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.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Stocking Stuffing
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.
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.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wonderful Weekend
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.
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.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Holidays
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.
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.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Wonderful Weekend
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 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.
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.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Changes
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Running
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?
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?
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