God is Trustworthy

It is a blustery cold day here in San Antonio, and I am loving every minute of it. This morning we had a late start for one of our kiddos, but it was precious time helping him conquer a homework writing assignment. This is his first year of having a writing TAKS test and it's been a struggle for him, as well as for myself as I've been helping him tackle each writing assignment. Just as we were finishing up, songs that were very fitting for our situation began playing on one of our most favorite radio stations, KLOVE. One of the songs also resonated deep within my heart on some personal issues I have been struggling with. The song was "Day after Day" by Kristian Stanfill. My favorite line is ... "Time after time, our God is faithful ... Trustworthy Savior my hope is in the Lord". I thank you Abba Father for being a constant and faithfully loving God in my life. I am nothing without You. I love You dearly.

Your Precious Daughter,
Tanya

Beautiful display of nature

May not have seen snow here yesterday, BUT . . . WAS SO TOTALLY BLESSED THIS MORNING WITH AN EXPERIENCE OF NATURE I'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE!!! It was almost magical. The morning of our first hard freeze has displayed leaves falling all over our neighborhood, even now. There was one tree though that stood out above them all. Since my camera battery ran out, I'll have to write the experience down to remember the details. So very thankful . . . thanks God for the wonderful gift this morning, even though I've been such a crank from not getting snow in San Antonio!

Whew!

Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson, Somer Thompson, Angela Montez talked and prayed with robber, Leading the way message, Family Life message, bobunny chipboard . . . all in one day. Kids getting off of school soon; gotta get ready and change hats to "chauffer", "chef", "counselor", etc. Thank you Lord for being my rock.

Recipe to try . . .

This is a recipe recommended by a sweet, dear girlfriend

Lambrusko, White Lambrusko, or Red Rosette
with
Diet Orange Soda, preferrably Sunkist

Measurements: use 1/2 and 1/2 of each beverage; or 2/3 orange soda and 1/3 wine

Looking forward to trying this recipe. Never heard of Lambrusko, not even sure if I spelled it correctly.

Great Wolf Blog #2

YEA!!! Just had Mommy time in Grapevine. Main Street is somewhat like Main Street in the Hill Country towns like Fredericksburg. The weather was too dawg gone hot to stay long, but I visited a few boutiques just to get out of the hotel. Anticipating the hot weather, my plans were to at least stop by Holy Grounds - Christian Bookstore & Gifts. It was advertised in our room's Guest Service Directory, under the recommended businesses. Adorable and welcoming place to visit. There was some coffee cake coffee to sample. As steamy as I was from the summer heat, I couldn't resist. Delish! Found some unique bookmarks from www.RememberMEjewelry.com. Perfect for my season of life, the titles are "Overcomer" and "Surrender". I had forgotten the advertisment mentioned going to visit Barbee & Ken. It wasn't until I got ready to make my purchase that I saw an adorable, black lab laying so quietly on the floor. In a kennel, close to the register was a schnauzer who wasn't too happy about the hat I was wearing. I can't remember who was which, but they were very cute! Nancy was the lady who greeted me and helped me with my purchase. After a brief chat with her about Sam Moon purses and chlorine that stings your eyes just by being in the area, I was on my way back to Great Wolf. Ahhhh! I so needed that Mommy time. Oh yeah! I also drove around a little bit and took some photos of some beautifully unique homes. Just wish that I could have taken pictures on Main St.

God moment: Listening to Francesca Battistelli in the car, I was calmed with the reality that as awkward as it may seem to others, it's okay to spend time exploring new things alone. I may not have had my family or a friend with me to visit historic downtown Grapevine, BUT . . . there was a peaceful excitement knowing that God was with me. He's always willing to spend time with you, and it doesn't have to be such serious moments. He'll even join you for some browsing and shopping time! I love You Father God!

Great Wolf Blog #1

This is our second day at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas. We arrived in Addison, a suburb just north of Dallas, on Saturday around 2:30pm. Stayed at LaQuinta on Landmark Blvd. Very spacious room, large bathroom, beautiful outdoor courtyard, lobby with lots of elbow room, and a decent breakfast . . . all for a very comfortable price. Daydreamed about a ladies' weekend away to take in some Sam Moon shopping (only 6 miles away), Saturday Symphonics in the park (just up the road from the hotel), American Girl and the Galleria to browse or shop (just 2 miles away), lots of restaurants both fancy or casual, essentials shopping very close as well, and I'm sure much more to discover.

Our first day was eventful with shopping for Mom and Sierra at Sam Moon, the van's alternator scare that turned out to just be the battery, shopping for Sierra at American Girl, quick stop for the boys to get some cookies at the Galleria mall (Sierra even got to get her hair curled at a kiosk while we waited), dinner at BJ's, chill time for Dad in the LaQuinta courtyard, and chill time in the room for the rest of us. Learned that for future trips we need more than 2 double beds, ha! ha!

God moment: The realization that Sam Moon and American Girl were so close without Ramiro even realizing it when he made the reservations several weeks ago!

Making hard decisions; Setting boundaries

For the Lord GOD helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. Isaiah 50:7

As hard as it may be. No matter what you think others may say about you. When God convicts your heart and a situation arises that requires you to make a decision and set a boundary, you must obey. Be encouraged by Isaiah 50:7 that God will help you and you will not be put to shame.