tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30562656268108533332012-02-13T04:48:23.813-06:00My husband says I talk too much. So, I'm going to come here and try to use up some of those words in order that he might hold on to what little sanity he has left. I just have some opinions that need to be expressed and some things that I believe should be said!Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.comBlogger1231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-34832143060212414132011-11-29T23:24:00.001-06:002011-11-29T23:44:59.680-06:00

I love to play games - card games, board games, online games, puzzles. The computer games can be really addictive - hours go by and here I sit with nothing REAL to show for it. But I have GEMS and TREASURES and BADGES and RANKINGS and TOKENS, oh my! Facebook is horrible - check in every day for extra bonus spins or points or coins or whatever. I finally had to block Gardens of Time and Castle Age

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-32960461840798259802011-11-27T18:23:00.000-06:002011-11-27T18:23:07.103-06:00

This totally "found" me today...Other People's Music: Exprayeriment.: Today, I decided to try an experiment. Of prayer. An exprayeriment. (I also can't resist making entirely ridiculous words out of existing o...

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-18965027448145137362011-11-15T19:56:00.001-06:002011-11-15T20:43:56.705-06:00

I have been released from jury duty. It was anti-climactic. That sense of not wanting my life to be interrupted by this annoying civic duty was contrasted with an excitement at an opportunity to participate in this fascinating process. I've only been called once before (in Reno) and was released then, as well. I've never even been asked any questions. My number doesn't get called and I get sent

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-64172331219105165482011-11-09T21:46:00.001-06:002011-11-09T21:47:44.903-06:00

 Ximena  I sponsor a child (Ximena) form Ecuador through Compassion International. I've been doing this for a couple of years now. I picked Ecuador because it's a place I hope someday to visit. Mike went on a summer mission to HCJB in Quito when he was in college (LONG time ago - I was preparing for Kindergarten at the time). Anyway, he really has a heart for Ecuador and would love to go

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-50381206525488038862011-11-08T18:45:00.000-06:002011-11-08T18:45:49.471-06:00

Mike and I met again with our friend at First Baptist, and came away feeling pretty good overall. He was very enthusiastic and encouraging. Says we are a match made in heaven (whudda thunk?); I do admit I'm rather fond of Michael. Anyhoo, what we needed was someone to tell us we weren't off-track. And we got that. Mike feels reassured that not only is he moving in a good direction, but that our

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-23427257810073744502011-11-05T16:35:00.000-05:002011-11-05T16:39:34.844-05:00

I'm not a great housekeeper. It's not like I don't have time; I just don't have the energy. I know people who are just tireless. They work all day, pick up and transport kids everywhere, volunteer on countless committees, do the church thing, party with friends and attend cultural and sporting events, and still cook, clean, pay bills, blah, blah, blah. I work all day. Whew. So if I get behind in

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-28261205661112085742011-10-18T21:39:00.000-05:002011-10-18T21:39:12.047-05:00

OK. So I've been hung up on Spiritual gifts for a while. I've taken SHAPE classes and done DiSC tests. I've read books (even the Bible!). I'm still unclear on what makes a gift Spiritual. And how you're supposed to know if it's Spiritual or just genetic or something. Be that as it may, I do believe that I have the gift of Administration. Exciting, huh? Last week Mike and I met with a person at

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-53426056016904144102011-10-09T10:16:00.000-05:002011-10-09T10:16:12.007-05:00

I've been moonlighting at the TUTS gift shop going on four seasons now. I only work the shows that are self-produced, so it can be two - four shows a year. I've always enjoyed it both for the extra cash and for the chance to be near the theater again. I often think as a show draws near that this may be my last one. It's two weeks of 12 hour days (because I still have my "real" job) with no

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-4636136515320751092011-09-25T12:49:00.000-05:002011-09-25T12:49:13.572-05:00

I just love my husband. This week we're celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary. I look back and I can't remember all the reasons why I was in love with him when we got married, but I'm sure glad I had them. I know why I love him right this moment. I was just thinking today about how lucky I am because there are things that have just worked out that I'm pretty sure I didn't much consider fifteen

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-82050929668096158612011-09-22T18:29:00.003-05:002011-09-22T18:54:37.445-05:00

You know that song from "Oklahoma" - "I'm Just a Girl Who Cain't Say 'No'"? I remember a time when that song ran through my head continually - I was a big-time church lady. I did everything anyone ever asked me to do, and lots of things they didn't. I know every word to that song, even though it's about kissing boys not organizing fundraisers, but STILL! I was very tired.However, I finally cured

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-39953525375377564412011-09-11T15:30:00.003-05:002011-09-11T15:55:27.127-05:00

Mike and I attended the "inaugural" service for Bayou City Fellowship this morning. It was wonderful! Very well attended, too. I had never heard Curtis speak before - he is great! Very engaging; laid-back; funny!! Mike was a bit embarassed for all of his LOL moments, but we weren't the only ones cracking up. It is nice being a newcomer when everyone else is, too. We didn't feel overly

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-64064293457240025132011-09-07T20:14:00.005-05:002011-09-10T16:16:59.093-05:00

I was working on my memory verses without my "cheatsheet" spiral notebook yesterday, and I was all twisted up on my very first one. Partly because I'd been reading it recently in a different version than I had "memorized" it, and partly because I'm on somewhere around my 14th verse for the year (I'm behind) and I seem to be running out of room in my head.I used to be in theater!!! I used to

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-90495202515622833412011-08-13T18:00:00.003-05:002011-08-13T18:46:40.256-05:00

I decided yesterday that I was going to be productive today. I warned Mike last night, so he could take cover if he wanted. His only question was, "So does that mean you're getting up early?" Isn't he just too much? Ha! So after sleeping in until about 8am, I got up and announced my plan to install the doorbell today. We really hated the fake chime that was here when we moved in, and we took it

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-86080189689845999282011-07-23T14:37:00.004-05:002011-07-23T20:03:38.291-05:00

I'm concerned that the average citizen of our great nation is losing something important - a voice. In fact, I'm starting to suspect that the "great" part of our great nation, is quickly fading. I could easily be convinced that the whole voting process is a sham. How would we know?It appears to me that the people we have elected to office have stopped caring about the country and are only looking

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-33606756337021692252011-07-22T11:45:00.000-05:002011-09-25T12:51:49.593-05:00

(This post goes with the previous post.) Lest anyone think I'm wallowing... 1) At least it will all be over before we leave for our trip next weekend 2) Swapping pillows seems to be solving this problem 3) I can't complain about starving 4) Even if I did, I'd have spent it all already 5) It rained this week 6) My husband is blind to dirt and clutter 7) We're going this week 8) I have a job 9)

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-43589595532324017052011-07-20T21:07:00.003-05:002011-07-20T21:25:50.989-05:00

Moody! Yes, I am! In fact, all conditions seem to have aligned perfectly to create in me a Perfect Storm (emotionally speaking). Blah!Here's the list:1) It's THAT time of the month - except it isn't - it's a week early!2) I have a pain in my neck - for real3) I'm fat4) I have no money5) It's HOT and humid - Oh so oppressive6) My house is a mess7) We've skipped church the last two weeks (I know

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-40670069799429040262011-07-04T19:57:00.003-05:002011-07-04T20:18:11.224-05:00

Mike and I are not typically very social. We enjoy each other; we make each other laugh. Other people generally don't seem to get us. We recognize, however that we need community. And this weekend was full of other people. Friday night we had dinner at our place for Mom's birthday - that was 5 of us. Saturday was a trip up to the north side of town for lunch with the Payton's, my folks and my

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-5128568755569853812011-06-07T21:32:00.004-05:002011-06-10T19:01:07.606-05:00

No one goes to Astros games anymore - it's crazy expensive unless you're sitting in the upper deck. Plus just about every game is on t.v. now. Much better view from my couch and the snacks are cheaper and pretty tasty at that. And it's not like they're winning or anything.However, they were running a 10 games for $20 special, and even in the upper deck, that's a pretty good deal. So we'll be

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-78811502514752894822011-05-15T20:02:00.003-05:002011-05-15T20:40:59.960-05:00

Mike's been teaching our Sunday School class and we just started Acts. We did a quick overview of Luke to get our bearings before jumping in, and so I went back and started to read Luke again. Luke is the first book I journaled through many years ago, and I really haven't sat down and read through it again since.With his journalism background, Mike makes a big deal about reading the Bible with

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-39144470619272427482011-05-07T08:00:00.002-05:002011-05-07T08:00:01.950-05:00

I recognize that somewhere in my teens my mom and I became a bit estranged. For whatever reason, we had a difficult time connecting. I honestly can't remember if there was a specific problem or if it was just a general phase. It lasted too long, and I'm pretty sure it was all me. That being said, I'm so thankful that we (I) got passed that, because my mom is now my friend - my best friend, second

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-37248793567442375842011-04-30T19:17:00.003-05:002011-04-30T19:29:27.612-05:00

I make pretty good enchiladas. (I'm just sayin'.) My momma taught me. She makes better beans than me, though. Which is ok, because Mike really just likes refried beans out of the can, so it's only me who misses out. But enchiladas are a lot of work. It takes time and lots of pots and pans with grease flying all over. Enchilada sauce stains pretty bad, too. And they're one of the cheapest things

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-75165617294589089532011-04-15T12:17:00.004-05:002011-04-15T12:33:52.526-05:00

So today I start on my 8th verse. I'm doing pretty well with the first 7 - really good at #1 from James! Still need 'hints' on some to get me started. Mom asked how I decide which verses to memorize. I don't really have a method. Some of these come straight out of something I've been reading/studying already. It will just connect with me, so I do that one (like the verse from 1 Peter). Other

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-53303898545770011262011-03-12T14:36:00.002-06:002011-03-12T15:03:35.333-06:00

Is it just me, or does everyone have a love/hate relationship with their church? People can be so annoying sometimes. I hear people, good people, say such ridiculous things sometimes, I wonder if they even hear themselves."Drums in worship is wrong - straight from the devil.""We don't do that, we're Baptist.""We don't want to draw the wrong kind of people.""I'll stop giving if the pastor doesn't

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-52631148835468847752011-02-12T11:32:00.003-06:002011-02-12T11:59:06.952-06:00

I can't believe how time flies these days. I've been at my current employer for over 3 years; my birthday is just around the corner; my nephew is almost 21 years old; my husband is an old man :). And my parents have been married 49 years!I guess I am starting to feel old physically (I don't work out, you know). But I don't feel old in my mind. I don't feel young, necessarily, but I don't feel

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-88753975406924012902011-01-17T21:02:00.005-06:002011-01-17T21:14:31.138-06:00

Ok, I think I've got that first scripture down. And I don't know how much I'm getting out of it yet, but I do know that it helps me re-focus when I get a little anxious or upset or bitter or frustrated or ... you get the picture.For example, I start getting a little bit irritated by my husband (obviously this never actually happens, but let's just say if it ever did), I catch myself. And instead

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-1129408668576546822011-01-01T08:19:00.005-06:002011-01-01T08:47:55.279-06:00

So what do you think of scripture memorization? Mike thinks Baptists tend to over-emphasize scripture memorization for the sake of "works". Mainly that it's something people do for points and is therefore, legalistic and overbearing. Easy for him to say - He lives in the Bible and just speaks in verses that he's "memorized" without even trying.I do see his point though. Memorizing scripture for

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-29320253492533044402010-12-20T19:39:00.003-06:002010-12-20T21:04:54.785-06:00

I never watch reality t.v. It's annoying. And "talent" shows are the worst. Especially with the "America decides" voting crap-o-la. And YET, I still gave Sing Off a try because I really like a capella groups even if I can't spell it (and it replaced Chuck). And even with Nick Leshay hosting, I loved it! Tonight's the big, cheesy finale with the finalists getting to perform with famous people (and

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-49212383597377416462010-11-18T19:33:00.003-06:002010-11-18T21:03:06.224-06:00

I love this time of year because I'm a huge fan of the cheesy holiday movies on the Hallmark channel. I could watch "a twist on Dickens' Christmas Carol" a thousand different ways. I cry and cry and cry. But that's not why I'm here...Last weekend was our women's retreat, and it was great! The theme was "Chaos" or really, Jesus' peace in the midst of chaos. What a perfect theme going into the

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-6220846960416677202010-10-16T18:51:00.002-05:002010-10-16T19:02:26.431-05:00

OK, first of all I don't hate men. I'm just calling it as I sees it. But male leaders (generally speaking) tend to ignore details, take no responsibility for the process of accomplishing a vision, and are then angry and down-right surprised if things don't get done. They are great at casting vision and all that inspirational stuff, but if a woman doesn't step in and actually see to getting it

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-65238392905859981902010-09-09T19:19:00.004-05:002010-09-09T20:04:52.753-05:00

Since it's officially football season, I'm going to go ahead and call it "Fall". Even though I'm still dripping with sweat from a trip to the mailbox, it is about 10 degrees cooler than a week or so ago. So as I look forward to another great fantasy football season for my team, the "(Paper) Clippers", (and hopefully a great real season for the Texans), I would like to reflect back on our summer.

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-60412579203396211522010-07-26T12:39:00.004-05:002010-07-26T12:51:41.390-05:00

Dear Dez Bryant,As a Dallas Cowboy fan, I have been reading a lot about you lately. Obviously, your achievements to date are impressive. Having you on the team will give us greater depth and a hopeful future for even more post season play.However, we really weren't doing too bad without you. You could be a nice addition to the team, but only if you can remember that you aren't the team - you've

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-10935812304679448442010-07-25T16:19:00.003-05:002010-07-25T16:39:49.806-05:00

I've been studying the book of Ruth this summer with a study guide by Kelly Minter and some friends from church. (Kelly does great studies - even includes recipes!) The overarching theme of the study is that Boaz redeeming Ruth is a representation of how Jesus redeems us.What I came across this week was a concept I had not considered before. Boaz announces at the city gates in front of the elders

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-72021925261579962212010-06-14T18:17:00.001-05:002010-06-14T18:18:59.580-05:00

How bad Habits Create Boring StoriesThe above link is to an article by Donald Miller. This says something I've been trying to put into words for some time. Even better, it confronts me with my own bad habits. Will I have the drive to change them? That is the question.

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-82949896686196075632010-04-18T17:43:00.011-05:002010-04-18T18:24:34.417-05:00

The Ladies Spring Tea was held at the church on Saturday. I'm not much of a girly-girl, but I really do enjoy attending a tea.This time I hosted a table, so I could make good use of my great-aunt's china. The tablecloths, treasure chest and Bible were provided by my friend Thelma Norwood. The Bible was the one her husband carried with him in the army. It's not easy to see in the picture, but it's

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-58806373027976825312010-04-04T15:19:00.004-05:002010-04-04T15:59:25.796-05:00

Easter celebrates the most significant event in human history - Christ's resurrection. It is something that Christians celebrate in their hearts every day, but Easter is the one time a year when we focus on nothing else. The Easter bunnies and bonnets and all that never really distract from the point - all that Jesus said is true. I love hearing, "Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!" He keeps

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-50591565099752271622010-03-20T09:17:00.003-05:002010-03-20T09:50:34.314-05:00

Well, I've been 40 for almost a month now, and I'm kind of getting used to it. It's not like it feels any different - I've been having those aches and pains for a while now. And I started my forgetful phase a couple years ago. (I've always been at the head of the class.) But the number 40 is a really big number!If life is a bell curve, I guess I think of 40 as the number on the top of the curve.

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-2366812280128191782010-01-23T11:08:00.004-06:002010-01-23T11:30:33.093-06:00

So today I'm staring at 1 Peter 2:8, and I don't get it. My NLT version goes like this:"And, 'He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes themfall.' They stumble because the do not obey God's word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them."I get that Peter is quoting Isaiah in the first part. I get that "He" is Jesus. What I'm struggling with here is the "fate that

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-44286890294874191322010-01-18T15:11:00.002-06:002010-01-18T15:19:19.643-06:00

Well, you do it when you have the chance. Saturday was living room day - moving furniture to get all those cat hair dust bunnies, cleaning out the fireplace, taking things off shelves to dust. I even emptied a box that has been living in the corner since we moved in and had just not been unpacked yet.So today was kitchen day. Ick. I pulled the stove out. This apparently has never been done before

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-27106432409388435552010-01-08T18:47:00.005-06:002010-01-08T20:30:54.383-06:00

Happy New Year! I'm only a week behind....So, the big holiday event this year was not Mom and Dad's trip up to see us in Houston and my bro and fam in Dallas. It was their change of plans that was big. Dad got home from a business trip to EP in time for a doctor's appointment the week before Christmas. They didn't let him go home until the day after Christmas, 5 days after a triple bypass. But he

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-66188333808949367082009-12-03T22:09:00.003-06:002009-12-03T22:39:46.720-06:00

I love when someone shows me something from a different perspective; seeing with new eyes. It's a wow moment.For example, as we studied Revelation, still in chapter 1, Beth was focusing us in on John's description of Christ in verses 12 - 16. It's a very descriptive paragraph, and we went through most of it in detail. But what really got me was the part in vs. 16, "...and a sharp two-edged sword

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-80838793234774457962009-11-30T19:04:00.002-06:002009-11-30T19:16:20.429-06:00

The year is sure flying by. We've got lots to be thankful for. Mike's getting his new teeth. We've got a great place to call home. I've got a good job. The family is healthy. Gerald has a full-time real-live job! Will starts basic training this week. We've got turkey leftovers in the fridge. God continues to provide.It's all good.

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-28644563296122934092009-11-20T18:41:00.002-06:002009-11-20T19:17:15.997-06:00

Tuesday night was the last session of Beth Moore's Fall Bible Study. I was pretty good at getting to the study every week. I think I only missed one week when I was working. The study was on Revelation. And, in a nutshell, it was awesome. If you get a chance to do it (it will be released the first of the year as "Here and Now, There and Then"), I highly recommend it.I've listened to some sermons

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-73534394582009706682009-11-09T20:07:00.003-06:002009-11-09T20:36:32.325-06:00

Football is fun. I really enjoy football season. I am winning in my fantasy league. It is all good.Current favorite NFL team - TexansFavorite NFL team of all time - CowboysFavorite player - Jason WittenFavorite QB - Peyton Manning (for now)Favorite broadcaster - Chris CollingsworthMost hated team - SteelersMost hated player - T.O.Most hated QB - Big BenMost hated broadcaster - John MaddenI love

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-41938597342495802202009-11-01T19:47:00.003-06:002009-11-01T20:18:04.351-06:00

Mike's dental appointment is this week. Hopefully, that means whatever needs to happen with his teeth can finally get started. This whole year has been a trial just in regards to his dental problems. Actually, it's been a problem for years, but ignoring it hasn't seemed to work. Unfortunately, he came down with a cold over the weekend. I'm praying we don't have to re-schedule....again. It would

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-30787337909752209882009-10-17T12:30:00.005-05:002009-10-17T12:47:32.749-05:00

This is absolutely the most beautiful day I can ever remember in Houston. The sky is a brilliant blue - seriously, it's electric, almost hard to look at it's soooo intensely blue. Not a cloud. A nice, cool, gentle breeze. Birds singing away. Mike's flowers reaching to the sun. Just wow.So I walked over to the grocery store because I'm planning on making enchiladas for dinner, and it turns out my

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-62337019304992004112009-09-10T19:28:00.002-05:002009-09-10T19:51:40.532-05:00

Where did August go?Well, regardless, it is gone! So, happy September! I always have thought of September as the beginning of autumn. But around here? Not so much. Maybe October.The good news is it's the start of football! Today, the first season game - Titans at Pittsburgh. And finally, after a half hour waste of television time with some weird musical tribute to the NFL, we have reached game

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-40378056532707930792009-07-17T17:28:00.005-05:002009-07-20T13:59:43.170-05:00

Mike got a job offer across the country - Western New York. The Roberts had grown especially fond of Dingo; the cat had become accustomed to him (she was even emulating his behavior now - rolling her eyes, coming when called, snorting while she eats). But taking Dingo out of his desert environment (especially five days in a truck) seemed like a cruel thing to do.Enter the Eisenbergs. Gena and

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-62577791304782262012009-07-04T18:30:00.002-05:002009-07-04T18:56:13.844-05:00

Dingo milked it for all he was worth - hopping around on three legs with those big sad eyes. Every door had at least a couple of steps down to the yard, so every trip outside was an adventure. The curious cat tried to get close for some detailed inspection, but Dingo brought out a back-of-the-throat growl that had not been heard before. It gave him at least an 18 inch perimeter (when he was awake

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-12411863830743923632009-06-27T12:36:00.003-05:002009-06-27T13:01:59.864-05:00

Dingo stoically endured the half hour rides up and down Geiger Grade between the theater and the Roberts house in Reno. He would sit between the front seats of the van - front legs straight, knees locked, lightly panting and staring down at the floor. One time upon arrival, he jumped out of the side door and collapsed with a pathetic whine - his legs had fallen asleep.The Roberts decided to

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-79379725804991427162009-06-25T18:31:00.008-05:002009-06-25T19:13:37.704-05:00

Meanwhile, some friends of the Alvarezes (we'll call them Mike and Gena Roberts) had started an outdoor theater up in Virginia City (Papa's ol' stompin' grounds). Papa, Jr. was invited to participate in the first production of the season, and once rehearsals started in the dusty rustic amphitheater, a plan hatched in Junior's brain."Hmmm, " thought Junior, "I could leave Dingo here. And if he

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-57231768891594073362009-06-23T18:57:00.006-05:002009-06-24T10:27:33.856-05:00

Once upon a time, oh about 15-20 years ago, on an old Nevada ranch outside of Reno, a purebred German Shepherd went into heat. She was locked in a high fenced kennel while arrangements were completed for an appropriate "suitor". However, in the morning it was discovered that she was not alone - 3 coyotes had made it into her pen to keep her company. The coyotes were run off, but the damage was

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-16196074407251961362009-06-21T18:11:00.005-05:002009-06-21T18:33:37.135-05:00

So, Mom said she's tired of checking my blog and seeing "Twins!" still at the top. So, here's a new blog for you.I've been working this week for the gift shop for TUTS. They are producing "Cabaret". I have to admit it's a fascinating show - very dark, very disturbing, plus a tad bit of nudity and "simulated sex acts". So I'm somewhat surprised that I like it. I've been thinking about this a lot.

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-22353020185387669602009-05-06T12:49:00.002-05:002009-05-06T12:52:08.741-05:00

Mike called me this morning. We had two monarch butterflies escape from their chrysalises today. Mike's very proud and was going to try to take pictures with his phone. If he can figure out the camera and we can figure out how to get them off the phone, I'll post them.

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-56525626664758694862009-05-03T20:12:00.006-05:002009-05-15T13:37:15.571-05:00

I am not known for my compassion. If anything, I am known for tactless sarcasm. So it may be a stretch for everyone to believe how moved I was by several appeals recently from Compassion International. Compassion International is that "sponsor-a-child" outreach to third world countries. I can't remember a time when I had not heard about Compassion International. Being somewhat jaded, aloof, and

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-28718612772048737412009-04-28T19:09:00.002-05:002009-04-28T19:48:38.863-05:00

So the 4 little caterpillars turned into 20 voracious ones. (I don't really know how that happened, but I know it did - maybe they divide like amoebas or whatever it is that divides.) Anyway, our poor little milkweed was devoured. Just twigs now. And the squigglies crawled away. No idea where they went. Supposedly they don't go much further than 40 feet from home, but there's nothing within 40

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-6704980822402167452009-04-17T11:33:00.003-05:002009-04-17T11:56:44.706-05:00

Once upon a time, I married Mike. We had a 1300sf house with a huge backyard, large deck and bricked in grill, lots of mature landscaping and no irrigation. We made a deal - I take care of the inside of the house; Mike takes care of the outside. Pretty sweet deal really. I'm handy with a plunger, and I know how to change a light bulb; my standards of cleanliness are much higher than Mike's, so I

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-50807504677558028752009-04-06T20:40:00.002-05:002009-04-06T21:01:13.663-05:00

Seriously funny - that's me. At work, at church, everywhere I go, I keep 'em laughing. But I can't be funny on my blog. What is up with that? I read a lot of blogs, and bloggers are funny. They have great stories about their everyday lives that are just hysterical. But I can't come up with a thing. Maybe it's my writing skills (or lack there of). Or maybe my life really is dull and boring, and I

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-26758258615378746782009-02-26T19:37:00.010-06:002009-02-26T20:11:09.778-06:00

I was so going to do this over the weekend, and forgot! So I'm stealing this idea from kelliebean's zoo, and she got it from GlamLife's blog.Here are the rules:1 - Go to "wikipedia." Hit “random”or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random. The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.My band is: Arachnis2 - Go to "Random quotations" by clicking: http://

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-35594763934519173492009-02-15T17:10:00.005-06:002009-02-15T18:43:14.528-06:00

My husband loves events (his own). He likes things to be big and memorable. He likes big gestures, big gifts, big moments. So we got to go out-of-town for Valentine's weekend. Actually we did a Friday - Saturday event (he had to work today). It was much fun.We drove to San Antonio Friday morning. On the way, we stopped at Buc-ee's for a little sustenance and a Cherry Lime for me (my favorite).

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-72469322777251205362009-01-31T14:46:00.003-06:002009-01-31T15:01:00.227-06:00

It's been a bit of a difficult week. 3 of the 18 employees at my company were let go on Tuesday. It's not that the owners are playing scared or trying to hedge their bets, just in case. The trouble is, most of our clients are doing the hedging and have really hit the brakes. Prospective clients are playing "Wait and see". These tech guys I work with rank some pretty high salaries, and it just

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-88854851660943019092009-01-22T18:40:00.004-06:002009-01-22T18:56:57.892-06:00

Wow, Beth Moore sure can inspire some good old-fashioned conviction. So this week it was "Do you believe, really deep down, that God is a giver or a taker?" OK, so we all know that the right answer is "Giver". But I know, for me, I really have a hard time believing that "deep down." Honestly, as we struggle and pray and seek to live every day more and more for Him and less for us, I often find

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-64267636709242307582009-01-16T17:56:00.004-06:002009-01-19T13:04:14.021-06:00

I'm attending another Living Proof Bible Study with Beth Moore at First Baptist Church. Once again it's overwhelming to be in a study with near to 4000 people, but at the same time it's fascinating to see so many hungry for God's Word. The topic is "The Inheritance" - which is an expansion of her message at the Living Proof Live event which I went to in San Antonio last summer. I really got a lot

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-64749782892783339062008-12-31T10:17:00.002-06:002008-12-31T10:25:50.858-06:00

It's been a crazy year. I keep thinking, "As soon as things slow down, I'm going to _______." But things never do slow down, do they? If I'm going to ever ______, I really just ought to jump in and do it. I so easily get overwhelmed. I seem to forget that I'm not really in control. I don't have to sweat this stuff so much. I can relax a little now and then. I'm from a long line of ADD folks, so

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-64574368437263406352008-12-31T10:13:00.002-06:002008-12-31T10:17:06.959-06:00

"For you know that God paid a ransom for you to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver."

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-85858084407391480192008-12-30T09:16:00.003-06:002008-12-30T09:29:47.359-06:00

The Setting: Houston - bright sunny day; Mom - loves to find a good deal; Extra jingle - I didn't get that second job for nothing; Talbot's Outlet - heaven.I can't remember the last time I went shopping with any intent to buy myself clothes. I've been existing for years on hand-me-downs and presents from Mom. So this was exciting, but scary - what will I find? what do I need? what if I choose

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-40596631059024713742008-12-20T09:19:00.003-06:002008-12-20T09:33:00.729-06:00

Wow! Once again, I'm caught off guard as Christmas is just around the corner (like, Thursday!). It's hard to think Christmas when it's 80 degrees outside (even though it did snow here about a week ago. Is that a pre-cursor to the end of days - snow in Houston?!). But there's a cold front coming tonight, so the week should feel a little bit more wintry, and I hope to get those last minute

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-79335464630746994692008-12-11T12:39:00.002-06:002008-12-11T12:42:44.927-06:00

Here's the survey, my answers follow. If you want - copy it to the comments and fill in your own answers. Just for fun!1. Fresh Tree/Fake Tree?2. Favorite Ornament?3. Favorite Christmas Song?4.. Favorite Tradition?5. Favorite Gift Ever Received?6. Favorite Christmas Meal?7. Favorite Christmas Cookie?8. Favorite Place to be?9. Favorite Memory?10. Favorite Christmas Movie?My Answers -1. Fresh Tree/

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-41635523708282783642008-11-04T20:09:00.003-06:002008-11-04T20:31:44.073-06:00

I don't know why this has been on my mind today, but I think I need to spill it here.Several months ago, I was listening to a conversation about heaven and how everyone has the option to go there, just some will never choose that option. [I agree with that, by the way. I don't know why it's true, it just is - the Bible spells it out pretty clearly. Some people just do not want to have anything to

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-57890934499596871622008-10-17T20:52:00.003-05:002008-10-17T21:17:47.511-05:00

1 Peter 1:6-7 says -"So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-58880613084023145682008-10-05T08:41:00.003-05:002008-10-05T08:54:46.150-05:00

Well, we were at my folks place for 10 days until we got notified that my office had power and there was work to be done. So we came home. No power at our place, though. It was five more days before our power came on and another five more days before we had hot water (we're on a community boiler). Other than that, we survived without a scratch. Pretty amazing really, when you see the damage

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-51006019331547738572008-09-13T19:10:00.003-05:002008-09-13T19:24:55.618-05:00

Mike and I (& Penelope) met up with my brother and his son in South Padre Island to ride out the storm with my folks. Sounds weird, but South Padre Island (down by Brownsville, TX - not the Padre Island up by Corpus) was not in the "cone of uncertainty". The water was pretty high, though, yesterday.Anyway, updates from our friends and neighbors in Houston say our place looks fine. There's still

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-20817321337483388492008-09-05T22:00:00.003-05:002008-09-05T22:11:07.680-05:00

ActofGraceRadio.net is celebrating 2 years of internet ministry! Mike launched the site September 1, 2006 when he uploaded the first "@ The Rock Shop" program. To date, there have been 97 episodes. People have tuned in from all over the globe. It's quite a wonder. The current show is a look back over the past year, playing bits and pieces from different shows and replaying some of Mike's original

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-1777162043029473012008-08-28T22:07:00.002-05:002008-08-28T22:16:50.446-05:00

Today was draft day for my fantasy football league. This will be my third year, but this time I'm the commissioner of my own league. We have 8 teams - me, mom, dad, brother, husband, mother-in-law, uncle, and cousin. The draft alone was really fun.My uncle and cousin are veteran ff players, and are trash-talking like you wouldn't believe. My brother practically chose the entire Houston Texans

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-62462545135115502992008-08-25T12:33:00.002-05:002008-08-25T12:53:21.362-05:00

We got back last night from San Antonio. I attended a Living Proof Live event led by Beth Moore. It's hard to explain what this is - kind of a rally - but more like a Christian retreat. It's an in-depth Bible study crammed into two days. If you look past the 10,000 attendees and the rockin' worship music (although that really sets the mood), it's just a sitdown study with Beth. The topic was "

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-15083000659126048602008-08-19T21:34:00.003-05:002008-08-19T21:47:47.277-05:00

I actually finished the entire Bible study I was doing this summer ("No Other Gods" by Kelly Minter)! It's not that I usually quit, I just get distracted (yeah, that's it!). Or I find myself just going through the thing to get to the end without getting anything out of it. But not this time! This time I was diligent, thoughtful, intentional -- and it wasn't easy. I got behind a couple of times,

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-83613645469175876502008-08-02T21:07:00.003-05:002008-08-02T21:18:56.551-05:00

Wow! Hot! It only reached 99 degrees today, but it was a wet heat. Man! We went to the church this morning to help out with some grounds keeping. We were there 3 hours and were mostly in shade, but it was just so hot! I've never been much good at pulling weeds, but I did my best. I could barely get up off the sidewalk when it was time to go. I'm not even 40 yet! Whew. So we came home for lunch

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-92198162484449884722008-07-30T16:15:00.003-05:002008-07-30T16:25:37.799-05:00

I think it ended up being a full week without electricity for Mom and Dad. The good news is they were able to come up to Houston for half of that. We benefited from their company and their refrigerator (plus, some lovely dinners out). The bad news is now they have to deal with the after-Dolly clean up and repairs. They lost a lot of shingles and have water damage in the master bedroom from the

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-68501166831606833992008-07-19T18:33:00.003-05:002008-07-19T18:35:51.105-05:00

FYI -Painting a small white room (i.e. a closet) with white paint sounds like it would be quick and simple. It's not.

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-48252099643911317272008-07-15T12:09:00.003-05:002008-07-15T12:21:58.525-05:00

Last night we went to Bible study at White Oaks Baptist down the street. Pastor Michael played a video for us where the leader takes a group of people to a Greek ruin - an arena that sat 40,000 people where they would hold the games. He talked about how the athletes in the games ran for the glory of their gods (and then for Caesar when the Romans adopted the practice and decided the emperor was a

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-65436661911552859872008-07-08T19:55:00.003-05:002008-07-08T20:14:59.120-05:00

We're moved in and back online. The painting is almost done. Really, we're so close! We've had all kinds of little snags along the way, but I do believe we're going to like the place. And, thanks to hiring movers and having help from the family, our marriage is still intact!We went to the little church down the road on Sunday. It was good. We enjoyed it and even got invited to lunch! Believe it

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-1283527659187098182008-06-26T10:33:00.002-05:002008-06-26T10:49:16.788-05:00

Well, I'm pleased to tell you that cooler heads prevailed. What we thought to be wisdom, others believed to be over-reaction, and the townhouse deal went through. We are now homeowners once again (Mike's swearing "never again" to the contrary). The move-in is scheduled for this weekend. We've actually hired help this time which should also strengthen our marriage considerably. I'm hoping to get

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-23693440514946705852008-06-19T11:55:00.003-05:002008-06-19T11:59:21.655-05:00

I don't know who made the coffee at the office this morning, but immediately upon my first sip I was back at my dad's office in Harlingen, TX when I was about 7 years old. All they had was coffee, and when we would go down to the office with him on weekends, my brothers and I would drink heavily doctored coffee. So this morning I added a large portion of powdered creamer and Sweet-n-Low (no sugar

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-89360102886593333212008-06-14T20:58:00.004-05:002008-06-14T21:15:38.073-05:00

I was going to title this entry "Retraction", but I just did that a couple of weeks ago. Today we decided to withdraw our offer on the townhouse I was talking about. It's really disappointing because I thought we were finally putting in some real roots here by purchasing a home. Things just weren't coming together right, and it was starting to feel like moving forward with the purchase would not

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-72541999392979882172008-06-05T12:33:00.002-05:002008-06-05T12:37:04.439-05:00

Isn't he a cutie? This is my nephew who is graduating from high school tomorrow - twenty years after my own graduation. And I get to be there! I'm so excited to participate. Congratulations, Will!

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-75895703823310250232008-06-05T12:21:00.004-05:002008-06-05T12:32:47.355-05:00

After our last home-buying experience, we swore off the practice as something totally unnecessary. After all, who ever really owns their home anymore? The bank owns it, and makes a fortune off of it. And yet, you are totally responsible for the maintenance, insurance, pest control, etc. And these days, it ain't a given that the thing's appreciating in value. It's what we ex-Nevadans call a crap

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-48758829710797868702008-06-04T08:38:00.002-05:002008-06-04T08:42:35.600-05:00

OK - so Mike worked for the man for a week and that was it. Poor guy could hardly walk on that last day. They had to put him on the "DL". He's feeling very sad and unwanted right now. However, he did get his show up on Saturday and he's well into production on this week's. His current theme is faith - very appropriate (isn't it always?).

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-53013302461607145652008-05-17T11:57:00.002-05:002008-05-17T12:10:59.690-05:00

Mike went out and got himself a job. Not that he wasn't working - he spends hours and hours and hours putting together his internet radio show. However, there isn't a lot of income from that endeavor. So he's found a job that he believes will allow him to continue his ministry and bring in some money, too. Mike is now (drumroll, please!) a concessions supervisor at Minute Maid Park for the Astros

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-47347991352141168172008-05-17T09:49:00.005-05:002008-06-04T08:44:44.383-05:00

I just wanted to gush a little bit because I am getting to go to the Living Proof Live event in August! It's not that the tickets are hugely expensive, but we are really counting our pennies, and some of the little extras are having to be passed on. Anyway, I'm an avid reader of the Living Proof Ministries Blog. One day Amanda was writing about the event coming in San Antonio where they are

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-48800102445224733452008-05-03T10:24:00.004-05:002008-05-03T10:50:00.516-05:00

Why believe in God? At some point I recognize that I am not in control. For a while I fake it and try to force my will on the world around me, but I fail. If I don’t admit that God is in control, then I must admit there is only chaos and therefore, no hope. But if I do admit there is a God, how do I deal with that? How can I make him accept me and get me through? I can bargain with him that I’ll

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-46687929152695141642008-04-12T21:57:00.003-05:002008-04-12T22:16:51.894-05:00

Things grow here in Houston. Lots of green stuff - everything from mold to pine trees. It's very different from the desert I'm used to. Not bad, not good, just different. Mike and I went to an arboretum today. Kind of funny - there are woods and growing things all around us, but we went to an arboretum to wander through the local flora. Anyway, at the arboretum, everything is labeled. Plus they

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-14647985191833018252008-04-01T20:31:00.004-05:002008-04-01T22:47:31.869-05:00

We had a company meeting today, and one of our project managers was complemented for really going the extra mile at a client site recently. He commented that it was really fun to do. I really like that perspective. It's fun to be challenged, to do your best and to exceed the expectations of others. And it really isn't that hard. In today's culture, it's rare for anyone to take responsibility for

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-58933942673760162952008-03-10T21:21:00.005-05:002008-03-10T21:42:13.738-05:00

I love the rain, especially thunderstorms. I can't remember a time when I didn't love the rain. Even when I'm stuck in traffic going 10 mph on the freeway because of rain-induced slowdowns, I love the rain. I think some of it has to do with mostly living in deserts my whole life. But really what I feel when it rains is a sense of awe. Thunder and lightning are incredible and powerful and

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-23049920188952446382008-03-03T20:43:00.003-06:002008-03-04T20:24:02.301-06:00

Some of you will find this very strange, so I hope you'll just bear with me. The fact is, I've been hooking up lately with a lot of old friends who I haven't seen in AGES, and I've started to realize that I may have been somewhat guarded with them, even dishonest. I grew up in the church and always stayed pretty involved all the way through high school, but I was never very verbal about my faith.

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-721826012452930732008-02-26T21:27:00.002-06:002008-02-26T21:36:28.935-06:00

I've been ponderin' (that's Texan for "considering") the word "Surrender". I believe part of my struggle with surrendering myself to the Lord is my perception of that word. Surrender brings to mind quitting, giving up, giving in, losing, capitulating, waving the white flag. These are not good things to my mind. So, I started ponderin', and I expanded my definition a bit to be stepping aside, stop

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-26195585424650046612008-02-24T18:34:00.002-06:002008-02-24T18:50:43.961-06:00

How do you live for Jesus, but live in the US at the same time? It seems to me that in the US, more than anywhere else, you have to have money to survive. If you don't have serious cash, no one takes you seriously. How do you serve the Lord and still make a living? You can't serve God and money, right? The more Mike and I focus on serving God, the less money we have. We've cut the bills as low as

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-14390269759863131582008-02-02T11:22:00.000-06:002008-02-02T11:40:35.953-06:00

Our pastor is doing a sermon series on prayer. This has always been hard for me. Not that I don't pray; I do - often. I don't think I could hold it together without that communication with my Father. The thing I struggle with is praying for something specific - like physical healing or weather changes or finances. I know the Bible says we have not because we ask not, but I also know that God has

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-11086597184813331802008-01-25T21:06:00.000-06:002008-01-25T21:34:26.049-06:00

"The Voice of Truth" is a song by Casting Crowns, I think. I should google it to be sure, but I am almost sure, so I'll go with that. Anyway, that's my current favorite song. I don't have the CD (or I would know 100% if it is Casting Crowns), and I should probably open up the iPod I have and see if I can download the mp3, but that's not why I'm writing this. Quit getting me off track!THE POINT is

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-70886564957979324782008-01-20T19:01:00.000-06:002008-01-20T21:27:49.144-06:00

I'm selfish. And I can justify it because everyone else is just as selfish or more so. So there.Really, I don't know how people deal with their lives. All I have to do is go to work and then come home and take care of the home and the husband. And even with just that, I long for a whole day of having nothing to do. And I mean nothing. I don't want to clean anything or put anything away or cook

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-48896548238808480142008-01-13T21:45:00.000-06:002008-01-13T22:07:41.926-06:00

I'm not having any profound thoughts lately - not that I ever actually have any. But sometimes I feel more compelled to share than others. And sometimes I don't share because I think no one will really be all that interested. But this isn't about anyone but me, so what's the difference?Anyway, today was a pretty nice day. We went to church at The Met (it's about the fifth visit, I think), and we

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056265626810853333.post-15890214714704236772007-12-06T19:36:00.000-06:002007-12-06T20:27:53.733-06:00

How do you deal with someone who insists on doing the exact opposite of anything you want them to do, anything a reasonable person would do? Oh, and reverse psychology doesn't work. He's onto that one.It's painful to watch someone you love self-destruct. And the more you try to love and support them, the more they push away. (I'm not talking about Mike, by the way.)The need for independence can

Genahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09520681592998977600noreply@blogger.com0