It is a Wonderful, Abundant Life!

When the rain comes.....

2009-05-26T11:15:00.003-06:00

Thank you Father, even for the rain, for it is then that I know for sure that I am in your arms..........

Yours,

Me

P.S.

I love you

Been a hard one? Been a Bad one? Been a tough one? Been a sad one?

2009-05-06T08:37:00.003-06:00

What kinda day you been having? Whatever it's been like just remember it is only the world you are living in, so don't give in because the best is still yet to come!!! Believe it!!=)

A hidden face is no sign of a forgetful heart.....

2009-05-01T19:57:00.010-06:00

How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, Lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed against him"; Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me. -Psalm 13

Ever felt like this? I think all of us have at one time or another felt what David expressed from a pain filled heart in Pslam 13. We have felt what he felt so deep in our soul, that we could almost swear we could physically feel our very own heart breaking and all we could do was cry out on our knees to Him from the depths of our soul to save us, to give light to our poor and weary eyes so we could see, so we could feel and so we could believe that we really weren't alone in our pain, even if our enemies were trying their best to convince us otherwise.

And as our sorrowful cries reached Him, He calmed our heart and faithfully filled our empty and lonely life. And then somehow He gaves us the courage once again to trust in Him and He made us believe that even though our world was falling apart that we could count on Him. Gently then He whispered these words in our ear, "continue to trust me, because one day I am coming back to right every wrong that has been committed against you". And then we looked up to Him with tear filled, hopeful and enlightened eyes and we said with a hurting and believing heart, "My Lord, I WILL trust in you and my heart will continue to sing to you till that day and beyond for you have been so gracious to me".

P.S. I love you Father, please hurry.

“If the reader has never yet found occasion to use the language of this brief ode, he will do so ere long, if he be a man after the Lord’s own heart.”

~Charles Spurgeon~

2009-02-23T19:20:00.002-07:00

Hello friends and guests,
Been a while since I have updated my blog. Many changes have taken place in my life since I was last here. Yesterday was a tough day for me, that can only be described in this song. And though at times we may feel like the storms of life will rip us apart and try to swallow us whole, there is one thing we can always be assured of, that He will remain faithful and be the anchor that holds us steady and carries us safely through the ravaging waves. Father, may we always run into your loving arms to be rescued by You from all that would stand to harm us.

Sometimes I feel like giving up?

2008-12-18T13:00:00.006-07:00

Father,
I know I have often felt like giving up many a time, but somehow you have always found ways to show me that you are there, cheering me on, filling my empty soul with hope that only You can give. I don't how you do it, but I know that You do it and I love you for it.

Having fun with my Canon

2008-12-13T11:35:00.003-07:00

As most of you know by now, taking pictures is almost like breathing to me, very essential & necessary! Some might call me an aspiring photographer but I would add starving to that title as well ;). Here are a few shots I took and played with yesterday . The first four are of an obliging wee bird and the latter are of this year's biggest full moon. My hopes are to bring you a little enjoyment and might I add that a little constructive criticism is always welcomed!

A Hiking We Will Go!

2008-12-01T13:02:00.008-07:00

Every November we head to McKittrick Canyon for our traditional annual hike. We have been hiking in this blessed place that only God could have made for 8 years now. In my opinion, I believe that when God made Texas, He couldn't help but place a bit of heaven on earth, for this place is one of the most beautiful spot in this great BIG state of ours! You know, I have read Psalm 19 many a time, and though the words are beautifully written, nothing can compare as to being right smack in the middle of it all and not only seeing but clearly hearing the heavens loudly declaring it all =)!

A more magical place one would have a hard time finding. If you do decide to come for a vist, the fall is definitely the best time for that is when it's at its best .

As you can see I am really not a writer but I do love taking pics and then with great delight love to show & tell =). To those who know me, well what can I say, except you know me, but to those who don't know me, well all I can say is you are getting to know me now =)! I really was going to try to keep the number of pics down to a mere 10 (yea right), but couldn't help myself, I am kinda of a fanatic when it comes to this kinda thing. So instead of showing all 300 pics, I decided that 3% would be enough. I hope you enjoy and hopefully are inspired to give this grand place a chance someday!

Arriving

A little advertisement

Ready to hit the trail!

There you see 2 fine hikers!

And here we have the hiking photographer ready to click!

Directions are good! And following them is even better!

An anxious boy waiting on his leisurely walking family

holding hands

like 2 hiking love birds ought too

Look! We are right under the sky way!

Make sure to get wet Noah! (just a bit of reverse phycology)

Breath taking!

Wow, can you almost hear the declaration!

The big, old tree, as we call it.

Maybe our Christmas card pic

A babbling brook telling it's secrets

Nice hat honey!

Precious!

some more precious!

The Maynards taking advantage of an obliging fellow hiker

1 Mom & 2 little blessings

My favorite pic of us!

Always find time to cuddle, even on a hike!

Cuddling is fun!

Okay mom, enough of that cuddling stuff!

A tired little hiker

A little consoling can go a long way, well at least 1 more mile.

Hey! Wait for us!!!

Toasting to another great hike!

Are we almost there dad?

Yes, once we get right over this little hill, we should almost be there.

At the top of the hill with about 1/4 of a mile to go

Relieved to be back at headquarters

We did it once again!

We were fortunate enough to catch a glimps of this scene, yes every hunters dream, lucky for the deer the only thing I point & shoot doesn't come with bullets!

Thanks for the pics guys!!

Hmmm, some how this little phrase sounds quite applicable,

And they all rode into the sunset & lived happily ever after

What happens when you give a doggie a bath?

2008-11-24T05:48:00.016-07:00

First you will have to catch him.

When you catch him, hold on real tight cause if you don't, you will have to go catch him all over again!

Now that you have him, spray him down completely.

Next, you will have to use lots & lots of doggie soap, preferably the flea killin kind with a nice citrus scent.

Then you will need to rub-a-dub-srub and make lots of suds!

Okay, now repeat the the rub-a-dub-scrub part again so as to make sure you didn't miss any spots.

Oh yes, very important step here, always to keep a happy attitude.

Oh, another important thing, don't forget to keep eyes tightly closed, so as not to get soap-in-the-eye-stings-like-heck syndrome!

And in case of a run-away attempt, run, capture and escort escapee back to the old blue washin tub!

While giving a scolding lecture on the way back!

Once the scolding lecture is said & done don't forget to love & reassure the little rascal.

Okay, now resume bath again.

Next, comes the step that brings us literally right down to the end!

Of course no one looks forward to this part, so to make things go a little bit smoother, someone needs to offer a few words of encouragement, "it's okay Sam, it is almost over".

Now comes the final rinse!

Now we are ready to move to the drying station. Hang on tight, you don't want another run away attempt!

Make sure to soak & sop up as much water as possible.

Don't stop squeezing until the last hair is sopped!

And finally comes the last & best part, the warm & toasty part, Sam's favorite!

Gently brush with a doggie brush instead of a mommy brush until nice & fluffy

so as not to wake the happy bathee!

Now after all that has been said & done,

you should now have a clear understanding of what happens

when you give a doggie named Samson, a bath =)!

From 3 Wheels to 2 Wheels!

2008-11-18T07:36:00.009-07:00

Attention friends & newcomers! I am very pleased to inform you that our Noah is officially a 2-wheel bike rider as of this week! He has wanted to learn for quite a while now, but had a bad fall and became totally convinced that his 3 wheeler was far better than his two wheeler.

So you can imagine how thrilled we were when he decided to give his 2 wheeler another try. To tell you the truth I was secretly beginning to worry a bit when I saw our 4 year old neighbor riding his little heart out on his 2 wheels.

Here he goes with his 7 year old determination and with many cheerleaders on the sidelines, he took his little elbow & knee pads and set out to conquer his fears and set another precious milestone!

Praise the good Lord he did beautifully, and never once ran over my flip-flopped feet, thank the Lord, for that would have hurt like the dickens.

I think the one who is having a bit of a struggle here is mom, I can't let go!!!!

Just look at that fearless smile, Noah is having a blast.

Here we have one of the sideline cheerleaders, Sam is totally devoted to encouraging his little Noahman!!

"Let go mom!!" Okay, I am letting go already.........

And there he goes like for 1-2-3-4-5-1/2 feet!!!

And then.......

CRASH!

Oh, but it was such a cool crash!! The best fall, not even one single tear snuck out.

"Let's do that again Mom!!!"

After a few more crash & burn runs he is flying like a pro! We are too proud!!

This kid was made for biking! Another milestone that will go down in the Great Halls of Maynard History!

And one would think that with such a momentous moment to celebrate, my heart would totally be bursting with happiness but a wee part of it is breaking because it knows that our little boy is growing up too quickly.

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.

Ps. 127:3

And last but never, ever least, our John-Luke, once again does a wonderful job with the photography part of this grand moment! This story couldn't have been made possible without the keen eye of this fine-in-the-making-11-year-old photographer! Let's hear it for JL!

......for God loves a cheerful giver!

2008-11-16T06:47:00.006-07:00

Hi friends & newcomers!
The Christmas season is just around the corner! Another wonderful time of giving and receiving blessings from which we have been so richly blessed by our Father!

The Manuelito Navajo Children's Home and Gallup Christian School are in need of bibles for their kiddos. What an amazing gift of love this would be, to place His living word in the hands of one of His precious little lambs. If you are able & willing please go to

http://jeffreyrfoster.blogspot.com/2008/11/can-you-donate-bible.html and see how you can make this happen.

May God continue to richly bless you!

The Geese and the Snowstorm

2008-11-14T10:10:00.004-07:00

There was once a man who did not believe in either the virgin birth of Christ nor the spiritual meaning behind it, and was skeptical even about God. He and his family lived in a farm community. His wife was a devout believer and diligently raised her children in the faith. He sometimes gave her a hard time about her belief and mocked her religious observances.

"It's all nonsense -- why would God lower himself and become a human like us? It's such a ridiculous story," he said.One snowy day, she and the children left for church while he stayed home. After they had departed, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening.

Then he heard a loud thump, something hitting against the window... And, still another thump. He looked outside but could not see anything. So he ventured outside for a better view. In the field near his house he saw, of all the strangest things, a flock of geese. They were apparently flying to look for a warmer area down south, but they had been caught in the snowstorm. The storm had become too blinding and violent for the geese to fly or see their way. They were stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter, unable to do more than flutter their wings and fly in aimless circles. He had compassion for them and wanted to help them. He thought to himself, the barn would be a great place for them to stay. It is warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he opened the barn doors for them.

He waited, watching them, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. Nevertheless, they did not notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. He moved closer toward them to get their attention, but they just moved away from him out of fear.

He went into the house and came back with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread trail to the barn. They still did not catch on.

Starting to get frustrated, he went over and tried to shoo them toward the barn. They panicked and scattered into every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where there was warmth, safety, and shelter. Feeling totally frustrated, he exclaimed, "Why don't they follow me? Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm? How can I possibly get them into the one place to save them?"

He thought for a moment and realized that they just would not follow a human. He said to himself, "How can I possibly save them? The only way would be for me to become like those geese. If only I could become like one of them. Then I could save them. They would follow me and I would lead them to safety."

At that moment, he stopped and considered what he had said. The words reverberated in his mind: If only I could become like one of them, then I could save them. Then, at last, he understood God's heart towards mankind... and he fell on his knees in the snow.

~Author Unknown~

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Feeding 'The Dump" People

2008-11-12T08:15:00.002-07:00

My heart was touched and broken today to know that many of His little sheep are struggling in such a terrible way. Being so hungry that one would not only consider but go ahead and look for for food in the dump, in piles of refuse. If you can't imagine this, please go to http://www.treymorgan.net/2008/11/feeding-dump-people.html and see for yourself. May the Lord enable you to help in anyway you can.

Remembering our Heroes!

2008-11-11T12:09:00.009-07:00

Today we had a special gathering in Balmorhea, to remember, honor & salute our dear veterans, our true heroes. The love & devotion these individuals express as they serve our country can only be described as selflessness in the highest sense of the word. Thank you Lord for enabling so many brave & courageous souls to live out John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Our veterans make me proud to be an American!

"God bless America!"

by Noah Maynard

Welcome everyone!

John-Luke reciting, Eulogy for a Veteran

A few of our hometown heroes

Proud to be an American!

Mrs. Lewis, our Mayor

Another true patriot

11th month, 11th day, 11th hour moment

Pat Brijalba, Vietnam hero!

Mr. Fuentes, another hero

Remembering fallen loved ones

Manuel Mendoza, father of a fallen hero,

Jerry Ray

A visiting hero

You can't get more American than this!

"Because of you, I am able to stand here and speak freely"

Singing the National Anthem

To all our veterans, this sounds so inadequate, but all I can say is Thank you.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

— Edmund Burke

Noahman to the Rescue!

2008-11-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

As you can see by the picture we have a sweet kitty named Sunshine. Well yesterday to her dismay, our BIG Samson of a dog, decided to chase the poor thing up a kinda tall tree.

And when all seemed dreadfully hopeless, out of nowhere comes Noahman, still in his jammies, to the rescue!!

What a sight for soar eyes Sunshine must have meowed in relief!

Only inches away from the safe arms of her Noahman !

Noah say, "Mom, I am coming to a conclusion that my trusted sidekick should lend a helping hand right about NOW!!

Not to fear, my little Noahman, mom is right here!

Hang on Sunshine!

With Noahman's loving guidance & mom's longer arms the day is saved and so is Sunshine! Don't you just love happy ending!

Just in case you are wondering, where is John-Luke during this perilous danger? He is right behind the camera viewfinder, recording such a momentous occasion! Great job with the cam JL!

Punkin Carving Time!

2008-11-04T21:49:00.001-07:00

Fall is definitely here folks! One of our favorite fall traditions is pumpkin carving time!

Since we don't have a pumpkin patch around these parts, we have to settle for second best and mosey on down to the grocery store to pick out the perfect punkin!

There is just something about a bright, orange, round, little punkin that makes us light all up inside!

As tradition has it, we cannot carve our plump little pumpkin until The Pumpkin Patch Parable has been read!! We love this little story because of the blessed message it carries. In many way we are much like little pumpkins. Some of us are short & round while other are tall & thin. Some of are gentle & smooth, while other are lumpy & rough. And while all of us might look differnet on the outside, our insides are pretty much the same. We too like little pumpkins are filled with all sort of yuckiness and in desperate need to be made clean in order to shine for Him.

And the best part of it all is that we were made by the One who loves us dearly and longs to make us pure & clean. His one desire is to take us and changes us into beautiful creations.

First we must understand that the Lord loves us with an unending kind of love. He longs for us to come to Him as we are, to be rescued by Him.

When we come to relaize our great need of Him and decide to give our lives to Him, He takes our sinned filled lives and begins to transform us, just as the farmer does with his pumpkin.

"Being conficent of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Philippian 1:6

No matter how yucky we feel.

No matter what yucky things we have done.

No matter what yucky things we have said.

He removes all the yucky filth that keeps us from living!

"He takes our sins away from us as far as the eats is from the west."

Psalm 103:12

He is the only one that can make us just like HIM!
"God's word is alive & working. It is sharper than a sword sharpened on both sides. It cuts all the way into us......And God's word judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts."

Hebrews 4:12

He takes what little we bring to him and with delight in His heart creates an amazing master piece!

Create in me a pure heart, God."

Psalm 51:10

And when we look into the mirror, we can begin to see His beautiful reflection looking back at us =)! How He must love us, to go to so much trouble.

"We shall show the Lord's glory, and we are being changed to be like Him."

2 Cor.3:18

No greater joy does He feel than when His children shine brightly for Him in such a dark world!
"God once said, Let the light shine out of the darkness!" And this is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts."

2 Corinthians 4:6

Once the master has touched our lives, we can never be satisified with less but only wait with great anticipation to see the finished product!

"In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good thiings you do. Live that they will praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

If you are not yet His, what are you waiting for! Invite Him to be the Lord of your life and begin living the life He intended you to live, which is an abundant life!.

"If anyone belongs to Christ, then he is made new. The old things have gone, everything is made new!"

2 Corinthians 5:17

God richly bless you!

I feel like dancing!!

2008-10-23T06:51:00.003-06:00

This is such an awesome video! Hmmm, maybe Sam and I should take up dancing lessons. Whatcha think Sam? You up for it?

Strugglers & Bed Time Stories

2008-10-22T07:00:00.014-06:00

Last night after two kid-sized baths, about 3 1/2 dozen teeth brushed, 9 giggles out, and 2 glasses of water and one last potty check, I was finally able to get the boys tucked into their beds and ready to get tucked in myself but not before a short bible story.

So we opened our favorite bible storybook and this is what we read, Jesus Walks on the Water. You know, I believe this is one of my favorite bible stories. I love the way Jesus uses Peter's little steps of faith to show me who I am, a true struggler and way more importantly to show me who He is, a lover of strugglers.

Firstly I have no doubt in my mind that Peter loved his Lord dearly and would have laid his life down for Him a thousands times over. Just ask Malchus. And Yes, I know, that there are some who will be quick to point out all his shortcomings, but even in his short little comings, Peter always managed, with the help of His Lord, to outshine the sun!

In this story we find Peter asking the Lord, who is out taking a little walk on the sea, to command him to come to Him? Hmmm, I find this request interesting, how many times do we find ourselves asking the Lord this very question. Wish I could say this was more often the case for me. How the Lord deeply longs for us to willing step out of our boat and come to Him in the midst of our storms.

I would give anything to have been there with my camera of course, on this day, when Peter took one of his many first baby steps of faith to meet his Lord. What a picture that would have made! How pure his faith must have been, just like that of a baby's. Totally faithful and trusting the one who by his very breath holds the planet on which he stands. And if Peter's faith amazes us, better yet than this is the fact that the one who called him out, believed Peter could do it. I can almost hear Him saying, "Yes, You can walk on water Peter, all you have to do is keep your eyes on me, and you will see."

"Yea, but he sank", some pessimist would say. No, actually he didn't sink, he began to sink, a world of difference here. His Lord wasn't about to let him sink, as He never would allow us either. When fear overtook Peter as so many times it too consumes us, he began to sink and then he cries out, "Lord, save me!", and immediately Jesus stretches out his hand and catches him. How many times has this very same scene been repeated in our very own lives? How many times have we felt that we were sinking in our own despair and then our faith compels us to cry out to Jesus, and every time He faithfully reaches out and rescues us!

And yes, let's not forget those in Peter's life and in ours who are still in the boat with smug looks and dry-feet, maybe laughing under their breath saying, "Did you hear what Jesus called him, little faith." True, Jesus did scold Peter a bit for having little faith, but I am also sure that our Lord was very proud of Peter for having the courage to step out in the first place. Sometimes I think we tend to judge others to harshly because they confidently step out in faith and then for some reason or the other they fail and struggle to stay afloat. Somehow we feel we have the right to look down on them just so that we can look up to ourselves. I am glad that is not the way God sees us. You see, what God loves more than anything is the struggler reaching out to Him, time and time again. He doesn't keep track of their failures, we do that just fine. He is only interested in our persistent devotions to Him, even when it is mixed with a few failures.

So let us continue to step out in all that He has called us and faithfully trust in Him, knowing that he truly cares and loves the heart of the struggler and leave the skeptics to God, for even they too are loved by Him.

Why I love Days like today.......

2008-10-14T07:49:00.012-06:00

Days like today are my favorite kinds of days.

Today in Balmorhea the sky is a soft gray and the rain is quietly and softly falling. This is such a treat for us here in west, west, dry-as-a-bone Texas. We cherish days like these, for they come few & far in between. Hmmm, I might just surprise the boys today and take them on a puddle jumping date !!

Here are a few things I love to do when the good Lord sends days like today.

1. I love to curl up on my couch with a warm fuzzy blanky and watch favorite romances like Janet Oak's, Love Comes Softly series.

2. Read a beloved book all over again.

3. Make a pot of chicken soup and some toasty homemade bread!

Mmm, life is so good.

4. Warm cold & rosy cheeckies with some hot cocoa!

5. Take pictures of wet leaves, rain drops & clouds.

6. Play Mouse Trap with boys.

7. And just maybe my most favorite thing of all, is taking a cuddly nap with a cuddly boy.

Thanks Lord, you're the best!

Psalm 100

Saturday morning fun!

2008-10-11T17:19:00.002-06:00

Football is so much more interesting when your kid is playing.

Our little Bears played great, and not that we are bias

but we think #8 played exceptionally well!!

No better way to have Saturday morning fun.

Enjoy the show!

Happy 3rd Birthday Sammy!

2008-10-10T11:52:00.007-06:00

Three years ago Sammy came into our world and since then he has been giving us unconditional love & teaching us what a true & loyal friend is all about. No matter what kinda of day we've had, all it takes is one look from those big brown eyes to melt our blues away. He has earned the nickname Shadow, for everywhere I go, he is faithfully right beside me. A truer 4 legged friend I will never have again.

Goldens are aruguably one of God's most precious, gentle & loyal creations.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!! WE LOVE YOU!

Here is to you Sam!

What a bored wife does with a camera on a road trip

2008-10-09T09:16:00.012-06:00

Here is what I do down the road when I am bored! It is so much fun when you have a consenting subject =)!

(I hope Doug doesn't read my blog today)

Are ya bored honey?

This is the "honey, let me chase your boredom away " look.

This is the "assuming the crash position" look!

This is the "bored to death husband" look.

This is the "I have an itch in my nose" look.

Did someone say something?

Leave me alone mom!

Go away, already mom!

And the "they rode off happily & NOT bored, into the sunset" look!!

Smell the Chiles Tostados!!

2008-10-08T11:39:00.012-06:00

Smells can have so many different affects on us. Some make us clear the room in a hurry while holding our noses in disgust, while other make us smile and want to take an extra deep breath just to prolong the pleasure. Then there are the ones that spark memories from our past and help us re-live and cherish those moments all over again.

I love the smell of Chile Tostados (roasting green chili peppers), not only because they smell wonderful but because their smell takes me back to my childhood. I remember many a morning waking up to the smell of these little hot peppers. Every time I smell roasting chiles I think of Papa and Mama and how they would get up early in the mornings and fill our house with this fiery, bold aroma. For those familiar with the smell, you understand that an alarm clock was never needed, just one whiff is all it took to get you out of bed!=). Both my grandparents have gone on to be with the Lord and I miss them dearly. Sometimes when life gets a little hard to bear, I think of them and the missing them becomes almost unbearable that I have to roast chili peppers just to feel their presence close to me once again. I love this memory and what it does for me, I will cherish it forever. Thank you Father for the gift of chiles tostados.

So tell me, what is your favorite smell and why?

And if you think a smell is powerful, just imagine what a taste can do for you. Wish you could taste my chile macho!!! =)

God will make a way 1

2008-10-07T09:18:00.005-06:00

Life for some, is a walk in a soft rain, while for others in can be one bad storm right after another, devastatingly painful & disastrous. Storms come in many forms, they could be a loved one's betrayal, an illness, a death, a bad marriage, loss of friendship and the list goes on. And yet these folks, in their droves, seem to ride out these storms without being consumed and are enabled to live lives of peace and joy despite such things. How do they do that, how can they go on and not think back on those times without being crushed over & over again? Isaiah 43:18-19 can enlighten us a bit. "Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold I will do something new, now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert."

We can either choose to be miserable & bring unneeded sorrow into our lives or we can choose to believe that God loves us and that He is in control of it all. We can choose to trust Him in all things and know that He is working it all out and in the process making us stronger & braver. I know that this is easier said than done, but doable nonetheless, as long as we remember what He said, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you". Together with Him, even the impossible is possible. So are you brave enough to believe this? What will you choose this day? To trust Him or not.

Teri & Jimmy's Wedding

2008-10-06T07:15:00.017-06:00

The wedding was wonderful, Teri made a beautiful bride, & Jimmy just beamed! After 25 years, they are still madly in love with each other.

Sniff, sniff, I love weddings =).

Enjoy !

Beautiful!

Here comes the bride with sons

No cold feet here!

I do, again!

Mr. Mrs. Jimmy Barragan

The bridesmaids

cut the cake already!

say love!

The 3 amigas

can I have this dance mom?

Cake time!

hold on Regina!

John-Luke is suave

dollar dance

dancing the night away!

We had way toooooo much fun!!!

God's #4

2008-10-03T23:46:00.003-06:00

One of the things I love about living in West Texas is our amazing sunsets, they are hard to beat. At times it seems as if the sky is going to set the whole place aflame. I was fortunate enough to take these first 2 shots right in my front yard.

As we were traveling back home from Pecos, Texas one evening, I was fortunate enough to have had my camera to snap this beauty. I love the way that old shack's silhouette sits there adding a sense of the old pioneer days.

This one was taken in the Davis Mountains.

We may live in the middle-of-no-where in West Texas where some would consider us poor in big city amenities, and we may have to drive a million miles to get to Sonic to buy a cherry limeade and miss every sale Dillards & Penny's has. But when it comes to witnessing first hand God's #4 at its best, well we are way, way above the rest! Anybody can have a mall & catch the best sales while sipping there cherry limeade but not everyone can have a sunset like ours =)! We will trade the small stuff for the BIG stuff any day!

........And God saw that it was good.

Shearing Time!

2008-10-03T11:38:00.006-06:00

8 steps on how to shear your little lamb.

John-Luke, you are such a happy lamb =)

Because I said so!

2008-10-02T06:22:00.007-06:00

This song goes out to my 2 rascals, John-Luke & Noah =). I love this video! It is my life in fast forward, wouldn't change it for the world!

Love ya boys!

Light the Fire.....

2008-10-01T19:58:00.012-06:00

As I was uploading these pics., I was reminded of this song and thought of the many times I have been so on fire for Him, ready to face all the Malchuses of this world head on. And at the same time I was also reminded of the many times my fire began to fade, just as Peter's did, not because my love had grown weak for Him, but because my flesh had. And as I look to Him, afraid and ashamed, He looks on me with the same assurance He did Peter and lets me know that He totally understands. Father, please keep the fire in my soul alive for you always =).

Light the fire in my soul, fan the flame make me whole

Lord you know where I've been, so light the fire in my heart again.

I stand to praise you, but I fall on my knees;

my spirit is so hungry, but my flesh is so weak.

I feel Your arms around me As the power of Your healing begins;

You breathe new life right through me; Like a mighty rushing wind.

http://www.growingchristians.org/mfgc/rock/LightTheFire.html

7 things

2008-09-30T22:35:00.004-06:00

Stolen from Keri's blog:
Thought this was fun & quite informative! Enjoy!

7 Things I plan to do before I die
1. Read the entire bible
2. go to Ireland to meet Jim McGuiggan
3. grow tomato plants
4. heal my ulcer so I can drink coffee again
5. run a marathon
6. be a famous photographer
7. learn how to load pictures on my blog site!!!!

7 things I do now
1. blog
2. home school
3. loads of laundry =(
4. feed the dog
5. take oodles of pictures
6. reading ScreamFree Parenting
7. tickle my boys

7 things I can't do
1. drink coffee
2. walk on a tight rope
3. drive a motorcylce
4. touch my nose with my tongue
5. do the splits
6. sky dive
7. speak French

7 things I love to do
1. drink coffee
2. twitter
3. call my brother
4. play mouse trap with boys
5. bake chocolate chip cookies
6. take pictures
7. kareoke

7 things that I say most often
1. I love you!!!
2. Are you telling me the truth?
3. Lord, please help me!!!
4. I need a break!
5. You are the best 7 or 11 year old in this house!
6. The flies are coming in, shut the door!!!
7. Sam I am!

2 celebrities that I admire
1. Sandra Bullock- great hair
2. Harrison Ford, he makes a fine Indiana Jones ;)
3. can't think anymore here

7 favorite foods
1. coffee w/ Italian sweet creme
2. lobster
3. cow brains (smart ones only ;) of course)
4. Mexican food
5. fettuccini alfredo from Olive Garden
6. banana milk shakes
7. any kinda of bread & cheese (except linburger, smells like feet)

7 movies I love
1. Les Miserables
2. While you were sleeping
3. The Awakening
4. Sense & Sensebility
5. Gladiator
6. The bucket List
7. Pride & Prejudice

First Blog

2008-09-25T20:55:00.003-06:00

Well here I am, penning my first blog on my new blog site. Today I read Psalm 139 and was blown away once again. To know that my Father knows me better than I know myself is such an unbelievable, humbling experience. Every time I read this I am filled with joy and unspeakable peace. Why, because there is ONE who will love me without limits, for He saw me even before I was formed in my mother's womb, and has counted all the days of my life. There is nothing He doesn't know about me, and what's more amazing is that He still chooses to be a part of my life. I bring so little to His table, but never once am I turned away, but always filled by His overflowing love =). This sounds so inadequate, but all I can say is thank you Father.