WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANY MORE!

Well, we are back. What a wonderful, fun trip. Yes, we are not in Kansas any more. We just spent three full days in the Disney World parks and had a ball! Huston was with us and what a great time we had. I must say, for a four and a half year old...he was a real trouper. We slept late each day and didn't try to kill ourselves by getting there at the crack of dawn. Huston was exhausted from the day of travel and was tired. Therefore, he slept in and we began our first visit to the park (Animal Kingdom) mid morning. This worked out so well, we decided that this is how we would work the rest of our trip.

Huston walked all the first day and toward the end of the day would tell us he was VERY tired. Poor little guy....he really was "running out of gas", as he says. We managed to eat at the Rainforest Cafe the first night, in Downtown Disney, and I can't believe he managed to stay up so late. I have to hand it to him...he really can hang with the best of them.

The next two days, we decided to rent a stroller for him so he wouldn't have to walk so much. It really is hard for a little guy to walk ALL day. I think he enjoyed it much more that way. He even managed to take a few cat naps. You will see, at the "Brown Derby" restaurant, he took a long nap - snoring included for free.

By the time we were headed home...he said he wasn't ready. However, on the plane...about half way home...he said he wanted to see his mommy and daddy. I truly understand. There really is "no place like home!"

You know, God's Word, in the gospel of John, says Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. A "home". A place for us when we go to be with Him. A wonderful place. A place where we will never tire, never be sad or lonely, never feel hurt (physical or emotional), always joyful because he will be there. Yes, "home" will be magnificent. Many people today are always gone from home. They can't seem to stay home or enjoy their home. Sometimes because it isn't what they envisioned their physical home to be, or they want a home like someone else has, or the presence or lack of presence of others is not what they want. Yet just the thought of "home" should bring up joyous feelings for us. Just like it did for Huston when he was so anxious to be home with his mommy, daddy and sister. Jimmy and I were glad to get home again also. When we come home, there is this ahhhhh feeling that comes across us. This peace, joy, secure feeling that comes over us when step through the door. That is the way we will be when we reach our heavenly home. AHHHHHHHHH! But in capital letters!

So today, I am thankful for HOME. Thankful we are not in Kansas but HOME. Thankful for the provision our Lord has given me with family and loved ones that make up our home. Thankful for the heavenly home that awaits me one day. Thankful for the time away, so when I come home...I get that ahhhhhhh feeling.

We're not in Kansas any more...ahhhhhhh!

Checking in at the Southwest counter

Watching "Cars", headed to Orlando

Too tired!

The Disney Bus!

Outside our room, overlooking Cinderella's Castle

Huston's first Monorail ride

Breakfast with the Characters - Donald

Goofey!

Pluto!

Chef Mickey!

Huston's cool shades!

Huston & "Jim" headed for the Tree of Life

in the Animal Kingdom

Resting before dinner

Boys and their toys...

Harley Davidson shop at Downtown Disney

Face painting was a MUST - cute puppy

Better than the snake the day before

Honey I shrunk the kids!

Resting at the "Brown Derby" - snoring included

Huston & "Jim"

Mickey's House & mailbox

Huston & Lovey's favorite - Cinderella's Castle

The castle changed colors at night, every few minutes

Disney train station at night

Our last night together - two peas in a pod!

PROPORTION OF MY LOVE

Okay, it's now 5:10 am and I have been up since 4:30 am. No, I am not sick. No, I have no where to go until 11:30 am. I just couldn't sleep I am soooo excited! Today is the day! Yep, today is the day Jimmy and I leave to take Huston to Disney World. I know, I shouldn't be this over excited...after all, I AM an adult. I HAVE been before. I've SEEN Mickey and Minnie up close. I've even gotten their autograph! Taking that first step down Main Street USA is like walking into a movie. It just makes one's heart sore with excitement!

You know, Jimmy and his family were at Disney Land on opening weekend in 1955. He actually prefers Disney Land to Disney World. We've been to both and I am the opposite, but I think it is just remembering that wonderful moment when he first arrived that takes him back in time and puts DL as aspecial place in his heart.

Jimmy and I spent most of Friday evening and yesterday preparing for the trip. We had loads of errands to run, things to buy, books on Disney World to purchase to prepare for the trip and lists to make for packing and planning. I was speaking with a friend last night and I told her I forgot how much work it was to plan and prepare to take a pre-schooler on a trip. One doesn't only have to pack their own bag with all the essentials, and I do mean essentials (i.e. war paint for us women, along with hair equipment and other assorted hair products), but then to think about all the things a little one will need for just the travel days. Since we are flying Southwest airlines, and they serve no food, we have to worry about meal times, hand wipes for the plane, juice cups so Huston won't spill all over himself, games to play and DVD players so he can watch his Disney movies in the air. And that's just the beginning! AND THEN...poor Huston, they took him to the doctor yesterday and he has pink eye! Now we have to deal with that! Man....it's hard work taking a pre-schooler on a trip.

But man...will it be worth the effort the first time I see his face when step off the monorail and walk straight out onto Main Street USA. He will be in LOVE!

As I lay in bed before getting up this morning, I got to thinking about all this excitement and preparation. We've planned this trip for a while now. We've planned our days to revolve around what we would show Huston. We planned where we will eat so he could see the characters and be a part of the whole Disney experience. We love this child so much, this trip is really planned around him. Our joy is not so much what we see or do, but watching and feeling the joy he will get seeing and experiencing this adventure.

I heard recently a saying...The proportion of our obedience is the proportion for which God experiences our love. You see, we spend all our time preparing and planning for things we enjoy and want to share with others. Yet when it comes to our relationship with God, we fail in our obedience, because we are not willing to do what it takes to keep His covenant. If we committed to spending time with Him, getting to know Him, talking with Him daily, seeking His counsel, seeking His comfort and loving others they way He loves them in the same amount of time we do in preparation of other things in our life...to that proportion would God then experience our love for Him.

So today, I am thankful for time. Yes time. Time to plan and commit. Time to obey and experience. Time to seek and time to love. Time spent with the Lord is never time wasted. So Huston, my sweet precious grandson, our time together will be filled with fun. It will be filled with new experiences and it will be filled with love. I hope God will be right in the middle of it all, experiencing the the fullest proportion, my great love for you and Him.

WDW...here we come!

SNOW DAY

You are sooooo not going to believe this. It SNOWED here in San Antonio. No, I am not crazy. Nor am I seeing things. No, it was not manna from heaven. It was SNOW!!!!!!! No, it did not stick to the ground nor did it look like snow once it even hit the ground. But yes, it was SNOW!!!!! I was sitting in leaders meeting at Bible Study, looked out the window, and there it was, floating in the air. Now it has never been this cold in San Antonio since we moved here approximately six years ago. In fact, there was never even snow in the forecast that I know of since we moved here. But today, it was forecast and it did snow.

Now those of you who live in the north - or even north of us (i.e. Dallas) probably think I'm insane. You wouldn't call what I saw snow. Yes, it sleeted before it snowed, but it was definitely SNOW! For those of us in the central and southern part of Texas, this would have been a holiday if it came anywhere near sticking to the ground. It was beautiful! Did you know that each snowflake is different? There are no two snowflakes exactly alike. Isn't that mind blowing? And...it's sooooo beautiful. It's actually made up of dirty water/precipitation. Yet, when the temperature gets a hold of it, it freezes to just the right temperature, and flakes of soft, almost weightless materials form into beautiful shapes and float through the air, landing on the earth, building mounds of white powder around the shapes of things it lands on. To me, it's heavenly! I love snow.

It makes me think of us. We are like the dirty water/precipitation hanging around, pushed from place to place. But when God touches our life, shapes us, reshapes us, molds and chips away at us, we become formed into the person we were created to be. We then are able to float through our families, neighborhoods, communities, churches, schools, businesses and friends and partner to make life beautiful and pleasing to God and man. Like the snow, we can't become snow/beautiful people without the help of something/someone more powerful than ourselves. Unless we allow God to change us to the person He created us to be, we will just stay like the dirty water/precipitation that moves with the wind and falls to the ground.

So today, I am thankful for the SNOW! Oh come on now...it was snow! And I am thankful for the reminder that like the snow, I am only able to become beautiful, unique, different than the world and a joy to others when I allow the One person who is able to change me according to His will. So, Happy Snow Day everyone!

KEEP MOVING FORWARD

Tomorrow is my baby's birthday. Yes, my baby will be 28 years old. Man...I guess that makes me really old! It seems only yesterday that Clark and Graham were just two little boys, playing ball in the yard, swimming in our pool in Grand Prairie with their friends, on soccer and base ball teams and involved in a variety of church activities. Then there were the three years Clark attended a 5 week camp in Kerrville at Camp Stewart. There were couple of years Graham took piano lessons and the year they both took private art lessons. Looking back...the years flew by.

As they grew, their friends changed. They had girlfriends, jobs, cars, proms, graduations and college experiences. Then came marriages, carriers and even babies of their own. Life doesn't stand still - it just keeps moving forward.

There is this great animated movie called "The Robinsons". In the movie, the main character, a young orphan and budding inventor has a saying..."keep moving forward." When experiments fail or even when they progress to the next step...he would say "keep moving forward" until your dream becomes reality.

Sometimes life is like that. All through life, we experience great joys, sadness, mundane and even stressful times. Some times we aren't sure how we can carry on. Others, we just plod along from day to day without noticing how the time flies. Still others, we experience great joy or sadness that stops us in our tracks. Yet, for most of us, we keep moving forward. But what many of us don't realize is, it is but by the grace of God we are able to even take a step at a time, moving forward through each day. It is His grace that comforts us in our deepest sorrows. It is by His grace, we experience the greatest joys of family, friends, protection, job security, and provision for our needs - physical, emotional and spiritual. It is by His grace we move through those days when we don't even notice Him at all - those days of rest and peace when life just moves along. And it is by His grace, when we worry and stress over things we cannot control, we are able to make it through the day. It is by His grace we are able to keep moving forward.

So today, I am thankful for those days of joy, sadness, mundane and even stress. Because I know that during each and every situation, God's grace is allowing me to keep moving forward, trusting Him in every situation.

So, look up my friends and keep moving forward.

MINNIE, MICKEY & THE MAGIC KINGDOM

Today was a very long day! Many know that I HATE to shop. But Jimmy and I had to do many errands today that included shopping till we dropped for our upcoming trip to Disney World. It's been a while since we've taken a trip with vacation time included, but Jimmy is speaking at a seminar and I am going along. We decided to bring Huston with us to introduce to Mickey, Minnie and The Magic Kingdom at Disney World. We are really quite excited. I even bought a new camera today with a "sports" feature included so that I can capture Huston at any moment. He doesn't like his picture taken (hates to pose). So therefore, it will be vital that I have a camera that snaps in a continuous mode to get a decent shot.

We aren't telling Huston about our trip until the night before. Since he's only 4, if he has too much time to think about it, the excitement of going will fade with the realization that he will be away from mommy and daddy for more than a day. At this age...timing is EVERYTHING!

Isn't that true with us too? Timing...doesn't it hold true when we want to break the news about something uncomfortable to someone else? Doesn't it hold true when we want to ask a favor of someone and want them to say yes? Doesn't it hold true even when we want to announce some wonderful news, like an engagement or a pregnancy? Yes, timing can be a very delicate thing. It was even important for our Lord Jesus. He was soooo in touch with God's perfect timing. Even to the very end. He waited to reveal his ministry until the time was right - when He told his mother at the wedding that his time had not yet come (remember, she wanted him to take care of the wine when it had run out?) His timing was perfect when he answered Mary and Martha's request to help their dying brother Lazarus. Even though he was "dead" when he arrived...Jesus had waited a day before leaving and took a days travel before arriving. He knew Lazarus was dead but he also knew God would get the glory when he raised him. He even waited to reveal his true deity at the very end before giving himself up for Crucifixion. It was all in God's time.

How often do I jump ahead of God's time? How often do I forge ahead with matters, wanting to take care of things immediately, when sometimes waiting would be God's choice so he would get the glory for the outcome. How often do I forget to go to Him for His timing in a matter? Yes, timing is everything. It's something I need to work on.

So today, I am thankful for waiting for the right time to tell Huston about Minnie, Mickey and The Magic Kingdom. I am thankful for the reminder to stop, think, ask and wait upon God before rushing in to do, fix, handle or fumble a task He has given me to do. So Huston...I can't wait to tell you about our trip. I can't wait till it's the right time to break the news. Yes, the time is near. Here we come, MINNIE, MICKEY AND THE MAGIC KINGDOM!

YEEHAW! RODEO THRILLS

What a night! It's rodeo time here in SA. It has been so long since I have been to a rodeo. We took two of our children, Clark and Alix, to the San Antonio Rodeo and had a great time. When we drove up, I couldn't believe all the activity! There were carnival rides everywhere! I haven't seen this type of activity since the South Texas State Fair in Beaumont when we were children. There were people everywhere outside the AT&T Center. There was the area reserved for food with, what else, but my VERY FAVORITE....funnel cake! What could be better! I was a kid all over again. Saw dust, carnival rides, funnel cake and large smelly animals. Man...the life!

We made our way into the indoor arena of the AT&T center and upstairs to the restaurant, of course. Funnel cake is about the only outdoor food product I will eat now unless I am in New York and want a street vendor's hot dog with sauerkraut - YUM! After chowing down on a buffet and delicious warm apple cobbler, we made our way to our seats, located behind the bull pens at one end of the arena. They were great seats and we were set to watch the first event - bronco horses. It really was fun. But mostly, I was waiting for my very favorite event - the bronco BULLS - Yeehaw!

As the events went along, I soon discovered I would prefer another event even more than the bronco bulls. Yes, this event was much more fun than having the bull buck a man off his back and then flip him in the air from behind onto his head and/or behind (yes, it did happen last night). This new event had fast riding, young men and women, terror, excitement, holding on for dear life and brought cheers from the entire crowd. I can't remember the name, but it involved young children (young men and women), ages 5-7 riding the backs of sheep and holding on for dear life for a certain amount of time. The sheep would be let out of the pen with the kid on their back and run for their lives. The crowds (including myself) LOVED IT! It was hysterical! The looks on these little kids faces were a scream! All I could think of was that could be Huston and Emery one day. Emery would probably win! Huston would be screaming, "Help, get me off this thing!" I was having so much fun watching I forgot to take a picture. Oh well...you'll just have to go to a rodeo and see for yourself.

Rodeos are really like life. There are times of thrill and cheers, happiness when things go great and you are on a high. And there are times of pure terror. When things go so wrong, you are holding on for dear life, or you are even hit from behind and flipped into the air and land flat on the ground, hurt and mangled. Pure terror or great joy and jubilation. You never know what it will be - it just comes out of the blue. That's where our Lord comes in. He's there to celebrate with you. Rejoice, and say well done, my good and faithful servant. He's also there when times are bad to place that arm around you to comfort your loss, heal your wounds, wipe away your tears, calm your fears and keep you under His wing and close to His heart. Yes, rodeos are fun and exciting to watch from afar, but they are also a symbol of what life can be like. And they are a reminder of our constant need for our heavenly Father to be close at hand.

So today, I am thankful for those rodeo experiences in life because they remind me to keep hanging on and stay dependent on my Lord. So to you our little rodeo cowboys and cowgirls....YEEHAW!

POCKET FRIENDS

Well, I did it again. I re-joined Facebook. Yes, I swore I wouldn't do it but I did. I love blogging. I really dislike FB. However, everyone is on FB. It's the only way I can keep up with pictures of my grand kids, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. It is beginning to be one of the must have tools I will just have to deal with.

One good thing did come out of rejoining FB. I was reconnected to an old (I guess I shouldn't say old, but rather long time) friend from high school. She was one of what I would call our "Three Musketeers." There were three of us that really hung out together and at class reunions, found each other again, took pictures together (which I have hanging in my "space", I recently spoke of) and caught up on old times. Though it seemed we only saw each other about every 10 years...nothing seemed to change between the three of us. There has been one change though, since I've seen the other two Musketeers. One is now gone and I do miss her so. I often look up at the pictures and think about we three "longtime" friends. I think a better name for friends like us are "pocket friends." Yes, pocket friends are those longtime friends one doesn't see often, but those we place in little pockets in our hearts to keep forever. When we see them, we simply bring them out and pick up where we left off. And then, when the moment is over, we tuck them back away in the warm pockets of our heart for safe keeping and tender moments when we contemplate and recall those precious moments together. Yes, this friend is one of my pocket friends.

I wonder if that is what many people do with the Holy Spirit? I wonder if they treat Him as a pocket friend? I wonder if they only bring Him out or call upon Him when things are rough or sad, to carry them through tough times or for comfort? Yet, He's not just a pocket friend. Yes, He does indwell us, but He's present, alive, active, encouraging us, counselling us, comforting us, motivating us, inspiring us, warning us, loving us and loving others through us. He's so much more than a pocket friend. He actually fills the empty pockets in our hearts so we are full of His love and joy.

Yes, I am so glad I was able to hear from my pocket friend. I have missed her so. I have missed her huge smile, her laughter, her ballet competition in gym class each day and the camaraderie of the Three Musketeers. But what joy I have in having her tucked in the pocket of my heart, to bring me joy each time I look up at the picture in my space and remember the wonderful times we had together.

So today, I am thankful for Pocket Friends, and their reminder of the Holy Spirit who fills the empty pockets of my heart, not just to be brought out occasionally, but alive and abundant within. I love you pocket friend!

COOL RUNNINGS

What is it, or who that inspires you? Have you ever thought about it? I mean really inspires you. Well, this week, I'm inspired. The Olympics are on and I'm hooked. I LOVE the Olympics. Summer and Winter...it doesn't matter. I love ALL of them. The ice skating, the snow boarding, the luge, the downhill and the BOBSLED! I'm so disappointed this year...the Jamaicans don't have a bobsled team! Cool Runnings didn't show! How can that be? It's not a Winter Olympics with out Cool Runnings! I'm inspired by Cool Runnings. Think about it...sun, sand, water, dirt, tans, flowers, runners and bobsled...who would ever think???? But JAMAICA did! I always root for the Jamaican team. They inspire me! This year...who will I root for? I'll have to look up the team furthest from one's mind to figure out who was crazy enough to put together a bobsled team from a country where sun, sand, tan and running is their logo.

Thinking about the Jamaicans, makes me think about us. I wonder if that is what God thinks when He chooses us to represent Him? Are we the Cool Runnings of God's team. Are we the least likely people others would expect Him to choose when they think of God's choices? His disciples were. It always leads me back to the phrase I have shared with others who question themselves when called by God for a task..."God doesn't call the equipped, but He equips the called." When God chooses us to represent Him, work for Him, love the way He loves and stand strong in Him, we ARE like the Jamaicans...usually the least likely suspects. But He's there rooting for us, urging us on, cheering for us and equipping us with the best equipment available...Himself.

Yes, I miss my Jamaican bobsled team this year. But I am thankful...I have the movie! I can get inspired by popping that DVD in. And, I am thankful to be God's Cool Running team!

BLISS +

What a weekend it has been! The Olympics have begun. It was Valentines day yesterday. We played golf in a collegiate, Collegiam Tournament at our club and were teamed with some Baylor Bears - Yeah! Sic-Em Bears! And today, Jimmy and I took in a movie and dinner. Jimmy had a four day weekend and it was really nice. We even baby sat with Huston and Emery to let Clark and Alix have a Valentine evening Saturday night. The weekend couldn't have been nicer!

With schedules busy all year round, I guess many couples find it hard to just relax and enjoy each other in a nice slow pace. I know Jimmy and I often find it that way. But boy how I so appreciate those times when they come along. You know, you never really realize they are here until after they are gone. It's those quiet still moments, when the two of you just enjoy each others company with no agenda and no time constraints. I guess this is what retirement is like.

I always worried about what it would be like when Jimmy retired. His only real hobby is golf and I can only play two days in a row at most. If he were bored, what would it be like around here? I guess I just found out. Yes, I can say now...it will be nice...just us...hanging out...no agenda, no time constraints, no one expecting us to produce if we don't want to.

I wonder if that is what it is like in heaven? Just hanging out all the time? I know the Bible tells us Jesus went ahead of us and has prepared a place for us. It says there will be no sorrow, no pain, no sadness, no hurt feelings, I assume no boredom or frustration. Just great joy. The joy is being in the presence of the Lord. The most majestic of all beings. So, if retirement is "bliss" to speak of...just think about heaven!

So today, I'm thankful for those days of "bliss" when all our worries, all our pressures, all our time constraints and expectations by others placed on us are all out of thought and mind for the day. It is those times of "bliss" that is one tiny incling of what it could possibly be like when we get to heaven, in the presence of the Lord. More than "bliss", more than "unbelievable", more than...."whatever"! Yes...BLISS +

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK AND TOTS

Friday night is the night Jimmy and I like to eat out if his day hasn't been too hard. It also depends on what type of lunch he had that day. Last night was no different. He had a late lunch out at the new Marriott Hotel where the new TPC course is here in SA. Therefore, he only wanted to eat "light", as he explained it. Jimmy's "light" consists of a large burger of some sort with tots or fries or onion rings and a soda. For me...that's a rather "heavy" meal. But...a "light" dinner was what his meal of choice was last night.

Jimmy and Clark LOVE the Longhorn Cafe here in SA. It is a hole in the wall burger place right around the corner. Very trashy looking but known and loved by all. Paper towels on the tables for napkins, booths without cushions, plastic dinnerware, etc., AND everything (and I do mean EVERYTHING) is fried! Of course, I only had an egg sandwich for lunch so I decided that nothing would do unless I had a chicken fried steak sandwich and shared Jimmy's tots with him. Yes, it was heavy...and I really wanted to eat light...but who can turn down a WONDERFUL chicken fried steak sandwich, deep fried with tots on the side? YUM! Of course, I HAD to have that root beer on the side to boot!

Well, by the time we got home...I stomach looked like a loggers. And I was nauseated all night because I ate so much. I didn't finish my complete sandwich or even half the tots. But, the way it filled me up was unbelievable. I even had to get up in the middle of the night to take a nausea pill (thank you mom for those wonderful "gold" (i.e. expensive ones) you passed on to me. I still feel the affects this morning. Man, I told Jimmy that we couldn't eat at Longhorn any more. Jimmy acknowledged that our stomachs were not what they were 20 years ago. I didn't need to hear that! In fact, he could have gone all day without saying that! I hope his golf game sucks today for saying that. Age is an inappropriate subject when one is feeling bad. There is just something seriously wrong with it.

As I thought about how good this really bad, greasy sandwich is for us, and how bad those really wonderful greasy tots were for me, it made me think about other things in life. How often we love those things that in reality, aren't good at all for us. Yes, we all have heard the saying..."it's not good unless it's really bad for you." What about other things in life? For instance, gossip (it's bad, but fun and often uncontrollable once we start), spending money we don't have (we use it to console our emotions, yet it doesn't get to the root of the problem or fix anything), bullying a service person to get our way (yet we really only make a fool of ourselves when it wasn't the service person's fault at all - they were only doing their job), constantly demand to be the center of attention (when others may need our attention because they are going through a difficult time - it's not all about us). We like or participate in lots of things to satisfy ourselves, our wants, our desires, or to fulfill some deep seeded need when really, what we do or say is not good for us at all. It is just like that huge fried steak sandwich. I loved it, was hungry and wanted it to fill my empty stomach. Yet when I got it, it made me sick I had so much. Yes, I must be careful for the things I ask for, the things I demand, the things I MUST do are participate in that seem FUN or make me HAPPY. I must be careful that they are what God has planned for me or that they are not things that would hurt me or another. Sometimes the things we want the most are the very things that are not good for us - the very thing that tempts us and the very thing God is telling us is bad for us.

So today, I am thankful for my chicken fried steak and tots last night. Not because they were so good, but because they made me feel bad. Yes, you heard right...because they made me feel bad. They showed me to be careful and wise in my choices. Careful and wise in the things I participate in or ask for. Be sure I ask God what HE has planned for me or what He would have me do in a situation. Be sure to ask HIM to fill my needs or those hurting or hungry places in my life. YUM...What would God have me order next?

SPACE

I admit...I am a craft lover. I love working on crafts. Lots of different types of crafts. I love needlepoint, card making, party planning and making the decorations for it. I love scrap booking, making things with beads hanging off and I even want to try making beaded Christmas balls. I love CRAFTS! In fact, I love crafts so much, when we moved to San Antonio, I made Jimmy let me have one of our extra bedrooms for my very own work space. I love my space. It's MINE! We built a table, 6 x 7 feet, for me to do my crafts. I have my computer, printer, TV and all my craft STUFF well organized throughout the room. It is all neat and organized.

My space is sooooo cool, when I have a party or shower, my friends take other people up stairs to my room to show them my cool space. It really is awesome if I do say so myself. In fact, I spend most of my days in this space. I work on my Bible study here, work on my computer and do whatever project I'm involved in in this space. It's my sanctuary. It's very quiet up here. I can't here anything that is going on downstairs. It's a great place to pray and study. It's insulated from everything else going on outside and in. Jimmy could have a ball game on all the downstairs TVs and I wouldn't know it. I LOVE my space. I even have my own little "college" refrigerator in my closet. I never need to go downstairs if I don't want.

My friends tease me. They say my space is a virtual craft store. I have a wall of ribbons, papers, ink pads, scissors, stickers and accessories. I have a closet lined with stainless steel shelves holding stamps, books, sewing machines, punches and etc. I've collected a lot over the years. I've done a lot of crafts over the years. It seems though, most of what I have done, I've given away. But isn't that the point? Isn't that the fun of doing anything? They joy we get from giving it away? Whether it's making something or buying something or cooking something or just doing something special. Giving what we made or bought or cooked to someone, or doing it with someone (sharing the experience) is really the great joy of it, right? I don't know that I have any of my needlepoint that I've done. I send the cards I create. The scrap booking I've done...well, I've kept my travel ones but I love sharing them with others and I've made lots of small blank scrap books and given them away. And I love to cook special meals and have company or give my special "Frost on the Pumpkin" pie to others as gifts. It really is the joy of giving that is greater than doing or keeping what I've done.

I'm thankful for my special room, my place of sanctuary. But what I'm really thankful for, is the opportunity it provides me to do things, or make things that I can share or do for others. So, today, I am thankful for my SPACE.

Hydrangeas Beautiful - Sweet Gardenia Fragrance

We got a notice from the city that it was time for our semi annual (or quarterly or whatever) extra brush pickup coming up this week. This always gets Jimmy excited. It always begins his trimming and pruning of the trees and bushes in our front and back yard for the Spring. Since we've had several days of freezing weather this winter (which we were quite HAPPY about) and are still having some 30-40 degree temps, we had quite a lot of dead branches and flowering plants that needed much pruning. In fact, so much so, Jimmy was unable to do it all by himself.

Jimmy likes some yard work. He even like some pruning. But this year, there is sooooo much, I think it must have overwhelmed him. He is very busy at work and other assorted things. To add the enormous amount of yard work that is needed this year was just too much. So, in a move uncharacteristic of Jimmy, he hired a crew to come and clear out the mess we had in our back yard along with a few things in the front. Over the summer, our back yard looked lush and gorgeous. The bushes matured and bloomed as never before. The crapes were tall and bloomed abundantly. All the flowering plants had butterflies and humming birds attending them the entire summer. Jimmy had done a fantastic job creating a Wonderland. Then the freeze! Our beautiful Wonderland looked burned, even torched! We love the cold after having such hot summers. But our poor plants aren't sure what happened.

The landscaping company did a great job. In fact, things look so pruned....I am wondering if the plants will even come back. Of course we all know when you prune plants the come back fuller and richer. But when you first look at them...one HAS to wonder!

It makes me think of us and when God does His pruning on us. When we sin, our hearts turn brown, scorched and tainted. Not at all beautiful and lush as God created. Then, when the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, draws us to repentance and we are forgiven, that's when the pruning takes place. The old, ugliness is removed or pruned away. We are free to grow new and fresh, beautiful and lush, obedient and pleasing to God - just as He intended. Pruning is never pretty at first. But afterwards...what comes afterwards is always more beautiful than before. Fuller, stronger, prettier, pleasing and a beautiful fragrance.

I can't wait to see and smell our yard and garden this coming summer. I hope that is the way God feels when He finishes with me. Perhaps I should pray for His pruning. Though it may hurt and feel crummy, I am thankful for His pruning. I know when He's finished, I will be pleasing to Him - a sweet, sweet fragrance.

Yes...today, I am thankful for pruning. For new growth and sweet fragrance. I'm thinking Hydrangeas beautiful with a sweet gardenia fragrance! Yeah!

50+

Wow! This is going to be a hectic week. Lots to do...not lots of time. Time management is of the utmost. On my way home from BSF leaders meeting and Leaders' Fellowship, I had to make a couple of stops. Next, had to eat, get mail, reload the car, get things ready for tomorrow and have everything under control before my two little guys come for the evening. These next two weeks will be active ones. Friday, I work a seminar for BSF which reduces my day in half. Since I only work two per year, I never really mind...just seams like the week of, is awfully hectic. I have a nail appointment on Thursday and in the middle, gotta get lessons done and prep for a commitment at church.

Next week, Alix and I have our monthly day to cook at church on Thursday. I follow that with continued preparations for the next Thursday when I am in charge of our Lunch Bunch (Senior Adult game day and lunch) Valentine/50th Anniversary Reception after lunch. I have been preparing a lot already. But MAN...you always forget how much preparation goes into these things to make them nice. I do love planning this reception though. We acknowledge those couples in the church who have been married 50+ years with a reception of wedding cake, roses, punch, etc. It's really a nice time and the senior adults love it. We usually have about 100 people attend and it's quite festive.

This year, our colors are white, green and a touch of pink. I'm hoping to have pink roses to hand the ladies this year instead of red. Jimmy is shaking his head with all the decorations hanging out in our dining room. I'll try to remember to take pictures while at the party. Hope I'm not too busy having fun! Since Jimmy and I have celebrated our 38Th...it makes me realize our close we are coming to one day being a part of this group.

Thinking today what I would be thankful for, I think it is the wonderful example I see in the precious couples who attend this annual party. What an inspiration they are. My own parents had the privilege of living and celebrating their 50th. I think we often forget now a days what a rare find that is. We wonder how people who never lived together before marriage, who never had pre-marital sex before marriage, who married young and who hung in there when things were good and when things were really rough did it! But they DID IT! And I think now, I can positively say, it was by the hand of God and making Him center of their marriage, they achieved this wonderful status. Walking by His direction and by His standards set down in the Bible - His Word, lead these couples to lead a life filled with love, dedication, mutual respect and consideration for each other.

So today, I'm thankful for the example all those who hang in there, who celebrate joyfully and with exuberance, 50+ years of marriage to the same partner. I am thankful you care to share.

Large Vase Near Wedding Cakes

White & Green Hydrangeas w/pink flower, clear stones, green ribbon

Hurricanes Near Wedding Cakes

Green Hydrangeas w/pink flowers & white candles

Small Centerpieces on Each Table
Green & White Hydrangeas w/ pink flowers, clear stones, green ribbon

WIND

Well, my New Year's resolution got stuck. I failed to blog all last week. Yet I must say, I have been thankful. I really regret not putting things down instead of just running through the day, not stopping to take the time to truly think them through. Soooo, I will try to do better this week. Follow through....so hard sometimes for me.

Yesterday, after church, I had the opportunity to play golf with Jimmy, Clark and a new employee of the bank. Casey and his wife Kelly are friends with Clark and Alix from church. Casey has just joined the Broadway Bank family and Jimmy wanted to help him feel more comfortable and welcomed by inviting him for a golf game with one of his new working partners. He and Clark were to meet them at Oak Hills, our club, and play a round Sunday afternoon. Jimmy informed me early Sunday morning that Randy, Jimmy's friend and new associate of Casey at Broadway, had a migraine and they needed a 4th. Tag...I was it. Course, I NEVER turn down a golf game with the guys!

The weather in San Antonio is usually very nice, even in winter. So a Sunday afternoon golf game on January 24th can be quite pleasant. Yesterday was a beautiful day. However, there was one little hitch...30-35 miles an hour wind! The boys complained a LOT. I, however, was quite happy. Since I usually hit the ball lower and drive a little longer than they do (I do get an advantage from my tee box), I wasn't effected near as much as they were. Since there was a tournament ahead of us, we played a scramble with Jimmy and I as partners. I think the boys thought they had us old timers beat. What Casey didn't know was that I had on my "cute zebra" shoes...my secret weapon! I was swinging my hips well and keeping my head down and following through. My game was ON! Most of all...I had my cute shoes on...what more needs to be said!

Well, we beat the boys. We didn't exactly sweep the course with them...but we made our statement. I do love to win over men...especially when I have on my cute shoes. It really gets to them!

After the round was over, the boys were making many excuses about the wind. Yes, it made it a little difficult to hit into. And yes, walking against the wind tired one out. Guess they just need a pare of cute shoes to give them confidence and stamina. Hmmmm....manufactorers....take a note.

As I think about the wind and golf, I realize how it really does effect our game. When there is no wind, we depend completely upon ourselves. And that means there is nothing to blame but ourselves when the ball is not hit well or in the wrong direction. There is none behind us to help the ball go further. There is no right to left or left to right to correct our push or pull, or steer us into a direction we did not plan. There is no wind in our face to hold us back when we are overshooting the green or just trying to hit it far. Without wind, the wet spots in the fairways and on the greens would not dry out and the play would be soggy, gushy and awful. It also makes us cool and refreshed when the day is hot, as it gets so often here in San Antonio. The wind or lack thereof can be important in the game of golf.

The wind reminds me of God's Holy Spirit. It can be strong and gusty. There with us, all around us. Though we don't see it, we feel it for sure...moving us in one direction and another in the midst of turbulence all around us. He is also there when things are smooth. Though we try not to let Him affect us, and we depend on our own strength and ability, He is still there, waiting on us to ask His help, listen, feel His presence and believe in His power to help. Then there are those smooth going days, things are going right, a few ups and down, and we use the Holy Spirit, a beautiful blowing breeze within, to lead us and guide us as we move along in life's trials and joys. He steers us in the right direction as the wind blows the ball or he holds us back from what could be danger or not in God's plan, as the gusty wind does when we hit the ball real high. Yes, the Holy Spirit is sometimes quiet and soft spoken, those quiet thoughts in our heads, guiding us, leading us, serving as our conscience. He is just like the wind. Though we don't see Him...He is always there.

So today...I am thankful for the wind. Yes, even the GUSTY winds. What a wonderful picture reminder for me. I can use it, ignore it, complain about it or be grateful for it's help, just as I can the Holy Spirit.

I think I'll be grateful....Today, I am thankful for the WIND.

WORDS

As I was going through all the beautiful Christmas cards we received this year, in order to put them away, I began to read the printed and handwritten notes on each one from the various family and friends who were so generous to send us greetings. Many had family pictures either printed on them or attached. Others were beautiful Christmas season pictures - many with lots of snow. But the main thing that stood out in all of them was the message sent on each one.

As I read through each card, it made me think how important words are. Words can convey so many things. Either the written word, the spoken word, the implied word or the unspoken word can convey a multitude of emotions to the recipient. Example...my family love to give each other birthday cards. We shop very hard for just the right card to give away. But there is one must that is expected by all members. The card must dog the birthday person. Now I don't mean "animal" type of dog, but tease or ridicule in a funny way type of card. We've done it for years and it is expected by each member. One year, Clark gave me a Mother's Day card in Spanish. I don't speak Spanish and he knows it. I had no idea what the card said. It could have been vulgar or down right unpleasant. I would have never known since I didn't have a clue if it was even a Mother's day card. In fact, Clark didn't even know what it said. It was before Hallmark started printing on the back in English the meaning of the words written in Spanish. We all got a kick over it. I was too afraid to ask anyone what it said for fear it wasn't a nice card. But what was important was that Clark spent a lot of time finding just the right card with words (so to speak) that would dog me. I knew he spent time thinking about finding just the right card. He found a dogy card on purpose because he knew I would like it. It was funny and I got a real kick out of it. It's hard to find a card with just the right words or any occation. But I think Hallmark does the best in their delivery of words. I think they rank #1 in the word game for cards.

Words can also do damage. The wrong word, at the right time, or the wrong word at the wrong time can wound and hurt. Example...have you heard the phrase "don't kick a dog when he's down?" When someone is going through a difficult time, you don't go at them with criticism, blame, etc. Words can cut a person like a double edge sword.

The spoken word can also give hope, show compassion, express love, show support, extend grace. It can be just the medicine a person needs when they are hurt or lonely and need someone.

The unspoken word can do one of two things. It can withhold love, sympathy, forgiveness, compassion, trust and it can wound and hurt the one needing just one word. It can also give freedom to another by not saying something hurtful, loving one so much that you would never hurt them by responding back in negative manner. It can be just the listening ear that one needs instead of someone to fix the problem. It can be the silent partner that stand behind you giving you strength in the midst of a storm no matter what trouble.

Yes, words are powerful, whether spoken or unspoken. It reminds me, though, of the most powerful word...God's Word. God's Word never lets us down. It always builds us up, always gives us the right advice, always points us in the right direction that is in our best interest, always comforts us when we need that word of comfort, always there no matter what time of day or night. Yes, God's Word is not only the written Word, but in the gospel of John, chapter 1, the Bible says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word WAS God. He was with God in the beginning." Yes, God's Word is the Lord Jesus Christ.

How much more powerful and wonderful can a word be? So today, I am thankful for words. But more so, I am thankful for THE Word.

Inside greeting: Merry Christmas (with personal note)

Inside greeting: May God fill your life with love, joy and peace

this Christmas and throughout the New Year

FAMILIES

Families...don't we all just take the fact that our family is who we were stuck with? Those that we were born in to. Those that we've grown up with and know our deepest, darkest secrets and we know theirs and still...they stay around. Yet, don't we seem to take them for granted and they us?

As we get older, somehow, someway, some family members seem to grow closer and closer while others drift away and some exit forever. Take mine. As young children, we were each other's play friends. We did everything together. We not only played together, but laughed together, cried together, fought together, slept in the same room or same bed together, even bathed together. It's funny...after all that togetherness, as we grew to teenagers and young adults, we all seemed to drift apart. We went our own directions, married, had kids, moved away, and all the togetherness seemed to drift. No one said a word...it just happened.

But the older we got, we seemed to drift back together again. It seemed, the togetherness that made us so close as young children came right back up to the surface . Though each of us have very different personalities, the bonds that formed in our younger years were never to be broken. Blood is blood. Family will always be family.

I often wonder if my own children will feel the same. I believe they will. Though we only have two...I pray the bonds that were so tight in their childhood and seem to have continued through their youth and young adulthood, will only become stronger as they get older. Families are vital to a person's well being.

We are a part of God's family. Though adopted, we are still His. We are blood brothers to all the rest. Christ made that possible. His blood was shed so that we may all belong to the family of God. Since we Christians are family, we are here to support one another. Our personalities and our quirks are different and none of us are perfect...but we love each other the same. We have a common bond - Jesus Christ. It's wonderful to know we have family that loves with the same love our heavenly Father does.

So today my friends, I am thankful for families. My parents who gave me a wonderful home and family. My siblings who give me such joy in saying I am a part of their family. My husband, for making us a new family of our own and making me a part of his, whom I truly love. And lastly, but most of all, my children and their families...for the joy the bring me each and every day.

I hope everyone is as thankful as I am today for families. I also hope they are prettier than mine!!!(ha!) - see below!

Judy, Frank Jr., Roger, Me, Tommy

Roger, Tommy, Judy, Me, Frank Jr.

RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS

"Rainy days and Mondays always get me down" are words from a song sung by the Carpenters Jimmy and I used to listen to in the 70's. I liked that song, but as I think about the words now, don't quite agree with them. I really like rainy days. I appreciate the rain. I love the opportunity to stay inside, cuddle up in a chair to read book or take a nap or play with the grand kids. Rainy days are welcomed and really quite enjoyed. Mondays...well, they aren't bad either. Everyone else in the house goes back to work or school or whatever their weekly duties are and here you are, at home, alone....you can do anything your heart desires. I like Mondays too. So give me those Rainy days and Mondays. I'll take whoever wants to give theirs away.

It rained all day today. Not a hard rain, but starting with a little drizzle and stayed that way all day. Really quite pleasant. The plants got watered. The streets got washed. My car was cool and not hot when I returned to it. This rainy day felt good when I returned home, putting two grandchildren down for a nap and settling down for an afternoon rest myself. Cool, cozy, peaceful. I'm thankful for rainy days. Days that make one sleep longer at nap time. Rainy days that makes one want to stay in, satisfied to linger, read a book, nap and enjoy the ambiance of one's own home. Rainy days and Mondays are good, like a fresh car wash across one's life. Yeah...ahh...hummm. Bring 'em on!

SHEEP SUGAR COOKIES

Tuesday evenings, the little guys spend the night so they can go to Bible Study with me the next day. So tonight, they were over and we decided to make sugar cookies. Since their story tomorrow would be about the Good Shepherd, I decided to make sheep cookies. Yes, I know...Julia Childs I am not. But I can make cookies. In fact, cookies from a bag are really very good. Just add water, an egg and some butter, and WALLA!!!! You have Sugar cookies!!! Today, I am thankful for little guys who still think sugar cookies from a bag are the greatest thing since sliced bread! They don't know they are not from scratch. They just think Lovey made them and they are FANTASTIC! Aren't grandchildren just GRAND!

After they went to bed, I even iced them with royal icing - yes, from scratch - a Martha Stewart recipe, in fact. Now aren't you impressed! A picture is attached. I can't wait until they get up in the morning and see the little sheep cookies. Of course I'll have to TELL them they are sheep. As you can see from the picture, my lion cookie cutter leaves much to be desired when trying to make sheep sugar cookies. Still, I'm thankful they won't care...I'll be dreaming of sheep sugar cookies all night long!

FELLA

Well, it's 11:10 pm and I jumped out of bed remembering I forgot to blog today. My resolution was to blog each day with a mention of one thing I am grateful for.

Today has been a quiet day for a Monday. Nothing earth shattering. No emergency or last minute detail to take care of for family or BSF. No sad story to tell. Just a regular, normal (as normal as one would say as the setting on the dryer) as one could have.

It is funny however, that I received a text from Clark asking if I had some blankets and a dog belonging to Huston. I replied that Huston left them at my house when he spent the night on Friday evening. His dog, Fella, as I always knew him, was upstairs on the bed waiting for him to arrive tomorrow night - his usual overnight with Emery. When Huston was here and I mentioned I was glad to see Fella, Huston said that was not his name. I was surprised...it was what I had been calling him for over a year now and he had never corrected me before. When Clark responded back to my text, he said the dog's name was something else...Feddle or something. Not sure where H came up with that one, or how long it has been the dog's name. Guess I'm either hard of hearing or really out of the loop. Kids really do keep you on your toes. Fella really is a cute dog. I think I will still call him Fella though. Feddle, or whatever his name is, just doesn't fit this cute pup.

So Fella, I'm thankful I am able to have grandchildren that come over and spend the night at our house, go to the movies with us, eat Krispy Kream donuts on Saturday mornings with us and remind us when we don't have a clue to the names of their special friends like you! And I am thankful they have adorable friends like you who share these wonderful years of immagination and creativity!

Good night Fella!

NEW BEGINNINGS

Wow! It's been a long time since I've posted anything! A lot has been going on over the holidays and I haven't had time to think, never the less time to post. But hopefully, after today, that will be different.

Yesterday, January 9, 2010, I finally took my Christmas tree down. Yes, I am waaaaay past time, according to Jimmy. Though, I must say, I got started late in putting it up since I had a baby shower for a friend on December 19th and wasn't able to put my tree up until the 20th. Therefore, I wanted to enjoy it a bit longer. Anyway, I took it down yesterday and am in the process of getting the house back in order.

While I was taking the tree down, I watched a couple of movies. One was "Julie and Julia" - you know, the one about Julia Child's and Julie, the blogger who cooked her way through Julia's cookbook in a year? Well, I love that movie and it really inspired me. Julie never seemed to be able to finish anything. Well, I seem to have that problem sometimes too. So, I decided to make a goal, since it was the beginning of the year. Seeing that this was a new year, I wanted to begin to look at things in a different perspective. I want to see things from a grateful heart. Sooooo, I want to blog each day of the next year, with a thankful heart and tell of one thing I am most thankful for each day. Now, I know there could be many things in a day I can be thankful for. But I will mention only one each day. Perhaps not the one some would think I should be most thankful for or the one others think I should be thankful for but one that I feel particularly grateful for, for a personal reason. It may be small, it may be frivolous, it may seam insignificant. But God will know why.

So today my friends, I get to begin a new journey. One of gratefulness. One, I hope, that will change my life. One that will begin to give me a new perspective in the way I live and the way I love others. I will stumble during the day, I will sin and I will disappoint others. But I pray, at the end of each day, God will show me one thing, one special thing, I can truly be grateful for...even if it is just that they day is over! (Course I know it will be more that that!)

Today is a NEW BEGINNING! I am grateful for New Beginnings! For God's second chances.

SHOWERS

When a person thinks about showers, one usually thinks about getting clean or perhaps the rain outside. Usually, we think of showers as great! The ones that clean you are warm and refreshing. The ones outside are cool and breezy, cleansing of all the ugly things that are floating around in the air and making us sneeze. But the best kind, are showers that are given by friends for things like weddings and babies. Showers that are thrown by those who love you and want to share good news and help you begin a new chapter in your life. These type of showers bring a different type of joy than the others. In the process of other showers, we do things alone, enjoy alone, think alone, relax, pray, contemplate, plan and simply be alone. Showers thrown by friends are filled with excitement, fun, gifts, looking ahead and anticipating with others what will be in the future.

This past weekend, Alix, her mother, Kristi and I had the privilege of hosting a baby shower for Alix's sister-in-law, Daphne La Montagne. It was so much fun. I must say, I had more fun, even hosting it, than I've had at any shower I've ever even been to! The friends were fun and adorable, the gifts given Daphne were fantastic and the planning of it was worth all the work. giving of one's self is more fun and rewarding than receiving any thing in the world.

Showers make me think of Christ. How He showers us with the gift of His love. How He showers us with His blood, cleansing us of all impurities/sin. How He showers us with the freshness of eternal life - His righteousness. Yes, showers are wonderful in every sense. What a beautiful word picture of God's love.

Here a few of the pictures we took of Daphne's shower. Enjoy! I hope you are showered today!

Thursday, Alix and I began our cooking for the shower. Alix is

a little surprised at my need for caffeine!

YUM! Macadamian nut cookies...now, if I can just keep Miss Sweet Tooth

out of them till the shower!

Surf board cookies. The theme of the shower was based around the decor

of little Mac's room - surfing

The tables were decorated as beds with surfing fabrics, little stuffed animals

dressed in jams and books about surfing

"Momma Lou" King helped Saturday morning with early prep for the shower.

"Grandma" Kristi, Alix's mom, also a hostess, was there bright and early Saturday

morning to assist in the prep

Alix prepping the chicken skewers with pineapples and cherries

Kristi finishing her fruit tray

Alix and Momma Lou preparing melon balls - poor Lou, she worked sooooo hard

on those bowls and they got thrown out!

Lou was so sweet to serve for us. What a trooper!

The main table with a leaf canopy for the baby's bed.

The hostess' - Alix, Kristi and me

Daphne's Mom Jean, Alix, Kristi, Daphne,

Jackie & Kathy Langdon (Daphne's step sister & mom)

Daphne, Jean, Jackie, Kathy, Kristi & Alix

Billie Grey, another lady & Nina Gunter

Daphne's friend, Daphne, Kathy and Jackie Langdon

Me giving out the answers to the surfer game

Oh my...who could guess the answers to this game?!!!!

Loads of wonderful gifts for Big Kahuna Mac!

Jean Axtell, Daphne's mom, looking over gifts

Daphne and friend who won a "Build-a-Bear" for Big Kahuna Mac

Alix with a teacher from SAC who taught Alix, Daphne, Robb and others

Daphne opening gifts

Lane Hooten, Alix, Chris Benke's daughter, Rachel Grey

Guests watching the opening of gifts

Mac's surf board mat - daddy Robb will be soooo proud!

Visiting guests

Daphne with Jackie, opening gifts

Ginger and Lane Hooten

Kay and Anne

Kay, Kristi and Ann visiting over table

Rachel and Billie Grey holding up gift

Step mom Jackie Langdon, mom Daphne La Montagne,

mother-in-law Kristi La Montagne and mom Jean Axtell