I'm back.................................  Obviously its been a while since I have posted on the blog.  Many things have occurred since my last post.  Ray has had knee replacement and some other life changing health issues, we have adopted two more fur babies - Rocky and Moose - to keep Sadie company, Jake has brought a wonderful young woman into our lives and given me a fantastic daughter in law, and a crazy accident which left me with a broken arm in both bones on my right hand, a fractured pelvis and big split on the hip.  Needless to say, the last 2 years have been rather challenging.

But now that I'm back, I plan on taking a little more time and focusing on the important things in life.  I promise to be more vigilant in keeping you up to date on my thoughts and what God lays on my heart.  So for the time being, I'll just close and promise to post pictures of my sweet fur babies soon.

Fae Perkins

Heaven gained an angel a couple of weeks ago.  Fae Perkins got her heavenly wings and was greeted by Jesus as she entered into heaven.  She made such an impact on so many lives during her tenure here on earth.  She was an avid church worker in so many areas. 

She touched my life when she was a GA leader so many years ago.  I will never forget the many lessons on missions she shared with so many young women through the Girls in Action program.

The other great skill that was often shared was the preparation of meals at the church for a family having a funeral.  During my time as a stay at home Mom, I was blessed to be placed on a “cooking" committee with Miss Fae, Miss Evelyn, and Miss Margie.  I was taught the art of cooking not only for the masses but making sure food was delicious.  I give Miss Fae credit for teaching me to make the best green beans ever from a can.  She could take anything in the cabinet and make it “homemade”.  What a joy and delight to have spent time with these amazing Christian cooks in the church kitchen.

I learned a lot more than just cooking from those wonderful women.  I learned about a servant’s heart. Fae Perkins had a true servant’s heart.  She was always willing to give of herself, her time and her talents to show Christ’s love through her loving spirit.  In teaching me literally how to make green beans to feed 25 people, she also taught me to how important it is to be an example of compassion, kindness, and generosity. 

I will be forever grateful for the time I spent with Fae Perkins.   

The Bonds of Friendship

Every year in January, five beautiful young ladies gather for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.  Each may or may not bring her "feller".  A companion can be a daughter, son, or sister.  But it happens every year like clockwork.

As the group makes their way to the rodeo, many great memories are rehashed, new ones made and stories of the past revisited.  It has been over 46 years since these bonds of friendship formed.  There are many memories of childhood, dating, marriage, babies, grand babies, death, and disaster.  But whether the memories are good  or bad, happy or sad, old or new, the bond among these five remains strong.  

This group together can withstand anything. It doesn't matter what the tragedy, the celebration or the incidental action, the five stand undivided.  Their bond is beyond strong, woven together with the toughest of fibers, and yet at times stretched to the thinnest of thin with the demands that are put forth on them.  No matter the test, the bond holds true.

You may not like one of them, two of them or all of them, but they are a package deal.  If you make an enemy of one, you make an enemy of all.  Their loyalty is fierce, their love for each other surpasses the tallest building, and their zaniness hits an all time high when in the same vicinity.  

They may go days or weeks without seeing or speaking to each one individually or as a group.  They may play phone tag at all hours.  They may drive within 5 miles of each other with no time permitted for a meeting.  Regardless of the space or distance, this group is tight.

They are my sweet dear friends.   They are Ya Ya's, Yum Yum's, and the Cashmere Mafia.  They have seen me at my best, and supported me at my worst.  They are frightfully honest, unwaveringly open, and not afraid to tackle any conversation.   I am blessed to have them in my life.  Thanks for the memories.  Looking forward to many more!

In honor of Amy, Carla, Dana and Gayla!  

File' Gumbo, Baylor Bears and Rain

Life is full of simple pleasures.  It just takes us a long time to figure out that the simple pleasures in life are really the greatest blessings we have.  

File' gumbo is a recipe that I have never really mastered.  The best gumbo maker I know is my sweet friend, Pattycake.   She is making me a huge pot today, and I have been dreaming of it all week long.  My mouth has been watering for 3 days.  Smelling the spices this morning just made me hungry all day long.  Best friends and great food make life grand.

Baylor Bears are ranked #8 this week and are undefeated this far into the season.  Watching how Art Briles has taken this team and developed raw talent into football history makes me so very happy to be a part of the Baylor Bear family.  

Rain is such a blessing.  We take if for granted because our lawns and plants are beautiful thanks to the modern day sprinkler system.  However, rain is so powerful.  Listening to it pound on the roof and seeing how it fills our little lake in the neighborhood are simple blessings in life that I recognize and give thanks for every time the sky opens up to rain.  

So I ask you, what simple pleasures in life make you happy, make you smile and make your day?