Everyday...Blessings

Ain't College Fun!...

2012-02-15T09:59:00.000-08:00

Our crazy boys and their crazy friends...posing with the Pres. of TA&M

I believe they were on a Sadie Hawkins picture scavenger hunt...

looks like fun to me.

May you have a blessed day and may it be filled
with laughter and smiles and peace...Amy

Will You Be My Valentine?

2012-02-14T04:13:00.000-08:00

Hey! Do you know what today is?

Here is a hint...there will be red everywhere...just like me...

The girl who writes this blog is in love with this man...

She loves her Valentine's roses...

She wants to know if he will be hers forever...

Home can be the Pennsylvania Turnpike

Indiana's early morning dew

High up in the hills of California

Home is just another word for you

Well I never had a place that I could call my very own

That's all right, my love, 'cause you're my home

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Blessings. Amy

Words of Wisdom from Colt...

2012-02-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

Sweet Colt. Jesus is enough...in fact He is more than enough...

Counterfeit Love: An Interview with Colt McCoy from The Austin Stone on Vimeo.

What Goes Around Comes Around...

2012-02-13T07:42:00.000-08:00

One day a man saw an old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill, which only fear can put in you.

He said, 'I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.'

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two.. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.

Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, 'And think of me.'

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan ...

After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.

There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: 'You don't owe me anything. I have
been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.'

Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the
money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard....

She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, 'Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.'

There is an old saying 'What goes around comes around.' God works in mysterious ways and puts people in our lives for a reason.

Sweet Sunday...

2012-02-12T05:15:00.000-08:00

This is what our world looked like two years ago on this date.

Gorgeous snowfall. It is 28 here this morning. No snow but oh so cold.

Ps. 33: 18 & 20

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him;

on those who's hope is in His unfailing love.

We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.

In Him our hearts rejoice for we trust in His holy name.

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord

even as we put our hope in You.

2012-02-11T09:39:00.000-08:00

Car Giveaway...

2012-02-10T05:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess that title might have been a little suspicious...sorry. I am not giving the car away but this is the deal...
This little video is of my cousin Cindy's wonderful son, Alex. He is a senior and made this video to try to win a car from a local dealership in the town he lives in in California. He is a great young man, loves the Lord and really needs some wheels for college next year. (His mama says it will help so much because of paying for college too. For those of us who already have children in college and are paying those bills KNOW how much this would help.) Please pause the blog music, watch the video and then go vote for him on this web page. (It is fast and easy.) He is in second place right now. Thanks for your help!
http://www.bakersfieldhyundaigraduationgiveaway.com/vote.php

Courageous. Powerful...

2012-02-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

(please pause blog music at bottom of page to view video.)

The Birds & A Long Lost Bible...

2012-02-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

Happy day! I know...enough with the bird pictures. I hear ya. This will be it for a while. I promise. They just tease me every morning. Before the sun comes up they start chirping and I am driven to pull up the blinds so I can take pictures of them. They perch on the bush outside my kitchen window or on the feeder and pose. They seem to know right when I have them in perfect focus and they fly away. I am a patient bird photographer though. They come back for the food and I get a few good pictures. This is the way the sky looked this morning as the chirping started.

Red birds everywhere. They are kind of magical don't you think?

Psalm 104: 10-13

He makes springs pour water into the ravines;

it flows between the mountains.

They give water to all the beasts of the field;

the wild donkeys quench their thirst.

The birds of the sky nest by the waters;

they sing among the branches.

He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;

the land is satisfied by the fruit of His work.

This little sweetie with faint yellow markings is beautiful.

Not sure what kind of bird this is but I love him.

So small and fast and busy. I need to find out what his name is...

Mr. Squirrel wanted in on the photo shoot.

So did this gorgeous tree with the many thick legs digging down into the earth.

Sid has been looking for his reading glasses for a few days now. Can't find them anywhere. He was digging under the seats of my Dad's old truck that he drives and found this wonderful suprise. A little children's Bible from way back. It was my older brother Brad's Bible. Precious.

Psalm 119: 9-12

How can a young person stay pure?

By obeying your word.

I have tried hard to find you—

don’t let me wander from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.

I praise you, O LORD;

teach me your decrees.

Blessings. Amy

Spring?

2012-02-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

It seems WAY too early for these blooms...

They are lovely though...

While I was out enjoying taking pictures of the blooms I thought I would snap some pictures of some of my favorite houses that I get to drive by occasionally and enjoy. Lovely...

Oh, and just a last shot of one of my morning friends. Blurry but colorful.

I have been re-reading the "Mark of the Lion" series by Francine Rivers. Without a doubt some of the most gritty, inspiring books I have ever read. I am so moved by the character Hadassah. She puts God first in every aspect of her life. She loves unconditionally and selflessly. She is a little Jewish Christian girl enslaved in Rome after the fall of Jerusalem. This text below is just a bit of conversation between her and John.

John shook his head. "No, Hadassah. Our struggle isn't against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness."

"I can't fight Satan, John. My faith isn't strong enough."

"You don't fight him. Resist evil and be strong in the Lord, Hadassah, and in the strength of God's might. He's given you armor for the battle. Truth, His righteousness, the gospel of peace. Faith is your shield, the Word your sword. Pray with perseverance in the Spirit of the Lord.

Then stand firm, that the Lord might go out before you."

"I'll try," she said softly.

John took her hands and held them firmly, his warmth and strength surrounding her. "God does not fail in His good purpose. Trust in Him, and in His time He'll open your mouth and give you the words to speak." He smiled. "You are not alone."

There is just something about these books. Read them. I'm not just talking to women either. All of the MEN in my family have read them. I promise they will bless you!

You will fall further in love with Jesus through the telling of these stories. Wonderful.

Blessings on your week! Amy

Rainy Day...

2012-02-04T08:18:00.000-08:00

Good morning. I am still in my jammies and robe. I am making Raisin Bran muffins and a batch of homemade granola this morning. It has been raining buckets. So nice. Sid is out for his morning run and I am loving a slow, quiet Sat. morning.

In the best of both weather worlds and Saturdays...

along with all this great rain maybe we will see the sun today too.

The black birds like it...what is it this time of year with these black birds. Everywhere.

Thank you Father God for the rain.

Blessings on your Sat. friends!

Amy

God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine

or guess or request in your wildest dreams.

Eph. 3:20

Focus...

2012-02-02T04:46:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some thoughts from our friend Dorian Flynn. He spoke a few weeks ago at our church and it was SO encouraging and wonderful. What a blessing to hear words from the Word that make your heart long for the Lord and for living a better life for Him. Thank you Dorian!

Focus:

1. Focus on changing one constraint (defect) at a time. We make New Year's resolutions but sometimes we make too many and don't stick with any. Pick one thing you want to do better or change and master it. Work on it until you see change.

2. Focus on Victory one day at a time. Don't look ahead. This day is what we have. Be victorious. Don't put life off until tomorrow.

3. Focus on God's power, not my willpower. His power is foolproof. My willpower fails me all of the time.

4. Focus on the good, not the bad. List the things that are good in your life! There is so much!

5. Focus on doing good, not feeling good. Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Fake it till you make it comes to mind. Sometimes we don't feel like being the people we should be for God, but the feelings follow. Just do it.

6. Focus on people who help and don't hinder you. 1 Cor. 15:33- Do not be misled- "Bad company corrupts good character." Move on from relationships that bring you down. Do your best and have your say and move on. If someone is influencing you more than you are them...away from the Lord...move on.

7. Focus on progress, not perfection. Phil. 1:6- being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Keep going! He loves us! He knows we are not perfect.

Exciting words from my quiet/coffee time with the Lord this morning...

Ps. 27:1-2 &4

The Lord is my light and my salvation-

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life-

of whom shall I be afraid?

One thing I ask of the Lord,

this is what I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

and to seek Him in His temple.

Blessings on your day! Let's make it a great one! Amy

Crazy Random Picture Dump...

2012-01-31T06:10:00.000-08:00

Made me smile. Thanks Larry!

See all of these normal Aggie's? Now, look for our boys.
There are no words...I guess normal is overrated.

Life is never very dull...

Random CD that I can't get enough of...

Oh, how we miss this man. Michael Harbour...you and your sweet wife were and are a great blessing to us.

Starting to dream and pray about Camp Blue Haven. God does mighty things there. So thankful to be a part of this CBH experience...

Thinking I will take a walk right here today. Wish you could join me. Walks with my husband have been precious all of these years. What a blessed time we have had on thousands of all kinds of walks.

Just another one to make you smile. For all of our Youth Minister friends...

Love these people. My sister in law Becky and son Brazos, who by the way is right now at this moment having his wisdom teeth taken out. Don't worry though, he is so smart, it won't cause him any problems. :)

A picture that was snapped as we got off the ship in Jamaica. Warm and wonderful. A fun adventure.

Blessings on your day!

Encouraging scripture from my Daily Bible reading this morning:

Matt. 21:22-

If you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

Oh What A Beautiful Morning...

2012-01-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

Wow! Gorgeous day a goin here! Even though the plumbing has backed up and water was POURING from behind the washer this morning and coming up (gross) in the sink. It is a gorgeous day! Trying to think of something positive about having to call a plumber on the weekend with weekend rates.

Nothing positive about that.

Here is a positive thought...we decided to wait until Monday. This means no running the dishwasher, which means no cooking plus no doing laundry today or tomorrow. Now, there just might be something in that scenario that is worth smiling about! ha.

It is just so absolutely gorgeous outside that there is no way this can ruin this day. Period.

I wanted to show you two things I love that were given to me at Christmas. There are many more but these have been sweet. Wes gave me this sweet, girly mug from Starbucks. Love it. Perfect.

Debra gave me these snugly house slippers. Please don't tell her that I forgot to change when running to Wallyworld last week and wore them into the store. Yes, it was kind of embarrassing. Note to self- look at your feet before you go out of the door. Even to Walmart. Note to self...try not to go to Walmart anymore. Yeah, right.

I finished the Thin Places book this morning. Truthfully, this book is not an easy read. It is filled with struggle and heart ache but victory. I recommend it. Here are some of Mary E. De Muth's final words in the last chapter.

Jesus, the tree's so tall and I am so small. I don't have wings. But You can fly wingless me to the treetop. Help me reach the higher branches so I can sing. Help me know You see me. Enliven me. Reach me. Help me gain Your perspective, experience Your presence. I want to fly, want to have an amazing life. But even more than that, I want to know You every single day.

Give me wings, yes. But give me eyes to see the thin places life brings me, whether I am soaring or glowering or laughing.

That's what I want to be-a Jesus-follower who sees each day as a gift, who discerns thin places in every circumstance, who soars, reveling in life's beauty. L.B. Cowman puts it well: "Strive to be one of the few who walk this earth with the ever present realization- every morning, noon and night- that the unknown that people call heaven is directly behind those things that are visible.

Let it be, sweet Jesus. Let it be.

Yes, I pray that in every circumstance we can stop to see from God's eyes. React with His heart and "see" with the idea of being in a thin place. I believe if we think this way we will see thin places in our days everyday. Even seeing something good about a flooded laundry room. Dragging all the wet clothes that were on the floor out the back door got me outside and helped me notice this breathtaking day.

There is always something to learn. Just depends on how we look at it.

Blessings on your day! Amy

Pause Button...

2012-01-26T06:36:00.000-08:00

We made a fast trip to our family ranch this past weekend. This place is a special heart place for us and a place that we seem to push the pause button and let down and take a deep breath. Long meanderings where you can walk and see no one for hours are nice and the family time is always heart warming and good. The drive there is a little long but it is worth it. It is not a fancy place and maybe that is why it is extra special. Just the basics and lots of togetherness.

Our sweet mama and Lucy. Lucy REALLY loves mom even though she does not belong to her. She is Debra and Brad's red headed doggy. We all love Lucy. (We love Sandy and Gus too.) She is always happy to see us and is snugly and sweet. Thank you Lucy for making life a little nicer and more fun and putting smiles on our faces.

One of the reasons I especially love this place is this view. Nearly everyday there are exceptional sunsets right behind this gorgeous tree. They are never the same and always breathtaking. This view and the light show that God puts on here is a very "thin place" for me.

He draws me close in this spot.

I am thankful for it.

Another reason I love this place...the memories and echo's of laughter and fun times. I cherish remembering all the blessed time spent with our boys growing up and learning and sharing life together. Every moment is precious. They are all mostly grown up now and it is still special to be with the big boys and our sweet grown up girl, but oh, how those times were precious.

Another blessing of being in this place is that I get to be with these two men. My brother's are incredible men that love the Lord with all their hearts. They are walking the walk and talking the talk and I am proud of them. You bless me beyond words Brad and Michael. You are Kingdom warriors and I love spending this life with you and am excited about living in God's presence in heaven with you someday.

Won't it be grand!!

I could go on and on about my Dad and sister in law's and nephews but I guess you might have already clicked off thinking...she is over sentimental and goes on and on and on...

You are right. I will leave you with some thoughts from an interesting little book I am reading.

Thin Places by Mary E. De Muth

Anytime I am wronged, or perceive I am wronged, I have a window to see Jesus clearer by the way I react. If I forgive, I get to experience Him. If I growl bitterness, He seems farther away. Forgiving is the deepest kinship I've experienced with Jesus so far, but it's not an easy kinship.

The more gratitude, the closer we are to the whispers of Jesus.

I need to shed my need-for-everyone-to-like-me coat in favor of His robe of redemption,

His mantle of humble submission.

Truth is, I don't like me when I'm all about me.

God is interested in the great reversal. Not clean hands and a dirty heart,

but a clean heart and dirty hands.

My stubborn, self-savvy heart will not reach for the sky if my earth becomes everything I need. If people fill me up, then where is my need for the transcendent? If everything is glory and beauty and sweetness and light, will I be the type of soul that reaches to Jesus?

How much better He is, than things...

Blessings on this white page of today. I pray we will write it carefully and intentionally...

Love, Amy

Family Trip...Cruise To The Sunshine...

2012-01-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

Hey! We finally got the Internet working here at home. There is so much I want to talk about but thought I would post some (a lot) of pictures from our family trip that we took right after Christmas.

By the way...this WAS a splurge, and we don't ever do things like this

but we found an incredible deal and could not pass it up.

It was so nice to be out on the water and have time with each other without cell phones and computers and the normal distractions. We sailed out of New Orleans on the Voyager of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean ship.

Of course, there had to be a breakfast stop at Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans the morning before we sailed away. Look at these powdered sugared, tasty beignets and chicory coffee. Yummy and a fun stop.

This little cafe sits in the inside in the middle of the ship on the Royal Promenade.

We enjoyed visiting here for snacks at all times of the day and night (Wes was our night owl)

The main dining room was so gorgeous. Looked like the one out of the Titanic movie. I did not dwell much on that though. Not a great thought.

The view leaving New Orleans. The mighty Mississippi river.

Our view on Sunday morning from one of the top decks. We got up early to worship together and enjoy God's lovely creation and sunrise.

This was a special time. We spread out and had our quiet time by ourselves and then came together for communion and prayer. I am so thankful that our boys love the Lord. What a blessing to this Mom and Dad.

They have a special fifties diner that we ate in. They sing goofy songs and serve all the french fries, hamburgers and onion rings you can eat. Lots of laughs.

Cozumel. Poncho. Wes.

This nice policeman let us take a picture. Security seemed pretty tight in Mexico.

You can also get anything you want at the local pharmacy. Interesting.

Pretty sky, pretty sand, pretty water.

Our big ole boat. Amazing...We had to tender in at Grand Cayman.

This was the most lovely beach and my favorite spot.

The guys snorkeled out around that reef in the picture and I just soaked up the sun.

Our waiter's name was Sonny. He was from the Philippines.

One cool thing about a cruise is that you meet so many people from all over the world.

I loved that.

Jamaica. Not my favorite place. It felt threatening and the beach was very crowded with people trying constantly to sell you things. Will was offered drugs twice and a prostitute within a four hour period on shore. It was nice to walk back behind the gate and get back on the ship. It wasn't too bad but you know that feeling you get when your spirit is not comfortable? I really had it there. It felt a little sinister.

I feel that in New Orleans too.

I wonder what we would see if God showed us the spiritual battle going on around us in those places?

A lot to think about.

The boys certainly got their moneys worth in food on this trip. They ordered at least 4 or 5 and sometimes 6 appetizers and 3 or 4 entrees every night. It got to be a little funny toward the end.

Man, these guys can eat. I am sure they lost money on us.

My handsome and awesome husband...

Sweet little monkey hanging in the boy's room one night.

What a blessing to be together. They clean up pretty good!

Juggler on the last night. Unbelievably great. We also saw an ice skating show and a great Motown group.

What can I say?

Thank you Sid for taking us on this wonderful vacation. So loved the sun, relaxing, reflecting, goal setting,

laughter, great conversation, rest, people watching, friend making, fun time.We love you!

I pray that your New Year is off to a wonderful start.

We are reading again through the One Year Bible and God's Word just gets richer and more wonderful each time you jump back into it. We worshiped last weekend with both of my brother's at their home church. Such a blessing to be with family again so soon. The singing was so wonderful. I especially was touched by these words of praise...

Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain...

Let's talk again soon!

Blessings. Amy

Missing You Guys...

2012-01-20T05:59:00.000-08:00

Hey! We are still alive and kicking...just having dumb computer problems. (AT&T...why I oughta...)Hope to be back up and running by next Monday. Thank you Leslie at brazleblogger.blogspot.com for the sweet award! Can't wait to tell you guys about our trip and about the "Thin Places" book I am reading. Even more important to talk about what God is doing in our lives. Life is flying on. Trying not to miss it. Talk to you soon. Blessings!! Amy

Oh, There You Are...

2012-01-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

Psalm 5: 3-

In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation.

11-12-

But let all who take refuge in You be glad;

let them ever sing for joy.

Spread our protection over them, that those who love

Your name may rejoice in You.

For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous;

You surround them with Your favor as with a shield.

Good morning.

These words stirred my heart and soul this morning.

As we start reading through the yearly Bible again I

find the scriptures even more alive and speaking to me.

Thank you God, for Your perfect Word.

It is a glorious sunny day. I am up this morning after fighting what I think was and is a migraine headache yesterday. I am thankful so very much for sleep. I can go to bed in pain or incredibly tired and wake up feeling rested and better. It's just a small thing, but I am thankful for sleep.

God is still working on me in so many ways. I have a huge problem with fear. It paralyzes me and even though sometimes on the outside you can't tell, inside I am shut down. I have really gotten a handle on laying down my fears about big things. God has helped me to do that. But... right now it is such silly and small thing but I am afraid of spiders. We have killed over a dozen brown recluse spiders in the house we are living in and it kind of freaks me out. I had the house sprayed and have seen dead ones and then this morning found a live one on my laundry floor. I know, really lame to be upset about spiders. I guess we can all get to a freaking out point about anything. Praying for protection and trying not to worry.

I started a really wonderful book this morning. It was recommended by our former preacher, Michael Harbour. It is called "Thin Places" by Mary E, DeMuth.

I know I am going to love this one. Here are some words from the first chapter:

Surely God is in the nooks and crannies of my life, stooping to earth to woo me. Sometimes I recognize Him, but usually I continue on the mundane path,

not realizing a breath of a veil exists between the Almighty and myself.

I live in the midst of holy moments, yet only in retrospect do I really see them. I claw at the seams of life, questioning God's ways, seldom realizing that if I'd stop clawing, I would capture new glimpses of Him through the thin places. God woos me from behind the veil through the tragedies, beauties, surprises, simplicities, and snatches of my life I might overlook.

I once was lost, but now I am found, was blind but now I see.

Blessings on your day, and mine I pray today! Amy

Haiti Update...

2012-01-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a wonderful article about our oldest boy,

Live Beyond and MMDR-(Mobil Medical Disaster Relief) ...I am a little...well a lot biased,

but I think it IS wonderful. Thank you Laura!

http://laurakurk.com/2012/01/03/living-beyond-yourself/

Blessings on your day! Amy

Christmas Family Fun...On The Road...

2011-12-30T09:12:00.000-08:00

I know it is really too late to be talking about Christmas, but...WE JUST GOT HOME!!

We keep the road hot on the holidays and whew...I am tired.

Just wanted you to know that we have not fallen off the face of the earth just yet...

I am still up on New Year's Eve. Yes, it is just ten o'clock and it is a shock that I am not yet in bed even on this night that everyone watches the ball drop or kisses at midnight or whatever traditions you have. We typically go to bed before midnight and acknowledge the new year in the morning. :)

Anyway, on this New Year's Eve...I am waiting up for our youngest son to get home. It is foggy out and of course this is not the best night for young men and women to be out on the roads. Praying for him to drive in here safely sometime...not too late.

I just thought while I am waiting and trying to stay awake that I would show you some of our Christmas fun.

It was a great time of fellowship with family and friends and I loved every moment of it.

Mom's Christmas tree...

Dusting of snow on Christmas Eve...

We have always taken a Christmas morning pile on the bed picture. As you can see we were short five kiddos, well children, well nearly grown kids, ok, pretty much grown kids in this picture. My, how things change and rearrange. Missed Colt, Chance, Zane, Ben and Ky on Christmas morning.

My sweet, wonderful Daddy...

At the Ranch get together with cousins...

This was a funny story. About a month ago I asked Ben what he wanted for Christmas. He popped of in a smartypants way and said," I want a life sized cutout of George Washington." Then he gave me a smirk and laughed. Well, I found one on Amazon and boy did I love surprising him with it. For once, he was flabbergasted. Loved it.

Lovely ranch sunrise...

Manly men doing manly things...

So fun to see some friends from college and hug their necks and see their children. Russ and Mindy, thanks for coming to Texas to see Michael and Jan and all of us! Loved visiting with you.

Aren't they a beautiful family? Michael and Jan, you are beautiful too...

We were also happy to spend an hour of so with Larry Henderson and family. We love every moment that we are able to spend in their company. It is always a blessing. By the way, Caleb there in the middle sitting down is marrying a special Camp Blue Haven friend of mine, Sarah. Aren't they cute? I love how God works things out for our own good and for His good pleasure.

Well, It is now ten thirty and I am going to get off of here and I don't know...do something while I wait on our boy to get home. All I want to do is sleep.

Blessings on these last few hours of 2011. Blessings also on 2012.

May it be a year of drawing closer to God for all of us.

Love, Amy

Good Morning...

2011-12-23T06:05:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 12:14-

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy;

without holiness no one will see the Lord.

22-24-

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

28- Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."

Interesting and awe inspiring verses.

Pondering:

Without holiness- no one will see God.
I guess I better know what that looks like.

I do know that a lot of the time I do not look or feel holy.

But...I know that I am headed for the city of the living God.

I am going to see those angels...thousands upon thousands of them in joyful assembly.

My name is written in heaven.

Oh, my goodness...how can I comprehend that?

I am thankful for Jesus my mediator and His sprinkled blood.

His loving act that saved me and offers to save anyone who

will believe and be washed clean and take up his cross and follow Him.

Ps. 113:3-

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,

the name of the Lord is to be praised!

Maybe that is the key to being holy.

Praising His name and sharing His love from the time we get up

to the time we lay our head on the pillow.

Not out of duty, but out of our great heart desire to please

and thankfulness that our names are written in heaven.

HEAVEN!!

Blessings on your day and Merry Christmas.

Love, Amy

Busy Holidays...

2011-12-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

Wow...life moves fast.

We are enjoying having our youngest boy home. Well, most of the time...ha. I just told him to get a life and quit saying he was bored. That just does not fly around here. It has been cool and rainy today. Nice day to be in the house (not getting out of my sweats and sweatshirt and absolutely putting no makeup on) and enjoying some peace. All the presents are bought and wrapped and I probably need to get a few more but I am calling it DONE! Done.

This photo below makes me laugh. Sid is cutting up (a little) at graduation. It looks like some of the guys are looking at them giving mean looks to be quiet. The hat is interesting. Pretty cool.

Wes always puts this ugly troll thingy doll on our tree. I don't understand and it creeps me out, but it makes him laugh...as you can see, we don't have a gorgeous tree like some homes. Just random weird ornaments.

The building of a really unattractive gingerbread house by Wes and friends.
They were not too serious about it as you can see.

I have been trying to catch one of these beauties for several days. Finally. He sure is Christmasy looking.

Reminiscing.

This picture was taken before Wes was born at my Mom and Dad's house one Christmas.

My, how time flies.

By the way, if you need a laugh or want to cry with me... I think I am loosing my mind. I sent my nephew and his lovely wife the VERY SAME Christmas gift that I sent them last year. Now, who does that? Nuts. The same game and the same pancake mix. Yes. I am loosing it. I am sure that they are still laughing at me. I am now making a file folder for my Christmas lists for every year.

I think I will probably forget that I made the file. Oh well.

Will is still in Haiti. From all I hear which is not too much, they are doing just fine. This picture is from the last trip. We will pick him up soon at the airport in Dallas. Can't wait to hug his neck and hear his stories. It would not suprise me if he smuggles some of his little friends home with him.

As busy as things are I'm not sure when I will be able to blog next.

Blessings on travels and fellowship and have a Merry Christmas! Amy

Encourage One Another...

2011-12-18T06:24:00.000-08:00

Good morning. It is crisp and cold, but sunny outside my window.

Our oldest boy is in Haiti this week. It is hot there and sticky and probably uncomfortable. I am thankful for the work they are doing. We are comfortable in our nice homes and they are sleeping out in the open on a roof top listening to the sounds of Haitian life around them.

They are loving orphans, building walls, helping treat broken bodies...encouraging.

Wonderful scripture from my daily Bible reading today...
(yes, I am behind, but still going...)

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10: 23-25

Wow. It is just not about us and pleasing ourselves and if we find worship boring or stagnant. Make it better. Look for the good. Go and encourage. God will bless. I believe that. I find it interesting that day in the last sentence is capitalized. This gives us and indication of an "event" that is going to happen. He is not just talking about some day in the future we will see Him coming...in the clouds...with shouts and trumpets. He has planned the event...the "Day". I don't know, just made my heart beat a little faster this morning.

We are enjoying having our young son home and hanging out with us.

Looking forward to worshiping with him this morning.

I am sitting here looking out the window at a tree with two Cardinals jumping around in it.
They are so gorgeous. Makes me laugh thinking about last week

when a sweet little bird flew in my house when I opened the front door.

Getting a bird out of the house is not easy and I promise you, very funny.

Another random happening right now is, that we are killing at least one Brown Recluse spider a day in this house. I am trying not to freak totally out about it but it is really getting on my nerves. We are having the house sprayed tomorrow. Praying we survive without a bite before then.

Nasty little bugs.

As you can see in the picture above, the leaves here are just getting more and more beautiful.

Day after day they just get more colorful and gorgeous.

I am sure the next little wind will blow them all away...so we will enjoy our colorful leaves today.

Blessings on this beautiful Sunday.

Thank you for your prayers for our boy in Haiti. Amy

Fall On Your Knees...

2011-12-17T06:04:00.000-08:00

(pause blog music at bottom of page to listen.)

Blessings! Amy

You are God's Plan "A"...

2011-12-15T06:34:00.000-08:00

Good morning!

Our brother and preacher is moving. It's hard to imagine worship without his thoughts and passion and encouragement. He will be dearly missed, but we are thankful for how he helped us see Jesus better and helped us long for God...Here are some of his quite famous quotes...

You are God's plan "A"

Manage yourself...

You can afford to give yourself away...

Survival is not our chief ambition...

Seek to be a non anxious presence...

Words have such power...

People trump law...

All we have to do decide is what to do with the time that is given us...

Jesus brought a whole new way of being a human being...

There is no bait and switch...

Stories are light...

This is not some ancient old text (the Bible)...this is YOUR story!

Don't panic. Wait. Trust. Reflect His character...

Saved=whole, which means living out your giftedness...

Conflict is inevitable. Combat is optional...

See the good, SAY the good...

"I feel disincluded"

Failure is not final...

Work the problem...

Love one another as if your life depended on it...it does...

We are responsible...

I would not wreck you for the world...

Deliberate mediocrity is a sin...

Be Jesus-Available, sensitive, helpful, creative...

Take Holy risks...

God intends to bless the world...

Jesus is dangerous...

There is no spiritual life apart from the physical life...

Jesus restored people back into community...

We are priests for the sake of the world...

Our work is to live free of the fear of death...

You are wanted!

I love you! And I LIKE you

We come to the assemble because we are here to do thanks...

Drink coffee with your critics...

Make your enemies your friends...

Parents are responsible for launching their kids...

Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature...

I am called to live a Holy life!...

It matters how we live...we carry THE name...

Be careful what you choose...you may get it...

Slow and steady wins the race...

There is no quick fix. There are no easy steps to life...

We are invited to share in life that matters!...

You are the beloved of God!...

Sing it out! Pray it up! Sing your heart to God...The only helping place...

How can we complain or grumble if we are dead in Christ?...

Open my ears Lord-help me to grasp the meaning of it all...

I died and signed up for this...I've been sent...Do I dare to give my life away?

This is not MY mission I am on...It is the mission of Jesus...

Heart Happenings...

2011-12-14T05:05:00.001-08:00

Psalm 73:23-28

Yet I am always with you;

you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

Those who are far from you will perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;

I will tell of all your deeds.

This scripture above has kept coming up this week. First in our lesson last Sunday and in our ladies bible class. I love what it says and I am sure that there is something I need to learn in it. I want to feel that way all of the time. I pray that our desire for the world and all it offers will grow less and less all of the time and our desire for loving God with an undivided heart will grow stronger every day.

I love Christmas. Not for the gifts or even for the good food, but just because we get to be with our loved ones...I can't wait for this..
Standing in front of my Daddy's fire...

Seeing the bright, happy stockings hung on the mantle...

Maybe seeing this? Who knows...

Life moves on. I don't like it much. Sometimes I just wish that some things would never change. We have been so blessed to have such quality family time around the holidays for years and years. I guess it is unrealistic to think we could always and forever enjoy the company of the same family members during the holidays. This Christmas we will be missing these two below...

Casey Burl will be in California for the Texas bowl game during Christmas. How stinky is that? Well, probably will be fun but I know he will be missing being at home with family.
We will miss you Casey! Have fun!

Chance and demon eyed, sweet Lucy will be in attendance...I like that..
By the way, CONGRATS Chance! ACU college graduate!

Anyway, not sure where this post is going and am sure you have probably clicked off by now. Pretty crazy to write just random thoughts of the morning and put it out on the internet. Nutty.
I hope that we will be able to be with my husband's family one more time during the holidays. We are going with DaddyBob to the Aggie bowl game after Christmas. Fun times ahead.

Well, I am getting off here to get ready for our boys to arrive home in a few hours.
Today feels like Christmas day...can't wait to see them!
Blessings on your day! Amy

Good morning!

2011-12-11T05:57:00.001-08:00

A gorgeous Sunday "good morning" to you!!

We enjoyed a Christmas Gala last night.

Fun time to dress up and people watch.

A good time was had by all I think.

These crazy boys are coming home this week.

They have great friends that throw silly Christmas parties and I think they have lots of fun. We cannot wait to have them home for several weeks. Big, big smiles on our faces just thinking about it.

I am looking forward to being in worship this morning. Our preacher is moving in a few weeks and we are going to really miss him and his wife. What a blessing they are and we are cherishing the next couple of Sundays to hear his thoughts and heart. May your day of worship be a blessed one.

Ps. 104: 33 &34

I will sing to the Lord all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the Lord.

Love, Amy

Festive Fun...Christmas Party Ideas...

2011-12-06T05:11:00.001-08:00

Good morning! We enjoyed a time of fellowship with some good friends last night. Our friends helped us move a few weeks ago and we needed badly to say thank you. Getting together during the Christmas holidays is so much fun. I love to cook and prepare fun things for times of fellowship with friends. Time management though is not a strong suit of mine. At about 5:30 I realized that I had better actually clean up the house a little since people were coming over at 6:30. I cleaned a little and then pondered on the fact that in low lighting and using candles that you can really miss alot of dirt on the floors and dust on the furniture. No, we don't live in a nasty house but here was my thought...if everything has to be PERFECT before I can be hospitable...

I would never have anyone over.

So, we just go ahead in our so not perfect house and enjoy the fellowship of friends. Thanks guys, for not bringing your white gloves for the dust test or looking too closely at how clean the floors are.

Anyway...this tree is leaning forward. I need to work on that. It is also anxiously waiting on our boys to come home and help decorate it. Only about a week left little tree...hang on.

I saw this sweet and yummy way to prepare your mug for hot chocolate. I really did it because it was so pretty, but when we actually drank out of the mugs...oh my goodness, it was also quite tasty. Give it a try. Easy and oh, so festive.

This little party favor or Christmas gift was fun and easy to prepare.

Peppermint Chocolate Cocoa.

My wonderful sister in law Debra gave me this tag with these words of wisdom on it. So simple and profound. She said she was at a friends house and she had these shipping tags all over her house just hanging from things with scripture's and thoughts to remember. I think it is a super idea. Thank you!

As we go about our merry way over the holidays, I hope we can remember the words above.
Gratitude...

Looking outward to the needs of other people instead of inward at my own needs. I am reminded that I have enough and am so blessed. I want to look for ways to bless other people in my path.

Father, please help us to have the eyes to see...and hearts to care...

Blessings on your day! Amy

Peppermint Cocoa

http://www.howdoesshe.com/peppermint-rimmed-hot-cocoa

Peppermint/Chocolate Rimmed Mugs:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/peppermint-stick-cocoa-10000001011199/

Longing for Him...

2011-12-05T07:45:00.001-08:00

"If you want to build a ship don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the

endless immensity of the sea."

Antoine-Marie-Roger de Saint-Exupery

May we inspire people to long for God and not check off a list to be "good" and earn our way. We cannot earn it. The closer I walk with God the more I feel butterflies in my stomach and a swelling in my heart and longing for Him and for heaven. Yes, you do have to work at it and yes, there are dry, dead moments and times. Nothing in this walk of life that is worth something comes easy. Slow and steady wins the race as our wonderful preacher says. I encourage all of us to keep walking and longing for Him no matter what. He is waiting and He is there even in the quiet times when you wonder if He is not.

Psalm 119:174

(NLT)

O Lord, I have longed for your rescue,

and your instructions are my delight.

Beautiful Birdie...Phd Celebration...

2011-12-03T06:55:00.001-08:00

Sid's office and friends gave him a little Phd party to celebrate him finishing his doctorate.

Thank you! He was perfectly surprised and felt very loved and cared for. You guys are wonderful! Not sure how to post better quality pictures of phone pics. Working on it.

I put one of our bird feeders right outside the kitchen window just like at our last house. I love quietly sneaking up to the window to try to get a good photo of some sweet birdie on the feeder. Isn't this one lovely? Not sure she likes me looking at her...

The weather is changing in the next few days. Cold-soup weather coming up.

I like it!

Perfect for the Christmas season.

Things I am pondering today:

Praying about if I should accept and invitation to speak at a ladies day on Passionate Christian Living. I am very conflicted about it. Just not in my comfort zone but God seems to be giving me thoughts on it. Shoot.

Thinking about having joy no matter what...

even when we have pain in our bodies and pain in our hearts.

Thinking about Christmas with our boys around.

We can't wait to have some quality time with them.

Will is going to Haiti again before Christmas.

Already praying about his trip.

Thinking about how nice Michael Buble's voice is and how much I like his new Christmas cd.

Thinking about Colt and praying for his safety and protection the rest of this NFL season.

Thinking about Case and how him and the rest of the Texas team are going to beat the Bears today.

(Sorry Rachel and Glyn)

Thinking about how we have so much and are so comfortable and how we can give to people that need help and comfort and God's loving touch.

Thinking about a new green drink I found that I am quickly getting addicted to. Naked- green machine.

Thinking about how much Christmas shopping I need to get done and wishing we could just all go on a trip and enjoy each other's company instead of gift giving. I love gifts getting and giving, don't get me wrong, but we just don't need anything...and so many need everything...conflicted emotions this time of year.

Thinking about the words our preacher spoke last Wed. night.

We are God's plan A.

Am I using all of me for God's glory?

Christ calls on His disciples to give up alot.

He asks us to give up-

guilt, shame, anger, sin, rage, hate, darkness, pain...

Are we willing to give these up?

Are we willing to give up the sin that gives root to these things?

It matters how we live. We carry the name of Christ.

Thinking about how happy I am that my husband is finished writing that huge paper and that he had time to go to a high school football playoff game last night (he did not even know either of the teams) but loved watching and relished Friday Night Lights with no "I should be writing guilt".

(I know I should stop with this but hey...still thinking...)

Thinking about how much I love and enjoy my sister in laws. All of them.

Love spending time with all of them.

How blessed and fortunate that we all get along.

Rare I think.

Thank you God for the bond we all share through You.

I am sure that is why we all get along so good.

The God factor cuts out selfishness and pettiness.

Thinking fondly about the fact we got to spend time with Tim and Lisa Mack last week in Lubbock.
Lisa, I love ya. You will be forever tied to my heart. You bless me and no matter where I am I feel close to you. Thankful for time together.

Thinking too about my blog friends that I love checking in on and have gotten especially close to.

What a blessing you have been to my heart and mind. Especially you girls...

http://wawawaughs.blogspot.com/

http://www.mommymizfit.com/

http://lembergfamily4.blogspot.com/

http://janettessage.blogspot.com/

http://sandflatfarm.blogspot.com/

http://brazleblogger.blogspot.com/

http://laurakurk.com/

http://thecottageonpilgrimsfarm.blogspot.com/

http://farmingonfaith.blogspot.com/

http://themeadowbrookblog.blogspot.com/

Blessings on your Saturday! Amy

Thanksgiving Fellowship...

2011-11-30T07:41:00.001-08:00

We are home!! What a wonderful time with family and friends over Thanksgiving break.

Before the picture overload...these awesome words to encourage

from this early morning time with God .

Psalm 90

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

Pictures to prove the fun...

Annual family Aggie (whoop) picture in Aggieland with DaddyBob.

Gorgeous day with lots of people that we love.

Kiddos not in order age wise but height wise. Cute.

Typical family picture when Wes is in the pic. Since he is part of the family he is always in the picture. Duh. Anyway, I am not sure that we have ever had a serious or decent picture EVER because of our youngest boy. What can I say? It's hopeless...but fun. Thanks for all of the crazy pictures Wes!

Sweet, sweet, sweet. (Notice the face. Reference the above comments.)

Love the marching in of the Aggie Band before a ballgame. Goose bumps. They are so wonderful.

And what a game it was. Heartbreaking for the Ags, but we were happy for Casey Burl. He did the Longhorns proud (and his mama and papa and family.)

Thanksgiving at the ranch house. Yum. Yes, those are plastic red solo cups. We go in for fancy here! More time to visit and less time washing dishes is what I say! We even used paper plates! Gasp! I know, it was a little pitiful but no one was crying over it.

Great pic of Wes and cousins Abigail and McLain...

After the College Station Thanksgiving we headed to the ranch. Yes, the ranch Thanksgiving table was out of order. What? You expect me to be orderly? Anyway, my oldest brother wanted everyone to spread out in all of the deer blinds and count deer one night. We three decided to go together because it just sounded like more fun. It WAS fun and no, as I am sure you have guessed we did not see one deer. You mean you have to be quiet to see deer from a deer stand? Whoed a thought.

The colors were gorgeous.

These colors were most gorgeous. The sky out there always seems so blue and the clouds so puffy.

Picture perfect.

Of course we had to go into Brownwood for an over stuffing of our belly's at Underwoods.

So. Very. Good. Sweetie hearts below...

Casey lovin on his mama with DBurl peaking around and Chance telling some funny story. Love you all.

No words for how comforting and wonderful this spot is.

Oh, and really to leave the biggest news for last because it is terribly exciting and wonderful...My incredible husband defended his dissertation two days ago and is now a Doctor! Well...Phd! He has worked so very hard for so very many years. We could not be more proud of you honey! You are super man!! I think we still look pretty good together! Love you!!

Blessings friends and family! I am off to put up the Christmas tree! More family fun ahead.

Talk to you soon!

Messiest Cook...But It Sure Smells Good In This Kitchen

2011-11-22T07:29:00.001-08:00

Good morning. It has been raining hard and now is sprinkling a pleasant little bit. Perfect Thanksgiving weather. We have the blessing of being able to spend Thanksgiving with both sides of our family. I have been up cooking this morning and have really enjoyed the time in the kitchen. Our sweet friend and Camp Blue Haven camper Samantha Bahl is very close to seeing Jesus face to face. We have been praying for a miracle for God's glory but if it is not His will that she remains on this earth, that He would bring her home soon so she can be free of the pain. Your will be done Father.

I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber. The Lord watches over you— Psalms 121:1-3

I found this recipe in a Thanksgiving magazine. It is Cranberry Chocolate Scones.

I must say that they are as good as they look. Yum.

Ok, Does anyone else get this messy when they cook? My Mom used to tell me that when I was cooking the kitchen just seemed to explode. She is right. Controlled chaos.

The muffins you see are Pumpkin Chocolate Muffins. I also just took two Pumpkin cakes out of the oven but did not have time to give them a photo shoot. Pumpkin and chocolate. Pretty good stuff.

Also, I had this conversation with my sisters in law's when they were helping me pack up. When you are cooking mass volumes of food do you wait to wash up at the end or wash up as you go? As you can see I am a wash the dishes at the end kind of girl.

They are both much more tidy than I am. Those girls. Perfect. :)

I pray that you all have the most wonderful Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Delights

On Thanksgiving Day we’re thankful for

Our blessings all year through,

For family we dearly love,

For good friends, old and new.

For sun to light and warm our days,

For stars that glow at night,

For trees of green and skies of blue,

And puffy clouds of white.

We’re grateful for our eyes that see

The beauty all around,

For arms to hug, and legs to walk,

And ears to hear each sound.

The list of all we’re grateful for

Would fill a great big book;

Our thankful hearts find new delights

Everywhere we look!

By Joanna Fuchs

Blessings ! Amy

Monday Musings and Buttermilk Pie...

2011-11-21T08:29:00.001-08:00

It's Monday before Thanksgiving! I have got to get it in gear. Whew...

It is overcast and threatening rain this morning. We need the rain, but I need the sunshine. Understand?

The picture above is of William with two of his good friends Kristin and Candace. His team won the Intramural Football Championship game last night.

Wish I could have been there to see it.

Looks like they had fun. Sweet girls.

We walked downtown last weekend to eat supper with some friends. It is all decorated for Christmas. So nice. Love this time of year. We usually don't put up our Christmas decor until after Thanksgiving but I may jump it forward a little this year. I am just ready. There is something comforting about Christmas lights and colors and music. Maybe it's because we associate all of it with sweet family time and being together.

I had a friend send me an email and ask for one of Mom's recipes. Thanks Dalaina! She will love it that you asked for it. I like thinking of you making it with your girls and picturing your Thanksgiving with your loved ones. Anyway, I thought you might like it too. It really it SO good.

Buttermilk Pie

half stick of butter, softened

1 and a half cups sugar

1 and a half Tbs. flour

Cream this, then add 3 whole eggs, 1 at a time.

Add half cup of buttermilk to which you have added a fourth teaspoon of lemon extract.

Bake in unbaked pie shell 1 hour at 325 degrees. Enjoy!

So very easy and so extremely yummy.

Our boys and nephews love it and think it would not be Thanksgiving or Christmas without this pie.

Blessings on your day as you go about preparing for family time and yummy Thanksgiving food.

Parting thoughts:

Michael Harbour:

"Drink coffee with your critics."

Make your enemies your friends.

Blessings! Amy

Here Comes The Sun...

2011-11-17T06:03:00.001-08:00

Good morning! After a few semi-stressful days of moving with great help from wonderful friends with strong arms and backs, we are completely out of our sweet (sold) house. We are enjoying the back yard of this lovely rental home. It is big and cool, green and shady. The birds are abundant and the light filtering through the trees is exquisite. So peaceful. We need peaceful. Moving is hard with the new aches and pains that come with being alive over 50 years. It was much easier a few years ago. Lifting and moving your earthly belongings makes me want to get rid of my earthly belongings.

I also think we need a hot tub to soak in and a good massage.

We do have to keep a good sense of humor too. On the day we moved in here this lovely house that is on the market and has not been shown for weeks or maybe a month...was shown to a sweet couple that walked through ooing and awing about what they are going to do to it when they purchase it. I have to admit there was some panic and depression for a few hours on our part, but so far we have not heard word that they put a contract on it. We went for a walk and prayed that we could have joy (no matter what) and that we would be blessed to see the big picture about this season in our lives. I have been praying that God would give us at least through Christmas to be still and enjoy this view.

I have a feeling we need to be finding that little down-sized house that we had in mind pretty quickly though.

By the way... all this gorgeous light has me thinking about the Light of the World. My sweet Jesus.

John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Matthew 5:14

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

John 12:46

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

I am also thinking alot about being still and listening to God. I like stillness too. I have to work on being still. I want to be still enough for long enough to know God better

and see what His plan for this day is. I don't want to miss it.

So, as you go about your day today and I go about mine, I pray that we all move and go and do with the expectation that we are to be about sharing His light.

We are His light.

Blessings. Amy

Feeling Fifty Today...

2011-11-12T13:01:00.001-08:00

I am tired. We have been packing and packing and packing and well, I am just tired and feeling 50.

In the middle of the boxes I decided we needed to sit

down with a fresh cup of coffee and watch some football. Nice break.

I am feeling a little like this blog has taken a strange turn also. It seems like photographs are my form of communication right now because of the busy state of life and my not being able to put two interesting thoughts together. ha. I am laughing but it is true.

So...hoping to feel a little settled and focused soon. (Blaming menopause.)

Hoping also to be able to find my socks and the can opener too.

My wonderful husband made final copies of his dissertation today.

He will be defending on Dec. 1st.

So very proud of him and all of the hard work

and perseverance to finish this goal.

You rock honey!

I was downtown a few days ago and saw this way cool car. I thought of our boys and the fact that they would love it. It even had a surf board on top! What? Strange but super looking.

God's word is so comforting and gives us strength when we don't have much strength of our own. So many people are hurting and some fighting for their lives. Praying for Samantha: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/samanthabahl

and for Anne:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/annehuffman/journal

God is faithful and is there even in the midst of fear and pain.

Blessed are those whose strength is in You,

who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

Ps. 84:5

Blessings! Amy

Autumn...

2011-11-11T05:16:00.001-08:00

NFL Football and Packing Up...

2011-11-09T07:41:00.000-08:00

What a blur these past few weeks have been. This little move from one house to another is quite an undertaking but I think we are going to live through it.

A nice rain and cold front blew through yesterday. It rained bucket fulls. It was so wonderful.

We were blessed this past weekend to be able to get down to Houston and see Colt's game against the Texans. Our boys met us down there and it was wonderful to hang out with them for the day. We got to hug Colt and sweet Rachel's necks and talk for a few minutes. It was a blessing.

Sure do miss them.

Love this picture of Colt and his mama.

This is a little blurry but sweet. I realized after the long walk from our car into the stadium that I forgot to put my camera in my bag. Believe me, I was not happy with myself.

So, these pictures are taken with my phone. Grrr...

I have to say that I have two really special, wonderful brothers. This older one is pretty incredible. I watched random people walk up to him after the game with Longhorn or Cleveland Brown's jerseys asking if he could get Colt to sign them. He took their addresses down on his phone and took them with him. He was stressed and tired and hungry and concerned about Colt but he was just downright nice to all of them.

I love you big brother. You are kind and classy.

Jump to Monday and we got into this business...

My precious sister's in laws which I just call my sisters came

behind the pine curtain and helped me pack up my house the past two days.

Their help was invaluable.

I could not have done all of this alone and I am thankful.

The help packing was super but the fellowship and talks in

between packing were balm to my heart and soul.

We did take a break last night to enjoy a yummy meal at one of our favorite places.

They serve this dish called Chicken Guadalupe. Oh my goodness. I love it.

I will have to walk an extra mile today because I love it so much.

It's the skinny pasta for me next time! :)

So...thank you for your help Jan and Debra!

You are a blessing to me in so many ways.

Love you dearly.

I pray that your week will be a wonderful one! We are hoping to get resettled soon and are looking forward to THANKSGIVING!! Our favorite time of the year.

Blessings! Amy

Come and sit for a while...

2011-11-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

We attended an event at our local Arboretum today. It was cool and beautiful and they had a jazz band playing and a beautiful table loaded with tempting food. It was lovely. After the news of the ACU bus wreck and the heart break of that ordeal it was soothing and calming to be in the gardens and walk in the peace and quiet and ask God for comfort for His people and blessing for recovery.

I pray that your day of worship tomorrow will be filled with thanksgiving and peace. I pray ours will be too. Blessings...and enjoy this walk through the garden. I invite you to just sit for a while...

Isaiah 49:13

13 Shout for joy, you heavens;

rejoice, you earth;

burst into song, you mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people

and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Friday Thoughts...

2011-11-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

Give unto the Lord the glory due His name;

worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

Psalm 29:2

Good morning! It is a beautiful one. The sun is shining and it is very chilly. Great fall weather. My thoughts this morning...

Praying for Casey and his quarterback situation at Texas. I would write what I really think about what is going on but I might get in trouble. :)

I love this sweet picture of Casey, Ky and Jan.

I think it was taken at the Gibson family reunion one year. Precious. Love you Casey.

Thinking also of his brother Colt. He plays in Houston this Sunday. The NFL is tough. Praying for his safety and blessings. Love you too Colt.

Praying for you two to continue to be God's men. Proud of you.

Remember the day I posted about the super loft that we were so excited to be moving into? Well, it has fallen through. Loved the place and love the landlord.

Some other lucky family will enjoy living in that lovely place.

Those dreams dashed but...

Another lovely friend has graciously offered to let us live in a house that they have up for sale. We will live in it until is sells or we decide exactly what we want to do. We will wait for something else loft like or something smaller (downsizing) that we really love. We are so thankful. Her house is in an older, gorgeous part of town. It is big and has a beautiful big back yard. God is so good.

Kitchen...

Living room...

Backyard...

So... packing away and being thankful...

What are you guys up to on this superb Fall day?

Blessings. Amy

Restless...

2011-11-02T03:49:00.000-07:00

(please pause blog music at the bottom of the page. thank you.)

I have posted before about how much I love the band Switchfoot. Our oldest son introduced us to their music. We could not help but get a little addicted to it hearing it blasting out of his room for several years. I was annoyed for a while until I started really listening to the words of their songs. They touch so very beautifully at the heart of our deepest emotions toward God. I know, they are hard rock (most of the time) and have long hair and I seem way too old to be into this kind of music. Whatever. I guess we never get so old that our hearts don't remember being young. I pray we never loose that adventurous abandon to just love and live out loud and be who we are really supposed to be. So, I offer no apologies and even want to share this new song from their "Vice Verses" album. It is called Restless and I love the lyrics and the thoughts and how it makes me think about God and being restless and staying restless in my search and longing for Him. I hope you enjoy. Our boys are restless. I am restless sometimes. I want to be restless all of the time. I think that would be good.
Colossians 4:2

New Century Version
Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God.

I am the sea on a moonless night

Calling falling, slipping tides

I am the leaky, dripping pipes

The endless, aching drops of lights

I am the raindrop falling down

Always longing for the deeper ground

I am the broken, breaking seas

Even my blood finds ways to bleed

Even the rivers ways to run

Even the rain to reach the sun

Even my thirsty streams

Even in my dreams

I am restless

I am breathless

I’m looking for you

I am restless

I run like the ocean to find your shore

I’m looking for you

Running for the other side

The world that I’ve always been denied

I’m running for the infinite

With the tears of saints and hypocrites

Oh, blood of black and white and grey

Oh, death in life and night in day

One by one by one

We let our rivers run

They run restless

Run restless

Drifting and breathless

I’m looking for you

We run restless

We run like the ocean to reach your shore

I’m looking for you

I can hear you breathing

I can feel you leading

More than just a feeling

I can feel you you reaching

Pushing through the ceiling

Till the final healing

Everything completing

Until the sea of glass we meet

At last completed and complete

Where tide and tear and pain subside

And laughter drinks them dry

I’ll be waiting

Anticipating

All that I aim for

What I was made for

With every heartbeat

All of my blood bleeds

Running inside me

I’m looking for you

Prayer Group...

2011-11-01T05:42:00.000-07:00

My sweet Mom and these close friends of hers have been enjoying a Prayer Group for years and years. They have blessed their children and grand children's lives and have been there for each other through thick and thin. I want to point you toward her article on the "Word For Today" blog about their prayer time together. I hope it will encourage us all to form special prayer time with our sisters. Blessings today! Amy

http://gsccwordfortoday.blogspot.com/

Pretty Porches...

2011-10-31T11:35:00.000-07:00

Out on the Porch

Come sit with me out on the porch in early morn,

And watch a new day struggle to be born.

A tinge of orange upon horizon's breast

And stars now tired--flicker low and rest.

Look through dark leaves to lighter skies in space,

At patterns that resemble finest lace.

So quiet hear the beating of our hearts

As slowly day arrives--and night departs.

The moon now pale high in the sky,

Watch morning birds as they begin to fly.

Tranquility abounds, air crystal clear,

A moment stopped in time, devoid of fear.

To feel the warmth of rising sun,

Another day for us begun.

Reach out your hand for me to hold.

Together, watch this day unfold.

--Written by Patrick Joseph Hubauer

I pray our day has time worked into it to sit on our porches and think about God and about beauty and the blessings He has showered upon us. Love, Amy

I Love A Good Parade...

2011-10-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

Halloween...Hmmm...

2011-10-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

Colossians 1:9-13

New Century Version
Because of this, since the day we heard about you, we have continued praying for you, asking God that you will know fully what He wants.

We pray that you will also have great wisdom and understanding in spiritual things

so that you will live the kind of life that honors and pleases the Lord in every way.

You will produce fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God.

God will strengthen you with His own great power so

that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient.

And you will joyfully give thanks to the Father who has made you

able to have a share in all that He has prepared for His people in the kingdom of light.

God has freed us from the power of darkness, and he brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son.

For some reason this scripture just seems so rich and real and powerful to me. Knowing that we CAN have the kind of life that honors and pleases the Lord. That He gives us strength through His power so that we can endure troubles and we will be patient in them. I suppose that is why His people can have joy in the midst of troubles through Him.

We are FREE from the power of darkness...and brought into the kingdom of His dear Son...

Wow!!

Speaking of darkness...

Whenever this time of year rolls around (Halloween) I am struck by lots of conflicting thoughts. Our kids participated in Trick or Treating and it was fun. They dressed up and had cool costumes and ate lots of candy, but...there was always a side of me that just wanted it to hurry and be over. Now, as the years have gone by I have even more of a distaste for Halloween. I think there is enough "scary" in this world without trying to make everyone scared. Not sure what God thinks but I wonder at this feeling in my mind and heart and attribute it to the "Spirit" living in me. It is an uneasy feeling.

I do think that these scriptures speak something about it:

Gal. 5:16-19

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Deut. 18: 9-13
When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the LORD your God.

Many years ago we had some very interesting things go on in our family over the Harry Potter books and Pokemon cards. I won't get into it because I would probably get lots of ugly comments but it was clear, so very clear, that that realm of entertainment was something that we were not to take part in in any way. So...I will let it go at that but just ask...how do you feel about Halloween? I love this recent post at "Smelling Coffee" about spreading the sweet name of Jesus during Halloween...check it out-

http://smellingcoffeetoday.blogspot.com/

These days we just skip right over Halloween and move on to Thanksgiving. By the way I saw this gorgeous pumpkin decoration on the door of a local B & B yesterday.

I only had my phone but snapped a picture.

So beautiful.

I am also already listening to this cd in my car.

Yes, it is early for Christmas music. Just can't help myself.

Blessings on your day and thanks for listening! Amy

Morning Fog and Fall Swap...

2011-10-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Good morning! What a gorgeous walk I had yesterday. It was foggy with the sunshine streaming through. Beautiful. I love walking for my health but even more it does great things for my mind and spirit. Just seeing the beauty around me is such a great blessing.

Ok, truthfully, I am feeling a tad bit overwhelmed. Why is it that when I feel this way I just want to stop and crawl under the covers and take a nap? Weird. I started packing yesterday. I am trying to do it slowly and methodically. Of course anyone that really knows me knows that I am not methodical but random and somewhat scattered. I put all the knick-nac patty wacks on our big table and all frames and signs, etc. on another table and will start the boxing up with those items. We will see how it goes.

I think I need sign therapy. Can you believe how many cute signs are lined up there? Not sure what to think about that. I am sure it says something about my personality but I have not idea what.

Oh, by the way, don't you love getting fun things in the mail? I participated in a Fall Swap and my sweet friend Leslie and I swapped. I got her box in the mail yesterday. It was so cool! She sent the items above and I love each and every one of them. Can't wait to try some recipes from the cookbook and her own personal couple of recipes that she sent. Coffee, mug, wonderful note cards, lip balm (I needed that!), Banana Pepper Mustard...thank you SO much Leslie! You can see her sweet blog here: http://brazleblogger.blogspot.com/
She is an amazing person.

So, I am off for another walk with time to talk to my Maker and take in the loveliness around me.

My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me."

And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."

Psalm 27:8

Then, of course there is the packing...whew. Prayers appreciated. Amy

Boys Will Be Boys...

2011-10-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

We LOVED having our boys home this past weekend. They brought good friends and we LOVE them too. What a blessing it was to be able to spend time with the friends that our boys spend lots of time with. God has surely blessed the Walker boys with great guys to be around. These five men are Mighty Men. They are not only awfully handsome and strong and smart...they are God's men. Wow.

When I think of them I think of:

2 Samuel 23:13-17

During harvest time, three of the thirty chief warriors came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. “Far be it from me, LORD, to do this!” he said. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it.

Such were the exploits of the three mighty warriors.

I know that our boys don't have many chances these days to do the brave, life threatening, honoring things that David's mighty men did but in their hearts they long to do such things. I pray for our Christian young men that they will stay grounded in the Word and that they will ask God for opportunities to be Mighty Men for Him. Our men are warrior's at heart and long to do extraordinary things for God and I believe they are meant to do so. They are also meant to do the everyday,
day after day hang in there and do the right things too.
As mother's of Godly boys, let's encourage them and let them dream about being God's men and not just like millions of other boys that are only taught to live for themselves. I pray we are being very intentional about exciting our children to live for God on earth and about taking people with them to heaven.

Lazy Sat. morning breakfast. That is a happy Dad right there.

I realize that this soup does not look to appetizing. I agree...but it really is so very good. I will put this in the recipe section soon. It is one that several people keep asking me to add. It is called Southwest Soup. Yum.

Will was out talking to Sid during this picture. Love the smiles.

Timed pictures are always fun and goofy, especially when I request that everyone hug.

Getting guys to hug for a picture is pretty hilarious...see?

Boys will be boys...what can I say?

Blessings on this new week! Let's make it a great one! Love, Amy

In The Morning...

2011-10-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Psalm 5:3

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 59:16

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

Psalm 90:14

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

They Are Coming Home!

2011-10-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

Aren't the mum's gorgeous right now? I forget from year to year how much I love them. I strolled through the garden entrance at Wally World just so that I could admire them. So lovely.

They are just happy flowers.

Our boys are coming home this weekend. This is first chance they have had to travel back since school started. They are bringing friends and we have food for an army. So. Excited!

The toilet bowl brush is not so attractive though is it? Just a fact...you gotta have one and a new one every now and then is much better than an old one if you know what I mean. :)

Thinking about the menu and cooking and where to sleep them all. Can't wait for football watching and coffee drinking. I can't wait for lots of noise in the house with fellowship and good conversation all around.

Oh, and much laughter and tons of hugs. Lucky us.

Blessings! Amy

It's About Abortion, but More About God...

2011-10-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Gianna Jessen...I heard her speak last night. I still do not have the words to express how I felt after I listened to her words. I still even this morning am crying over what I heard.

It is not just because of the crime and horror of abortion but more even about how she spoke about her Jesus. It was inspiring and heartbreaking and heart filling and it made me dream of a better world and men that can be Brave hearts and Uncommon men and women that can love themselves because of who they can be through the Lord Jesus Christ.

She made me want to know God better and to dwell more closely with Him.

Her proclamation of her love for Jesus is heart freeing. She does not ask for forgiveness for being straightforward and politically incorrect. She is standing loudly for Him. I want to be more like Gianna because she wants to be more like Jesus. She is God's girl. I am too. Be blessed as you listen to this video. Be blessed and let's live our love for Jesus out loud. Let's not be afraid of being politically correct. Our world in my opinion, is being politically corrected straight into hell.

We need to stand up with great love and tell the glorious story of our Savior.

Blessings. Amy

(please pause the blog music at the bottom of the page.)

Changes...

2011-10-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

Gypsy-

1. a. a member of a people scattered throughout Europe and North America, who maintain a nomadic way of life in industrialized societies.

Our house has sold. We put it up for sale in July just to see if we could down size and save a little money because both boys are in college. To those of you that have lived in the same house for years and years this seems very strange I am sure. But you see, for Gypsy's it is not strange. For people that love to live in new houses and like change it is not strange. I know that we fall into that category. Ask our friends from anywhere that we have lived. Most of them will roll their eyes and agree. But truly, this house is just too empty and kind of lonely without two big ole boys bouncing around in it. So...we are going on an adventure. After all, we are crazy, empty nester's.

In a housing market that is at the least very slow here where we live, our house has just up and sold. Thank you God. This new adventure will take us into the world of leasing for the first time just to see what it is like. We are SO excited that we have been blessed to have the opportunity to live in an old historical building that dates back to the 1880's. It is a large open (except for two bathrooms) loft area. What fun it is going to be. So...right now I am thinking about packing up and all the work that goes with changing everything over to a new address and also getting to paint the new walls and how our furniture will work in this large open space. I love this. The picture above is the hallway entrance to the loft. The picture below is one of some exposed brick and paint colors. I would love any advise on historical paint colors from the 1880's to early 1990's. I have probably bitten off more than I can chew but here goes...

Oh, and by the way, Sid is only about 3 weeks away from finishing his doctorate work, so he is very focused and I am kind of in this on my own for now. That is ok and I am SO thankful he is about to conquer these last few weeks of hard work spanning now years and years. So proud of you honey!

There is a very cool end of this loft that has this built in bookcase area. So quirky and cool.

Kind of reminds me of the Professor's study in "My Fair Lady". (Seeing how many times I can say "cool" about this place...)

The kitchen is so pretty. The cabinets are beautiful craftsmen looking cabinets.

Lots of storage room. Can't wait to cook our first meal in this kitchen.

So, we will say goodbye soon to this lovely, sweet house. But, after all it is just a house. You can make a home anywhere. I remind myself that this world is not my home. I don't want to get too comfortable in it.

Blessings on your Monday! Amy

Love these scriptures from my quiet reading time this morning:

Is. 50: 4

He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

Eph. 4: 32-

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.

Big Fat Pumpkins...

2011-10-14T05:48:00.000-07:00

Merry Autumn Days

Author: By Charles Dickens

‘Tis pleasant on a fine spring morn

To see the buds expand,.

‘Tis pleasant in the summer time

To see the fruitful land;

‘Tis pleasant on a winter’s night

To sit around the blaze,

But what are joys like these, my boys,

To merry autumn days!

We hail the merry Autumn days,

When leaves are turning red;

Because they’re far more beautiful

Than anyone has said,

We hail the merry harvest time,

The gayest of the year;

The time of rich and bounteous crops,

Rejoicing and good cheer.

An Autumn Day

Author: Unknown

Pumpkins in the cornfields,

Gold among the brown,

Leaves of rust and scarlet

Trembling slowly down;

Birds that travel southward,

Lovely time to play;

Nothing is as pleasant

As an autumn day!

God has a purpose for your life, and no one else can take your place.

The Lord is faithful in all His words, and gracious in all His deeds.
Ps. 145:3

Blessings! Amy

Just For Smiles...

2011-10-13T06:21:00.001-07:00

The Creator...

2011-10-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

We are studying a book called "ABC's of a Godly Heart" in our ladies Bible class. The lesson this week was refreshing. We talked alot about our Creator. I love this scripture from our lesson:

Isaiah 40:26,28a- "Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing...Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth."

The author's thoughts:

Rainbows and sunsets and flowers and birds, are supposed to lift our eyes to the throne room of the Beautiful One. God built a landscape on which we could meet and be friends.

Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they display knowledge.

All we have to do is pay attention and marvel at His handiwork.

I love the evening sun. How it brightens everything and slants across the yard. It makes even crunchy, dried pine cones look beautiful.

I praise you God for the wonder and beauty of Your creation. Thank you that you loved us so much that you made Your world incredibly beautiful just so we can enjoy seeing it. That is...if we are looking.

Blessings on this lovely sun soaked evening. Amy

Old Fashioned...Godly Parenting...

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Great words from my sweet friend Laura...please go to her blog and check out her thougths...
http://laurakurk.com/

What, I wonder, happened to the Marmees of the literary world? Marmee, the mother in Little Women, capably held her family together while her husband fought in the Civil War. She had trouble finding enough food and keeping them clothed, but she never played the victim and she continued to be the moral compass for the family. Where are the dads like Atticus who stood for something and were respected and loved by their children?

They’re among us, aren’t they? They are your parents and my parents, if we’re blessed with Godly ones. They are the truth that’s better than fiction. They’re the ones who, despite all the distractions of this world, know when to put “things” away and focus on relationships.

Sure, it’s entertaining and revealing to watch young adult characters being strong and independent and making it without an ounce of help from their parents. But tuck away in your hearts and minds that in our own lives in the real world, there’s a better way, a road map, a blueprint for making families work. I think you should all read Growing Up Colt by Colt McCoy and his father Brad McCoy if you want to see God’s plan for families in action.

Maybe Tolstoy was onto something and happy families are all alike in that they have chosen to live beyond the reach of the world.

He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.
Proverbs 14:26

Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace.
Psalms 144:12

The rest of this article:http://www.katharosnow.com/index.php?pageID=4820_3

Blessings! Amy

What the Bible Is...Tutorial...

2011-10-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

"Introduction to a New Testament Pocket Bible"

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of
salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its
doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true,
and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to
cheer you.

It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the
soldier's sword, and the Christians charter. Here Paradise is restored,
Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is the grand subject, our good design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it
slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise
of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you in life, will be
opened at the judgement, and be remembered forever. It involves the
highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn
all who trifle with its sacred contents."

All In A Day...

2011-10-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hi! I went to see my kiddos yesterday and went to a suprise party for our oldest. What a blessing to be there to see the boys with their friends and get to have a peek into their lives. They have THE BEST brother's and sister's in Christ. By the way...the picture above is of a gorgeous barn that is on the road home and I have always wanted to stop and photograph it. Since I was by myself this morning and it was lovely outside and sunny, I just stopped and clicked a few and admired the beauty. Ahh...

Speaking of Will...he introduced me to Switchfoot years ago and I just downloaded their new album, "Vice Verses." It is powerful and moving and I love it. I know, an old person like me should not be into rockin music but I just can't help myself. The words to their songs just move me and they touch on the heart of what I feel about Jesus most of the time and the urgency to tell the story and to live out loud. Thank you Jon Foreman for letting God use you to speak for Him. This is one of my favorite songs off of this album. It is called Where I Belong. Here are a few of the lyrics...

Until I die I'll sing these songs

On the shores of Babylon
Still looking for a home
In a world where I belong

Where the weak are finally strong
Where the righteous right the wrongs
Still looking for a home
In a world where I belong

Feels like we're just waiting, waiting
While are hearts are just breaking, breaking
Feels like we're fighting against the tide

I wanna see the earth shaking
I wanna see a generation
Finally waking up inside

Until I die I'll sing these songs
Still looking for a home
In a world where I belong

This body's not my own
This world is not my own
But I can hear the sound
Of my heart beating out
So let's go boys, play it loud

On the final day I die
I want to hold my head up high
I want to tell You that I tried
To live it like a song

And when I reach the other side
I want to look You in the eye
And know that I've arrived
In a world where I belong

When I arrived home today I was blessed to be able to help after ladies Bible class with packing up our Christmas boxes for children in Haiti. What fun it was to see all of the carefully chosen gifts for the sweet children that will love getting these gifts for Christmas. It was fun. Wish I could be there to see the excitement when they open them.

Have I told you how much I just love being with these boys? I am sure that I have, but I love their goofy, fun, silliness and the fact that they don't mind being with their mama. Whenever we are in Cracker Barrel they always go straight to the candle section to smell and make each other guess what each smells like. Strange I know...but fun.

I miss their daily silliness but am thankful for the every now and then time together.

I'm off to a meeting and then am anticipating a nice long walk with my husband.

The best things in life are not things. So true.

Blessings. Amy

Sunday...

2011-10-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

We will worship the Father...Worship the Father...Worship the Father of Glory!

Happy Birthday Skippy...

2011-10-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

Our oldest boy turns 21 this week.

Amazing how you see and feel a deeper level or different kind of love when you have children.

Thank you Will for loving the Lord above all else.

You are a blessing to us.

Psalm 127: 3-5

Children are a heritage from the LORD,

offspring a reward from him.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior

are children born in one’s youth.

Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them.

3 John 1:4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

This scripture was on his birth announcement...

Our children are good and perfect gifts from above...I pray we teach them to love the Lord and prepare them to go back to Him at the end of their lives.

1 James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Blessings on your day. It is cool and sunny here. Wonderful Autumn morning! Amy

Alaska-How Do You Describe...

2011-09-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

Such a wonderful trip?

Alaska is breathtaking.

No way to adequately describe such a wonderful place or precious time together...

But I will try. A little.

Blue tinted glaciers are other-worldly...

Ships that stay afloat in rough seas while serving up yummy food and entertainment and pull right up to secluded little towns that seem lost from other parts of the world...

My heart warmed as a saw my steadfast, sweet mother reading her Bible everyday. Strength from the Word. I love this picture of her hands on her Bible.

Quirky little animals on your bed when you come back from wandering on the ship...

So cute!

Beautiful desserts and artistic, good food. And, you don't have to cook it yourself. Nice.

Views that are so beautiful they don't look real.

Flowers. Just beautiful flowers.

Sitting in random coffee shops, watching the mist fall and the people pass by. Marveling that we were in the Gold Rush town of Skagway, Alaska.

Giggling and loving each new creation in our room...

Taking goofy pictures on one of multiple elevator rides. Being thankful that my sister's (in law) put up with all of my picture taking.

Marveling at God's handiwork...

Loving being with my Mama...

Being astounded at how beautiful the light looked on the water...

Feeling like crying because of the blessing of seeing such beauty...

Seeing hundreds of waterfalls streaming down the sides of mountains. Unbelievable...

Seeing a glacier in person and being so touched that we just had to sing to God. One of those moments...

Laughing at the Sea Lions and holding my nose because they stink so bad...

Dressing up with the girls and eating in a fancy dining room. Laughing and loving it...

Wishing that I could move to Alaska for even just a year and live in that beauty and to see if I am tough enough to do it..

Having the thought quite a few times that my sister-in-laws are some of the prettiest girls on the earth...

Well, I have decided there is no way to put into words how gorgeous Alaska is and no way to describe how much I loved this time away with my Mom and the girls. It was a blessing. When I am old and sitting in a rocking chair and walking down memory lane in my mind I am sure I will think about this trip. I will be remembering the time I can't adequately describe. If God made such beauty for us to enjoy on earth, can you even fathom what heaven will look and be like? Wow. Just Wow.

Thanks for the fun girls and thank you Dad for sending us!

Blessings! Amy

Part 1...Alaska Trip...Seattle

2011-09-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hey! We are home and I have had a day to rest a little...needed that, and am working on getting my land legs and fuzzy swimmy head back in order. Cruises are FUN but I am still feeling the motion of the ship now three days later. Whew. What a wonderful trip full of lots of time to talk and laugh and see new (to me), beautiful land that God made. I am so thankful to have been able to take this trip with my Mom and sisters (in law), and I am also thankful to come home to my kind, loving, awesome husband. I missed him. We were blessed to be able to share a meal with my cousin Rick Gibson the night before we flew out from DFW. So good to see him! Here are some pictures of our first leg to and in Seattle.

These pictures are not in order. This new layout in Blogger is messing with me. Everything seems backwards. Anyway, the picture above is of us sailing away from Seattle. The one below is of my beautiful, inside and out sisters. Can't put into words what these two girls mean to me. They are a blessing to my life.

We were blessed to worship with some sweet brother's and sister's last Sunday morning in Seattle. LaConia Maxwell is the gorgeous woman on the far right. She played basketball at ACU for Dad years back. Her husband Apollos preaches at the Holgate Church of Christ. It was a special time of worship and hearing the word spoken so lovingly and with great passion. I think we could have just come on home after that worship time and have been content with the trip stopping right there.

It was a great time of blessing for us all.

This picture was taken down in front of the Pike's Place Market. What a gorgeous place. See the two guys walking to the right of us? They broke into a fight just after this picture was taken. Weird. Anyway, the flowers and fruits and vegetables and fish were SO unbelievable and beautiful. Loved seeing this market. Loved the cool weather too. It is Autumn in Seattle. Nice.

Balloon man. People watching was quite fun.

At the Fish Market. This guy was funny. Debra yelled at him to throw a fish and he made her come and take a picture with him. Lots of laughs.

Silly fun...creeping on the banjo player...

The colors of the fruits and veggies were well...breathtaking. Honest.

You can loose your breath over fruits and veggies!

Fish lips.

The flowers were cheap and huge and gorgeous. Not as gorgeous as these girls though.

If I lived there I would be tempted to have fresh flowers in the house everyday.

We visited the original Starbucks. It was pretty cool but I can't put any pictures of the original sign on here. Goodness, the original Starbucks lady does not have any clothes on. My, my. We tried the new flavor- Salted Carmel Mocha...I think that is what is was. Delish!

The four of us tramping around Seattle. Fun.

This little fruit picture is out of order, but I had to leave it in. SO colorful and lovely.

Food for Thought:

Ecc. 7:8 - Patience is better than pride.

9-Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the laps of fools.

12- wisdom preserves the life of it's possessor.

18- the man who fears God will avoid all extremes.

8:1- wisdom brightens a man's face- and changes it's hard appearance.

Well, I pray that your day is going great. I have a long list to get crossed off. The sun is shining and we eagerly await Autumn temperatures here. I hope they come soon! Blessings. Amy

I Feel It In The Air...

2011-09-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Goodbye...

Summer...

Lovely flowers and butterflies...

Welcome, Pumpkins...

Fall colors...

Yummy Fall food...

BRAN - APPLESAUCE MUFFINS

1 1/4 c. whole wheat flour
3/4 c. crushed bran cereal
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. applesauce
1/2 c. oil
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
In large bowl, combine all muffin ingredients, stirring just until ingredients are moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined baking cups 2/3 full. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Makes 12 muffins.

(These tasty muffins fill your house with the wonderful smell of Autumn...cinnamon and nutmeg.

They smell so good.)

Blessings on this touch of Fall day. Amy

Don't Listen to Lies...

2011-09-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

The enemy of your soul will do whatever it takes to get inside your mind and fill it with lies. We must learn to recognize his deception before we can refute and and resist it.

The only way to fight his lies is with the truth of the Word of God.

Romans 13:12
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.
So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

When things start becoming confusing or vague- or your mind is anxious, fearful, doubt filled, stressed, or overwhelmed- that is not from the Lord. It never is. The simplicity in Christ is crystal clear, positive, peaceful, faith filled and calm.

1 Cor. 14:33
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

When our thoughts start flying south, we can stop the migration and cry stop! We have to say, "No, this is not happening on my watch." We can put the Holy Spirit in charge of our mind.

God, thank you that you have given me authority over all the power of the enemy. I rebuke the plans of the enemy to torment me with the thoughts of fear, failure, doubt, and depression.
Thank You that You have given me the mind of Christ.

Jesus is the Deliverer who sets us free from our own ungodly, terrifying thoughts.
Because of Jesus, we can change your minds!

When you have tormenting thoughts, or thoughts you know are not of the Lord, do what the Bible says and think only about things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, or praiseworthy.
Phil. 4:8

Lord, reveal to me any lies of the enemy that I have accepted as truth.
"Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my mind and my heart" Psalm 26:2

Help us to live with the love, power, and sound mind You have given us.

Prov. 31:25-26
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Taken from "The Power of a Praying Life" by Stormie Omartian

Blessings! Amy

Aggies for Christ...

2011-09-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

The Aggies For Christ is a college life ministry sponsored by the A&M Church of Christ in College Station, Texas. In the AFC, college students can be a part of a community of Christians. Newcomers will find their transition much easier because of the many great friends they will make. The AFC ministry helps students develop friendships with other Christians that will last a lifetime and find opportunities to share their faith with others in eternally significant ways. Spirituality is strengthened through Bible studies, devos, service projects, weekend trips, and extended mission trips. But, above all, the focus and goal of Aggies For Christ is to glorify, honor, and serve our mighty God and lift his name up at Texas A&M University, Blinn, and around the world.
Gig ‘Em and God bless!

This paragraph above is from the AFC website.
Both of our boys went on weekend trips last weekend with fellow Aggies. On these weekend trips they go and help a small congregation somewhere in Texas with what ever they need help doing. So proud of this program and what it does to spread the name of Jesus and how it helps our children to grow closer to God and to build awesome Christian friendships. What a blessing. Here are some pictures below of some of these wonderful kids.
Trip to the Woodlands...Wes and Collin and friends...

This pic is of Will waiting in the airport to go to Haiti the last time. Oh, how he has been blessed to make this trip twice with his Aggie brother's and sisters.

Fun in The Woodlands...

The Aggies do spiritual and funny skits for the youth groups...

Wes with his good friend and CBH counselor Candace...Having a good time as usual...

This is Sid at the age our boys are at now. The picture is taken at Camp Deer Run but he was also very active and a leader in AFC while in college. I think it is pretty cool that our boys are now doing things that he did while he was in college like working with the AFC and working at youth camps. My, what a hunk. He still looks the same too. Winner...Me!!

Will and friends in Haiti...I think I have posted this pic before, but I just love it.

Aggies at the Shine retreat for students thinking about coming to A&M. They are learning to yell. ha!

A skit Will was in at the Point, Tx. congregation last weekend...

Will's weekend group...

AFC Sunday morning Bible class...

Well, just a quick update on some things the boys are doing and a little look into Aggies for Christ.

Here is some really wonderful advise that someone told me yesterday to help to combat fear...
FEAR is...False, Evidence, Appearing, Real. I love that and it is so true.

God will never let you be shaken or moved from your place near His heart.
Joni Eareckson Tada

I told you that I had something exciting to talk about well...this is it! Look...

I usually don't ever talk about places I am going until after I have been but I just can't stand it!! I have been blessed with the opportunity to go on a wonderful girls trip to...ALASKA!! We are leaving soon so if I am suspiciously gone...I am in Alaska taking breathtaking pictures. A chance of a lifetime to see the unbelievable beauty that God blessed that part of the country with. The fellowship will be sweet and a blessing too.
Talk to you soon! Blessings. Amy

Killer Bees,(maybe) and a Remodel...

2011-09-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I enjoyed an extra long walk this morning with a friend. It was nice.

Came home to see these mean little critters drinking my sweet humming birdies food.

Grrr...anyone have any ideas on how to keep these little pests away from a hummingbird feeder?

Usually I just have wasps on the feeder but I think we had some African Killer Bees come through! Yikes!

These pictures are not in order like they should be. It should be the old garage pics first and then the remodel pictures next but I am just a little lazy this morning and have a long list to get too so I am leaving it this way. Anyway, we had fun having this room redone for the boys to live in. They love it and hopefully it will be a great home for them for all the coming years they are in college.

Garage before...

Bathroom and closet area...

The black hole...

By the way, Wes went on an AFC trip this weekend and a sweet blogger friend of mine goes to the church where they worked for the weekend. Jennifer and Wes were able to meet and he loved talking to her.

Here is an AFC update on her blog if you are interested. She takes lovely pictures too.

Thank you Jennifer!

Monday Is Laundry Day...

http://content-jennifer.blogspot.com/

Blessings on your week!

I have something SO exciting that I can't share with you yet but can't wait to tell you about!

Talk to you soon. Blessings, Amy

Remembering...

2011-09-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. Abraham Lincoln

America is a Nation with a mission - and that mission comes from our most basic beliefs. We have no desire to dominate, no ambitions of empire. Our aim is a democratic peace - a peace founded upon the dignity and rights of every man and woman. George W. Bush

The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated. Ronald Reagan

Ps. 119: 45-48

I will walk about in freedom,

for I have sought out your precepts.
I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame,
for I delight in your commands
because I love them.
I reach out for your commands, which I love,
that I may meditate on your decrees.
Remember and feel the excitement to tell the greatest story ever...
Blessings. Amy

Way to Go Case!!!

2011-09-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

We have been waiting for you to get your chance! How fun it was. So proud of you!

It was so great to watch you bullet pass (just what it looked like to me) to Jaxon.

Love both of these pictures. The one of you tonight above and below of you and Will, but I really love the one in the top photo header. You kids were so cute and the memories are precious.

Thanks for the fun tonight!

Link:

New McCoy leads No. 24 Texas over BYU, - College Football - MiamiHerald.com

Raising Kingdom Children...

2011-09-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hollis, Velma, Gerald and Burl McCoy...

I had a quiet evening by myself last night while Sid went to a game at school with a friend. I messed around here and did some things and then clicked on the tv for a minute. I got drawn into a documentary about 9/11. It was mesmerizing and made me cry. I don't want to forget what happened that day, but I don't like remembering. It is so painful and I did not even loose someone I love or even know. I guess we all though, lost our sense of safety and rose colored glasses. Even though I did not personally know anyone that died, I felt like I did because it could have been any of us. It still stuns me that people can be so hateful and laugh at killing other people. So many thoughts. As I look at the photo above I think about what all my grandparents went through in their lives. There was a lot of tragedy and some heartache but they were saved from the sting of it all by loving Jesus. There was hope and a promise of something vastly better.

1 Cor. 15:55-58 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.

“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

So, this morning...I want to talk about something else. It is not all that different from the thoughts above in that how we love and raise our children for the Lord will help to combat such hatred and wrong thinking. The only thing worth thinking about and spending our time on is living out our lives in devotion to the One who saved our lives and keeps saving us every day. Jesus.

My beautiful Mama and sweet brother Brad...

I love this picture. My Mom and Dad knew that teaching us to love the Lord was the most important thing that they could do for us. I am thankful.

When we lived in Ft. Worth a sweet lady at the church we went to blessed us with this list of intentional ways to bless your children and point them to the Lord. This list has blessed me.(Thank you Susy Jeffery)

I pray it will bless you too.

Raising Kingdom Children Intentionally:

1. Be intentional...you are not going to accidentally wind up with children that love the Lord.

2. Let them know that God has a plan for their lives!

3. Frame the pictures in your home with scriptures, especially your children's pictures. Have them pick out their favorite scripture and paint it over their doorway in their bedroom.

4. Have a plan to meet together in heaven!

5. Take family mission trips.

6. What do you want your children to look like spiritually when they get to your age? Have a plan to get them there.

7. Commit your family formally to God. Pray out loud for your children, committing them to God over and over throughout their lives.

8. Celebrate their baptism. Have a reception inviting their close friends and relatives and other people that love them. Video tape the special event.

9. Surround them with spiritual mentors. You help them pick their hero's by the people that you love and have in your home. You help them pick their mentors by the way you talk about people. Let them know who you love and respect.

10. Pray specifically. Let them hear you pray powerful prayers full of great expectation for them, and tell them they are leaders!

11. Set high and lofty spiritual goals for their lives.

12. Call attention early to their ability to influence others.

13. Have the courage to want more for your children than the "American Dream". Do you want them to just be another set of headlights? Be willing to go against the norm!

14. Model a life of contentment before your children.

15. Keep a family journal. Write stories of God's faithfulness to your family. What has He done for you? How has He saved you? How has He blessed you?

16. Make your times in the car prayer times. Make driving a prayer journal. Pray for the Lord to put you in the path of someone who needs to know about Him today.

17. Teach their classes. Do some type of ministry together. Don't wait until later! They grow up so fast.

18. Enjoy praise music at home and in your car. God loves the praise of His people!

19. Talk about each other's prayer needs. Pray that God will use each of you for great things in His kingdom.

20. Share worship together. Have family vacations that are not just pleasure but service. Plan them carefully. Be intentional.

21. Share laughter!!

22. Demonstrate daily Bible principles in your home. Set the example that your children need to be in the Word of God by being in it yourself. Our words influence greatly, but our actions influence even more.

23. Pray daily for yourself for God to give you peace, grace and discernment to parent the children that He as given you for His purposes in His Kingdom.

We are Kingdom people. We are not at home here. We are pilgrims on our way home! We are about living for our Lord and King and participating in raising His army for the next generation!

Blessings on your day! Amy

In My Seat...Sept. 11th

2011-09-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

Springs volunteers learn to love hardship - ZAMBIA - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

2011-09-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

This is a great article about the latest Zambia Medical Mission trip. My sister-in-law and her son went on this trip this past summer and some of the article is about them. If you are thinking about stepping out in faith and going on a mission trip but are holding back because of fear or whatever reason...just do it. It will change your life and your heart. Blessings. Amy

Link:
Springs volunteers learn to love hardship - ZAMBIA - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

Aggie Weekend...

2011-09-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Good morning! The air is cool and there is less smoke this morning here in East Texas. Praise the Lord! I wanted to post some pics and tell you about our past weekend. We were blessed by Sid's dad to be able to go to the first Aggie football game for this year. We invited my brother and family because they had never been to an Aggie home game. It was such a great blessing to be there with Sid's dad and to see our boys and spend time with Michael, Jan and family. The cold front (cool front) blew through just in time for the game on Sunday night and the temps were very pleasant compared to how it usually is at the first few games in College Station. The picture above is one of the band marching at half time. The one below is of Brad and his business partner and friend Lee. They are Flippen consultants/coaches for some of the Aggie football players. They were on the sidelines. Fun seeing Brad down there. Weird, but fun.

This is a pretty good (if I do say so myself) creeper picture from the opposite side of the stadium of Will and friends. It is a challenge to find them and try to take their picture at each game we attend. Pretty funny.

Aggie football...is good fun, and wow, all of the talk about switching conferences is overwhelming. I am not up on it all enough to comment on the move to the SEC. Too much yack about that going on right now...except to say...it is happening. People should get over it.

I do have a love for Texas though because of Colt and now Case. Not into the politics of it all but I am sure it will all be ok when the dust settles. By the way, put Casey in! Dad gum it! Let that boy show what he can do! Don't get me started...grrrrr....

I am in love with these people. Ben is not mentally challenged...he was just trying to look like it.

You are loads of fun Benjamin Bunny.

Greg, Wes, Zane and Ben...at the AFC tailgate party

The Aggie Band marches in a few hours before the game.

Ben is standing out in the street as they are coming toward us.

My wonderful men.

This video is one of the Aggie band marching in before a game. They march down this boulevard and split. You can stand out in the middle of them and it is way cool. Enjoy.

(Pause the blog music at the bottom of the page.)

Just want to leave you with a good word for today.

Ps. 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Blessings. Amy

Texas is Burning...

2011-09-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

Video shot September 5, 2011 on the north edge of Bastrop State Park. All but about 100 acres of the 6,000-acre park have been blackened by fire. Firefighters have been battling blazes for 3 days.

Heaven help us. We are enjoying much needed cooler temperatures but have been catching the wind out of the tropical storm that came on land in Louisiana. These winds are fueling any little spark into massive wild/forest fires. Driving home yesterday from College Station we drove very close to a big fire near Crockett. What was amazing though was that you looked in the opposite direction and you could see fires both ways. Big fires. My dad says that he has not seen Texas this dry in many, many years. Our beautiful state is burning up. We ask for your prayers to our faithful heavenly Father to bless us with rain and to bless the winds to calm. We pray so fervently for safety for firefighters and people in harm's way. So many have lost their homes. I know it is just stuff but when it is your stuff it is devastating.

This beautiful place was made into a golf course club house years ago in a section of beautiful homes on the Colorado river near Bastrop called Colovista. Brad's company was considering buying it for a retreat center. Brad and Debra were going to live there and help run the retreat center. As of last night this lovely building and all the gorgeous homes around it have been burned to the ground. We had a blessing of visiting this gorgeous house and land twenty or so years ago at Thanksgiving with my father-in-law. We are so very sad it has burned. The Bastrop State Park and a section of beautiful land called The Lost Pines close to Bastrop are also burning. These stately, beautiful pine trees and cherished state park are going up in smoke. It breaks my heart.

This link will take you to a map that shows the fire activity in Texas. The state is quickly being covered up with little fire symbols.

http://ticc.tamu.edu/Response/FireActivity/

I pray that your air is clear and you can't smell smoke. If you can't then say a prayer of thanksgiving and then please add a petition for rain and blessings to our Awesome God for our wonderful Texas.

Blessings. Amy

Yikkes...

2011-08-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

I guess it's ok, or maybe not to have these little guys in your HOUSE? Is it a deep south thing? It was not ok when it ran over my foot a little while ago. You see, I am from west Texas where scorpions (my Mom won't even call them scorpions because she has a terrible, unhealthy fear of them...she calls them mean bugs...she does not even like their name) are the things that crawl around on the floor and fall off of you from the ceiling. They sting like well...something really bad. Still thinking... Anyway, so glad we do not have mean bugs here where we live but we DO have these little lizards. They are ahem...IN the house. That just does not seem right!! I thought that lizards belonged outside! I only see maybe one a week but one inside is one too many. I threw the last one out the front door. I think I saw him glance back and smile a wicked smile saying..."I will be back in a minute."

Yes, that is the corner of my bathroom. And yes, the baseboards and floor are dirty. You know, it is the corner that sits under the trash can that gets ignored a lot of the time. I could pretend that this dirtyness is unusual but that would not be the truth. :) I will work on it!

So, does anyone feel like fall is just not coming this year? I know that this is still the last day of August, but really...these hot temperatures are getting just down right on my nerves. Just the fact that it will be Sept. tomorrow brings me some hope. At least a little. Please Fall...come quickly! Maybe these little geckos will leave when you decide to make an appearance.

Dreaming of crisp cool breezes, jeans and sweatshirts, drinking hot cocoa and coffee by a toasty fire, needing to turn on my seat warmer in my car, hearing the crunch of yellow leaves under my feet (not just dead ones from the heat and no water), sitting shivering at a football game, PUMPKINS!, snuggling under a big comforter, a big pot of warm stew to enjoy with friends, etc.

I just can't wait. As I wrote all those thoughts above I thought, wow, I should just live in today and not long for tomorrow. I should embrace the things that crawl around in my house. I should love these 100 plus summer days. I will try harder. Come here little gecko. Let's be friends. Not.

Breakaway Aggies...Live Beyond

2011-08-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

If you want to hear a positive story please go to my friend Laura's blog and read about what our Texas Aggie christian college students are doing. It will encourage and inspire. There are a lot of great college kids out there that are dedicated to Christ and following Him. I will tell you more about Live Beyond in the coming weeks. These guys have big hearts and big vision for helping people and pointing them to Jesus.

Blessings on your day! Amy

http://laurakurk.com/2011/08/30/i-love-aggies-how-much-proof-do-you-need/

I might need to clean my window...

2011-08-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

"The Window from which we look"
A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.
The next morning while they are eating breakfast,
the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the
wash outside.
"That laundry is not very clean", she said.
"She doesn't know how to wash correctly.
Perhaps she needs better laundry soap."
Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry,
the young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a
nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband:
"Look, she has learned how to wash correctly.
I wonder who taught her this."
The husband said, "I got up early this morning and
cleaned our windows."
And so it is with life. What we see when watching others
depends on the purity of the window through which we look!

Not sure who wrote this but how true the words are.

Blessings on your day. I pray we can love people and not be critical. Sometimes I just need to look more closely at my heart and life and clean my own act up. Amy