Vicki and Brian's Blog

Meetings

2012-02-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks I have sat through more meetings that took way too long. I wonder if it is just human nature that some folks have to say something about every topic....

There was a challenge - we were tasked with figuring out a solution. Sounds so simple. But we had to listen through - what caused the failure, then the "no one is to blame" we need to figure out what to do speech. Great - then let's do that rather than hash and rehash what went wrong. We are all human - mistakes are made. Let's fix what went wrong and figure out what needs to change so it won't happen again.

Then you have the new person who doesn't understand the process, the players or the problem who keeps asking questions. Why was she even there??

So what could have been resolved in a 20 minute meeting with the right players has become two very LONG meetings and we still have a ways to go.

I know God is using this situation for a reason, only He knows what!! So I speak when I have new information or information that is critical and sit back and listen. There are times my mind wanders to what these folks believe.... will they be with me in Heaven?

And I pray - sometimes that the time will hurry up or that folks will hush up. At other times I pray for God to be glorified somehow - I know He will.

God is so good.

Attack

2012-01-30T05:01:00.000-08:00

God is about to do some amazing things in and through our lives.

We know this because the evil one is attacking us with gusto. Not only is he attacking us directly, he is attacking those we love with people who profess to love us but are walking in darkness.

So we are upping our prayers - becoming bolder, more courageous. We are asking to be a light in the darkness. We are asking for Abba Father to use us to His glory.

Prayers are seldom answered in the time frame we want them to be. They are always answered when God will get the most glory. He specializes in the seemingly impossible - the prayers we see no possible way for Him to answer.

We are on the seventh day of Jericho. We have circled and circled. We will NOT give up until the walls come tumbling down and our Lord gets all the praise, honor and glory due Him.

God is so good.

Grandson

2012-01-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

It is official - we will be having a grandson.

We pray for a healthy baby who will grow to love Jesus.

God is good.

Prayer

2012-01-15T17:55:00.000-08:00

I (Vicki) just finished reading Mark Batterson's book "The Circle Maker". I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to grow in their relationship with God.

There are so many ways I have been challenged:

Why do I limit God? He created the earth and the universe and everything else - who am I to question how He is answering my prayers?
Why am I not bolder in my prayers? I mean, really, Jesus died on the cross for me, then defeated death to rise again. After all of that He can handle whatever I throw His way.
Why do I give up on some prayers? Do I ever give up one prayer before He is going to answer?
Why don't I pray more? In reality, I waste tons of time doing things that have no eternal ramifications. Yes, I have to work, but on the way to work I daydream - now I am making a conscious effort to pray.
I am keeping a prayer journal. It has been a LONG time since I did this because someone accused me of keeping tabs on God. Even if that was my purpose - so what? God can handle it!!

So 2012 will see an increase in my prayers. I can't wait to see how God answers those I am circling in prayer. God is so good.

Noah

2012-01-03T17:55:00.000-08:00

This year we are reading through the Bible chronologically. Today was about Noah.

Noah had it right. God told him to build an ark. So, Noah built an ark. He didn't worry about what the neighbors were saying. He didn't worry about the cost of supplies or where to get them. Noah didn't worry about how the animals were going to get to or in the ark - He let God take care of the details. And, when God told him to take his family and get in the ark he did. He was obedient to what he was called to do.

Then God - shut the door of the ark. (I wonder what Mrs. Noah was saying at this point....)

After sending out a raven, then the dove mulitple times - Noah waited until God said leave the ark. (At this point I am pretty sure his children and their wives were whining about the smell!) God's timing is always perfect.

I can learn a lot from Noah - leave the details up to God and concentrate on what He has called me to do. Be obedient, that will ensure I won't go wrong!!

God took care of Noah and his family. God takes care of our family. God is good.

2012

2012-01-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

Pretty sure this is the most excited I (Vicki) have been to start a new year. 2011 was not a particularly bad year....just glad it is over.

We are anticipating God is going to move mightily in and through our lives in 2012. Here are some of the reasons:

Brian's career - Brian has stepped out in faith and is working on his own. Much of this is due to his health, doing this if he is having a bad day, he can rearrange what he does. He has two companies he is doing work for with a third in the wings. This also gives him the freedom to spend time with family.

Grandbaby - sometime in June our first grandchild will be born!! We are SOOOOOO excited to take on this new role.

Missions - in February we will be headed to Rocky Point to help build a house in three days. Wow. This is an area we have never served together so it will be a stretching experience.

Finances - we are trusting God 100% with our finances. Early in 2011 we began tithing the full 10% based on

Malachi 3:10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."

So far we have been amazed at God (why is it we limit Him??). The only unpaid medical bill is West Valley Hospital and we are making payments. All of our bills have been paid on time. We have been able to be generous with our children and with giving. God is faithful to His promises.

Growing closer to our Lord and to each other - we can't wait to see where God grows us both to Him and to each other. God never wastes a hurt, He is using our life story to encourage others. Wherever He wants us - that is where we will be.

So our prayer for 2012 is God will challenge you to move from where you are to the place He wants you to be in obedience to His will. Then His blessings will knock your socks off.

Abba Father is so good.

Family

2011-12-25T10:26:00.000-08:00

We are blessed with an amazing family - lots of strong personalities for sure!!

Last evening was amazing. Brian, Vicki, Jay, David, Kara, Tom and Vicki's Mom were at Kara's. We shared gifts, food and played Aggravation. Everyone was kind even though there are attitudes and opinions we all don't agree on.... It was gratifying to see Kara in her own home, serving us dinner - we are so proud of her!!

Jay came home with us and this morning it was Brian, Vicki, Jay and David. More gifts, more fun. Everyone seems pleased with what they received though I still think it was easier when they were little!!

Soon we will have Christmas dinner and Megan (Jay's girlfriend) will join us. Sarah has to work - we already miss her, she is so delightful. God has blessed David with her.

God is good to us. Merry CHRISTmas!!

Christmas

2011-12-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

It is interesting how Christmas evolves as we age.

As children someone else is in charge, we go where we are told and enjoy the experience. It is pretty much all about "me".

When we become an adult we can Christmas hop - time with the family, time with friends.

Then we have a family.... Christmas revolves around the children, meeting the wants, spending time with extended family.

Now we are at the point where our children have homes, spouses or spouses to be - and Christmas becomes a juggling act! In reality, this year has been fun because we will have three celebrations.

Next year there will be a baby, so again the focus is on children.

At some point we will spend Christmas in the arms of Jesus. That will be the best!!

Through the years, I think we have succeeded in keeping the focus on Baby Jesus for our family. We will continue to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.

God is good.

Family and Holidays

2011-12-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

I love the holidays - joy, the celebration of Jesus' birth, the gift giving, the foods, the sense of peace in the air. Yet, there are times are I really dread the holidays.

We have not celebrated the holidays with Brian's family in years which is sad. People who are unwilling to bend.

As our children have become adults and have spouses or girlfriends, it has been more challenging. For the last few years each year has been different, we have spread the holidays out over several days. We have done our best to spend time with anyone who wants to!

This year we thought everything was set up - getting time with different folks at different times. Then came the unexpected invitation that includes folks who haven't been very kind to our children. So we opted out. Now there will be a price to pay - all we can do is pray it isn't taken out on our children.

Maybe we have reached the point where getting together with people who don't like us and judge us isn't acceptable.

Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth. We strive to live at peace with everyone. This year it will be difficult.

But God, who is our source of strength, is so very good.

Anniversary

2011-11-27T16:24:00.000-08:00

This year our wedding anniversary fell on Thanksgiving. All the children and their husband/girl friends were there along with my (Vicki's) Mom. We have a wonderful family.

Friday after some shopping (yes, we were the 1561st and 1562nd people at Cabela's even though we arrived at 4:30am!) we headed north.

We spent the afternoon in Sedona, eating dinner at the same place we had our first date!! Found some Christmas presents too.

Saturday we went antiquing in Cottonwood then headed to Clarkdale to ride the Verde Valley Railroad. It was four hours of beautiful scenery and enjoyable company.

Before heading home we went to Jerome for dinner.

It was a lovely way to spend the weekend - together in God's country. We are blessed to have each other and our Lord.

God is so good.

Missions

2011-11-19T18:46:00.000-08:00

It is interesting. I (Vicki) have loved Jesus as long as I can remember. Yet missions has never been an area that tugged on my heart. For years Children's Ministry consumed me, then there were the six to eight years of youth ministry. For the past two years we have been working with troubled marriages. Yet it appears missions is tugging at both of us....

Almost five years ago we went on a cruise to the Caribbean. What a blast. Yet as we looked at the children who lived in poverty - it pulled at us.

God has been so amazing at meeting all of our needs and honoring our decision to get totally out of debt (two years to go!). We are wondering about heading out on missions trips. There is one in February down to Rocky Point we are seriously considering.

We have been praying for direction. We think we understand. It will be fun to watch how Abba Father works in this to either confirm our direction or redirect us.

All we really want to to is serve Him - bring Him all the glory and honor He deserves!! God is so good.

God is Good

2011-11-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

Been a while since we blogged - no reason. Life has been relatively quiet. We are making progress in finding out what is going on with Brian. The left side of his heart is enlarged. He had a sleep study and is now using a c-pap machine every night. Boy is it quiet in our room!!

The cool thing - he is waking up with lots of energy, he isn't feeling weary in the middle of the day and we are actually staying up until 10:00pm!!

As our children are growing older the holidays are more challenging. Kara and Tom have his folks they want to spend time with. David and Sarah have her family. Jay and Megan, we aren't quite sure as Jay hasn't met her family yet.

It was sad today - I wanted to decorate for Christmas and Brian said no.... I have to wait until after Thanksgiving.

We have so much to be thankful for. God is good.

Another Fun Sunday

2011-10-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Today Brian, David and Vicki (me) went to the Arizona State Fair. We haven't been in probably 15 years.

We went at 10:00am (free entrance until noon), we parked in the free shuttle lot and spent most of the day watching the Police Canine competition. Brian and David did get their fair share of fair food!!

The only downside - now Brian and David want a puppy!!! I want to scream. We have three dogs - two of them don't get a lot of attention. It would be great to find a home for Sam and Princess where they would be appreciated. Sam is pretty grumpy so it would have to be someone with no children.

Somehow I think we will be waiting until Sam, Princess and maybe Tank are in Doggie Heaven before we start with a puppy.

I am really enjoying having Brian around all weekend - I do wish the doctors would figure out why his pulse is so high and find something to control it. Perhaps even more I want my prayers for total healing to be answered yes.

God is good.

Fun Sunday

2011-10-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

Randomly we decided yesterday to drive the Senator Highway. This road goes from the I-17, Bumblebee Exit up to Prescott. While it is only about 40+ miles or so - it takes a good three to four hours!

You start in the desert, go into the amazing pines of Crown King, meander through the scrub of the upper desert, back into the pines of the Prescott Forest.

We haven't done this drive in about two and a half years - the road has gotten much rougher.... But it was a ton of fun.

We found the remnants of an old mine, where we ate our picnic lunch. It is something to think about those who went before us - what kind of people were they? how did they survive in this rugged terrain? did they love our Jesus?

The leaves were beginning to change - brilliant yellows, deep reds. God does such an amazing job.

We are so blessed. God is so good.

Heart Problems

2011-10-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

For those of you that have been wondering if I actually had a heart. Yes I do. Those of you who really know me would agree to the fact I have a huge heart. Well according to the latest doctors report.......I have been diagnosed with the Super Ventricular Tachycardia and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy.

My heart rates have been fluctuating between the low end of 20's to as high as 192 beats per min. The left ventricle is the blood pumping chamber and the heart has to work extra hard to keep the blood flowing and the result is I get light headed and experience chest pain and have difficulty breathing.

I have had my medication changed again and am getting quite tired from the effects of the pulse being dropped. It's like a car running on rich gas and then being switched to lean. There are still more tests that have to be completed including a sleep test that remains to be scheduled. The doctors are hoping to manage the problem with medications and if this does not work there is a surgical procedure they can do to get into the heart to "try " and correct the problem.

Our option is that the Lord will place His healing hands on me and this will resolve and there will not be the need to deal with this further. The kidney function tests are all normal and they can not explain this. We can it is call GOD. Yes we believe God healed me while I was in the hospital and wants me to remain focused on Him. Please keep us in prayer as we continue this journey and we will post when we know something further.

Turkey Hunting

2011-10-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

Turkey hunting / camping was fun - David and Sarah putting out the feed in hopes of luring in some turkeys. I am pretty sure they were watching, otherwise how would they have known where the blinds were??

Tank was having a blast running around, rolling in the meadow.

But, no turkeys were to be shot by Brian and David. They did, however, shoot five squirrels. No, we don't eat squirrel, but Tom, our son-in-law does. Now we just have to remember not to scream when we open the freezer and there are squirrels!

Sarah was quite the trooper - learning about hunting, how to skin a squirrel. She taught us a better way to make our breakfast burritos too!! I (Vicki) truly enjoyed getting to know her. She has a beautiful heart that loves Jesus.

The camo boys while coming up empty handed had a blast. It was cute to watch them get up at 5:00am without complaining.... Hunting is one of those things that bonds.

The weather was pretty cold and rainy. The nice part of having a camper is NOT being on the ground while it is raining!!

We saw LOTS of deer and elk. Probably because that season ended the day we arrived. The same way all the turkey will come out of hiding next Friday!!

We did get to see the leaves as they started changing colors. God does such amazing work.

God is so good to us. The opportunity to get away and relax, to enjoy each other's company, to spend time just worshipping Abba Father.

Right Hand

2011-09-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

Brian can't use his right hand for another 10 days due to the angiogram. Don't think we EVER realized how much we use our dominant hand.

Brian is healing. The doctors are still searching for answers. While the evil one believes this will bring us down, cause us to doubt - God WINS. He will get the glory.

We can't to see how He works in the doctors to determine what is wrong, how He meets all of our financial needs, how He brings us closer to Him.

God is good!!!

24 Crazy Hours

2011-09-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

For about two months now Brian's blood pressure and pulse have been way out of wack. When we were in Colorado his Spiritual Dad and Mom convinced him to call the doctor (yep, my words to call the doctor had gone in one ear and out the other....)

So, he goes to the doctor, who sends him to the cardiologist after writing a note that his work must not be strenuous... guess that puts him on short term disability for a while. The cardiologist starts a series of tests, everything coming back healthy and positive but the symptoms are all there....

On Monday there is the stress test. Brian didn't do well - the test had to be stopped. The folks told him if he didn't feel better to head to the ER. He comes home, dinner is ready and he is starving (that six hour fast was brutal!). Being the ever loving wife - I told him he looked terrible. His reply - "Let's eat, I'm hungry".

After dinner I asked him which hospital he wanted to go to..... he didn't argue. We headed to West Valley as that is closest to his doctors. When he told the admitting folks he had chest pain they whisked him into a room. In the five minutes it took me to answer all the questions - they had him IV'd, hooked up and blood drawn!!

The initial "results" said renal failure. That made some sense because the kidneys control so much. But how? His plant physical in April was fine. The doctor did a CBC two weeks before - did something horrible happen? So he was admitted. About midnight I headed home.

In the mail there was a letter, the idiots at Sedgewick Claims (the third party administrator of short term for APS) denied his short term since there is no diagnosis code. Yes, I wanted to scream.

So now, not only am I worried is my husband (best friend, awesome Dad, godly man and all around nice guy) is going to die but I get to worry about him not getting paid!!!!

This morning I head to the hospital early. Brian had a rough night but he is being monitored. My next challenge is dealing with the idiots. After several calls, because they kept "cutting me off" I was able to talk with a supervisor who agreed the claim should be reopened. She will confirm that on Wednesday, otherwise we get to appeal.

The cardiologist came in - an angiogram is on the slate today. At first it was scheduled for 11:00am, then it got moved to 4:00. The one thing I will never understand is "hospital time". And the positive results on the "renal failure" - according the doctor it was an error in testing - we are choosing to believe God healed.

So many phone calls, so many prayers. All answered. The angiogram came out perfect - arteries are all clear, heart is beating strong. That leaves us with the question - what is going on? His blood pressure and pulse remain high.

Either the doctors will figure out what is going on or it will go away. Either way - all the glory and honor belong to God. I believe God has some amazing things left for Brian to do - the enemy is after him. BUT - God wins. God is so good.

The Rim and Children

2011-09-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

The Rim has to be one of our favorite places. Last weekend David, Brian and myself did a day trip to scout for turkey.

This past weekend Brian and I went camping.

In a couple of weeks we will be bagging two turkeys.

It gives me such a warm fuzzy feeling to watch Brian and David together as they are planning their strategies.

We raise our children, then sometimes, we are blessed to have those children turn into our friends. I haven't quite figured if it is personality or

chance or shared faith.

We raised all of our children to love Jesus. But now they are adults - they chose the relationship they have with us and with Abba Father. We have done our best. The rest is up to God.

God is good.

Health

2011-09-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

Brian is off work. The doctor put him out last week because his heart is doing odd things - the blood pressure is erratic and his pulse is extremely rapid.
Yesterday he had an echocardiogram. Yes, he has a heart!! He met with our regular doctor today to get paperwork filled out.

So ironic - the plant sent him home due to the doctor's note limiting physical activity. He fills out the paperwork for short term, the folks there want to know what the diagnosis is. So do we!! They seem to have trouble understanding that at this point the doctors do NOT know what is going on.

Not quite sure if we should feel good because the doctors are baffled or to be worried. Bottom line - God is in control. He is the Great Physician and He has Brian right in the palm of His hand.

Now we rest in the palm of Abba Father's hand. He loves us. God is good.

Bittersweet

2011-09-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Jay has moved out (again). It is bittersweet. He is almost 21 and really needs to be on his own - becoming a man rather than living off of us.

Because of the poor decisions he has made there has been a lot of tension in our home over the past few weeks. It will be good when we get his room cleaned out and prayed over.

God is in control - He loves Jay much more than we ever could. We claim the Scripture - "Raise up a child in the ways of God, and when they are old they will not depart from it".

Jay will return both to his family and to the Lord someday. God's timing is rarely ours. So this is where we trust and wait, knowing God's way is ALWAYS the best.

God is good.

Colorado

2011-09-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

Last week we had the opportunity to spend time up in Colorado with Brian's spiritual parents. (Rex and Joyce have provided lots of love and guidance over the years.)

We flew into Denver, then drove to Cedaredge. What a beautiful drive - we found a some old mining towns. We decided not to go past the "NO TRESPASSING" sign....this time!

Brian, David and Rex had a wonderful afternoon of shooting and playing with guns. In fact, the next morning David shot the pesky squirrel who was invading the garden!!

We went antiquing - good thing we flew, otherwise the car would have been packed!!

We stopped to visit some friends who invited David over to ride horses on Sunday - boy was he in his element. It is so much fun to watch him have fun.

It was a relaxing time, full of love and friendship. We are blessed to have amazing family and good friends.

God is so very good.

Turkey Scouting

2011-08-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

We took the opportunity to get away and scout for turkey. Though it was really wet and rainy - we had an amazing time.

The forest was incredibly green and lush. We have never seen as much grass as there was on the forest floor. We were able to see deer, elk, blue jays, squirrels and the ever-elusive turkeys!!
Brian was so stinking excited. There were six we could see. The challenge is - they were behind a fence that said "Property of Arizona Game and Fish". He is going to be calling to find out what scoop is - can they hunt there?

We also found some really nice camp spots.

Although the rain was beautiful and needed - I get sleepy!! And I was supposed to be looking for turkey tracks!

We really needed the break, short as it was. Last week was pretty tough - seems like we are being attacked from every side.

But, God is good. His creation is beautiful and Heaven is a day closer!!

Sandwich Generation

2011-08-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

We are learning what it is like to feel like peanut butter and jelly. Sounds odd, perhaps, but it is true.

Our children are 19 to 26, sort of independent. Our parents are in their 70s, sort of independent. Yep - children and parents are bread. Brian and I are peanut butter and jelly - stuck in the middle.

We have heard the term "sandwich generation" before. The past few months we have been feeling it. The children are looking for reassurance, guidance, money. Our parents are looking for reassurance and guidance. We are blessed there!

How do we weigh the needs of our children vs the needs of our parents vs our own needs? Because of what God has allowed us to go through we protect our time, our marriage. Right now it seems we are being pulled from all sides.

While Jesus didn't have children - I think He understands - He had all those disciples pulling at Him, wanting His time. And, Scripture is very clear - He took time for Himself, time with Abba Father to reenergize, to be loved on.

Peanut butter and jelly - yep. There are times one of us has to be sticky sweet and other times salty. Sometimes we trade roles. God is good because we balance each other out. Just have to keep our focus on the Lord.

God is very good.

A Week Later

2011-07-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

A week later I am still laughing about our lunch - I mean, look at these silly people. I simply bought Pringles because they were on sale and I had coupons. They turned it into a wonderful time of laughter.

Actually it is interesting how the weekend we didn't do anything major or spectacular - but is was so much fun.

God has created such an amazing world. We have explored lots of Arizona. We have been blessed to see parts of California, Colorado, Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

I sure hope in Heaven that we will get to see all the other amazing things Abba Father has created. Plus the fact that He has been working on Heaven for over 2,000 years and He made the earth in six days.

Such a privilege to be His child. God is very good.

Camping

2011-07-20T17:49:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it has been almost a month since we have blogged. Life is good. God is blessing our socks off.

Last weekend we went camping up near Lake Mary with David, Lizz, Joey, Samson and Brittany.

The guys went up onThursday, the ladies on Friday.

We went to Lowell Observatory on Friday evening - it was pretty cool. We saw Saturn with all the rings.

David and friends went out to take pictures - isn't it amazing how David ends up in all of the pictures?
We went looking for elk / deer and found lots of them.

It is refreshing to know what great friends David has. They are respectful, well-grounded and firm in their faith. It was so cool to sit around the camp fire and talk spiritual things.

Brian and I had a wonderful time and were encouraged about the future when we see young people like these.

It was good to get to know Lizz better. How did David get her??? She is a beautiful young lady.

Hoping to get out again several times before winter - Brian and David were drawn for turkey so that will be A LOT of fun.

God is so good.

David's Friends

2011-06-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

Last Friday evening our Neighborhood Group was supposed to come over for dinner and swimming. One family decided to stay longer on vacation, another was fighting the crud.... so it was cancelled. Well David had invited some of his friends over. So we switched it up and had about 15 young people over.

They provided so much laughter and hope. These folks are good, hard-working and they love them some Jesus!! They were thankful for the food. They enjoyed the pool. There was some great conversation.

One of the cool things - two of the young ladies who were here we have had the opportunity to love on for several years. We hadn't seen Eboni in probably four or five years. Not only did she remember us - she remembered us as having loved her. If only we realized how important our words, our actions, our reaching out to someone who is hurting is.

These young people can invade our home any time.

God is good.

Father's Day

2011-06-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

Father's Day for me (Vicki) is bittersweet. Brian is am amazing father who truly love his children. But, my own Dad has been gone for almost nine years.

My Dad was a good man. He loved the Lord. He loved his family. He taught us right from wrong. He stood by us when we made bad decisions. Never once did he say "I told you so.". He was taken from us far too soon.

Sometimes I still cry. Every little girl wants her Daddy. I think the reason I can easily love Abba Father is because I had such an amazing earthly Dad.

And God, in His infinite wisdom, has placed in our lives the most amazing couple - Rex and Joyce. He has filled a void in my life that I thought would be empty forever. I can't wait til we get to go and visit them later this summer. We learn so much from he and Joyce.

God has blessed my socks off with the people in my life.

Gold Fish

2011-06-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

While at Mingus Lake I noticed these gold fish in the parking lot....

I wondered to myself (because making jokes while Brian is fishing does not go over well) - is this what happens to bad gold fish? To they end up smashed in a parking lot all by themselves!!

Or should I be sad there is a little child who lost some goldfish.....

Or should I just keep going because, well, thinking about this is down right silly!!! God is good!

Camping

2011-06-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Brian and I (Vicki) went camping. We ended up at Lynx Lake. Our original plan was to go to Big Lake so Brian could scout for turkey hunting. But, the Wallow Fire changed our plans. We decided to stay in a campground rather than the forest just in case.....

We had an amazing time. Friday we went hiking around the Senator Mine. Over the last 22 years we have been there several times. It is interesting to see the changes. Where 20 years ago a tree was breaking through a concrete slab, now it is twenty feet high!! The water coming out of the mine is running faster. The gate that was once there is long gone. The sense of peace and tranquility is indescribable.

To think about this mine 100 years ago gives perspective - makes our lives seem somewhat less important.

Brian got to do lots of fishing both at Lynx Lake and at Mingus Lake. The scenery was absolutely beautiful.

Besides SOAPing out in the beauty of nature - there is something about being together when no words are necessary.

Hoping to get lots more camping in this summer though the next few weeks are full of activities.

God is good.

Reflections

2011-05-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

I (Vicki) was reflecting on how good God is. Yes, it is a holiday. Yes, Brian is working. Yes, I was doing housework. Yes, we are so blessed.

We live in a country where we are free. We can voice our opinions. We can disagree. We can stand up for what we believe in without fear. We can worship openly.

On a smaller level we are blessed because God is showering us with love and favor. Our financial goal to be out of debt is moving much faster than we budgeted. We are in agreement on the goal and we are tithing our treasure, time and talent. It is fun to try to out give God!!

Our children are pretty much on their own (though yes, two live with us!). It is fun to watch as they make decisions and live out their faith (or lack thereof). We have such a peace that we did our best and what they do with their lives is between them and God.

God is good.

Grand Canyon Caverns

2011-05-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

We had the most amazing few days. Wednesday evening I (Vicki) picked up Brian from work and we headed to Laughlin.

Thursday we left early and headed down Route 66 to the Grand Canyon Caverns. We stopped in Hackberry, which is quaint and fun, to take some pictures.

We were supposed to be there at 11:00 - in true Wuerfel fashion - we arrived 45 minutes early. So we putzed around the gift shop and the oddities strewn throughout the property.

When Stephanie, our guide, was ready it was show time. We donned Dickie jumpsuits, knee pads, helmets with lights and put gloves in our pockets. Because we had never been there before we did the entire tour AND the behind the scenes.

We were able to climb way back in the cave and up some holes - places where most folks don't go. At one point we were way far back Stephanie had us turn off our lights. It was total darkness, then after about three minutes our eyes started adjusting and we could see shadows. The silence was eerie. Since it is a dry cave there are no critters or sounds.

There were five spots where we had the opportunity to go behind the scenes. We did all but the last one - we were pooped and quite frankly, my legs were a little shaky.

Yep, that is Vicki and Brian in the background, look for the headlamp - the opening is really small and we did hit our heads, our knees, our elbows more than once!!

Not sure if I am more amazed at the beauty and ingenuity of God or the fact that my knees bent so easily are so strong. Both are gifts from above.

We had so much fun. God is so good!!

Anticipation

2011-05-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

We are at such a fun and interesting time in our life. We are at the edge of something miraculous. We are trusting God to do GREAT and MIGHTY things.

Way too often we limit God. We tell Him what we think should happen and what we are willing to do. That is SOOOOOOOO wrong. So, we told God - use us. Now we are sitting back waiting to see where we are led.

Next week we will be official Life Coaches. On Saturday we get to be used by the Holy Spirit with a couple that is hurting. Thank you Jesus.

But there is more. We are at the edge of the Promised Land - He will be leading us to where the milk and honey are flowing. This doesn't mean we won't have challenges. Quite the opposite - we know there will be giants coming at us. But we are right where Abba Father wants us.

One of the coolest things about loving Jesus is the knowledge that God wins. God is good.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

We had such a nice relaxing Mother's Day. Brian was off due to training next week. We slept in then he made me an omelet.

David woke up and we ran some errands - nothing big, just hanging out enjoying each other. When we came home we played Zilch then Brian grilled steaks for dinner. All of us ate together - it was nice.

We got to talk to our folks in Colorado - what amazing people of God. I miss them so much. Can't wait for our next trip up there. It is a slice of Heaven being with them.

We don't do many of these days - nothing days. It is good just to rest in the Lord. He has so blessed us. Yes, we have challenges - but the blessings are new each and every day.

God is so good. We are so loved!!

Step of Faith

2011-05-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

I (Brian) have been looking at leaving my current position and going back into the insurance industry. After having some what I felt were real good interviews, God did not want to move me and I am still in a position in which I am not really happy working. Don't get me wrong, god has done wonderful things in our lives over the past two years and we have been blessed above and beyond.

This past week we decided to make an aggressive effort to get out of debt before making any change from the present. On Monday, there was a posting at work for a new support team working with the strategic projects team. This position would alter my current schedule from working 15 days a month to 20 and the loss of extra overtime on the weekends but would be a Monday through Friday job working 10 hour shifts with every Friday being an overtime day. The posting indicated the position would more than likely be based on seniority however they were evaluating all candidates and only taking 8 for this elite detail.

Ok so here goes the step of faith. I submitted an email to the Commanding Officer and received encouraging words back. I sent ""although this position could be based on seniority and I would be considered a long shot, I wanted to let you know am interested in this position. " to which I received a response " Great!!, I will put you down." So I have been praying that this is the position that God has created an therefore not let me go from where I am. Please join us in prayer as we pray to seek God's will in the career choices.

Also last Saturday we attended a class at the church that will prepare us for the ministry at the church working as lay pastors working with troubled marriages. We have realized God does move us through the storms and wants us to remember he will always be there and wants us to bless others as he has blessed us.

Thanks for the prayers and we will keep you updated as we progress

Ministry from Pain

2011-05-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

God is good. We have one more class before we are officially Life Coaches. We are learning so much about God, ourselves and what happened in our marriage. We are even more convinced of how BIG God is. He is still performing miracles.

I (Vicki) am reading a great book - In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson. He says "Now here is what you need to understand: If you don't turn your adversity into a ministry, then your pain remains your pain. But, if you allow God to translate your adversity into a ministry, then your pain becomes someone else's gain."

Whoa - God IS going to get more glory. The simple fact that Brian was able to repent and our marriage was reconciled is two miracles. Now, we can share our story, we can offer hope.

Day by day we are understanding more and more just how BIG and how amazing our Lord and Savior is. God is so good.

STUPIDITY

2011-04-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

Okay:

This is a hard blog given the subject matter but here it goes......I/Brian had been wanting to go fishing on my days off. Last night we tried Surprise lake and it was crowded, windy and the fish were not biting so we left after about an hour of no luck just broken lines and drowned worms.

This morning I/Brian received a text from David saying if he got off early he wanted to go fishing. Brian drove down to the Gila river and was looking for spots for us to try later. As I approached the river, I noticed several areas normally used by people fishing had been fenced off for the PIR construction project and new roads around the river. I found an open road and drove in about a quarter of a mile and realized the road practically stopped at the river.

Deciding to turn around, I quickly found myself getting stuck with the soft sand and river rock. After trying to dig out, I called Jay who walked down to the river carrying a shovel and some water for us. After Jay arrived we tried everything we could think of to get the truck out of the sand. We quickly discovered we were on an underground spring and no matter what we did the truck kept sinking.

After eating crow and calling Vicki and telling her what I had done, we found a local tow company and called to inquire about the service. Wow tow bills can be expensive and this one cost me $200.00 per hour and was charged from the time the truck left the shop until they were finished. Well the total service call took less than 30 mins. and the bill was only $200.00.

Funny part is the driver knew exactly where I was and said they usually get calls to pick up stolen vehicles without the tires and they are much harder to recover. So after about 4 hours of baking in the sun, we got the truck out. Oh and no I did not catch any fish........

So what a lesson to learn especially when your kids know what happened and tell all their friends who say not nice things and your wife is mad and said you should have just stayed home. Well next time I will walk where ever we are headed and not try this. Just for your amusement I am attaching pictures.

Parenting

2011-04-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Somehow I thought that at this point in our lives we would slow down. But, God has other ideas for us. Sometimes we meet ourselves coming and going.

While we don't have to drive children to practices, games and what not. We now get the privilege to spend quality time with them. And, for the most part, we really like them!! And they even like us too!!

While we will always be the parent - there is a transition going on - we are becoming friends with our children. We have raised them to love the Lord, to be responsible citizens, to be servants. Our job is done. We are not responsible if they chose to turn away from what we taught them. Getting our arms around this has been freeing.

God loves each of our children much more than we ever could. He is in control. We will not be brought down by guilt or what ifs when they make bad decisions. We all have made bad decisions. We just continue to love them and pray for them.

God is good.

Miscarriage

2011-04-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

Kara miscarried the baby. Our grandbaby is in Heaven. Brian very eloquently said - "Looks like your Dad is the first one to hug her." I do think Uncle Mark might be fighting to hold her though....

Yes, Brian "knows" she is a girl. Yes, we know she is in Heaven.

Our hearts grieve with Kara and Tom. What words can you say? We know that all things work together for good - Romans 8:28-29. That doesn't make it feel any better.

So now we pray for Kara and Tom, for physical and emotional healing. We ask Abba Father to hold them close, to draw them to His lap where they can rest and be loved on.

Even in the storm - God IS good.

A Whole Bunch of Nothing

2011-04-03T18:06:00.000-07:00

Finally finished the taxes today. This year just wasn't motivated, perhaps because we owe?? Actually took a nap this afternoon. This was not planned, was reading and just started dozing. There is something peaceful about a Sunday afternoon nap.

Been thinking about a hobby. Since we don't own our home (yet!) I am having trouble getting into "improvement" things, like planting a garden. And, the Diamondbacks were SNOWED out today. Thinking about quilting - it has been a long time, but it is fun to do.

We are so blessed. There are times I don't think we comprehend the privilege of living in America where we have so much freedom - to worship, to praise, to meet freely. Think I want to work on being more grateful.

God is so good.

Grandparents

2011-03-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

Yep, we are going to be grandparents..... Yes, it is Kara and Tom. They have been trying for quite awhile and are now five weeks pregnant. The baby is due November 20, 2011.

Brian is so stinking excited - so cute to watch. He actually went out and bought an outfit already....

The big question we are struggling with - what will the baby call us? We have already checked with Kara to see what Tom's folks have picked. We are looking at our options. In reality - we have some time.

Praying for this baby, for Kara and Tom. God is good.

Camping

2011-03-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

Here they are - two of my favorite men.

Brian and I went camping up at Dead Horse State Park. David drove up and joined us.

They caught lots of fish - mostly trout. The weather was really windy which made me cold. Tank was rather annoying as he kept jumping in the lake....

Saturday afternoon we headed to Jerome after David left - it is such a fun little town. So much history. We gave in and ate lunch/dinner at the Haunted Hamburger. Really good.

It is so amazing to see all that our Lord has created. We have only scratched the surface of the west - the entire world awaits us.

God is good.

Accidents

2011-03-08T16:18:00.000-08:00

A week ago this morning I (Vicki) was rear-ended on the way to work while sitting at a red light. It was quite annoying. My car has been in the shop getting fixed and I have been visiting the chiropractor - a whole new experience for me. Though sore, I am feeling much better.

Then yesterday, Brian texts me, his van pool was in an accident coming home from work. Some woman merging onto the freeway decided to take their lane too! Lots of blessings - they had already dropped off three of the guys, there was not car in the lane they went into, no one in the van was hurt badly - just bumps and bruises and it wasn't our car!!. So now Brian gets to visit the chiropractor.

How bizarre that within a week, we were both in accidents. Praise God for those angels that are in critical condition protecting us. God is so good.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2011-03-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

Yep, it is that time of the year where we are busy, busy, busy. I (Vicki) am always busy at this time of year because the auditors appear. They provide distractions for about six weeks and do have a tendency to make me grumpy.

Brian is busy at work too - poor management planning. Our Saturdays are taken up with the acupuncture on Brian's foot (this is amazing, he is in much less pain) and church.

We love our new church. We had the opportunity Friday evening to visit with our Small Group - lots of fun to catch up. There are some folks we will be getting together with.

We are hoping to get out for some spring camping.... Brian's new toy is a pop up camper. God is good (duh) and provided us with one far beyond our hopes. It will be good to spend time with God in nature.

God continues to bless us. God is so good.

Healing Continues

2011-02-23T19:31:00.000-08:00

As most of you who read this know - Brian had an affair. It lasted seven months - the details are unimportant. One of the last things we needed to do in our healing process was to visit Las Vegas. It was in Las Vegas that Brian met Satan with skin on....

So we went last week. Wednesday and Thursday were fun - healing. Friday, it was rough. Brian was snippy and not very nice. After a couple of hours I gave in and cried. Tears don't impact Brian so he knew I was at the end. We talked and prayed. Brian's statement "I am so angry at myself, how could I have done this to you?" made me realize just how far we have come.

When we saw this shirt we both burst into laughter. What happened in Vegas, didn't stay in Vegas!!

Nothing is hidden from our Lord - He knows all and sees all. Someday we will have to give account for our actions and thoughts. I am so glad that Jesus has already forgiven. We are taking the grace and moving on - worshipping and serving our Lord and Savior.

God is good!

God's Sense of Humor

2011-02-15T12:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, is God good or what? As you know our marriage has survived a very difficult time. We are healing and God is moving very quickly in our lives.

Last December, we visited CCV and felt like God was really speaking to us as we listened to Pastor Don Wilson deliver the message. We felt at peace as we sang the worship songs and chatted with those seated around us as well as those we spoke with after the service.

In this last series of messages, Pastor Don spoke about stepping out and taking risks and doing what God has called you to do for Him. Well we are doing just that. Sunday we attended the first steps class and spoke with members of the staff further about our ministry to be available for those who are struggling in their marriages. It was confirmed again that this is the ministry God has called us to and we are to further pursue His plan.

Today I spoke with the Staff and learned that with a new church plant, they have lost a few coaches to assist with the new church and the ministry at the new location and there is an immediate need for coaches like Vicki and myself. As God would only do, the person I spoke to quoted a quote we have been using for a long time. "God does not waste any hurt", "He uses it to strengthen us and for us to be the pillars when those around us are hurting". WOW......Another confirmation of God speaking to us.

During my conversation, I learned we will be attending training in the next two weeks and the training falls on days in which my work schedule does not conflict. Further, following the training, we will become members of the pastoral care staff and will work directly with the pastors and the persons facing difficult times in their marriages.

As part of CCV's strategy we have found a neighborhood group just blocks away from our home. This will allow us to further reach the neighborhoods for Christ and allow us to actively involved in our neighborhood with the ministry God has called us to.

I/we are so excited to see how God ahs lead us out of the desert and is taking us to higher ground to work with Him thus giving the glory directly to Him. What an awesome God we serve.

We ask continued prayer for us as we continue to follow God's calling in our lives.

Go God

2011-02-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

Can't believe how mightily God is working in our lives. And we know it must be God because so much stuff is happening as we are taking BIG steps of faith.

We went to class today at CCV, we are going to switch to a new Neighborhood Group - about four blocks from us. How cool is that? We will be starting training to move forward into helping other couples whose marriages are in trouble. God NEVER EVER takes us through something without letting us use it for His glory.

And yet, as we follow in obedience, the evil one continues to attack.... Silly devil - God wins.

This is going to be a great week - God is so good.

Stepping Out

2011-02-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

While life has been pretty busy recently - we are also so much at peace.

Moving to a new church and a new ministry is good. Pastor Don yesterday challenged us to step out. How often as fully devoted followers of Jesus do we accept mediocrity rather being willing to be bold and step out?

I love the statement - There are no regrets when we step out for Jesus. Jesus will never, ever fail us. He wants us to step out of our comfort zone. So, here we are - taking risks.

The really cool thing - we are headed the right direction because we are under attack of the evil one. Our comfort lies in the fact that we know who wins - God.

God is so good.

Violated

2011-01-30T17:39:00.000-08:00

Friday evening Kara called - she was bubbly and happy. She had a great review at work. I encouraged her things were looking up. About two hours later she phoned, their home had been burglarized.

We jumped in the car (Brian, myself, David and Jay) and went over there. No - there was absolutely nothing we could do but be there. Their home was trashed. It looked like something out of a movie - the mattress was off the bed, things were thrown around....

At this point over $25,000 in jewelry, guns, electronics, money is gone. More importantly - their sense of security is gone. Our homes are supposed to be safe haven. But some bad guys took that away from them (and from us).

I wonder what type of person could break in a home, seeing pictures all around then trash it, taking what they wanted and moving on. Gone are the pictures - all their pictures, courtship, wedding, starting life together. Gone are the pieces of jewelry given to her by Brian, myself, Tom. Gone are Tom's guns.

As I watched Brian holding Kara my heart was touched. She wanted the security of her Dad. But even Dad's can't protect us from bad guys.

So now I pray - pray Kara and Tom will regain their sense of home; pray blessings on the officers who were so professional yet kind; pray the bad guys not only will be caught, but that they will feel remorse for the actions, pray too they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Even in this darkness, God is good.

Following God

2011-01-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

We are changing churches. It has been a tough decision, but it comes down to following where God is leading.

Palm Valley (PV) was a great place for us but now God is calling us to Christ Church of the Valley (CCV). Here we will be able to take what we learned over the last two years and share it, reach people, offer hope. God is good.

As we said good bye to our PV Small Group there were tears. These are the folks that walked through the absolute worst time of our lives with us - they loved on us, prayed for us, held us accountable. There was never judgment from this group of friends. We know we always have a place with them.

It is excited to start out on a new season. God is broadening our perspective and our ministry. Too often, we as fully devoted followers of Christ, settle for mediocrity. We don't trust God to do the really BIG stuff. That is what we are doing - expecting God to show up BIG. He will.

We are so thankful for old friends and for the new ones we will be meeting. God is so good.

Signs

2011-01-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

God is so amazing. For the past few months we have been struggling with a major decision.

Yesterday I (Vicki) asked God for a sign. While I know this is Scripturally based - I seldom ask, perhaps I don't want to annoy God!!! Within two hours - God had given me, not one, but two very clear signs about the direction we are headed.

I love the fact that my Lord and Savior loves me SO much that asking for a sign is no big deal to Him. And, in this case, He wanted be to be clear.

Soon, we will share the decision with our friends, but for now we are simply savoring our time with Abba Father. He is preparing us for some pretty BIG stuff and we need to have His strength. Resting in His arms, growing in His love. What a great way to start the new year.

God is good.

Peace

2010-12-31T07:07:00.000-08:00

So 2010 is about over. It has been a good year. This is probably the most peaceful I have ever been in my entire life. These are some of the things I am learning:

to rest in Abba's arms
to trust He is in control no matter what the storm is around me
to release my children - we raised them to love the Lord, not it is in their hands - God does NOT have grandchildren
to claim the promises in Psalm 139 - I AM beautifully and wonderfully made

We are so excited about where God is leading us in 2011 - He is good, He is in control and He loves us. Who could ask for more?

Busy, Busy December

2010-12-26T16:56:00.000-08:00

What an amazing month this has been. God is so good to us.

On the 11th of December we had the privilege of serving in south Phoenix - bringing Christmas to folks who have so very little. With David's friend Carlos we were able to share with so many families the love of Jesus. We were so proud of David. He brought about a dozen of his friends to help out. God's hand is on David.

The following week we were faced with a major decision. Jay phoned us - he and his girlfriend broke up - he had no where to live..... After some deep prayer and discussion David put is best - how can we help others and not help our own family? Of course God confirmed our decision one evening when Brian and I read 1 Timothy 5:8 - "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Thank you Jesus.

Christmas has been a series of get togethers with family and friends. We are so blessed, having our children together and all of them are doing good.

Christmas Eve Brian, David and I served two services at church. David in his normal spot - kindergarden to third grade. Brian and I were in the preschool - so much fun. Little Addie who was there for both services has the biggest crush on Brian. He will make a great grandpa in God's time!

Today was sad though. David and I went to Tasha and Sprae's home to clean the backyard. They are moving to Tennessee. We are going to miss them something fierce, especially Zeke. Our love and prayers are with them.

We are so excited to see where God takes us in 2011. God is good to us.

Stocking Stuffing

2010-12-05T16:30:00.000-08:00

For about eight or ten years we have had the pleasure of being involved with Americans for a Better Tomorrow. This Christian organization gives families a hand up - not a hand out.

Today was the stocking stuffing. We stuffed 1,200 stockings with candy, coloring books, crayons, popcorn, a stuffed animal and a book about Jesus. For some children - this is the only Christmas they will have. They will be given out next Saturday at the Family Fun Fest.

My friends Cutter (7) and Tanner (5) went with me today. This two guys worked their behinds off. To get there we drove through some pretty run down areas - I had the opportunity to explain some of the stockings may go to children who live in these houses. What a privilege to share this experience with my young friends.

At times like this - sitting in my beautiful home, listening to Christian music and children playing, our tree lit, our bills paid - I am most blessed. My heart aches for my brothers and sisters who have less - but in reality, their joy comes from Jesus - the peace in their eyes....perhaps we are the ones who are missing out.

God is very good.

Wonderful Weekend

2010-11-28T16:03:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving that actually started on Wednesday evening when we went out to celebrate our 21st anniversary. It was good. I just adore spending time with Brian. He is not only my husband and best friend, but I actually like him!!

Thanksgiving brought all the children plus their spouse/girlfriends plus Grandma plus Kylene plus Joey. It was good to have all the children together - and they all were getting along!! Perhaps not seeing each other as much does that.....

Brian and I were up early for shopping on Friday - 4:50am we were standing in front of a store.... just in case one of our nosy children is trying to figure out what we bought - we are keeping all locations secret!! We ended up at four different stores in a matter of four hours!! The last one was ToysRUs, shopping was so much easier when they were small. Cool thing - we are pretty much done, now we can enjoy the holidays and celebrate Jesus' birth.

Friday evening we randomly hooked up with my Mom to walk through Glendale Glitters - it was beautiful and fun. The only challenge - Brian and my Mom ganged up on me to get mini-donuts. There are times I wonder if Brian goes to these things just to eat the food!!

Back to work - will be a long week but we are both blessed to have solid jobs. God is good.

Holidays

2010-11-21T17:22:00.000-08:00

So hard to believe the holidays are upon us. This is going to be a different year. Thanksgiving will be at our home and ALL three children will be here with their spouse/girlfriend. It will be good.

Christmas, on the other hand, is going to be amazingly fun. Thus far, we have four different family holiday times planned. Add to that parties we are invited to, celebrations are the office and some of the special stuff we want to do just the two of us......

Through all of this the most important thing we will keep in mind - this is the celebration of Jesus' birth. Logically we know it was sometime in the spring but since this is when it is celebrated - we will rejoice that the Creator of the Universe loves us so much that He chose to be born in human form, die on a cross and then rise from the dead.

God is so good.

Wonderful Weekend

2010-11-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful weekend - topped off by David coming home!!

While we staying in Laughlin (free!) we tried to see the Mitchell Caverns but their generator was broken so we didn't get to see them though we hiked out there and peeked through the bars. We will go back.

We drove over the new bridge over the Colorado River by the Hoover Dam - you couldn't see much but we can say we did it.

We also went to Chloride. These murals are about two miles out of town. We met some other folks - which is always great for pictures!! We wandered through the cemetary too. Such amazing history.

We do think we may have found our perfect home - just needs a few touch ups.....

God is so good to us. Can't wait to see where He will lead us next.

Changes

2010-11-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

God has been so good to us. Over the past few months, I/Brian has been looking into changing careers back to insurance. Back in August I had been talking with another officer at work and as the small world would have it, his wife was the Catastrophe Manager for a local insurance company that I did work for during the hurricanes. This company has always been good to me and I enjoyed the interaction of the adjusters at this company.

During my conversation the officer called his wife and asked if she remembered the name to which she replied "yes" he worked as a contract adjuster, sure wish he was doing claims now. Well I forwarded my resume and indicated that should anything develop that fits my qualifications or knowledge, I would investigate the possibility. Well Monday evening I received an email indicating she had forwarded my resume to the recruiter for an interview with a current opening. Today I interviewed and although the questions were tough, I felt all in the entire interview went quite well.

The hours would be better and the salary is slightly higher than what I am currently making. Just last week I passed up a job that would have involved a pay cut and felt that it was pushing where God wanted me to be. So after continued prayer I got the special call for a better position. Now we just wait and pray God's will on the situation.

Vicki and I are going to visit Mitchell Caverns and spend time together for our 21st anniversary. God has blessed me with an awesome woman of God and one who has stood by me through the poor decisions I have made over time. I pray God will continue to bless us with LOTS more years and we can enjoy each others company even more as the days pass. I love you Vicki thanks for always being there.

Running

2010-11-02T18:46:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I (Vicki) had an interesting conversation with one of our children. One who continues to run away from God rather than into His arms.

As I listened, it was interesting to see all the excuses he came up with for his life (of sin). The funny thing - I wasn't asking questions nor was I saying much. One thing I have learned is to be still and listen. The longer the conversation went - the more agitated he became. So, I prayed silently. As he wound down - I reminded him of how amazing he is (Psalm 139) and how much his Dad and I love him.

Walking in the door I saw our child who is running straight into the arms of God. He is so excited about how God is going to use him. He is so pumped to serve.

Perhaps that is one of the choices we make in life - do we run away from God or do we run straight into His arms of love?

Haiti

2010-10-31T15:34:00.000-07:00

David is headed to Haiti. 90% of me is so excited for him. 10% is scared to death. It would have been better if they had not been an outbreak of chlorea. But, Dad to the rescue, we now have a filtration system that is pretty nifty.

Yesterday he called his Colorado Grandpa and Grandma to tell them thank you for the support check they sent - after he got off the phone he was literally dancing around the house. It makes us joyful to see our child excited to jump out of his comfort zone. (Note: this is making Dad and Mom jump out of their comfort zone also!).

As we have been praying over the last few weeks it has been good to see David grow in his relationship with the Lord. Part of me is not sure Haiti is ready for him!!! We pray also for the children he will interact with, that they will capture the joy of the Lord.

Abba - we put David (and the rest of the folks) into your hands - Be glorified in and through them.

God is so good.

Friendships

2010-10-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

It is interesting how we end up friends with folks. How God brings us together to walk through life - sometimes for long times, other for short times.

I think friendships help us understand God better. We are able to hurt when our friends are hurting, we can rejoice in their victories. Walking through life with friends sometimes forces us to take our eyes off of ourselves and put them on others.

One of our friends is hurting so deeply - and the only thing we can do is pray. I just love it that God understands my anger at the person who is being STUPID and hurt my friend. So many miss out because they (erroneously) believe God can't take their anger. I have yelled at God many times and He took it just fine. In fact, as I am yelling, He takes me in His arms, He holds me close and says, I love you.

God is so good.

Faith and Risk Taking

2010-10-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

Life is good. I (Vicki) have been reading Francis Chan's book Forgotten God. Talks much about how we don't really trust the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. Challenges folks to step out and take steps of faith.

Then last evening at church Pastor Greg spoke of similar stuff - how Caleb had a "different" Spirit. One that remembered God's promises; walked by faith; did not become bitter, but did become better; relied on God's promises to overcome fear.

Interesting these both occurred at the same time in our lives. We have been blocked from serving where we wanted to. People have told us we aren't ready, But the Holy Spirit kept nudging us - encouraged us to keep on through the Word, through godly people in our lives, through prayer. We were hurt and confused.

Our God is amazing. Separately Brian and I both came to the same conclusion - we will step out in faith and work with folks who are not "church" people. There are several opportunities - we are praying which step to take - but we will take the steps because we have walked the land - and now we are going to possess it - we will share the pain, the sorrow, the joy we have experienced because God loves us sooooooo much.

We are excited. We have no clue how this is going to work, but we know it will.

God is good.

Colorado Pictures

2010-10-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

This was on our way up to Cedaredge - somewhere past Cortez in Lizard Head Pass. Last time we drove through there was about ten feet of snow!! We have pictures of Jay and David in shorts standing on the top of the snow with the top of the sign showing through!!

God did some amazing work here.

On our way home we went back through Rico, Ouray and Silverton. We stopped at Mineral Springs (second picture) where we camped with the children a couple of times. It is just as beautiful AND the fort the children played in is still there. So cool to think about how many children over the years have had adventures in that fort....

We arrived in Silverton after the train left. This meant the town was basically shut down. Brian had an ice cream cone and we walked around a bit. We decided to eat dinner in Durango. The drive from Silverton to Durango is beautiful. We were not too far from Durango when we saw the train - Brian was like a little boy. He waved at the conductor and then the whistle blew.... Made his day!!

This Arizona girl really enjoyed seeing the seasons change, the majesty of God's handiwork and spending quality time with her husband who is a man after God's own heart.

God is so good.

Hunting

2010-10-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

We went turkey hunting and got squirrel!!

While the guys didn't bag any turkeys - we had a good time. We are blessed with wonderful children. And with each other.

Again - we were able to experience the beauty of God's creation.

Abba Father is so good to us.

Colorado

2010-10-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

What an amazing trip to Colorado. We drove up on a Thursday. Brian was taking part in a Tres Dias Men's weekend - Vicki did nothing.... Until the following week.

Monday Dad Rex took us sight seeing - how amazing is the hand of our Lord. This is at the Black Canyon of Gunnison River. Wow. To think God did this in six days - we talked a lot about how Heaven will be - He has been working on Heaven for over 2,000 years now.

This trip was so peaceful - one of the reasons we love going to Cedaredge. Surrounded by love, friendship, good food, beautiful landscape, chickens. God is good.

Memories

2010-09-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

It was eight years ago today my Dad died. In some ways it seems so long ago and in other ways the pain is fresh. I miss him a lot.

He was an aeronautical engineer plus he had more common sense than four people put together! Though he was a quiet man, stoic, he loved deeply and listened well.

It hurts that he did not get to see our children graduate or marry. He will not hold his great-grandchildren.

Yet, in so many ways, he is with me all the time. I feel his presence when I am lonely. I hear his words of wisdom when I am questioning. I feel his arms around me when I am scared.

My earthly father had so many characteristics of my Heavenly Father. Perhaps that is why my faith is so simple. I am blessed.

God is good.

Home

2010-09-06T16:49:00.000-07:00

We love the home we are in. It is just the right size, wonderful location, cozy. There are things we would love to do - but we can't. It is not ours. The folks we are renting from want to sell it, we want to buy it. But in today's economy, we don't qualify.

It is fo frustrating. We are living within our means. We are on a three year plan to be totally out of debt. We save 10%, tithe 10% and live on 80%. Yet, according to the standards, we aren't good enough.

We have settle in so easily - it is home. Part of me is sad, maybe we will only be here a short while. They will be at law school for two to three years so even though our lease is for a year, more than likely we will be here longer. The challenge we pray about regularly - is the price they will want for our home reasonable and within our means.

Can't wait to see how God answers this one.

God is so good.

Hurting Child

2010-09-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

We absolutely adore our children - God has blessed us with amazing children - all very unique, strong-willed, creative and full of faith (though they may not realize it yet!).

The past few days have been difficult as we are watching David struggle. His decision to go into the Army may not happen. He has some health issues, while not life and death, will probably keep him home.

So, we watch him - what does he do? He is hurting, doesn't think what he does is important. The devil is putting so many lies from the pit of hell into his mind it is making us mad!!!

It is David who stood by me when Brian walked out - he was an incredible source of strength. It is David who confronted his Dad about the sin in his life, then stood by us as we have reconciled. It is David who cried at Kara's wedding. He is a man after God's own heart.

God has great and mighty things planned for him. Just as Jacob wrestled God and then was used to build a nation - David is wrestling God. He may not build a nation - but we have absolutely no doubt he will make an impact on those God puts in his life.

So we sit back, love our child and pray. God will bring him through and God will be glorified in David's life.

God is good.

Temptation

2010-08-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

Visited CCV last weekend. Always good to see what is going on in other churches. The worship was amazing, the sermon was excellent (Don Wilson was my Youth Pastor oh so many years ago....). There was a part of the sermon, an aside actually, that really caught us.....

Falling to temptation has five steps (see James 1:13-15):

Desire
Deception
Decision
Destruction
Death

Too often folks don't think through their decisions. They don't consider the destruction it will bring into not only their life, but into the lives of those they love and into the lives of those around them.

Having lived through this and seen how God is glorified when we stand firm - it is always good to remember - God's standards are absolute, they do NOT change.

He will ALWAYS provide an escape from temptation and thus victory. Guess we should focus on the eternal, rather than the immediate.

God has blessed us so very much. God is so good.

Camping on the Rim

2010-08-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

Here we are on the edge of the Mogollion Rim - we spent a delightful couple of days camping at Milk Ranch Point.

To say it was peaceful would be an understatement. The only challenge we faced - the bugs. They seem to like Brian much better than Vicki - so it is all good!!

It was so cool - we bought mountain bikes. Totally sure it would have made a great video watching us ride the first time. It is much more difficult to ride up hill than down hill. Though downhill is a tad bit scarier - especially with all those rocks in the road!! Having those new knees is beyond words. We are so thankful for both technology and a great doctor.

We drove the Rim Road - saw a mama deer and her baby, watched the progress of the forest since the Dude Fire nine years ago, enjoyed the changing colors of the land and the sky.

One of Brian's favorite parts of camping - pizza!! Somehow pizza tastes so much better when it is cooked out in the open. In fact, all food tastes better when eaten around a fire.

Our last night out our fire started nicely - the wonderful smell.... well then the rain decided to put the fire out - it literally rained all night long. No S'Mores for Brian!! We sat in the trailer and played Zilch and War. By morning the sun was out (as were the bugs!). We packed up and headed home.

God is so creative - the colors, the sounds, the smells. We can't wait to see wait Heaven will be like. You see, He took six days to create the earth - He has been working on Heaven for over 2,000 years.

God is good.

Marriage Ministry

2010-08-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

We will be working with the Marriage Ministry at Palm Valley. God doesn't take you through an experience like ours to let it sit on the shelf. So we will take the pain we experienced, the healing we have been blessed with and walk with other couples who are struggling.

It is amusing because we felt led in this direction about six months ago and volunteered. But, the training wouldn't happen until about now. So we waited. We think God wanted us to get past the first year being reconciliation. God has blessed our socks off in the past year.

During the last three months God has brought two families to us who are hurting because of affairs. One of them has ended in divorce (which God hates) but the beautiful lady is learning Jesus is all she needs. The other couple is working on the marriage - we are hoping they will let us walk with them.

We expect this will bring up some pain - but it is an honor because Jesus hurts.

God is so good!

Home

2010-08-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

We are about 95% settle in!! It has been an amazing story. Brian and David got the truck on Thurday morning (July 29) and had the truck loaded by mid-afternoon. We drove by the new place and they were still here. Next morning I drove by about 5:30am and they were gone - I texted Brian and David - they were here before 8:00 unloading.

I got off work about 1:00 and headed to the old place to "help". We threw everything else in and then unloaded - we were able to return the truck a day early and call our friends and say - "Your Saturday is free!"

Saturday it rained all day long - not just rain, but pouring rain. Brian's dad came over and painted a wall for us and we spent the day unpacking.

Throughout the week we have unpacked more and more. This morning I tackled the spare room - everything out - then everything back in. We have a few more things to finish up and hang pictures in the family room.

David came home from church and said - "This feels like home."

Thank you Lord for a new home. God is so good.

A New Chapter

2010-07-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we close the door on this chapter of our life - it was one neither of us want to repeat!!

Yet, in so many ways we have grown - closer to each other, closer to Abba Father. Our faith has been stretched beyond what we thought was bearable. We have learned to laugh at both situations and ourselves. God has allowed us to experience deep pain - just as Jesus did on the cross.

Our prayer is God will use our experience to encourage others - to let them know you can make it through as long as you keep your eyes on the throne.

We are so excited to see where God is leading us, the adventures we will have serving Him. We are so blessed. God is good.

Countdown

2010-07-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on - we are six days away from being in our new home. In some ways there is SOOO much to do - and in others, we are under control.

Brian and David don't know it yet, but we are eating on paper plates for the next few days - it will get rid of the enormous number of paper plates we have and it allowed me to pack the dishes!! All the silverware and cooking untilsils are in boxes on the counter. Only the food remains to be packed. Monday night I am going through the fridge and freezer to toss out expired or funny looking things. And, we are eating some stuff I wonder why we bought.....

I am so blessed to have a husband who is so handy - he has fixed a couple of things that broke around here, he has the move all organized so I will have minimal moving to do, in fact, I will be working Thursday and Friday while Brian, David and JT are loading the truck.

David has been such a helper - it was cool to spend the day with him yesterday, looking for a bed for him and a chair for Brian - we found both. God is doing great things in him.

We are blessed to have friends who will help, family who laugh with us and a Savior to walk through life with. God is good.

Random Thoughts

2010-07-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

Kind of crazy to think in two weeks we will be in our new home. Seems like there is so much to do, but there isn't really. The garage sale was a huge success. Everything except four boxes of stuff sold - the boxes got dropped at Goodwill on the way to church. It feels good to be downsizing.

What is left to be packed is stuff that we use regularly enough that I will wait until next week. Besides, I am a little leary of the tape gun since it attacked my foot. Quite honestly - I didn't know blood could spurt like that. All is healing nicely.

It has been cool to see some of the miracles in our life over the past few days. Tank got really sick - became incontinent, throwing up blood, couldn't bark. We truly believed we were going to have to put him down. Shared with our Small Group on Friday our challenges - on Saturday, he was back to being Tank.... Think there were some amazing prayers being said.

Then this morning I was out shoveling granite in the front yard (yes, I could have left it for the landlord to do.....), David was changing his tires when the car fell off the jack. It was scary. He was trying so hard to get another jack underneath (and Mom wasn't being much help!) when a guy from down the street came down to ask what days garbage was collected - he ended up helping David get the entire thing done. Pretty sure we entertained an angel.

God is so good to us. He continues to bless our marriage and our family. Can't wait to see what happens when we are in our new home. The blessings are going to be flooding in. God is good.

Hurt/Hope

2010-07-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

Okay this is David on the blog.

Yes i know i titled it hurt for a reason. Through my 18 years of life i have learned a lot from stupid things and i have also done my share, yet through it all i look at it as a learning experience. Couple months ago my sister Kara and I were talking about how painful it is to have to watch our siblings and family go through everything we have. Of all my siblings i must say that Kara and I are the closest because she hasn't hurt me, well at least not intentionally. If you have been following my moms blog over the last year you know that we have had quite the journey! I will never forget the day I came back from Young Life camp (the best week of my life) and was told to sit down and had to hear what my father had decided to do. But the bottom line is even though that hurt, i forgave him. Haven't fully forgotten though. But i do believe we are rebuilding the bond, that of which a father and son share. Which brings me to my next point, some relationships just reallly hurt whether its family or friends, physical or emotional. Few days ago my brother Jay had called me, and my response to him was "Jay there are a lot of people that are willing to help you get your life back together but the bottom line is the change starts with you, you gotta make that change in your heart, rid yourself of the moral filth of the world". He was like i know it just sucks that the one i hurt most physically is giving me this advice, and i told him "Jay I'm over the fact you hurt me physically, the pain you have caused me now is in my heart because i know your better than that, you can do it i am wlling to help you like everyone else but like i said you need to have a change of heart first and next is apologizes, with sincerity." Bottom line is that sometimes we get hurt by the ones who are closest to us, but how do we react? are we angry? bitter? hopeful? the answer is all of them, but yet when we hurt Jesus how does He feel? Keep in mind the hurt Jesus went through for you and i just to be here, He did it ot of love and because He has hope for a future with Him. To any and all that i have hurt in the last year, i am sorry. I love you all, thanks for taking the time to listen to my heart!

David Wuerfel

Blessed

2010-07-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am amazed at how blessed we are.

God has walked with us through some pretty major storms - and we have come out stronger and closer to Him.

Materially I look around and see how much "stuff" we have.

Our children, at least two of them, are making good life decisions. The others, we claim God's promise that we have trained them in His ways - and they will return to Him.

Most of all - we have each other. So it doesn't really matter what goes on around us. Since we are walking with our Lord - we are the majority.

God is doing great and mighty things. God is so good.

Chaos

2010-07-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

It is official - we are living in chaos. Just when I think I know where the boxes are - they move. The good thing - many of them are now full. They are stacked across the living room walls.

The unsettledness of moving is not comfortable. But, I don't think we are supposed to be too comfortable in this world. Praying this will be our last move for a LONG time. If it isn't - part of God's plan.

The other thought I keep having - why do we have all this stuff? Therefore, not only are we downsizing - we are clearing out. Though we said we would never have another garage sale, we are.

Before too long we will be in our new home - can't wait.

God is good.

Army Mom and Dad

2010-06-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

It is official. David is in the Army.

He won't go to basic training at Fort Knox until November. He will be there for eight weeks, then an additional nine for specialized training.

Going through this decision making we have seen maturity - he is thinking out what he wants to do. He decided since he doesn't like school much and isn't sure what he wants to do - why waste money on college. Go into the Army - learn some stuff, then he can go to college on the Army.

Such mixed emotions - we are so proud of him, we are concerned for his safety, we have such a deep love for our son.

God is good.

Roller Coasters

2010-06-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

While I do enjoy riding roller coasters - I do NOT like roller coaster emotions.

Brian and I were totally blessed to go camping for a few days. We were up near Lake Mary in Flagstaff (in a camp ground - yuk) where the skies were star-filled, the temperatures were cooler, we saw an elk!! And somehow food cooked on a grill is so much better - grilled pizza around a camp fire... Brian even caught fish!!

We came home to a party - not the kind of party that is acceptable or legal. Our agreement with Jay as we left - if he made any bad decisions, he would be out. Well, he is out.

Our hearts are heavy as we hurt so much for our child who is making BAD decisions, who is unwilling to admit he has an alcohol problem, We hurt for his friends (yes church friends) who didn't step in to stop, we don't know if they took part. And we have holes in walls and cabinets that must be fixed prior to our move.

Guess we are back at the Scripture God showed me a year ago January - Stand Firm. We are standing firm in the Lord, letting Him deal with Jay. We are demonstrating tough love (which, by the way, is tougher on the parents than the child). We are holding on to Abba Father and to each other.

We know God will receive the glory through this and it will draw us closer together.

God is good.

Crazy Love

2010-06-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

It is so crazy how much God loves us. We are seeing so many things that point to the fact that the Creator of the Universe cares about every aspect of our lives.

The details for the move are coming together. David's car came together. We are watching Him work in the lives of our friends.

Brian is growing so quickly. It is amazing to watch the prayers of the last year come to fruition in ways that are so beyond what my pea brain could even imagine. God is doing great things in and through Brian's life. His heart is so at one with God's.

Can't wait to get moved to the new home - where the memories of this house are behind us.

God is so good.

New Home

2010-06-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went out looking for homes to rent. Looked at six homes, found one we really liked. So we filled out the application (at least the page we received). Susie, our realtor, sent it to the other agent. Oops, we fill out the second page. Then he wanted our credit report (free but annoying), then he wanted a letter as to why we wanted the house. We are at Wednesday.

Wednesday was a poopy at work - too much going on. So when our friend Kathleen called, I let it go to voice mail. A while later I listened to her message..... they have a friend who is headed to Stanford Law School and they have a house to rent...... I forwarded the message to Brian, who called Kathleen. Then he called Lauren. We decided to do a drive by - check out the house and neighborhood.

While driving over there, Susie called. Now the first place wants our credit score so he can make a decision Thursday. One has to pay to get their credit score. And, ours are horrible. So I told Susie what was going on. She said she would pray.

We drove by the house - liked what we saw. Now the question - do we agree to a house sight unseen?, do we call them?, what about the application that is in?????? So we called Kathleen, who called Lauren.

Lauren was out with some friends, but Kyle is home, taking a nap. Our instructions were ring the door bell, the dogs will bark, a minute later ring the door bell again, the barking dogs will wake Kyle up. Didn't work. So Brian and Lauren are on the phone with us planning to go get Lauren. The front door opens with a sleepy Kyle.

He was so gracious, kept apologizing for the mess. He showed us the house, answered lots of questions. We have a home, the details still need to be worked through. We withdrew our application for the first home all the while thanking God for His grace, mercy and timing.

God is so amazing - three bedrooms, den, great room, three car garage with built in workbench and cabinets, nice kitchen, RV gate, swimming pool, no problem with our dogs, on the golf course, 14 miles closer to work for Vicki!! Brian is going to jump into a van pool.

Kathleen and Daniel will be our first dinner guests. We are so thankful for wonderful friends, an amazing Lord and His timing.

God is good.

Packing

2010-06-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

Packing is bittersweet. It is a lot of hard work - I (Vicki) am actually sweating. But, the photo albums and lighthouses are all boxed up. While I wanted to look through every album I didn't, just a peek here and a peek there. One of my goals is to get a scanner and get all 49 albums of pictures on a disc.

It has also been a chance to do some weeding out. Why was I keeping the photos from college photography 25 years ago? If I liked them wouldn't I have hung them up? Brian is amazing at sending me flowers - therefore we have 23 vases. Which is insane because whenever we give flowers - we regift the vase and put in fresh flowers!

The other crazy thing - we don't know for sure when or where we are moving!! Just trusting God. We have an application in on a great house. But, in this market, who knows. And, if it isn't this house - it will be a better one.

God is good.

Choices

2010-06-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

God is so good. We are having the privilege of watching Him work in the life of another couple. (No, this isn't thank You Lord it isn't us!) God is doing great and mighty things and whatever the outcome, He will get the glory.

At times it is hard - we want it to be fixed, we want them back together - to be honoring the covenant of marriage God has established. Yet, we walked this road. Brian chose to leave. I (Vicki) chose to stay with my faith and trust God is big enough and Brian was smart enough to reconcile.

We live in an evil world. God has allowed the evil one to rule here. He has given us free choice. What an amazing God to love us so much to let us choose even after Jesus died for sins and defeated death by rising from the grave.

The best we can do is to continue on our knees for this dear family. We will be there whenever she needs us and when he is ready - we will be there with open arms, right behind Jesus!!

God is so good.

Blessed

2010-06-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed. Today was a poopy day - all sorts of little odd things going wrong for both of us. But, we rejoice, the evil one does NOT attack those who are doing nothing for the Kingdom.

While several of the things that happened were meant to discourage - we are pumped. There is a spiritual battle going on, not only in our lives, but in the lives of those we love. And we know the end - God wins!!

A year ago I (Vicki) was walking alone, today, we are walking together. Sometimes I look at Brian and am awed at the magnificent work God has done in and through him. He is so passionately in love with Jesus and me. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.

God is very good.

Disneyland!!

2010-05-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

David graduated and we went to Disneyland!!

David, Chelsea, Brian and Vicki drove over on Thursday. After checking in our hotel we went to the beach - it was a blast. We ate dinner at the RainForest Cafe in Downtown Disney.

Friday we spent the morning at California Adventure. In the afternoon we split up. Brian and Vicki went over to Disneyland and rode all the big rides. Then back to California Adventure. Brian loves Tower of Terror. We called it a night about 9:00pm.

Saturday morning Kara and Tom joined us. We thought the kids would ditch us after lunch at the Blue Bayou but they didn't. It was so much fun to hang out with our children. They are fun, responsible, respectful adults. We are proud of them. About 8:30 we again headed back to our hotel - the young people stayed out much later.

It is a good season of our life - getting to know our children as friends. God is so good!

Facebook Free

2010-05-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

We made the decision to leave Facebook. It has been so freeing.

Two reasons - First of all, we were spending way too much time on stuff that doesn't matter. We got to thinking - if we have this time, why aren't why spending it in the Word, serving, being together or something else....

Second, someone was coming after us - we were getting so much garbage. It isn't worth it. Now information about us isn't available for the entire world to see.

So we stay in the dark ages. Those who know us have our email. Those who really know us have our phone numbers. We are at peace.

God is good.

Change

2010-05-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

This will be a memorable week. David graduates from high school. Never mind our baby is 6'3" and 160 pounds, holds down a job and wants to go into the Navy. He will always be my baby.

And, Jay is scheduled to move out on Wednesday into an apartment with some other folks.

Pastor Greg said in church yesterday we are to embrace change - so we are embracing. Even to the point we decided to look for a smaller home.... still not sure where or when, but God is definitely leading us smaller.

As much as we love our children - this is such an exciting time in our lives. Being able to come and go as we want, travel, waiting for grandchildren.....

God is so good.

Jeep Bonding

2010-05-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight was incredible - I arrived home to find David and Brian working on the Jeep. They replaced the radiator and were in the process of replacing the gas tank.

After a run to Checker for more parts (had to swing into Filiberto's for a fast dinner) Jay joined them in working. All three of them were getting along, being nice to each other - in fact, they were even discussing the best way to get the gas tank back in place.....

Most of the evening I sat, watching and listening, praising God for these three amazing men. After a while I went in and made them Rice Krispy Squares - they were so excited.

As we approach being empty nesters - these are the times I am going to miss. The unplanned, precious moments sharing life.

God is good.

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

This year is much better than last year. So much has happened - God has done (and continues to move in) great and mighty ways.

Received the sweetest card from Brian - full of love and encouragement and a dark chocolate candy bar. The man is good.

Our children are a blessing even though not all of them are making wise decisions at the moment. I have learned their decisions are not a reflection on my mothering. This was a huge lesson and has given me so much peace.

I am excited to see what the next year brings. God is so good.

Cruising to Mexico

2010-05-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed. We spent five days cruising to Catalina Island, Ensenada and back to Long Beach.

At Catalina Island we rented a golf cart and drove around the island. It is beautiful.

While in Ensenada we went on an Extreme Dune Buggy outing. This is the before picture - we came back soaking wet, full of mud and laughing. It was so much fun!! BTW - Brian was like a kid in a candy store,

After cleaning up aboard ship we went to LaBufadora for some shopping - this is the best place to haggle and find bargains and the absolute best churros on the earth (cheapest too!). Brian would argue for the fish tacos...

The day at sea was relaxing, at least until the storm hit and the boat was rocking.... we both are still experiencing sea legs.

When we finally got off the ship we checked out hotels around Disneyland for our upcoming trip there. Hopped over to Santa Monica to eat at Bubba Gumps. Rather than driving home we stayed in Ontario and drove home Saturday.

The trip was good, a continuation of healing, making new memories, seeing new places (God is so amazing in all the different ways He creates beauty), making new friends and just growing more in love with God and with each other.

God is so good!

Children

2010-04-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

It is so fascinating to see how different our children are.

We have gifted and special needs; we have athletes and klutzes; we have social butterflies and those who prefer to be alone; we have servants and selfish.

Yet we love all of our children equally. Or perhaps Erma Bombeck said it best - "I love the child who needs me most at the time." Used to be that didn't sit well with me. Now I think I understand - when our children have a need, as parents we want to fill it. And, thank you Lord, seldom have more than one of our children been going through a crisis at the same time. Therefore, we have been able to meet their needs to the best of our ability.

Our children are a blessing. God is good to us.

Crazy Busy Weekend

2010-04-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

There are times I look forward to the work week. We spent ALL day Saturday looking for a Jeep Wrangler for David.

His current vehicle - Chevy Avalanche uses a lot of gas, so we offered to take it off his hands, sell Brian's Cadillac and find a Wrangler. First we tried to trade, no luck. So the Cadillac went on Craig's List to sell - and it did, quickly!

Not to look a gift horse in the mouth (we have been praying hard about this) but wow!

Because Wranglers hold their value, no one wants to get rid of theirs. We were in Mesa, Phoenix and Lake Havasu City!!

Then today David, Vicki and Jay went out. No luck yet. So for a while, we will be making do with two cars.

It will be so amazing to see the miracle God will perform in this one. God is so good.

The plus side - Brian and I had wonderful time together, driving, dreaming about our future. God is good.

Happy Birthday

2010-04-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I really blew it. Well not exactly...Vicki turns the big 50 today and I did not plan a surprise party or anything like that. Infact, we are going on a cruise in just a few weeks and will spoend quality time with eachother. Vicki says age is just a state of mind. I love Vicki and am enjoying our rebuilding time together.

Making chicken and grilled veggies for dinner then off to our small group class. Life is good and it is soo good to see how Vicki has been doing since her double knee replacement. God has truly blessed us over the past year and I am happy for anopther year with such a wonderful person who means so much to me and has sttod by me the past year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!!!!!!!!
I love you.

Resurrection Day

2010-04-04T10:21:00.001-07:00

He is risen!

This is the day we celebrate our Lord defeating death. Church last evening was amazing. Worship was off the hook, teaching brought tears to recall the pain Jesus went through for me, the fellowship - just a taste of Heaven.

With all the pain in the world, sometimes I wonder why more folks don't turn to Jesus. He has all the comfort and power. He held me so close during the dark times. He rejoices with us now as His will is being perfected. He is leading us on the path that is absolutely best for us.

While following Him does not mean life will be easy - there is the knowledge He has experienced everything we ever could AND we get to spend eternity with Him. Yep - God wins.

He is risen indeed.

Cleaning

2010-03-28T17:11:00.001-07:00

It has been said of me (Vicki) I am a terrible housekeeper. It is true.

My priorities are other places - with the Lord and people. I would much rather just hang with my family or serve than clean.

But today, I cleaned - dusted, vacuumed, cleaned bathrooms, organized the desk. It feels (and smells) good.

Hopefully my family won't get too excited because I am sure it won't be an ongoing thing!

God is good.

Do Nothing Day

2010-03-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

We had a fun do-nothing day. I (Vicki) took the day off since I have oodles of vacation time and have an aversion to losing it after 360 hours..... It was great to sleep in, wander through Walmart then Bass Pro Shops (prefer Cableas), then have dinner with Kara and Tom.

Tomorrow is more of the same (except dinner with Kara and Tom). It is half price day at Goodwill and breakfast for $2.00 at the Goodyear Swap Meet.

There is nothing better than spending time with your best friend, lover and husband!!

God is good.

Quiet

2010-03-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

Brian has been in tactical training for a few days so my evenings have been quiet. It is crazy how much I miss having him around, even though on his work days he basically comes home, eats, we play a game or plan our trip, then he is in bed early.

In less than five weeks we will be cruising to Mexico. Then a few weeks after that we will head to California to celebrate David's high school graduation. Currently he is asking to go to Disneyland......

Funny how we spend so much time planning and looking forward to our travels. God has been planning Heaven for 2,000 years. It is going to be so much better than any trip we could imagine.

God is so good.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2010-03-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

Too much time since the last blog. This time of year brings auditors to work, flowers to the desert and busyness to our lives.

David is getting ready to graduate. So exciting. He went to Rocky Point with Chelsea and her family last week - within the first few hours was stung by a sting ray. He also gave Chelsea a promise ring..... So young. But, she is a beautiful girl and brings out good in David.

Jay passed his test and has his GED. Not sure what he is going to do, with almost 10% unemployment it is tough.

Kara and Tom like to spend time with us - at Cabela's!! Brian and Tom can spend hours looking at guns, camping stuff, guns, fishing stuff, guns.... Looks like we are going to turkey hunting in October. Hopefully I'll learn to cook a fresh turkey!!

Heather is finishing her courses up quickly. She too is looking for a job.

We are excited to see where God is going to move us - we know it will be in Goodyear - just don't know if we will be able to purchase (our heart's desire) or continue to rent for a while. We can't wait to be closer to church, our friends and for me - closer to work!!

Brian and I have been spending lots of time together just enjoying each other. After twenty years he is still my best friend. We can spend hours talking or not talking. In five weeks we are headed on another cruise - can't wait to be away from everything.

God is so good to us. He holds us close in His arms and loves on us. Who could ask for more. We are blessed!

Children

2010-03-07T08:32:00.001-08:00

It is bittersweet to watch your children grow.

We are so proud of Kara and Tom. Early on they are making wise decisions, not necessarily the fun ones. Today I get to go watch Kara put on a Pampered Chef party. She is willing to work a second job to help them get on their feet and purchase a home. We admire that.

David is making the tough decisions of what to do after graduation. It is fun to walk through the process with him. He is really thinking long term, not a quality often associated with young people.

Praying for our children as God leads them. Pray they will love Him with all their hearts, souls and minds. Pray they will glorify Him in all they do.

God is so good.