Who is it? 

I remember when Clinton and I were dating and as we discussed marrying that I looked to this man and his actions as a part of my decision making. God led me to determine that I was making the correct decision. This man has always been kind to me in all things. TC Wall, a Godly man, a provider, a friend, my father-in-law. When we go to God ... He answers. Knowing my blessings!!!

Long long ago, I sewed. Seriously, I did. Here is proof. I designed and made the dress I am wearing, and the one Chrissa is wearing. And, my hair used to be that beautiful red color...and I had no wrinkles! Those were the days, but I love the season I am in today, too.

Continually Blessed!

Thanksgiving is giving thanks for all things great and small. Our blessings are many this season as we are full of appreciation to our legacy, TC Wall. 

The fun for Ushka has begun. Of course, it always includes the traditional Fieldhouse before Thanksgiving lunch!

We have had a fun, relaxed day. Well, sort of; at four, we had an appointment at Rick Boone Photography. The girls had five outfit changes, and we did family groups, and it was a lot of work!!!

I certainly could not have done this without our two awesome moms who changed the girls and made sure everything went smoothly. I'm getting old, and it is tough to realize I need help, but we have the best helpers!!!

I'm excited to see all of the pictures. Happy Thanksgiving to us, but especially to you all, near and far!!!

I enjoy taking photos of doors. So much can be known about who lives within from the welcome point of the front door and porch. The same can be said about our actions are a direct reflection of the heart.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

Today, thirty-nine years ago, this girl came into the world. She is so her grand-mothers; a  sprinkling of the very best!!! Happy Birthday to our baby girl!

There are so many proud moments for me as I serve alongside my Savior. I realize how blessed I am. Back in the 1980s, a Vietnamese family came to live in Plainview through the support of our area Baptist Churches. I was the Women's Missionary Union director of First Baptist Plainview, Texas, at that time. Through this opportunity, I was blessed to meet the Chanh Nguyen family.

They became lifelong friends. Through Facebook, Phuong and I stay in touch, and I was able to visit Hoa and Chanh a year or so ago in Austin. It was such a precious time for me to see them again after so many years.

Phuong sent me this link to the great things that Van's husband is doing. 

Follow the link here: TransCarotid artery revascularization (TCAR)

I'm so very proud of my friends and their love for excellence. I pray for them still. The memories are like yesterday and so very special!!!

We have all had others say things about us either behind or back or to our faces. Trash talk hurts. It hurts the person who says it, in their God journey. It hurts the person who the words were spoken to or about. It hurts the ears of all who hear because it creates a negative cloud that releases harm instead of positive sunshine that encourages.

Many times people say hurtful things, a cut, all in the name of the "I was teasing" line. No, seriously, they are not teasing. There is a belief of half-truth extending from their hearts as they say the words. It's supposed to be okay if everyone laughs...yet, someone's heart breaks a little more each time. It is never okay to be passive-aggressive with another person's heart.

What do we do about these situations? Our first response is found in human nature. We want to bite back, cry, fight with words, and defend ourselves. It is important, though, that in the very next breath, we deliver Holy. 

A friend read this quote in a Bible Study and shared it with me. Trust Him to use your Godly behavior to change or to shame those who persecute and slander you.

We want to react because taking it in and putting a cap on it with all that 'stirred up fizz' makes us want to explode. But when we sit down with the Word of God, lay it at the Master's feet, he takes the turmoil-fizz away, and the taste is sweet instead of bitter. We can enjoy the day instead of losing it all as we explode on everyone. It is essential to listen and learn, evaluate, and determine, while at the Master's feet!!!

I'm working on this, not letting the hurtful things implied by others get past the Armor of God and into my Spirit. When we put ourselves out into the world there are going to be more opportunities for heartache. Think about all Jesus endured. We can do this!

There are a whole bunch of hurting people, the world is mean, and Satan is attacking the strong of faith. The good news is, God, wins. 

Until then, we must live out our faith in a way that God directs as worthy and that will allow others to see Jesus in us.

Thanksgiving is knowing the difference between what was and what is and understanding where it came from and praising our Savior all the day long.

One of my favorite ministry photos is this one of Deryl Tapp sharing with a group of new Believers in Sevastopol, Ukraine, circa the early 90s. A beautiful country with beautiful people.

Romans 15:5-6, May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I can't even tell you how broken my day was through situations out of my control. Throughout life, God grows us through wilderness times. Sometimes we create a long journey back to God ourselves. Other times and most evident in my life are wilderness journeys controlled by others that have been and are spiritually transformational for me. Our first response is human; our reaction should be Holy. I'm not going to lie. It's hard! Sometimes growing hurts. To be an overcomer in Christ is a journey with highs and lows that we travel but never alone and always with purpose.

I can't even tell you the joy that floods my soul as I reflect on the little highs that washed the lows under as the tide came in and has gone out again. The sea never sleeps. I trust in the Great ...