I'm just putting it here; I fear a lot of things. I think about 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." I believe there are things I should fear; inner gut feelings. Then there are things where the risk is small, and God gives me power over these fears to try something. He provides me with whispers of self-control. So, even though I fear many things, I get to choose whether the risk is worth it for me. God is my best friend and has my best interests at heart.

I am wired differently, and when people talk about their bucket lists of places to go or things to experience, I laugh and think that my bucket list is comprised of things that I don't want to encounter...like seeing a snake, a wasp sting, not taking the top highway interchange or avoiding driving over or under large bodies of water. Oh, and dam, dams, I want to avoid dams and caves, including Carlsbad Caverns. I have my reasons, and I've had to experience a few of these in my life, and I'd just rather not!

I'm just putting it here; I fear a lot of things. I think about 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." I believe there are things I should fear; inner gut feelings. Then there are things where the risk is small, and God gives me power over these fears to try something. He provides me with whispers of self-control. So, even though I fear many things, I get to choose whether the risk is worth it for me. God is my best friend and has my best interests at heart.

I am wired differently, and when people talk about their bucket lists of places to go or things to experience, I laugh and think that my bucket list is comprised of things that I don't want to encounter...like seeing a snake, a wasp sting, not taking the top highway interchange or avoiding driving over or under large bodies of water. Oh, and dam, dams, I want to avoid dams and caves, including Carlsbad Caverns. I have my reasons, and I've had to experience a few of these in my life, and I'd just rather not!

January 1934, the Etter family. Lucy Hopkins and Hugh Etter with Lorena, who was four, and her sister, Virginia, who was a year old. They grew up at 1006 Nassau Street in Plainview, Texas. As I grew up at this house, too, I vaguely remember this screen door, the screen over the small window, and the big step off of the front porch. I remember the wood railing and the front door having a window. I love the "slap" of the screen door, but I'm sure they tired of the grands running in and out of it when we visited ... which was a lot!

In 2007 (16 years ago) we (FB.PLV) painted the park. So many people and so much fun!!! I will be 68 in July. We lived in Lubbock for a little over a year while Clinton finished up his degree at Tech, so about 66 years attending worship at First Baptist Plainview. God has been faithful to enhance my life through study, missions, and worship in all seasons. 

School is out for our home-schooled group, and they made their Ushka an art piece on their last day and delivered it today. Love it!

How to be a champion. (not saying I am, but I am aware)

Getting ready ...

Remember, God loves us before and in spite of our do's or do-overs!

Look for the Fruit of the Spirit when friending up.

Don't get distracted by being liked.

Walk through life knowing there is temptation.

Lay a Biblical foundation.

It is in the daily spiritual preparation that we find the power to overcome.

In the absence of anything to measure, we are left with nothing to stare at except for our foundation. (Chole, Alicia Britt. Anonymous)

Be at the "it is well with my soul" in your forgiveness.

Be a Barnabas; invest in others, then step back to watch them shine. (Acts 4:36, Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles, which translated means Son of Encouragement)

Encouraging people often stirs incredible renewal, a fresh look at Christ.

Ask God where he wants you to begin.

It's a mindset to stay focused on the good others do.

Just because we can do it doesn't mean we should. Let others shine!

Anything I can do, you can do better than me. Yes, YOU can!

Be kind, compliment, encourage, mentor...

Be a champion of people.

On Tuesday, the Sally Society, a philanthropic group of women supporting Wayland Baptist University, held its annual Power of the Purse event. Close to two-hundred women enjoyed lunch, style show, live auction, silent auction, student scholarship testimonies, and friendship fun.

Then someone recommends taking this older woman's photo! Yikes! LOL

You might have known my grandparents if you grew up in Plainview, Texas. My grandmother Lucy May Etter, whom we called Cranny, was nee Hopkins. My grandfather, Hugh Robert Etter, whom we called Bo (our youngest granddaughter's namesake), was an electrician by trade.

This is a photo of my grandparents headed to the Hobo Party, celebrating his 50th AA year of sobriety!

We have this bottle from his 17th year.

To be honest, I have never liked making grilled cheese sandwiches...until today! I recently bought this Kraft Singles toaster & the grilled cheese sandwiches were perfect! So easy. So good!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1Peter1:3

Happy Easter!