Love Each Other...

Why do I make it so complicated?

It is just so simple

~ LOVE ~

Caring love

Giving love

Serving love

Unconditional love

Sacrificial love

Unending love

Just love

Love God by loving others.

Now, not later;

Here, not there;

Him or her, not them.

Just Love ~

Matthew 22:37-40 (Message)

Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."

Quote of the Day

No one can

pray and worry

at the same time.

When we worry, we aren't praying.

When we pray, we aren't worrying.

When you pray,

you "stay" your mind on Christ,

resulting in peace.

- by Max Lucado -

- from Every Day Deserves a Chance -

More Pics from our Mini Vacation

The boys with Makayla and Brianna!!!

Some Summer Time Fun

Brothers!

Cole and Cody with Rusty

Look at our muscles!!

Cody

Cole

He likes to wear his ice cream...

Hockey Time!!!

Quote of the Day

People ruin their lives by their own stupidity,

so why does God always get blamed?

Proverbs 19:3 (Message)

Mini Vacation with the boys

Monday through Wednesday the boys and I had a nice mini vacation together. We left Danny behind because he needed to work on some ordination stuff so he had peace and quiet and lots of time to study. But the boys and I had a great time visiting some family.

First we went to the Guentner's home and played with Makayla and Brianna and baby Halle. The boys had so much fun. We enjoyed a really nice dinner outside on their patio. Cole was not to sure when I would hold Halle for a long time... but he got over it. After eating yummy ice cream, the boys and I loaded up again in the the car to head to Nana's and Papa's. Papa had to leave the next morning so we stayed up late to hang out with him. The next morning we woke up just in time to say bye to Papa and then enjoyed sitting outside with Nana. The boys would take turns doing a show for us. Then after lunch we ran a few errands with Nana and then had fun! Nana took us to Castle Park off the 91, nothing to amazing but perfect for our day. The boys rode some rides by themselves and then we went to play mini golf , new experience for the boys. Mom and I had so much fun watching the boys play. When we finished it was time for dinner, Chick Fil A here we came!!! It so happened that it was kids night there. The boys got tot play in the play area and make Danny a paper tie and it was just a great time at dinner. Got home to clean them up and off to bed. I enjoyed staying up talking with my mom and then came home then next morning. It was a wonderful little vacation for us.

Here are some pictures that I took with my phone.

Quote of the Day

We each have our own cross to carry – our individual callings. Yours awaits you like a snug-fitting shirt. It matches your passions and enlists your gifts and talents. Want to blow the cloud cover off your gray day? Accept God's direction.

- by Max Lucado -

from Every Day Deserves a Chance

School's Out for the SUMMER!!!

The boys finished school the end of May. Cody did great in his speech class and had a great graduation. Cole's last week they had a program and he decided to hide on the stage and would periodically look at me to see if I was watching.

We are looking forward to some fun trips this summer. We already had a fun weekend in Pasadena, where the boys got to jump on the beds :) and eat dinner and breakfast in bed, we also went swimming, and had fun at Mosaic "the church that has parties" as Cody put it. Top it off with lunch at Wahoo's.


Today I am taking the boys to my sister's so we can visit with them and then on to my parents' home. Danny is staying back to get some much needed quiet time to some stuff done.


July starts off for Danny and I taking about 13 students to LIFE 2007 conference in Orlando, Florida. It will be a great time. Besides the conference we are going to go to Sea World, Universal Studios, and go swimming with Dolphins at Discovery Cove. All this during our 7th year anniversary. The boys will have fun too staying with friends and family.


The end of July and beginning of August is the highlight of the summer. We will be driving to Colorado to vacation with family. First with all of my family in Mesa at my parents' new place. It will be fun fixing it up and just relaxing in the mountains. Then we will go and visit with Danny's family. I even think we will go to a Rockies game. The boys are going to love that (Danny included). This summer is going to fly by but we are going to have fun.

I hope you take time to enjoy the beauty of summer and take the time to relax in the sun.

Quote of the Day

God's grace and mercy have brought you through. Quit acting as if you made it on your own.

-- T. D. Jakes

Quote of the Day

Children spell love with four letters: T-I-M-E. Not just quality time, but hang time, downtime, anytime, all the time. Your children are not your hobby; they are your calling.

-Max Lucado

From Facing Your GiantsCopyright (W Publishing Group, 2006)

Quote of the Day

Negative thoughts never strengthen you.

How many times have you cleared a traffic jam with your grumbles? Does groaning about bills make them disappear? Why moan about your aches and pains, problems and tasks?

"Be careful what you think,because your thoughts run your life." Proverbs 4:23 NCV

- by Max Lucado

from Every Day Deserves a Chance

Today I Will Make a Difference

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble… . I will get up. It's OK to fail… . I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.

From Shaped by God Copyright (Tyndale House, 2002) Max Lucado

This is what I want to do today and every other!!!

Quote of the Day

When you face the perils of weariness, carelessness, and confusion, don't pray for an easier life. Pray instead to be a stronger man or woman of God.

-- Luis Palau