Seasons....

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. - Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Pastor preached this morning about the seasons in life that seem the most difficult is summer and winter. In summer everything seems dry and no water can be found. In the winter things feel cold and one stays in or is distracted by the holidays. But if we learn that God is IN every season, we can walk in victory cause no matter comes our way, God WILL see us through and we will continue in our spiritual growth and walk with the Lord. His grace and mercy is suffient to see us through the strom in the winter and the dry place in the summer.
What a mighty but loving God we serve!!!!

Girls Weekend Out in S.F.

Last weekend was our Girls Weekend Out with one of my best and dearest friends, Chantel Cox and her two girls, and of course my girls, including niece Abi Binion. We left Friday night, stayed in the Marriot in San Ramon and drove into the city Saturday morning for shopping and fun at the pier. We accomplished both! It was so much fun that we are planning another trip in December to see the Christmas decorations and hopefully sales. This time we want to include our hubbies for added fun and excitement. This trip however will be extended to two nights in the
City. This way we will have more time to do more things.
I love times like this. The memories will be dear for many years to come. Thanks Chantel for being the family that friends pick. I couldn't have asked for a better "family" to adopt

Center Of My Joy

CHORUS
Jesus, You're the center of my joy
All that's good and perfect comes from You
You're the heart of my contentment
Hope for all I do
Jesus, You're the center of my joy

VERSE 1
When I've lost my direction
You're the compass for my way
You're the fire and light
When nights are long and cold
In sadness, You're my laughter
That shatters all my fears
When I'm all alone, Your hand is there to hold

CHORUS

VERSE 2
You are why I find pleasure
In the simple things in life
You're the music in the meadows and the streams
The voices of the children, my family, and home
You're the source and finish of my highest dreams

Shut In With God

Shut in with God in a secret place
There in the spirit, beholding His face
Gaining new power to run in this race
Oh, I love to be shut in with God

True Friends

Anybody can sympathise with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathise with a friend\'s success. - Oscar Wilde

Happy 19th Birthday Katrina!!!

August 7, 1990, a beautiful baby girl was added to our family. She is has always been a source of laughter and joy. There has never been a day I haven't watched with complete amazement how much wisdom she displays along with a love for God that has never diminished, even as a young girl.
Katrina is our baby, and we are so completely proud of her.
Even as a child she is the one who made us laugh,(like her daddy). She was our tomboy and climbed anything her boy cousins could and never gave up till she was had done her best.
I will never forget her "New York" accent whenever she would say an "r". Nannette had to interpret for Katrina since Nannette was the only one who understood her. However, Katrina would have to go to the bathroom with her "big" sister because it was dark.
During choir practice, we would be on the platform and Nannette and Katrina would sit on the first row of pews, there would be Katrina, waving her arms just like our chior director, (Pam Gregg). I was lucky to get to church with a clip and bow left in her hair, and some curl left. Now, she is very picky how she looks, finally!! (giggle)
Katrina has a special way of connecting with people. Her love for God shines through and makes her stand out in the crowd. Her talents are many, and she sings with pruity and anoiting. She considers God in all her decisions, and seeks counsel to ensure she is taking the right path. For a young person,that is rare.
Nathan and I are so grateful that we were blessed with such a jewel for a daughter and Nannette not only has a sister, but a best friend.
Tomorrow is your birthday Katrina, and with each year, you bring so much joy to our family. You are slow to judge people and try to see the silver lining in every cloud. During the toughest time in our family, you stood strong and was a blessing to all of us. I know God has something very special for you!!!
We love you!!!!!

Friends!

A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails. - Donna Roberts

Cocoa Ave. & E. Chocolate Ave.

Now this is almost Heaven!!!!!!!!! Just kidding
I wonder... will there be chocolate in Heaven???? I hope so!!!!