Starting in 1985, our daughter competed at America's Youth on Parade (A.Y.O.P.) on the University of Notre Dame campus in South Bend, Indiana. For the next nine years, by her qualifying, Notre Dame was our vacation location.

In these years, there were twirlers from around the world who competed each July at A.Y.O.P. along with regional and state qualifiers.

They competed in what they qualified in by win level of beginner, intermediate, or advanced in solo, x-strut, or another twirling division.

This photo is from Chrissa's twirling coach, Jeanie Pennell's scrapbook.

They were a winning team!!!

I was talking with some friends in a group chat about taking sewing and foods in high school and how none of us liked either class. I wouldn't say I like to sew or cook, but at times, I do both.

In this Easter picture, I made my dress and our daughter's dress.

I notice my hair is still red!!!

We celebrated our 50th reunion this past weekend. Both Clinton and I graduated the same year, so we have one reunion, which is nice. 

It was an outstanding event with classmates, filled with special and priceless moments of joy and laughter.

This guy. He had to strike a pose. He is God-sent and my bulwark!

I'm a Christian by Carol Wimmer

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost sometimes
That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble –
needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek God’s name

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved

It has been five days since I have written here. It is always my goal to write something here every day, but sometimes my days are not totally mine. I've been busier. I enjoy being productive, but I want time to be still and reflect more as I live out my days.

I have learned over time that in relationships, we cannot expect more than another is willing to give. I believe it is essential, too, to truly understand why God sends the relationships into our lives that he does. 

Relationships are something that I least understand in trying to navigate my life with Asperger's. I know when it isn't comfortable for others when I'm too much to be around, and that moment of revelation where you get a glimpse of the heart that can't adjust to tolerate.

I've seen this in my lifetime, but I have also seen those who love me beyond my differences because God allows them to help me understand, and they take my hand and walk with me as God's encouragers in my life.

I want to thank the encouragers of Christ who deliver him to me in beautiful ways. We all bloom at different times. 

I am always curious as to why God places me in the serving opportunities that he does. I always think I need to be doing something more meaningful in God's work. I doubt that I am qualified enough, good enough, etc. He always reminds me that he will give me what I need where I am when it is with him in his plan for my life.

This week has been really busy week. I blogged about this earlier, but it is worth sharing again. The Hale County Appraisal District sent letters to everyone in Hale County who has residential and commercial property. They found out that their appraisals did not align with value according to the margin set by the State. They had to re-appraise all of the commercial properties in one year instead of the three-year rotation they used. This is why there has been such a huge increase. They must bring the properties into the margins they have in place, or funds would be taken from schools. It isn't just Plainview but all of Hale County...and many other counties in the State. They did get a waiver that allows no school penalty, but if it isn't met by the next appraisal season, they will penalize our county by withdrawing school funding through a penalty process.

In the past, the HCAD has been able to meet with property owners to settle the majority of the protests. Still, this year has been one like the Appraisal Review Board (not associated with the HCAD but appointed by their board to hear all unsettled protests one week each year, typically in July.) has not experienced since I have been serving.

This year there are somewhere between 5 and 6 hundred unsettled protests. The ARB is hearing them Monday through Thursday of this week. We arrive at about 7:30 am and get through each day at about 7:30 pm, with lunch brought in so we don't lose valuable time.

I was dreading this, to be quite honest, but God has been there with me and has brought so much joy through all of the ones we have heard and through getting to work with the ARB members and the HCAD employees. God is so perfect!!!

I'm tired, these are long days, but the blessings are bigger than my tired! We had a lot of laughs, sweet people, sweet smiles, and a fun time talking about pigs.

Eighteen years these two have forged their path to a matrimonial commitment. Happy Anniversary to C & B. May the Lord bless you and keep you. We love you all!

Growing up, I remember this song. I try to hold its lessons close. Do I fail? You bet I do, but it is in the getting back up and trying again! It is being close to God so that the Holy Spirit is felt for direction. All I ever need is found in my Precious Savior.

Songwriters: Traditional / David Norman Anfield

 

 

He is there to release his bloom in us! 'eyes to see'

 

 

I have shopped with Buffalo Gal Gallery & Gifts before. She will be at the Running Water Draw Arts & Crafts Festival on October 20 and 21st, but I recommend an appointment at her showroom! Connie Barnett is a master buffalo gal.

 I recently visited her in her gallery to order a handbag. I was specific with what I wanted, and she professionally guided me as we designed the perfect bag.

Local shopping is the best!!!