Sonflower

dear reader

2009-10-12T10:29:00.003-05:00

Thank you for your faithful visits to Sonflower and spending your precious time to share comments and insights along the way. I must let you know that for a variety of reasons I will not be continuing Sonflower. It has been a pleasure to spend time with each one of you. You encourage. You have pointed me to the Son too. Let us keep looking to Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. God bless you all.

~Angie

sweet treats

2009-09-21T09:26:00.003-05:00

Four peeled Clementine oranges sat in bowl at the center of our dinner table. Passing over tenderloin and noodles, my little Zach reached for his orange with great anticipation. The sweet, juicy treat was more than he could resist, but I quickly reminded him it was intended to follow his meal, a way of cleansing his palate.

After explaining the art of eating to him along with finishing my own meal, I too stretched across the table for my orange. Thumbs diving in, I broke into the small orange pulling apart segments, revealing a single white seed.

At this sight, my mind chewed on the meat of God's word.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Galatians 5:22

Consider now His fruit. It too is irresistible. It is sweet. It satisfies. And yes, it has seed hidden inside.

When the fruit of the Spirit is offered to others, it is deposited with a seed that is sure to germinate and produce like fruit if there be any good soil hidden inside and yet another comes along to offer a bit of living water.

O Lord, help me crucify this flesh with its affections and lusts and live, yes, walk in the Spirit where there is life...life more abundant, not only for me, but also for others. Thank you for your life-giving fruit and your Spirit manifested in so many wonderful ways.

perspective

2009-09-14T08:52:00.004-05:00

Driving in car with Flydaddy:

"That's a pretty little area," I point to an offroad spot along the countryside.

"Yes it is, but it looks nothing down here as it does from above. I've flown over this very spot many times by helicopter. Amazing how differently it appears from above," he answers.

~~~~~~

From above...how must things appear? I'm remarkably familiar with this earthly perspective which is full of limitations. Obstacles occlude my view. People get in the way. Mountains are difficult to scale.

From above...He says He hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:6).

From above...O to have His heavenly perspective! Yet, His word says that he MADE US SIT together in heavenly places. This faith flight, which causes us to rise above a temporal existence has already been performed. I/we only need to appropriate what has been done.

So then, how do things look from above? Perhaps this helps us understand better...

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory...therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Col 3).

walk and talk

2009-09-08T07:40:00.003-05:00

I often instruct my children (who come to me multiple times a day for questions and discussion) to "walk and talk". Many times I am on my way to do a task or we are headed to fulfill something in our schedule, so we simply walk along as we talk. Don't get me wrong, we do have our moments of intimacy...sitting on daughter's bed, brushing hair, with love whispers or test flying folded airplanes with son sharing sweet nothings all the while.

But what about this idea...walk and talk. Isn't that the concept behind our relationship with Abba Father? Consider Noah. Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God (Gen 6:9).

Think. Did Noah have tasks to complete along with a busy schedule? Ahem, 120 years to build an ark, animals to gather, all the while preaching to a mocking crowd of gawkers. Yes, surely He needed to walk and talk with his Father. Not only that, but he required specifics to build this never before built ark.

Are there specifics in your life that you need answered by God? I sure do. We have another potential move on the horizon and need to know the where, the how, and the when. Look at Noah's undertaking. As he walked and talked with God, he was instructed on which materials to use, how many cubits, stories, windows, and where/which animals to bring on the ark along with the necessary food and supplies for his long voyage.

God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. I am so glad He is concerned with the details of our lives. We need only walk and talk...and listen.

channels of blessing

2009-08-29T08:08:00.004-05:00

For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened, but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality. 2 Corinthians 8:13-14

taken from KP Yohannan's Revolution in World Missions:
Born into affluence, freedom and divine blessings, Americans should be the most thankful people on earth. But along with the privilege comes a responsibility. The Christian must ask not only why, but also what he should do with these unearned favors.

Throughout Scripture, we see only one correct response to abundance: sharing.

God has not given this superabundance of blessings to Western Christians so we can sit back and enjoy the luxuries of this society--or even in spiritual terms, so we can gorge ourselves on books, teaching cassetes and deeper-life conferences. He has left us on this earth to be stewards of these spiritual and material blessings, learning how to share with others and adminster our weath to accomplish the purposes of God.

A solution?

Gospel for Asia is bringing the truth of Jesus to the over 2.7 billion unreached people of Asia. The harvest is ripe, but the workers are few. 100% of all giving goes into the field. None is taken for adminstrative purposes. Consider...

still celebrating

2009-08-24T09:17:00.017-05:00

I can't believe my last post was July 4th. I realize I have mentioned something in the past about blogging without obligation, but I somehow feel remiss when I go long lengths of time without staying in touch with anyone who would take the time to visit this place. Please forgive me for the lack of attention to you, my friends.

So much has happened this summer, most of which revolved around a major job change for my husband. He is still flying helicopters, but this time in a big ship that flies over big water, which requires big faith for this little girl.

Today I felt that familiar lump in my throat, the one I felt even as a young'n on the first day of school. I always seem to exit the school bumping into others for a last chance glance at my dear ones. I rest in the fact that they stand on solid ground. Little boy has his Bible tucked in backpack and young lady dares to be a Daniel. Each is prepared to give answer for the hope that is within them. I surrender them to His good care. Hot tears in the back of my throat disappear.

I choose instead to linger on these gifts given over the summer...

Zach's first official fishing rod.

Pop demonstrates the perfect cast.

The way Olivia always walks arm in arm with me.

Reminds me of street scenes from my trip to Spain and Italy.

Love gifts from Mom and Dad. The blessings never stop!

Laure...sensing...knowing...helping me hold my hands raised in praise with her words and shared song.

braids, beautiful braids

long, heart to heart visit by phone with my dear friend and cousin

a perfectly cooked fried egg on toast made for me by 9-yo son

birthday celebration with the best mother-in-law a girl could ever hope for

Doorbell rings. Opening the front door to the most wonderful neighbors singing "Happy Birthday" to me

marker memories

spending the day with a boy of many talents and his wonderful parents

Sweet Sandy, who taught me that when she falls to her knees in her sometimes feeble state, that that is where she needs to be anyway, talking to Jesus. Sandy, if you're reading this, know that WE got the blessing when we came to your home. I'm looking forward to our next visit!

Glory to God from whom all blessings flow.

I look forward to getting back in touch with you all now that I have more time!

celebrating freedom

2009-07-04T07:49:00.003-05:00

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. Psalm 119:45

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Luke 18:19

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

pressed but not crushed

2009-06-30T13:11:00.002-05:00

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Five minutes until 12pm, I file in behind other parents at the high school gym waiting for basketball camp to let out. I glance over at 9-year-old son leaning against bleachers as another group of boys play five on five. Our eyes meet and he instantly casts his down to the shiny wood floor where tennis shoes squeaked all morning. Dejected is the best word to describe his countenance. My mind races.

Boys are called to line up on the court to receive ribbons. The same three boys spin their blue, red, and white treasures on fingers while mine walks to me as he did yesterday, shoulders slumped, head down.

We make our way to car where he instructs me to not ask questions. I don't. Silence.

Upon coming home, excitement builds at the prospect of seeing Dad's truck home. This time it doesn't matter that Dad is a scholarship athlete or NAIA National Champion in basketball. What's important is that he is a champion encourager and lifter of a little boy's chin...Dad, who has a way of bringing all things into perspective.

I stand on the sidelines with pom-pons, make lunch, do cheers and toe-touches of sorts. We pull back from our family huddle, ready for another day, another opportunity to build character...the same kind of character that comes when same said boy had to ride sister's purple bike for a period of time...the same kind of character that comes from being the new kid in school...the same kind of character that comes from going into the girl's bathroom on the first day of school...character.

This boy's got character.

We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

summer gifts

2009-06-22T12:00:00.001-05:00

take me out to the ball game

~a great minor league discovery &

a little boy's persistence to remain in this position the entire game~ .

milk moustaches at lunchtime

our nightly dose of Andy Griffith

~we never grow tired of this classic~

newly discovered nearby pond

we enjoyed a sunset into the water

and mother duck with ducklings in tow

~thank you Lord for this precious moment with my son~ .

traintrack adventure

remnants of another visitor ~thank you Lord, for Christian neighbors~

remembering His nail-pierced hands ~praise You Jesus~ .. .

making a new friend ~God's perfect timing~

good news

2009-06-19T15:26:00.004-05:00

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

I had surgery this morning to remove a skin cancer. There ended up being more to it than I thought...IV, five-inches worth of sutures, and a lovely bald spot at the crown of my head. The surgeon went all the way to the skull to make sure there was no infiltration. The underlying muscle was also removed so pathology could check for sarcoma.

Upon coming home, I pulled out the mirror to assess the damage. Boy did I have a flashback. You see, one evening when I was about 10 years old, I was shining my daddy's dress shoes with his electric shoe shining kit. My long locks draped over shoulders got caught in the spinning mechanism and boy did I hear the most awful sound coming from the motor on that electrical unit. It all happened so quickly. Dad looked at me. I looked at hair wrapped around the shoe shiner. Dad looked at Mom. Mom looked at me. Mom looked at Dad. Their expressions are seared in my memory.

I immediately wanted to run to the mirror. The song "You're So Vain" was written for me during those pre-adolescent years. They wouldn't let me see myself in the bathroom mirror, which only created more anxiety, but it was inevitable. That night I caught my reflection in the sliding glass door of our dining room. About a three-inch bald patch sat on top of my head in plain view. It wasn't anything a side combover couldn't handle. That was the 70's style anyway. Let's just say that Donald Trump would have been proud.

Today, I could care less about my hair (or lack thereof). I'm just praising God for the good report.

Anyway, I hope you all are having a great summer, but for goodness sake, wear your sunscreen and hats!

jump in

2009-06-10T10:10:00.005-05:00

I haven't been swimming much this summer in an effort to stay out of the sun after discovering I have a basal cell carcinoma on my scalp, but on my latest trip to the pool with the kiddos, while slathered with sunscreen, I heard these words, "Come on, Mom. Just jump in!"

I've always been one to ease into the swimming pool in an effort to bypass the shock of the cold water to my body. After this latest remark from my daughter, I began to consider how often I take this same approach in life, cautiously easing into new endeavors, sometimes so meticulously that it leaves little room for faith.

No, there's nothing wrong with being prudent in decision making, using common sense the good Lord has given, but what about, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path (Prov 3:5-6)."

I can't help but think of the Steven Curtis Chapman song:

I'm diving in, I'm going deep in over my head, I want to be.

Caught in the rush, lost in the flow,

in over my head, I want to go.

The river's deep, the river's wide,

the river's water is alive.

So sink or swim, I'm diving in.

I'm tired of standing on the banks of Jordan with fear-based hesitancy. No more testing the waters. It is trust and obey time.

update

2009-06-02T10:11:00.007-05:00

Whoa, I looked back and realized I had only one post in May. Where have I been you may ask...well let me tell you.

helping with science fair projects

going on a field trip to San Antonio with Lady Olivia

feeding dolphins

sleeping in the penguin exhibit

golfing with old friends

track and field day

late afternoon bike rides with the family

So you see, I have been quite busy with...well...life. I hope you all are doing well. I will be getting back on track visiting all of you, my friends.

an illusion

2009-05-07T11:40:00.000-05:00

Things aren't always as they appear.

When we look at problems with our physical eyes, we are prone to feel discouraged, hopeless, and helpless. However, when we view these same matters with our spiritual eyes, faith rises up.

The Comforter shines light and hope in the midst of our troubles. God's promises come into view and we are suddenly on a different plane, seated in heavenly places with a new perspective. Creative power is ignited and we can scale obstacles never thought possible when looking from an earthly vantage. Only with Him is this possible. Thank You Jesus!

the flower song

2009-04-25T10:02:00.009-05:00

It seemed that the flowers were singing a color language which could only be understood by the heart and not by the mind. They seemed to have a little chorus all their own which thousands upon thousands of them were singing in different color notes.

This is the law by which we live--

It is so sweet to give and give.

by Hannah Hurnard

Hinds Feet on High Places

Meditating on this idea as I enjoy these flowers from my garden. O Lord, may this be the song I sing, a chorus of service and love unto You and my fellow man.

His gifts

2009-04-22T10:19:00.010-05:00

He is faithful to give. I am happy to receive.

~daughter in a white eyelet dress

~son patting the seat beside himself for me to join

~interlocking fingers

~fruit trees in full bloom

~grapefruit, the color, the taste, the smell when I walk by a big bowl full of them

~fishing on the dock of a pond

~working with the wind instead of against it

~the way daughter's hair smells

~pillow talk--notebooks filled with secret thoughts from family members, hidden under one another's pillows

~first ladybug of the spring

~a good report

~adding to my collection

~a very, very happy family

Consider~~joining the gratitude community.

a sweetie called wanda

2009-04-16T14:09:00.004-05:00

I'm thinking and praying for a dear friend today. Wanda is such an amazing soul. She's the kind of woman who makes cookies for her grandkids because she knows they will be visiting her in the hospital after her surgery today.

She is a gifted artist, homemaker, wife, grandmother, and friend to many. Her cheery outlook on life is positively contagious. Won't you join me in praying for her as she has surgery for breast cancer and is in recovery? I am so thankful she is in God's good care.

where has she been?

2009-04-09T09:40:00.006-05:00

No, I haven't dropped off the blogging radar. I've simply taken up residence at a new locale on the world wide web. You see, Fly Daddy's work has slowed down a bit with the changes in the economy.

Well, tough times call for a change in plans, so I have set up shop at a little place called Good and Faithful Servant. I have long desired to be a good steward of all that God has entrusted me with, so this place was born from that idea (Matthew 25:14-30). You'll have to come give me a visit!

I don't plan on leaving Sonflower. It will remain an ad-free site, but you will see that Good and Faithful Servant has been monetized, as I have become an "affiliate" at various stores. All the while, I will be able to get the word out on how to watch over one's soul, possessions, health, time, and talents. I am taking baby steps for now, but hopefully over time, God will bless my efforts in this new endeavor.

In the meantime, please be patient with me as this has taken a lot of energy for the initial setup. (Wanda, please know that I'm still praying for you and Pastor Don.)

invitation

2009-03-17T17:35:00.011-05:00

come and go with me to my Father's house

to my Father's house

Jesus is the way

to my Father's house

.

where there's love...love...

.
.

love...

lessons from the garden

2009-03-09T09:35:00.007-05:00

Birds singing, dirt under my fingernails, children giggling on the trampoline...there is no other place I would rather be, but here in my garden. One by one I pull weeds with great satisfaction. As I fill the bucket, my mind trails off.

Garden spade in hand, sword of the Spirit at work, examining...Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting Ps 139:23-24.

I will allow you to consider the implications of the following list of observations I made. Ponder with me how weeds compare with sin.

They're ugly.

They're hard to get rid of.

They flourish in poor, uncultivated soil.

They detract from the beauty of the flowers.

The more they are watered, the more they grow.

The tops are easy to pull off, but the roots often times grow deep and are difficult to remove.

They often grow with other weeds.

If you don't tend to them quickly they can get away from you.

A healthy stand of grass chokes out the weeds.

You must have the right tools to get rid of them.

They propogate easily.

They are often prickly and hurt when you come in contact with them.

They are fast growing.

taken from the weed garden of Professor Korsmo

who are you wearing?

2009-02-23T10:31:00.006-06:00

Associated Press photo

The annual parade of stars on the red carpet has come and gone. I didn't watch the Oscars last night. I hung out at a ball field and went out to eat with an old friend instead. I can say I didn't see one movie, but I love a pretty dress, just like any good woman should. Though I hear there was a barely mint princess dress fit for a 10 year old's birthday party, fishtail flops, and long trains that were being stepped on all night. The belabored question of, "Who are you wearing?" was asked an untold number of times.

This issue of what you are wearing is actually a very important one. So, what then shall we put on?

The night is far spent, the day is at hand:
let us therefore cast off the works of darkness,
and let us put on the armour of light.
Romans 13:12

For as many of you as have been baptized
into Christ have put on Christ.
Galatians 3:27

And that ye put on the new man,
which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness.
Ephesians 4:24

Put on the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11

Put on therefore, as the elect of God,
holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness,
longsuffering; forbearing one another,
and forgiving one another,
if any man have a quarrel against any:
even as Christ forgave you,
so also do ye.
Colossians 3:12-13

And above all these things put on charity (love),
which is the bond of perfectness.
Colossians 3:14

come visit next door...

2009-02-20T09:45:00.004-06:00

I am here today.

punica granatum

2009-02-17T08:24:00.005-06:00

"Thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks (veil)" Song of Solomon 6:7. Upon reading this verse, my thoughts traveled to trips to the supermarket and the growing popularity of a new "superfood". Punica granatum, better known as pomegranate, seems to have become all the rage in food products these days. I am certain you have seen it mixed in juices or food products as well as being the new scent in candles and shampoos. I have even discovered it as a new gum and breath mint flavor of all things. It is touted as having antioxidant properties, preventing prostate, breast cancer, and clotting of the blood.

So what is this mysterious fruit? Bound up in a leathery skin are ruby red seeds full of juice and fiber. Clusters of seed are separated by a white spongy tissue. The fruit is native to the Middle East, but is becoming increasingly popular in California and other temperate climates. I recently tried to purchase one, but found that they were available in my area only from September to January.
.

There are numerous mentions of this fruit in God's word. We learn in 1 Kings that pomegranates were carved on the Temple. They were embroidered upon the hem of the priest's robe. Look into the fruit which is pictured here. Do you see the red fruit juice? Red represents the blood of Jesus. In the Song of Songs, it appears at her temples.
.

The actual temple in Jerusalem, built by Solomon, was where sacrifice and worship took place. Do these things take place behind the veil of our minds? From them come words and deeds which bring forth good fruit or bad.
.

*The fruit of the pomegranate is in the seeds. If the seeds are red, then they may be eaten and the sweetness savored. If the seed is not red it will taste bitter! Thoughts are seeds! For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he...Prov 23:7. Oh how important it is to apply the work of Calvary to everything that would enter your mind. Isn't this where true sacrifice and worship begins? If we sow the good seeds of His Word in our minds and abide (continually obey) in that Word, it will result in producing a pleasant crop of adoration and service for your Bridegroom to enjoy.

Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed

by Isaac Watts

Alas! and did my Savior bleed,

and did my Sovereign die!

Would he devote that sacred head

for sinners such as I?

Was it for crimes that I have done,

he groaned upon the tree?

Amazing pity! Grace unknown!

And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide,

and shut its glories in, when God,

the mighty maker,

died for his own creature's sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face

while his dear cross appears;

dissolve my heart in thankfulness,

and melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of tears can ne'er repay

the debt of love I owe.

Here, Lord, I give myself away;

'tis all that I can do.

*taken from Esher Shoshannah's Song of Solomon devotional.

eighteen years ago today...

2009-02-13T08:28:00.004-06:00

...I met the Prince of Peace, Jesus. I'm revisiting this post on my spiritual birthday.

There once was a little girl who had a good life. She had a warm safe home, loving parents, food a plenty, trinkets and toys to occupy her days, and lovely clothes to wear. All her needs were fully and completely satisfied, but there was something amiss in her life, a void which could not be filled.

So, as the little girl grew in stature she began to try and fill that empty hole with all the enticements and foolery that the world had to offer. These vain attempts to satisfy an unexplainable yearning in her heart only proved to create greater turmoil and strife. Fear became her friend and constant companion.

The now young lady felt very lonely and began looking for love. The problem was that she looked in the most inappropriate places. No matter how hard she tried, all the cravings and desires of her soul could not be satisfied. Instead, more pain and emptiness was heaped upon her depraved heart. She yearned for approval and lost herself in pleasing others. She was completely lost.

While utterly alone and devastated by all the trappings of the world and people therein, she met a nice man who seemed different from all the others. He exuded love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, qualities that she desperately wanted to acquire, but thus far had been elusive.The nice man so generously taught her about the One through whom these things could be found…to be found…oh how she longed to be found!

As a grown woman, one who had shared the company of many a book, she picked up a new Book…the Book which was spoken of when she married the nice man who was full of the fruit she wanted to taste. She cried out to the Author of the Book, “If You are real, show me.” Her eyes fell onto a page which read. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Suddenly, her cheeks were wet and her heart was flooded with hope she had never felt before. Her life was soon filled with joy unspeakable. The Prince of Peace, named Jesus, filled her new heart and the barren places of her soul. Fallow ground was broken and like a seed planted in fertile soil, faith sprung up along with the other sweet fruits of the precious Spirit. Fear was cast down and instead of pleasing people, she began to please Him who died in her place.

And so the story continues. It is being lived out by me, Angie. This restored life perseveres, growing in grace and nurturing a new generation of children who God so generously bestowed in our care. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

kari jobe

2009-02-09T09:58:00.003-06:00

Walking to the mailbox yesterday, I found the name Kari Jobe written on our driveway in sidewalk chalk. I'm happy Lady Olivia would rather scribble that name over Miley Cyrus or some other person from today's pop culture. If you aren't familiar with this young lady, you should make every effort to hear her voice. I've posted past songs of hers, in particular the Revelation Song. She ministers through music like no other.

We were blessed to go to her CD release concert last night. The church was packed even though we were early getting there. We watched in an "overflow" room on big screen, but God's presence was manifested so sweetly even though we were somewhat removed from the live performance. Afterwards, Olivia was able to meet Kari and have her CD signed.

Here is a song titled "Beautiful" from her CD, which will be officially released on February 10th. Sony has picked it up and it will be available at Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon, etc.

In addition, please make note of the February edition of Growing in Grace Magazine for Ladies. We are celebrating our one year anniversary. This month features the women behind the magazine in addition to numerous articles for the young ladies in your life. Every month I feel so honored to be a part of this publication. It is so practical, helpful, and informative.

texan gifts

2009-02-03T07:54:00.006-06:00

I don't think there is anything more Texan than a good rodeo. When Flydaddy got complimentary box tickets from his boss who herds cattle by helicopter at the largest enclosed cattle ranch in Texas, we couldn't possibly decline. I was in such a rush to get ready that I forgot my camera (stink!) but this was the best one I could get with my cell phone. Can you see how close we were to the action? Hopefully, these word pictures will suffice to show the multitude of gifts that can be obtained on a cold winter night at an arena in the Lone Star State.

* a dark arena building with anticipation

* pretty, long-haired girls riding in with the colors

* spotlight on the American flag

* cowboys holding hats over their hearts

* a prayer offered in Jesus' name

* black angus hotdogs with plenty of mustard

* red dirt licking up into our cold drinks when horses make their turn

* a warm Carhartt coat

* husband's arm around me

* watching kids eat nachos, licking cheese off their dirty fingers (I've learned to relax a little)

* beauty of a black and white paint horse

* good ropin'

* buckriding cowboy Zane, all of 5 ft 4 in, 117 lbs soaking wet with quarters in his Justin boots. It was an ugly ride and fall...sure hope his mama wasn't watching.

* chuckwagon races

* corny clown acts

* barrel racing (my fav)

* live band playing throughout the night

* snot slinging bull riding (please forgive the visual, but it's true) that threw an ole boy like a lawn dart (that one's for you, Lauren)

* Ferdinand, the ugliest bull you ever saw, who stole the show when he decided he didn't want to go back to his pen. It took countless cowboys and finally some pretty cows to get him out of the arena. It was some boot stomping fun I tell you!