidays this weekend and will be working in Arkansas for the foreseeable future. We are sure going to miss him!
Last night we all went out to Rosa's to celebrate Linda Moore's birthday. Good times!
A couple of prayer requests: Brother Jim Fox is back in the hospital and struggling to keep his leg. It has been a constant battle since he developed blood clots a couple of months ago. The doctors are supposed to be deciding today what course of action to take. I think Jim is in a better place, emotionally, now than when the issue first arose. However this is really difficult for he and his sweet wife, Mary.
Also, Gary Bell had back surgery last week and is currently in rehab. He has been in excruciating pain from back spasms since the surgery. (He had been in pain for years prior to that!) Please pray that he will have relief from the pain and that he will heal quickly.
Got another busy week this week...court, one day; possible surgery for Jim; doing a cake for the girls' bank for Friday; helping Ricky with a benefit garage sale for Saturday; and possibly helping with a CASA even on Saturday...along with the usual. So I guess I'd better get off here and get busy! Hope your week goes well...enjoy the cold!
Job 37:9 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
Last week was pretty full. I picked up pecans on Monday. After cracking and shelling them, we ended up with a gallon of nutmeats...means lots of goodies! (Ricky keeps saying, "Pie!") Along with cracking pecans, Tuesday I had to go to Stephenville to observe a visit, and then we butchered deer after supper. Thursday I drove to Benton for Reba Kelley's funeral. Got home Friday just in time to meet up with Dennis and the kids for supper at Pastafina. Saturday, James and Renee invited everyone over to their house for a party. It was to celebrate Alan White's return to health. The cake James ordered read, "...we're glad you are alive and well!" That became the catchphrase for the evening. (Actually it was shortened to A & W...alive and well, or Alan White...take your pick!)
Emily Westbrook came down and spent Saturday night with Rebecca, so we had all the kids over Sunday afternoon. We had our first deer steaks of the season...yummy! This will be the last time Chris will be around for awhile...he's heading home for the holidays this weekend and will be working in Arkansas for the foreseeable future. We are sure going to miss him!
Last night we all went out to Rosa's to celebrate Linda Moore's birthday. Good times!
A couple of prayer requests: Brother Jim Fox is back in the hospital and struggling to keep his leg. It has been a constant battle since he developed blood clots a couple of months ago. The doctors are supposed to be deciding today what course of action to take. I think Jim is in a better place, emotionally, now than when the issue first arose. However this is really difficult for he and his sweet wife, Mary.
Also, Gary Bell had back surgery last week and is currently in rehab. He has been in excruciating pain from back spasms since the surgery. (He had been in pain for years prior to that!) Please pray that he will have relief from the pain and that he will heal quickly.
Got another busy week this week...court, one day; possible surgery for Jim; doing a cake for the girls' bank for Friday; helping Ricky with a benefit garage sale for Saturday; and possibly helping with a CASA even on Saturday...along with the usual. So I guess I'd better get off here and get busy! Hope your week goes well...enjoy the cold!
Job 37:9 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Back to the real world
Well, vacation is over and Dennis has gone back to work. It was a great two weeks! I loved our trip out west and the special time we shared. I always love the week of Thanksgiving...all the special food preparation and time with friends and family. I love our family traditions on Thanksgiving, and I love it that my kids feel the same. Even tho I always like to try out new recipes, there are some things that must not change: turkey, Maxine's recipe for dressing and candied sweet potatoes, homemade rolls, having deviled eggs and olives on the table, and ALWAYS having pie and homemade candy for dessert (especially pecan and pumpkin - or sweet potato - pie!). A game of train after dinner is a must...this year made extra lively by the addition of Sherrod! Then the day always has to end with a viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life." It does my heart good to watch this beautiful story each year and see the tears being wiped from the eyes of my loved ones...as I wipe my own.
Dennis and I did a VERY laid-back version of Black Friday. We slept in, breakfasted at What-a-Burger, and then hit WalMart around 9:00 a.m. So we miss some bargains, but we enjoy a relaxed shopping experience and still find a few good deals.
We enjoyed another wonderful Lord's Day yesterday. Mike gave an excellent lesson about not compromising our Christianity. It was one of those assemblies where everything seemed almost choreographed. The first song fell right in line with the opening prayer. The song after the main prayer followed the closing thoughts of the prayer that proceeded it. I love how the Lord works on the hearts of those leading the assembly!
We were saddened yesterday to learn of the passing of Brother Emmett Terry. Our families have been friends for about 45 years. He was a gentle man with a big heart and will be greatly missed!
Brother Jim Fox is back in the hospital. He was taken by ambulance on Wednesday...having difficulty breathing. Turns out that even while on a hefty dose of Coumadin, he had a blood clot break loose and travel to his lungs. He is feeling much better now! This morning they are inserting a filter into his veins to keep any clots from going to his heart or lungs. Hopefully he will be back in rehab in a couple of days and home soon after. It was good to see him looking good and laughing and smiling last night. Please continue to keep him and his dear wife, Mary, in your prayers.
Well, I guess I'd better get to my day...back to my "normal" schedule. I hope all of you had a pleasant time with family and friends over the Thanksgiving weekend and have a good week to come!
Ps 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Dennis and I did a VERY laid-back version of Black Friday. We slept in, breakfasted at What-a-Burger, and then hit WalMart around 9:00 a.m. So we miss some bargains, but we enjoy a relaxed shopping experience and still find a few good deals.
We enjoyed another wonderful Lord's Day yesterday. Mike gave an excellent lesson about not compromising our Christianity. It was one of those assemblies where everything seemed almost choreographed. The first song fell right in line with the opening prayer. The song after the main prayer followed the closing thoughts of the prayer that proceeded it. I love how the Lord works on the hearts of those leading the assembly!
We were saddened yesterday to learn of the passing of Brother Emmett Terry. Our families have been friends for about 45 years. He was a gentle man with a big heart and will be greatly missed!
Brother Jim Fox is back in the hospital. He was taken by ambulance on Wednesday...having difficulty breathing. Turns out that even while on a hefty dose of Coumadin, he had a blood clot break loose and travel to his lungs. He is feeling much better now! This morning they are inserting a filter into his veins to keep any clots from going to his heart or lungs. Hopefully he will be back in rehab in a couple of days and home soon after. It was good to see him looking good and laughing and smiling last night. Please continue to keep him and his dear wife, Mary, in your prayers.
Well, I guess I'd better get to my day...back to my "normal" schedule. I hope all of you had a pleasant time with family and friends over the Thanksgiving weekend and have a good week to come!
Ps 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!
Things are pretty quiet right now. I have all of my preliminary cooking and baking done...just waiting for the morn to begin cooking in earnest!
I haven't been doing the "thankful list" on facebook this year. It is pretty much the same list each year: family, friends, health, everything we need and much of what we want, and especially all the spiritual blessings that we enjoy in Christ. I will add a few extra:
I'm thankful that Alan W. has survived his close call and is back at work.
I'm thankful that my little CASA kiddos are growing and thriving at their wonderful foster home.
I'm thankful that Dennis and I, Sheila, and Daddy and Bobbie all made it home safely from our recent trips.
I'm thankful that Rick is back home and has a good job that he loves.
I'm thankful to call Frank S. my brother in Christ.
I'm thankful to have had Dennis as my husband for the past 35 years. He has been my stabilizing factor, my "head", my protector and my friend. I am SO thankful that God brought us together and has given us a long happy marriage!
I haven't been doing the "thankful list" on facebook this year. It is pretty much the same list each year: family, friends, health, everything we need and much of what we want, and especially all the spiritual blessings that we enjoy in Christ. I will add a few extra:
I'm thankful that Alan W. has survived his close call and is back at work.
I'm thankful that my little CASA kiddos are growing and thriving at their wonderful foster home.
I'm thankful that Dennis and I, Sheila, and Daddy and Bobbie all made it home safely from our recent trips.
I'm thankful that Rick is back home and has a good job that he loves.
I'm thankful to call Frank S. my brother in Christ.
I'm thankful to have had Dennis as my husband for the past 35 years. He has been my stabilizing factor, my "head", my protector and my friend. I am SO thankful that God brought us together and has given us a long happy marriage!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Way Out West
Had a wonderful week with Dennis on our trip out west! We started out by driving to Odessa on Saturday night. We then attended services at the Pecos church and met quite a few new friends. Ron and Melissa Box were kind enough to take us and the Hays family out for dinner. We enjoyed our time visiting and getting to know their family. Then we followed Joe and Leanne home to Carlsbad for a couple of nights. Their kids happened to be out of school Monday, so they all accompanied us to the caverns. Dennis and I hadn't been since we were both kiddos. It was as beautiful as I remembered! There weren't many people there, and it happened to be free admission for Veteran's Day, so it turned out perfect!
We left early Tuesday morning and headed back to Texas. We followed along the edge of the Guadalupe Mtns. in southern NM and then headed to the Davis Mtns. in Texas. We enjoyed the beautiful sites along the way and ended up at our destination for the night in Alpine. I loved this town! I want to return sometime and spend more time exploring! That evening we headed back into the mountains to attend a "Star Party" at the McDonald Observatory. It was amazing! The stars were so bright, we were able to view an awesome meteor streak across the sky, and we viewed the "stripes" on Jupiter through one of their telescopes.
After a leisurely Wednesday morning, we headed down into Big Bend country. My "skills" at finding unusual accommodations is still intact as is in evidence by our cabin I rented in Terlingua. At least it was clean, although it had a strong smoky odor. It was in the perfect location, tho, for viewing both the state and national parks. We spent all Wednesday afternoon, until dark, viewing the Big Bend Ranch State Park. The road is sandwiched between the south border of the park on one side and the Rio Grande River on the other (which is bordered on the south side by even more mountains on the Mexican side). As the sun started to set, we parked our car and hiked back off the road a ways to try to view some wildlife. We heard car doors, and as we approached our car on our return were greeted with the sight of the border patrol checking us out! They decided we weren't illegal, so they waved and went on their way.
We spent all day Thursday going through the Big Bend National Park...such a HUGE, diverse piece of wilderness! It includes vast Chihuahuan desert, the beautiful oasis of the Chisos Basin, and the lush wetlands of the Hot Springs along the river. My favorite was the Chisos Basin...such a gorgeous place. We even saw a bear!
Today was a long day of driving home, but we made it safely. It was good to be back and see Ricky. I'm looking forward to sleeping in my bed tonight! The past week was one I'll never forget: the quietness and beauty of God's creation...away from the interference of man.
Ps 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
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| At the park entrance |
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| Taking a rest |
We left early Tuesday morning and headed back to Texas. We followed along the edge of the Guadalupe Mtns. in southern NM and then headed to the Davis Mtns. in Texas. We enjoyed the beautiful sites along the way and ended up at our destination for the night in Alpine. I loved this town! I want to return sometime and spend more time exploring! That evening we headed back into the mountains to attend a "Star Party" at the McDonald Observatory. It was amazing! The stars were so bright, we were able to view an awesome meteor streak across the sky, and we viewed the "stripes" on Jupiter through one of their telescopes.
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| Our cabin in Terlingua |
After a leisurely Wednesday morning, we headed down into Big Bend country. My "skills" at finding unusual accommodations is still intact as is in evidence by our cabin I rented in Terlingua. At least it was clean, although it had a strong smoky odor. It was in the perfect location, tho, for viewing both the state and national parks. We spent all Wednesday afternoon, until dark, viewing the Big Bend Ranch State Park. The road is sandwiched between the south border of the park on one side and the Rio Grande River on the other (which is bordered on the south side by even more mountains on the Mexican side). As the sun started to set, we parked our car and hiked back off the road a ways to try to view some wildlife. We heard car doors, and as we approached our car on our return were greeted with the sight of the border patrol checking us out! They decided we weren't illegal, so they waved and went on their way.
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| We found this bluebonnet blooming...in November! |
We spent all day Thursday going through the Big Bend National Park...such a HUGE, diverse piece of wilderness! It includes vast Chihuahuan desert, the beautiful oasis of the Chisos Basin, and the lush wetlands of the Hot Springs along the river. My favorite was the Chisos Basin...such a gorgeous place. We even saw a bear!
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| "The Window" |
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| "Our" bear - he enjoyed a nice long sunning while all the guests at the Chisos Lodge watched! |
Today was a long day of driving home, but we made it safely. It was good to be back and see Ricky. I'm looking forward to sleeping in my bed tonight! The past week was one I'll never forget: the quietness and beauty of God's creation...away from the interference of man.
Ps 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Count down to vacation
For a week with nothing planned, last week turned out to be plenty busy. I got a call on Tuesday from CASA offering me a new case. It is much different from what I've had to deal with so far...a teenager. I had thought when I started CASA that I'd only want to work with younger children...teenagers are difficult enough without the problems involved with abused kids and placement in foster homes. However, the conference I attended changed my mind. When I listened to those former foster kids talk about their experiences and how much it affected their lives to have SOMEONE who cared, made me decide to venture into this terrifying new territory. Anyway, I took the case and went to visit my new girl on Wednesday. She had been placed in a psychiatric hospital (mostly for observation and holding until an appropriate foster home could be found). THAT was a new experience! But things went surprisingly well and we had a good visit. She is being moved to a foster home today, so I hope to go see her again this afternoon to see how things look there.
Jim Fox has been placed in rehab in Weatherford. He is still extremely weak, and his foot is still too swollen and sore to walk on. This is really difficult for him and Mary. It is nice having him closer to home...driving to FW was really hard on Mary. I'm very concerned about him tho. This is a tough battle for a 82 old man with COPD to go through. Please continue to pray for him and Mary!
One of Dennis' coworkers was retiring on Friday and Dennis asked me to do a cake for the party. So that took up much of my day on Thursday. Friday, after my regular chores, I went to see Pam and had a really good visit with her! She is doing better after her knee replacement surgery, but it is slow going. She was able to make it to the assembly last night, but you could tell she was in a lot of pain by time services were over.
I have another prayer request: Gary Bell is waiting to be approved by Workman's Comp to have back surgery to repair some problems that have developed from a previous back surgery. He has been in a LOT of pain for a long time! They are supposed to receive word this week about whether the surgery is a "go" or not. They are hoping and praying that he will be able to have it this week. He is pretty much incapacitated from the pain.
We had several gone yesterday at Highway, but we still had a nice crowd. Ricky spoke that morning and did a great job. He had me blubbering by the end of his lesson...it was very personal and meaningful. Last night, Jared did a good job on his study of Exodus 17. Our crowd was even smaller, but both Pam and Nancy were able to attend. It was so good to see both of them. Nancy has completed her prescribed chemo and will be going back to Chicago for a checkup toward the end of the month. We are praying that the cancer is completely gone and stays gone, and that she will soon recover from the effects of the chemo!
We plan to leave on our anniversary trip this Saturday evening when Dennis gets off work. We are really looking forward to it! Dennis has 2 weeks off, but we only plan to be gone the first week. He hopes to do a little hunting the next week, plus it will be Thanksgiving week. It will be nice having him off and able to visit and enjoy family.
Hope all of you have a great week and enjoy this gorgeous fall weather! (I wanted to share these gorgeous trees that are down the road from us. I believe we are going to have some brilliant colors this year!)
Jas 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Jim Fox has been placed in rehab in Weatherford. He is still extremely weak, and his foot is still too swollen and sore to walk on. This is really difficult for him and Mary. It is nice having him closer to home...driving to FW was really hard on Mary. I'm very concerned about him tho. This is a tough battle for a 82 old man with COPD to go through. Please continue to pray for him and Mary!
One of Dennis' coworkers was retiring on Friday and Dennis asked me to do a cake for the party. So that took up much of my day on Thursday. Friday, after my regular chores, I went to see Pam and had a really good visit with her! She is doing better after her knee replacement surgery, but it is slow going. She was able to make it to the assembly last night, but you could tell she was in a lot of pain by time services were over.
I have another prayer request: Gary Bell is waiting to be approved by Workman's Comp to have back surgery to repair some problems that have developed from a previous back surgery. He has been in a LOT of pain for a long time! They are supposed to receive word this week about whether the surgery is a "go" or not. They are hoping and praying that he will be able to have it this week. He is pretty much incapacitated from the pain.
We had several gone yesterday at Highway, but we still had a nice crowd. Ricky spoke that morning and did a great job. He had me blubbering by the end of his lesson...it was very personal and meaningful. Last night, Jared did a good job on his study of Exodus 17. Our crowd was even smaller, but both Pam and Nancy were able to attend. It was so good to see both of them. Nancy has completed her prescribed chemo and will be going back to Chicago for a checkup toward the end of the month. We are praying that the cancer is completely gone and stays gone, and that she will soon recover from the effects of the chemo!
We plan to leave on our anniversary trip this Saturday evening when Dennis gets off work. We are really looking forward to it! Dennis has 2 weeks off, but we only plan to be gone the first week. He hopes to do a little hunting the next week, plus it will be Thanksgiving week. It will be nice having him off and able to visit and enjoy family.
Hope all of you have a great week and enjoy this gorgeous fall weather! (I wanted to share these gorgeous trees that are down the road from us. I believe we are going to have some brilliant colors this year!)
Jas 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Never too old to be born again!
Ro 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Ailing loved ones plus a time to learn and a time to celebrate
Last week was very full! Brother Jim had a scare on Monday. The circulation to his foot was cut off, so they had to go back in to strip the clots from his arteries in his lower leg. Mary called that evening telling us about it and said that they feared they might have to take off his lower leg. Anita and I rushed over to be with her during the surgery. Thank the Lord, the surgeon was able to get all of the clots out and save his leg! He still is having a rough time...not eating well, very weak, and still unable to put weight on his leg due to swelling and pain. Please keep him and Mary in your prayers!
Pam H. had her knee replacement surgery on Tuesday. The surgery went well and she went home on Friday evening, but she is in a LOT of pain. Please continue to remember her as well.
Thursday, I went to Frisco for the annual Texas CASA conference. It took almost 2 hours to get there, so I arranged to have my first session at 2:00 to avoid morning traffic. My first workshop was about creating security for stressed out children in the foster care system. It lasted 2 1/2 hours and was very insightful! Afterwards, I got checked in, settled in my room, and ordered up pizza to be delivered. They had scheduled a "meet and greet" which I went down to check out, but it wasn't my sort of thing, so I just grabbed some fruit and hightailed it back up to my room. Sheila arrived around 9:00 and we watched a little tv before turning in for the night.
Friday was a busy day! Our keynote speaker was Dave Peltzer, the author of "A Child Called It" (and 6 other books). He was a very entertaining speaker...not at all what I expected. It is so nice to see someone who has suffered SO much cruelty, at such a young age, but maintains a positive and hopeful attitude. He was really funny!
After his session, we attended a workshop on hope & healing for drug endangered children. After lunch was a panel of former foster kids who are currently going to college at UNT. These young adults have been through so much, but they are overcoming and plan to use their experiences to help others. They really opened my eyes to how wonderfully blessed we are, and how difficult it is for those who "age out" of the system. Even if they make it to college (foster kids receive vouchers for college when they age out), the obstacles they face are enormous! One girl had received $100,000 in scholarships for her first year, but still had to drop out after a couple of months. (She joined the navy for 6 years and then went back to school on her GI bill.) Scholarships only covered certain items and they have no resources for the myriad of other essentials. What if their mealplans doesn't cover weekends? Where do they go during the holidays? What do they do if they get sick or have a car wreck? They have NO ONE to call or to help. A teacher at UNT recognized their plight and created a student organization (PUSH) for a support system for these youth. Very inspiring stories!. After that we attended a session on advocating for foster children's health needs. Friday evening, Sheila and I skipped the banquet and awards ceremony and went out for some Mexican food. Saturday morning, we had two more workshops (one on the educational rights of foster children and the other, an informative look at the new permanency roundtables being implemented by TDFPS) and then headed toward home around noon. So much information to process! My brain is on overload!
Saturday, I went straight from the conference to Brother Wayne's 90th birthday party. So nice to see so many of his friends and family gather to celebrate this momentous occasion! When Ricky arrived, he told me that he had seen a vendor on the side of 180 selling fresh shrimp. Since Sheila had been out of pocket Friday night (when our young folks usually gather at the girls' house for a fire) they were getting together Saturday night instead. So he wanted to have them all over to our house for shrimp quesadillas first. He volunteered to cook them, if I would get everyone ready. So I stopped and bought a few pounds of fresh JUMBO shrimp, went to Walmart for the rest of the stuff, and started peeling and heading shrimp. Rick and Chris joined in with the cleaning. Neither had peeled shrimp before, much less headed them, but they learned quickly. Then Ricky cooked everything on the charcoal grill, while I made queso and guacamole. The final product was AMAZING!
We had a houseful at Highway yesterday morning...Ricky counted 61 in attendance. Layne gave a WONDERFUL lesson on living for God...truly an inspiring assembly! Leanne and the girls were there (for the birthday party), and all of the Pettit clan were up to celebrate Debbie and James' 40th wedding anniversary. Sharice was also in town (but she doesn't really qualify as a visitor). So good to see everyone! Then last night, Ron spoke on the 16th chapter of Exodus and entitled his lesson "Trust and Obey". It tied in perfectly with Layne's lesson of the morning. Ricky closed the assembly with a few well chosen words. A perfect day!
2Ki 6:15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Jer 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
Pam H. had her knee replacement surgery on Tuesday. The surgery went well and she went home on Friday evening, but she is in a LOT of pain. Please continue to remember her as well.
Thursday, I went to Frisco for the annual Texas CASA conference. It took almost 2 hours to get there, so I arranged to have my first session at 2:00 to avoid morning traffic. My first workshop was about creating security for stressed out children in the foster care system. It lasted 2 1/2 hours and was very insightful! Afterwards, I got checked in, settled in my room, and ordered up pizza to be delivered. They had scheduled a "meet and greet" which I went down to check out, but it wasn't my sort of thing, so I just grabbed some fruit and hightailed it back up to my room. Sheila arrived around 9:00 and we watched a little tv before turning in for the night.
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| Our hotel suite |
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| The view out of our door on the 10th floor |
Friday was a busy day! Our keynote speaker was Dave Peltzer, the author of "A Child Called It" (and 6 other books). He was a very entertaining speaker...not at all what I expected. It is so nice to see someone who has suffered SO much cruelty, at such a young age, but maintains a positive and hopeful attitude. He was really funny!
After his session, we attended a workshop on hope & healing for drug endangered children. After lunch was a panel of former foster kids who are currently going to college at UNT. These young adults have been through so much, but they are overcoming and plan to use their experiences to help others. They really opened my eyes to how wonderfully blessed we are, and how difficult it is for those who "age out" of the system. Even if they make it to college (foster kids receive vouchers for college when they age out), the obstacles they face are enormous! One girl had received $100,000 in scholarships for her first year, but still had to drop out after a couple of months. (She joined the navy for 6 years and then went back to school on her GI bill.) Scholarships only covered certain items and they have no resources for the myriad of other essentials. What if their mealplans doesn't cover weekends? Where do they go during the holidays? What do they do if they get sick or have a car wreck? They have NO ONE to call or to help. A teacher at UNT recognized their plight and created a student organization (PUSH) for a support system for these youth. Very inspiring stories!. After that we attended a session on advocating for foster children's health needs. Friday evening, Sheila and I skipped the banquet and awards ceremony and went out for some Mexican food. Saturday morning, we had two more workshops (one on the educational rights of foster children and the other, an informative look at the new permanency roundtables being implemented by TDFPS) and then headed toward home around noon. So much information to process! My brain is on overload!
Saturday, I went straight from the conference to Brother Wayne's 90th birthday party. So nice to see so many of his friends and family gather to celebrate this momentous occasion! When Ricky arrived, he told me that he had seen a vendor on the side of 180 selling fresh shrimp. Since Sheila had been out of pocket Friday night (when our young folks usually gather at the girls' house for a fire) they were getting together Saturday night instead. So he wanted to have them all over to our house for shrimp quesadillas first. He volunteered to cook them, if I would get everyone ready. So I stopped and bought a few pounds of fresh JUMBO shrimp, went to Walmart for the rest of the stuff, and started peeling and heading shrimp. Rick and Chris joined in with the cleaning. Neither had peeled shrimp before, much less headed them, but they learned quickly. Then Ricky cooked everything on the charcoal grill, while I made queso and guacamole. The final product was AMAZING!
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| The birthday "boy" |
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| Friends and family gather to celebrate |
We had a houseful at Highway yesterday morning...Ricky counted 61 in attendance. Layne gave a WONDERFUL lesson on living for God...truly an inspiring assembly! Leanne and the girls were there (for the birthday party), and all of the Pettit clan were up to celebrate Debbie and James' 40th wedding anniversary. Sharice was also in town (but she doesn't really qualify as a visitor). So good to see everyone! Then last night, Ron spoke on the 16th chapter of Exodus and entitled his lesson "Trust and Obey". It tied in perfectly with Layne's lesson of the morning. Ricky closed the assembly with a few well chosen words. A perfect day!
2Ki 6:15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Jer 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
Monday, October 22, 2012
A Normal Weekend ... (finally!)
Last week was fairly normal for a change...didn't have any big weekend plans. Mary Fox called Friday and told me that Jim, her husband, was back in the hospital. He had been in with pneumonia a couple of weeks ago. This time he has a couple of bloodclots in his leg. Saturday morning I went with her to the hospital to see him. He was still in a lot of pain and the circulation to his foot still wasn't good. His doctor was off for the weekend, so it will be today before they know anything new. They had gone in on Friday to break up the clots and had put him on Coumadin, so he SHOULD be improving. I would really appreciate your prayers on their behalf. They are getting up in years and are both pretty fragile.
Yesterday morning, Brother Wayne D. spoke for us at Highway. Such a treat to hear a lesson from this wonderful 90 (next Monday) year old man! He did an excellent job. I'm sure we were all benefited from his lesson.
It was just the five of us for lunch yesterday. The girls headed home after helping with the dishes, so we could all rest up. The kids had all gone to Six Flags on Saturday, after being up late around the fire pit Friday night, so they were pretty tired.
Ricky starts his "new" job this morning! He is going back to work at Titan Bank, where he worked before moving back to Arkansas. Right now it is just temporary, helping out while Alan is out and while another teller is out on maternity leave. He's looking forward to being back at his old job.
This week will be pretty full. Pam H. is having knee replacement surgery tomorrow morning. She has had 2 other surgeries on her knee this year, which both failed. We hope and pray that this will take care of her problem and she can recover the full use of her leg. She has been hobbling around on a cane and being in pain for many months! Please pray for a successful surgery and quick recovery for her!
Thursday, I head to Frisco for the Texas CASA conference. Sheila will come over after work that evening. I'm really excited about the workshops and presentations that are on the agenda. Now that I have a little experience under my belt, I ought to understand and process the information better than I did during our training. One of our speakers will be the author of the book A Child Called "It". Another one of the presentations I'll be attending will be a panel of former CPS kids. Both should be very enlightening!
I hope all of you have a wonderful week!
From Brother Wayne's lesson: Ps 119:33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
Yesterday morning, Brother Wayne D. spoke for us at Highway. Such a treat to hear a lesson from this wonderful 90 (next Monday) year old man! He did an excellent job. I'm sure we were all benefited from his lesson.
It was just the five of us for lunch yesterday. The girls headed home after helping with the dishes, so we could all rest up. The kids had all gone to Six Flags on Saturday, after being up late around the fire pit Friday night, so they were pretty tired.
Ricky starts his "new" job this morning! He is going back to work at Titan Bank, where he worked before moving back to Arkansas. Right now it is just temporary, helping out while Alan is out and while another teller is out on maternity leave. He's looking forward to being back at his old job.
This week will be pretty full. Pam H. is having knee replacement surgery tomorrow morning. She has had 2 other surgeries on her knee this year, which both failed. We hope and pray that this will take care of her problem and she can recover the full use of her leg. She has been hobbling around on a cane and being in pain for many months! Please pray for a successful surgery and quick recovery for her!
Thursday, I head to Frisco for the Texas CASA conference. Sheila will come over after work that evening. I'm really excited about the workshops and presentations that are on the agenda. Now that I have a little experience under my belt, I ought to understand and process the information better than I did during our training. One of our speakers will be the author of the book A Child Called "It". Another one of the presentations I'll be attending will be a panel of former CPS kids. Both should be very enlightening!
I hope all of you have a wonderful week!
From Brother Wayne's lesson: Ps 119:33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Two Birthdays and a Wedding
Had a very busy week last week! Chelsey's wedding was coming up on Saturday, and I was doing the wedding cake. Then Rick told me he was planning a "surprise" party for Chris' birthday on Friday night and asked if I could do a cake for that. Had CASA duties for most of the day on Wednesday, then started "caking" on Thursday. Chris figured out the surprise party, and Rick was determined to surprise him anyway. So he called Josh and Trey Thursday night to see if they could come down for the weekend. THAT was the best gift of all! The party was at the girls' house. We built a fire in the backyard firepit, sat around and visited and sang. At one point we heard a voice from the neighbor's backyard: "Can you hear me?..." "Yes." "Your singing sounds beautiful!" (We were worried...at first... that we might be disturbing them!) Great night!
I was so thankful to have James with me, driving, on the way home. We drove through heavy storms almost all the way...had to pull over and stop once, it was so hard. We travelled along with the girls to make sure they made it all right. Finally got home safely a little after midnight!
Sunday was Dennis' 60th birthday! Because of all the hoopla over the weekend, we played it pretty low key. Josh was our speaker Sunday morning and gave a GREAT lesson on "Proud or Broken"...the best I've ever heard him do! We had a full house with several visitors, including Donnie and Tammie. Afterwards we went out to eat at our favorite Chinese buffet in Weatherford. Josh and Trey had to leave right after lunch to get home to their wives. We really enjoyed having them for the weekend. After they left, all of us came home and napped away the afternoon. We had a smaller, but good crowd at services last night. I think everyone was too tired for going out together, so we just stopped at Subway on the way home and rested up for the remainder of the evening. It was a very festive and joyful weekend!
Mt 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Ricky had planned to go with me to the wedding, but the last minute weekend company changed his mind. James was planning to go by himself, so we decided to carpool. I picked him up about 11:00 and we headed northeast. We were having such a good time visiting that I almost forgot to stop to eat lunch! We made it to the wedding site an hour early, which was perfect. We got the cake unloaded and set up, and I had time to go around snapping pictures of all the pretty decorations. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous...as was the bride! |
| Believe it or not, this was the wedding cake! Hope everyone loved chocolate! |
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| Nicole did a SUPER job on the groom's cake! |
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| Stephen escorted Kit down the aisle. |
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| Here comes the bride! |
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| Mr. and Mrs. James Speed |
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| The Bride's Shoes...pure Chelsey! |
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| HAPPY PARENTS! |
I was so thankful to have James with me, driving, on the way home. We drove through heavy storms almost all the way...had to pull over and stop once, it was so hard. We travelled along with the girls to make sure they made it all right. Finally got home safely a little after midnight!
Sunday was Dennis' 60th birthday! Because of all the hoopla over the weekend, we played it pretty low key. Josh was our speaker Sunday morning and gave a GREAT lesson on "Proud or Broken"...the best I've ever heard him do! We had a full house with several visitors, including Donnie and Tammie. Afterwards we went out to eat at our favorite Chinese buffet in Weatherford. Josh and Trey had to leave right after lunch to get home to their wives. We really enjoyed having them for the weekend. After they left, all of us came home and napped away the afternoon. We had a smaller, but good crowd at services last night. I think everyone was too tired for going out together, so we just stopped at Subway on the way home and rested up for the remainder of the evening. It was a very festive and joyful weekend!
Mt 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
5th Annual Mother/Daughter Weekend
It is hard to come back to reality after our special girls' weekend. We had a great time, as usual! Sheila, Paula and I left Friday around 4:30. Jessica had to stay for a 5K that she was doing with her leadership class on Sat. morning. She joined us Saturday afternoon. Here is a quick overview of our weekend:
We arrived Friday night around 9:00 and got settled in. The house that we rented was pretty quirky, to say the least. I seem to have a knack at finding unusual accomodations! The decorations in the house were very eclectic and just plain strange. There were these crazy little cartoon pictures hanging throughout the house that made no sense whatsoever. Each bedroom was themed, but not with much consistency. Paula had the French room; I had the wildlife room; and Sheila had the Japanese room. But the house was very clean and we had plenty of room to stretch out and relax. There was even a really cool keyboard in my room!
Saturday morn, we toured the capital building and the Bob Bullock Historical Museum...including watching "To The Arctic" at the IMAX. It was a UT home game day and the museum was only a block from the stadium, so we had to wade through all the tailgaters and revelers. I had been warned, but since the game didn't start until 6:00 p.m. we thought we'd be ok until late afternoon. WRONG! Evidently the tailgaters start setting up on Friday, as soon as business hours at the capital are over. They were EVERYWHERE! We finally made it out of the downtown area around 3:00 and were ready to get out of Austin for the remainder of the day.
By the time we got back to the house, Jessica had arrived. After a short rest, we headed down to San Marcos to ride the glass bottom boats...we thought. They closed about 20 minutes before we got there. So we did a little shopping at the Outlet Mall instead, and then ate supper at Carino's...SO yummy! Afterwards we took in a movie and then headed home.
Sunday morning, we worshipped with the church on Bouldin Street. We heard a very good lesson from Dean Howard on loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We enjoyed visiting with him and Sheree, as well as the Johns family. After saying our goodbyes, we had lunch at the Swedish Hill Bakery on 6th St. We decided to do a little shopping on 6th Street before dark, when the partiers take over...found a very neat store that kept us busy for quite some time with its eclectic home furnishings and gift items. Then we headed over to the Highball for some "vintage bowling." By time we finished up there, we were ready to head back to the house to rest up and watch a movie. Then we had a FABULOUS dinner of Cuban cuisine at Habana's...topped off by a shared dish of Cuban flan and latte and/or cappucino.
Monday morn, we gathered our belongings together, had breakfast at Annie's Cafe, and then toured the Zilker Gardens. I think this was our favorite spot of the whole weekend! It was like a hike through the woods with beautiful flowers, both cultivated and "wild". The weather was glorious! It was a perfect way to wrap up a great weekend!
Song of Sol. 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
We arrived Friday night around 9:00 and got settled in. The house that we rented was pretty quirky, to say the least. I seem to have a knack at finding unusual accomodations! The decorations in the house were very eclectic and just plain strange. There were these crazy little cartoon pictures hanging throughout the house that made no sense whatsoever. Each bedroom was themed, but not with much consistency. Paula had the French room; I had the wildlife room; and Sheila had the Japanese room. But the house was very clean and we had plenty of room to stretch out and relax. There was even a really cool keyboard in my room!
Saturday morn, we toured the capital building and the Bob Bullock Historical Museum...including watching "To The Arctic" at the IMAX. It was a UT home game day and the museum was only a block from the stadium, so we had to wade through all the tailgaters and revelers. I had been warned, but since the game didn't start until 6:00 p.m. we thought we'd be ok until late afternoon. WRONG! Evidently the tailgaters start setting up on Friday, as soon as business hours at the capital are over. They were EVERYWHERE! We finally made it out of the downtown area around 3:00 and were ready to get out of Austin for the remainder of the day.
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| Bob Bullock Museum and IMAX |
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| Inside the Capital
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Sunday morning, we worshipped with the church on Bouldin Street. We heard a very good lesson from Dean Howard on loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We enjoyed visiting with him and Sheree, as well as the Johns family. After saying our goodbyes, we had lunch at the Swedish Hill Bakery on 6th St. We decided to do a little shopping on 6th Street before dark, when the partiers take over...found a very neat store that kept us busy for quite some time with its eclectic home furnishings and gift items. Then we headed over to the Highball for some "vintage bowling." By time we finished up there, we were ready to head back to the house to rest up and watch a movie. Then we had a FABULOUS dinner of Cuban cuisine at Habana's...topped off by a shared dish of Cuban flan and latte and/or cappucino.
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| Bowling at the Highball |
Monday morn, we gathered our belongings together, had breakfast at Annie's Cafe, and then toured the Zilker Gardens. I think this was our favorite spot of the whole weekend! It was like a hike through the woods with beautiful flowers, both cultivated and "wild". The weather was glorious! It was a perfect way to wrap up a great weekend!
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| I love turtles!
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Monday, October 1, 2012
"Blest be the tie that binds...
our hearts in Christian love...The fellowship of kindred minds, is like to that above."
That pretty well sums up our weekend! Another amazing meeting with inspiring lessons, absolutely gorgeous singing, and lots of good times with loved ones! Thanks to our speakers who built us up and comforted us from the Word: Greg Scott, who spoke on the importance of a strong faith; Richard Newhart, who comforted us with words of hope; Craig Hays, who exhorted us to love as the scriptures teach; and (last but not least) Kyle Young who brought it all together by exhorting us to hold to sound doctrine! You guys were great!
It was heartbreaking to watch everyone leave yesterday. All of our long distance guests (from NM, Houston, Oklahoma and Arkansas) had to leave after lunch. We were afraid that would leave so many empty seats as to be disheartening for the evening assembly. But we still had a fairly full house last night thanks to our Jarvis Heights friends. I fought tears throughout the whole assembly and finally lost it during the closing song and prayer. Such an emotionally charged day!
Here are a few snapshots of our weekend:
That pretty well sums up our weekend! Another amazing meeting with inspiring lessons, absolutely gorgeous singing, and lots of good times with loved ones! Thanks to our speakers who built us up and comforted us from the Word: Greg Scott, who spoke on the importance of a strong faith; Richard Newhart, who comforted us with words of hope; Craig Hays, who exhorted us to love as the scriptures teach; and (last but not least) Kyle Young who brought it all together by exhorting us to hold to sound doctrine! You guys were great!
It was heartbreaking to watch everyone leave yesterday. All of our long distance guests (from NM, Houston, Oklahoma and Arkansas) had to leave after lunch. We were afraid that would leave so many empty seats as to be disheartening for the evening assembly. But we still had a fairly full house last night thanks to our Jarvis Heights friends. I fought tears throughout the whole assembly and finally lost it during the closing song and prayer. Such an emotionally charged day!
Here are a few snapshots of our weekend:
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| Greg Scott Family |
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| Richard Newhart Family |
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| Craig Hays Family and Brandon |
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| The guys prepared and served the Saturday meal...and did a GREAT job! |
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The food line
Tit 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
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Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Meeting this weekend!!!!
Well we are definitely on the home stretch to our meeting. I'm HOPING that everything gets done in time! For some crazy reason, we decided to redo the guest room and hall bathroom this week. Ricky finished painting the guest room yesterday, so I hope to get everything put back together and cleaned today. I finished stripping the wallpaper in the bathroom yesterday and Rick started texturing the walls. He has today and tomorrow to finish texturing and get it painted, so I can get it cleaned up. I'm excited about the changes, but I'm not sure we picked the best time to implement them!
I've got most of my baking done for this weekend. I still have some pumpkin pull-apart bread to bake, plus put together my enchiladas for Sunday potluck and make my banana pudding. So I think I'm in good shape as far as my cooking is concerned. I'll be finishing that up tomorrow and Friday, Lord willing.
Today, I have some CASA stuff to tend to. I have a visitation to attend at CPS in Weatherford this morning, plus a visit with my family here in MW this afternoon. I also have to get my refrigerator cleaned out and get the guest room reassembled and cleaned.
I think we are going to have another great crowd this weekend. So looking forward to seeing everyone and hearing the Spunky Creek guys' lessons! I'm a little concerned about our proposed picnic in the park on Saturday...there is a 40% chance of rain that day. We may have to cancel it at the last minute. I need to do some calling around to see what everyone else thinks!
Well, I guess I'd better get started with my day. I hope the rest of the week goes well for all of you, and I hope to see some of you this weekend!
Heb 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
I've got most of my baking done for this weekend. I still have some pumpkin pull-apart bread to bake, plus put together my enchiladas for Sunday potluck and make my banana pudding. So I think I'm in good shape as far as my cooking is concerned. I'll be finishing that up tomorrow and Friday, Lord willing.
Today, I have some CASA stuff to tend to. I have a visitation to attend at CPS in Weatherford this morning, plus a visit with my family here in MW this afternoon. I also have to get my refrigerator cleaned out and get the guest room reassembled and cleaned.
I think we are going to have another great crowd this weekend. So looking forward to seeing everyone and hearing the Spunky Creek guys' lessons! I'm a little concerned about our proposed picnic in the park on Saturday...there is a 40% chance of rain that day. We may have to cancel it at the last minute. I need to do some calling around to see what everyone else thinks!
Well, I guess I'd better get started with my day. I hope the rest of the week goes well for all of you, and I hope to see some of you this weekend!
Heb 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Monday, September 10, 2012
No more empty nest!
I'm pretty much over my cold now (that I woke up with the day I had my colonoscopy done!). Dennis caught it last week and suffered through the work week, sneezing and coughing. He didn't miss any work, but his boss took pity on him and let him have a couple of days that he didn't have to work 10 hours. He is much better now, too. I guess it is that time of year!
Ricky has moved back home! He drove all night and made it in this morning about the time we were waking up. Haven't had a chance to talk to him yet. I really missed him during the last year and half that he lived in Arkansas. I am looking forward to having him around again. He adds a lot of love and laughter to my life!
We are enjoying these cooler days! Last week was a scorcher...every day in the 100's, until Saturday. The forecast shows temps in the 90's for this week with another front coming through Saturday. SO ready for fall!
Visited "my babies" last week. The little one is looking so good! The first time I saw him, his little thighs weren't much bigger around than my thumb. A little over a month later, they are almost as big around as my wrists. He has almost doubled his weight. He is one of the sweetest and happiest babies I've ever seen. I hope and pray that little guy never has to go hungry another day in his life, and that he will end up with a loving and stable family.
I hope your week goes well and that we all remember how very blessed we are!
Ps 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Ricky has moved back home! He drove all night and made it in this morning about the time we were waking up. Haven't had a chance to talk to him yet. I really missed him during the last year and half that he lived in Arkansas. I am looking forward to having him around again. He adds a lot of love and laughter to my life!
We are enjoying these cooler days! Last week was a scorcher...every day in the 100's, until Saturday. The forecast shows temps in the 90's for this week with another front coming through Saturday. SO ready for fall!
Visited "my babies" last week. The little one is looking so good! The first time I saw him, his little thighs weren't much bigger around than my thumb. A little over a month later, they are almost as big around as my wrists. He has almost doubled his weight. He is one of the sweetest and happiest babies I've ever seen. I hope and pray that little guy never has to go hungry another day in his life, and that he will end up with a loving and stable family.
I hope your week goes well and that we all remember how very blessed we are!
Ps 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Happy 25th Jessica!!!
When everyone got tired of bowling, we decided to head over to Braums for some ice cream. Then we went to the girls' house to watch a movie. Fun times all around!
We had a good crowd at the assembly yesterday. Heather was doing better and able to make it both times. It is always so good to see her there and not suffering. (Even tho she never feels good, there are times when it just hurts to see the pain on her face.) Jared gave a good lesson on aiming our arrows (children) at the true target. It was a wonderful morning of worship and fellowship!
Paula and the girls came back over to the house for lunch and then went back to the girls' to rest up. Then after another good assembly that afternoon, about 25 of us headed over to Rosa's for supper and a little extra fellowship. Of course we had to sing "Happy Birthday" to Jessica at the restaurant. Good times! Batteries recharged for another week!
Today is Jessica's actual birthday, even tho all the hoopla is over (athough I reckon the bank will do something today to celebrate). The past six years that Jessica has been with us has been a blessing to our family. It is hard to imagine our lives without her now! She has brought so much joy and laughter to our home, and we are so thankful to count her as our extra daughter. Love you, girl!
Ru 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Ps 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
I love how "recharged" I feel after a beautiful Lord's day! After a cool and rainy Saturday, we awakened to a glorious day yesterday. We had most all of our regular members at the assembly for the first time in awhile, as well as a "repeat" visitor. The singing was beautiful and really touched my heart...to the point of tears. Dennis gave an excellent lesson on judgement...I was so "into" the lesson that everything else faded away. When dear Brother Wayne lead the closing prayer, my heart rejoiced to hear such humility and such a strong desire to draw nearer to God come from the lips of such a elderly and godly man. After another wonderful assembly last night, a large group of us met for supper at Rosa's to top off our inspiring day. Thank God for designing the assembly for us to come together on a weekly basis to worship Him and be strengthened through His Word and in fellowship with His children.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
New additions to our church family
We are so happy to welcome newcomers to our congregation at Highway! Wayne and Mayrene D. have moved to Weatherford to be closer to their two daughters, Karen and Linda. Rebecca H. has moved there, also, to attend Weatherford College. We are so happy and thankful to have them all with us.
I am also happy to report that Maddie F. was baptized last week...as well as her cousin, Troy H. Such a wonderful surprise when it was announced this past Lord's Day morning! I know Layne and Heather are thrilled to have both of their children beginning their Christian walk at such young ages. It has been so neat to watch little Brett take on a role in the assemblies. Such a wonderful young family!
1Ti 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity
I am also happy to report that Maddie F. was baptized last week...as well as her cousin, Troy H. Such a wonderful surprise when it was announced this past Lord's Day morning! I know Layne and Heather are thrilled to have both of their children beginning their Christian walk at such young ages. It has been so neat to watch little Brett take on a role in the assemblies. Such a wonderful young family!
1Ti 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
A few "inspirational" thoughts
I had a hard time deciding on a verse to share on fb this
morning. I normally read several
chapters, a couple from the OT and a couple from the NT. Then whichever verse speaks to me the most, I
share. This morning I was reading from
James 1 and John 17, and pretty much every verse I read moved me. I love the book of James…so much practical
admonition for our lives. And of course,
John 17 is our Lord’s prayer to His Father for His disciples…including us. I finally selected the following verse and decided to expand more on why I made this selection:
Joh 17:14 I have given
them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the
world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take
them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They
are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is
truth.
Jesus brought the Word of
God to mankind…in His flesh. He was the
living Word! (1Jo 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we
have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and
our hands have handled, of the Word of life;)( Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God.) Jesus wasn’t of this world but of
the Father, and He said the same would be true of His followers. The world would hate them as they hated
Him. He prayed that God would protect
them from the evil. What a comfort this
is…that Jesus interceded on our behalf for God’s protection, even before we were
even conceived! But notice that he asked
not that we be removed from this evil world.
Our place is IN this world, to be God’s ambassadors to it…to share His
Word with it…to help others escape from the evil in it.
He prayed that we would
be sanctified (to make holy, purify
or consecrate) through the truth in God’s Word.
This is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. I see and hear a lot of people who focus on
inspirational quotes, stories, videos, etc.
People’s bookshelves are filled with devotionals, “spiritual self-help”
books, and study guides of all kinds.
Many hours are spent in these devices and, it seems, more attention is
devoted to them than to the bible. I don’t
have anything against reading or watching resources that might help our
understanding, and I frequently do so.
However, this should ALWAYS be done with the idea that these are just
the writings of men. THEY are not TRUTH…only
God’s Word is that. God has graciously
provided us with “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Pet.
1:3). Our focus should be on the
simplicity of God’s word, not man’s wisdom. 2Co
1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the
testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with
fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the
world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
We CAN be lead away and deceived by the subtle deceptions of this world. 2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as
the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be
corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
We HAVE the Word of
God. God breathed it, His prophets and
Jesus’ disciples penned it, and God’s grace and providence has preserved it for
us throughout the ages. Let us TRULY
appreciate and USE it…making sure all of the nice quotes and messages that we
adopt and share are consistent with it.
Or better yet, use God’s Word for our inspiration, not man’s.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Busy Weekend
Jessica went to Arkansas over the weekend, so it was just Sheila over for Friday night supper. After supper we watched "Mirror, Mirror", a cute adaptation of the Snow White story (the dwarves were a hoot!). I was feeling pretty bad most of the day...suffering from a bladder and sinus infection. Thankfully, I felt better Saturday morning. After mowing and cleaning up, I drove to Arlington to see my new kiddos. With the 3 hour round trip drive and 1 hour of visitation, that took up most of my day. It was good to see the baby out of the hospital and doing well!
Saturday evening, Rob and Charlotte and the girls spent the night. They were on their way to Nacogdoches. Charlotte's dad, Randy, is having triple bypass surgery this morning. (Please keep him and the family in your prayers!) We enjoyed our visit with them, as always. After attending services at Highway with us and then going out to eat together, they heading on their way.
My sinuses were acting up pretty badly all day yesterday, so when we got home from the restaurant I napped the rest of the afternoon. After a hefty dose of meds, I made it to the evening assembly. We were pretty short in number last night. We had a lot of people out traveling and all of our morning guests were gone. Daddy and Bobbie showed up unexpectedly, so that helped out! We are really blessed, tho. Even with more than half of our guys gone, we still had plenty to carry on the assembly. (Plus we had 22 in attendance, which is more than some congregations have on a normal day!)
A day full of laundry awaits me, so I'd better get busy. Try to stay out of the heat this week!
From James' wonderful lesson yesterday: Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Saturday evening, Rob and Charlotte and the girls spent the night. They were on their way to Nacogdoches. Charlotte's dad, Randy, is having triple bypass surgery this morning. (Please keep him and the family in your prayers!) We enjoyed our visit with them, as always. After attending services at Highway with us and then going out to eat together, they heading on their way.
My sinuses were acting up pretty badly all day yesterday, so when we got home from the restaurant I napped the rest of the afternoon. After a hefty dose of meds, I made it to the evening assembly. We were pretty short in number last night. We had a lot of people out traveling and all of our morning guests were gone. Daddy and Bobbie showed up unexpectedly, so that helped out! We are really blessed, tho. Even with more than half of our guys gone, we still had plenty to carry on the assembly. (Plus we had 22 in attendance, which is more than some congregations have on a normal day!)
A day full of laundry awaits me, so I'd better get busy. Try to stay out of the heat this week!
From James' wonderful lesson yesterday: Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
I'm in love!
I got a call from my CASA supervisor yesterday morning, asking if I was willing to take on another case. (I still have a case, but it is in "monitoring mode".) I accepted and went today to "meet" one of the kiddos involved. He is an infant in the hospital. I arrived at the perfect time! The nurses were just finishing up some tests, for which they had him fasting. So it was time to eat, and I was allowed to feed the little guy. I spent the next hour holding, feeding, burping, cuddling and talking to this sweet baby. His doctor also came in during that time, so I was able to get "the rundown" on his condition and prognosis. I alternated between sadness at what this adorable little guy has suffered and extreme anger at the parents who did this to him. I longed to bundle him up and bring him home with me, so I could shower him with the love and attention he needs! According to his doctor and all the nurses, EVERYONE who has had contact with him since he arrived at the hospital feels the same way. I had to fight tears as I left his room to head home. I look forward to spending MUCH more time with this little fighter. I will be his advocate as long as he remains "in the system".
1Th 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
1Th 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
Monday, July 23, 2012
Good news and randomness
Caidem and I are slowly getting to know each other better and getting into a routine. I talked to Anita yesterday and she agreed to keep him every Wednesday. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are Debbie's long days (she has him here at 6:30), so that will allow him to sleep in one of those days. It will also give me a day to take care of things that I couldn't do otherwise (doctor appts, CASA visits, mowing, etc.). I think it will work out good all around.
Well, Dennis had offered to take me to Pappadeux for my birthday last week. However, I guess a virus was going around and it found me that day. I just wasn't up to a 2 hour roundtrip to eat food that would probably not have settled well on my stomach. So I took a rain check and we ate at a local Italian restaurant (cause you can never go wrong with pasta!). Turns out Sheila had the same thing the same day and Dennis and Jessica had it the next day. But I truly enjoyed all the cards and wishes I received from friends and family. I am very blessed!
Heather P. came down Friday to spend a week with the girls. They were all over Friday night for supper. I sure enjoyed getting to spend some time with the three of them! Most of the time when Heather is here, it is for a meeting when there are a LOT of people around. I think this was the first time I had to just have Heather here. She is such a sweet girl, and I hope to have many other opportunities to visit with her.
The guys had their study/business meeting Sunday between services. They always carry sack lunches when they do that and spend the entire afternoon together. So I like to use the opportunity to have my ladies over for our study group. Josephine was feeling poorly, but Heather stepped in to "take her place" (as if ANYONE could take Josephine's place!). It was a really good study/discussion! I'm excited that now that Debbie is living here, we will be able to start back on a weekly schedule. I really treasure our time together!
I awakened this morning to some wonderful news! Ricky's girlfriend, Angie, was immersed into Christ last night! I'm so happy for her. I haven't had opportunity to really get to know her (only met her at Josh and Brittney's wedding), but she seems like such a sweet, good-hearted person. I look forward to spending more time with her in the near future.
The weather has really been HOT lately, with high humidity. It sure makes it difficult to try to do anything out of doors. I really feel sorry for all the people who have to work out in it. I know it takes a hard tole on Dennis! Hoping for more moderate temperatures and the occasional rainy day!
SAVE THE DATE: We are planning a meeting at Highway for Sept. 28-30. Mark your calendars and we hope that many of you can make it down at that time!
Well, that is about it for my ramblings today. Hope this week finds each of you well!
Ps 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. 64 The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
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