Thursday, October 28, 2010

Lovin' Life

You know, when you stop for a moment to reflect on life, you'll find that most days are completely enjoyable. I'm so thankful for the friends and family in my life. God always knows exactly what we need - when we need it. He knows what friends we need - when we need them. He knows when our family will be the only ones who truly understand us - and let's them be there for those moments. I love my life!!! I've said that on Facebook several times, but I really do.

General Conference was in Houston this year. I wasn't too excited for the location, but I was very excited about conference and getting to spend time with my sisters. I was not disappointed.
There were some great services, we got to be with great friends and family, AND the weather turned out perfect for that week!! This was Cameron & Chad's first time to be at General Conference. It was fun having them there.
We had a family lunch on Thursday - it was a total blast! The guys ended up doubled over in laughter - I'm SO glad our boys were there to be a part of this time together!!!
My mother always loved General Conference - she loved the services, she loved seeing her friends, and she loved being with her family. I guess I'm just a chip off the old block. LOL!

Gene & I decided to go to the State Fair of Texas this year. He had never been, and I haven't been since I was a teenager. We had a great time with friends, Jason & Julie Ouellette.
There's just nothing like good friends....
....AND good food!!
At the end of October, we had our first annual Ladies of Life Retreat.
(Sharon actually went - so I HAD to share this picture!!)
What a blessing it turned out to be! Our guest speaker was Debbie Saiz from California. She spoke straight to our hearts both Friday night and Saturday morning. I never want to forget "my attitude is the paintbrush that colors my world." And I will continually strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman. God's presence was there in a mighty way.
Of course, there is always much laughter and fun and bonding time when ladies get together.
We are now in the midst of Forty Days of Fire. God is meeting with us in very special ways. Last Sunday night Gene felt to have a prayer line for the needs of those in the service. As the ministers and wives prayed for those coming through the line, you could feel such an awesome presence of God. We are already beginning to see prayers answered this week.

This Sunday we have our annual Kids Fun Fest. Last year we had over 400 visitors! Our prayer is that as these families come to the church for fun, they will feel a difference from anywhere else they've been.

Next week, we welcome back Evangelist Mike Easter. We had a wonderful time with him last year, and we are excited to see what God has in store for this revival week.

As we go through these exciting times at Life Tabernacle, family life also continues. Chad has picked up playing golf and is doing a great job. He gets his license tomorrow!!!
Cameron is halfway through his first semester of college and is really enjoying his job. And we are all gearing up for our vacation to New York. So excited!!!

So.... life continues.... almost faster than I can keep up with. Thanksgiving is 3 weeks away. Christmas is something like 56 days away. And then we begin a New Year. I love finding joy in all of it!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Seriously?!!! NINETEEN?!!!!

How is this even possible?
It was only yesterday I was in the hospital waiting on the arrival of our first little bundle of joy. I'm SURE it was only yesterday - or at the most a few weeks ago!!!
Hmm.... the word "little" is relative here.
Cameron weighed in at 9 lbs. 12 oz. He was no where near as big as I was at birth, but everyone was amazed at his size. LOL!

So, Cameron, today you are 19.
One more year of the teens left.
Two more years and you are a true adult in the eyes of the world.
You have brought many days of joy to our life.
We are extremely proud of the accomplishments you have made throughout your life - graduating with honors, becoming an accomplished musician, leading worship at Tabernaculo de Vida -
and in the last few weeks -
college and your first "real" job.
God truly has His hand on your life. We are proud to be your parents!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! WE LOVE YOU!!