A New Way to Play!

Isaac is officially big enough now to use his Bumper Jumper (aka Johnny-Jump-Up)!

He thinks it's pretty fun!

While he doesn't yet understand how to actually jump in it, he loves to spin, bounce a little, swing...

and oh yes, chew while he's in it!

He thinks he's such a big boy because he can stand up on his own in the Bumper Jumper!

Whoop-ee!

It's a Block Party!

On Friday night, all the children who had participated in the week's sports camps, along with their families, were invited to the church for a "block party."  Nathan and the group from FBC Forney did a great job organizing the event.  It sort of reminded me of a miniature carnival with various stations scattered around both inside and outside.

The chicken sling shot was a big hit!

If the children hit the target with the chicken, they won a piece of candy!

Getting to know our community...

The Steele Family

Men in Blue

Isaac made several new friends! :)

Who is that goofy guy?

Bowling!

Face Painting

Every so often, there would be a drawing for one of the Upward sports prizes the team brought them.  Also, a brief word from the Bible would be shared at this time.

Mommies chatting.

Fun times!

Another Hike to William's Lake

This past week, we have greatly enjoyed hosting a mission trip team from First Baptist of Forney, Texas, who came to help run evangelistic sports camps in our community.  The Upward basketball and football camps were a great success and allowed us to establish contacts with many people here in Taos!  We are truly grateful for these new friends, their labor of love, and investment in our ministry.

Yesterday, we all went on a hike to the beautiful William's Lake up in the mountains.  It was only my second time to go since moving here to Taos and once again, I enjoyed the scenery so much!  I am thankful I was feeling good enough to attempt the climb.  Though there was some pain, it was very bearable and eventually went away as the day wore on.

Enjoy the pictures!

We made it!

After enjoying snacks by the lake for awhile, we set out to try to find a waterfall we had heard was in the area.

There's a little waterfall, but it's not one we are looking for!

That's better!

Nathan climbed to the top of this slope and found a bigger, beautiful waterfall higher up but before we could all go see it, the heavens opened and it started to rain!

At least Brittany came prepared! :)

So much for only a 20% chance of precipitation!

Getting caught in a lightning storm in the mountains can be dangerous, so when it started to rain, we knew we had to hurry to get back down to the car...which would usually be an hour and a half hike!  There's nothing like steady rain, thunder, hail, and a bolt of lighting, though, to make a person hightail it down the trail!  Gravity helps too. :)  We made it back in record timing, soaked to the bone, and lived to tell the adventure!

Thankful Thursday

A long while ago, back when I was living in Bolivia, I read Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts and was impacted forever by its simple, yet profound message.  At that time, I started a list of one thousand gifts for which to give thanks to God.  The items on this list were oftentimes very small things in nature...but that was kind of the point.  So often, I had been faithful to thank the Lord for big things, but I would completely miss the small, tiny details of His goodness in everyday life that He so lovingly bestowed upon me.  Keeping a running list of His many gifts taught me to be always looking for them and always thankful for them.  This simple act also began to cultivate in my heart an attitude of constant gratitude that proved to be transformational as I endured various trials.

Somewhere in the flurry of wedding planning, getting married, expecting a baby, and moving to a new state, I stopped writing my list.  I had made it to 500 but no further...at least on paper.

Now, in this new season of new trials and afflictions, I have decided to take up list writing once again.  While I certainly haven't stopped giving thanks as I go about each day, there is something about writing it all down that helps me to see in plain black and white just how good God is and causes a song of praise to hover over my heart.  And after all, a song of praise is so much nicer than a black cloud of discouragement. :)

So here we go.  One year after ceasing to write my list to 1,000 gifts, I again take up my pen (keyboard?), pick up with gift #501, and dedicate Thursdays to be the day in which my list goes public.

Anyone care to join me?

Today I am thankful for...

501. My sweet husband who loves me unconditionally, cares to see me get better, takes the trash out, and makes a mean omelette! :)

502.  My darling little boy whose smiles, coos, laughter, and curiosity about the world fill my days with sunshine, even when there is great pain

503.  The stunningly beautiful sunset God painted across the sky last night

504.  The strength to clean my floors today

505.  Excitement over starting to heal!

506.  Precious children and parents hearing the Gospel at our church's basketball camp this morning

507.  A washing machine right in my very own kitchen

508.  My baby's love for blankies that makes me smile when I peep in on him napping

509.  The smell of rain drifting in through the open windows as a summer shower pours down on our thirsty ground

510.  Friends with whom to walk this journey