One of the Greatest Wonders...

The Grand Canyon is recognized as one of the greatest wonders of the natural world, breathtaking in its incredible splendor. Its not just an icon of beauty, however. Its a solemn witness to the mighty power of God, who is the omnipotent Creator of all things.  For the beautiful rock strata of the Grand Canyon, with the evidence of their deposition under widespread waters, speak of God's awesome power and justice.

We've been so blessed to have our grandmother visiting for the past 2 weeks. During this time, we spent a couple days at the Grand Canyon, which was a dream come true for Mom Mom. 

On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. 

Psalm 145:5

... And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm... Psalm 40:2

We all enjoyed our one-on-one time with Mom Mom.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8

Great are the works of the Lord... Splendid and majestic is His work... He has made His wonders to be remembered... Psalm 111:2-4

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

He brought forth streams also from the rock and caused to run down like rivers. Psalm 78:16

You formed the mountains by Your power and armed Yourself with mighty strength. Psalm 64:6

Ah Lord God! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee... Jeremiah 32:17 

Therefore, as we gaze in silent wonder at its unique magnificence, we are reminded of the words of the psalmist...  "Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, You inspire shouts of joy." Psalm 65:8

Learning To Truly See…

I, Andrew, had been looking forward to joining Blind Bikers Across America ever since my friend invited me to apply with him. Although being excited about the upcoming adventure, it was a little intimidating not knowing whom I was to be teamed up with and what to expect until I arrived at the event. I had hardly ridden a tandem bicycle before much less with an unsighted partner. All of the apprehension subsided when introductions and the first few practice rides came and went. What a lesson in trust! Courtney, my tandem bike partner, and I hit it off right away. While undertaking 110 miles of incredible biking, we talked almost non-stop about her life, my life, the sights of the bike journey, and countless topics. My life was greatly enriched by getting to know her and by the conversations that we shared. God unquestionably had His hand in grouping us together.

This trip was packed full of one exciting thing after another. Along our route, the Natchez Trace Parkway, we stopped to explore some historical landmarks and creation's wonders. About three quarters through our first day of gradual inclines and steep demanding hills, a waterfall beside the parkway was a much-coveted excursion. What a refreshing respite to rinse off and cool down from the heat and arduous biking.

Friday we toured Helen Keller’s home; it was her birthplace, where Anne Sullivan, her teacher, taught her to speak through sign language.

We were so fortunate to explore the entire house. Most can only gaze into each room from a barred entrance, but being privileged to be with the group from the Blind Bikers Across America, we were able to see and touch everything from inside the rooms, not simply from the doorways. As a captain for the event, I was the eyes for my partner, Courtney. This was an incredible lesson from history and a vivid lesson in serving others … this is a memory that will be permanently etched in my mind.

After touring the house, we made our way outside where we saw plaques and monuments.

The water pump where Helen's teacher, Anne, finally was able to break through to her.

We also came across the tree where Helen did most of her learning. Mike, a very determined individual, decided that if Helen could climb that tree to learn her lessons, he could climb up it too! It was exciting to watch him strain for the next knob to place his hands, pull himself up the last bit, and sit up there with a big smile on his face at his accomplishment.

While preparing for the trip, my mindset was that of desiring to be a blessing, an encouragement, and a help to those our society sees as handicapped. Yet, I came away the greater for the experience; deeply blessed and feeling encouraged. I learned to truly see life in a new and different light, to appreciate God’s gifts and provisions more deeply, and to enjoy serving others more fully.

I’m definitely looking forward to next year!!

Happy Father's Day To The Best!

  Where would I be without my father? I'm sure I don't know. This past year I've come to appreciate him in greater degrees as a close confidant and friend. Not only from working with him on a daily basis, but from learning from the wealth of wisdom he holds in life experience. I don't know what I'd do or where I'd be if it hadn't been for his input in many of this past year's life situations. I know God divinely placed him in my life for such a time as this…

Where to begin… there are so many incredibly awesome areas of my dad’s life that have greatly impacted my life. Innumerably my dad has given up his desires and life for us all. Over the years countless stories of the early days of family life have sifted to the surface asserting the sacrifices he has made in our behalf. Working day and night shifts to make sure that we were in need of nothing. His continual forgoing has spoke volumes to me that words or other means would never have. I praise the Lord for you, dad, and the example you have set not only for me but others. Love you.

I’ve been blessed beyond what I could have asked for throughout the past many months. These blessings have come due to working along side my dad. He has given me an education that no traditional school could have given. Late last year when we opened a retail store in the hardware and feed industry, I was to learn far more than just what nuts and bolts cost. I’ve been able to enter into my father’s brilliant business mind and learn from the pearls of wisdom that he has gained along the many years of his life as an entrepreneur.

My dad has taught me the importance of keeping integrity as a high priority in my work along with every area of my life. His daily love for God has inspired me to also have a love for my Creator and to please Him through the choices that I make for my future.

A father's love towards his little girl, and her's toward him, is nothing to be compared with. There's something to it that I can't explain… Something so deep and precious, something that cannot be replaced or duplicated by any other thing. I think it must be a special gift from heaven… A gift that every father and daughter should posses. Its a relationship quite similar to that of every Christian and their Heavenly Father, really. I am so thankful for the gift of my dad and the relationship we share. The blessing from my daddy's sensitive words, the look of tenderness and deep adoration in his eyes for me as he has and continues to guide me through the paths of life, his constant love and care, all remind me of the tender compassion and unfailing love of my Heavenly Father. And I have found that this tender affection between us grows even stronger, just as it does with my Heavenly Father, as I choose to willingly give my heart in perfect love and submission to him… 

Thank you for being the best, for all those growing up years when you would tuck me in to the song, Butterfly Kisses, for all the daddy/daughter dates, for being an example to me of my Father in Heaven, for just being you and showering your love upon me.  

Forever and always, I'll be your little girl…

We love you Dad! 

Happy Birthday, Quint!!

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 

Psalm 119:9-11  

Quint turned 25 on June 14th. His life has been one of maturity. We (us 3 youngers) have always looked up to him as our example. He has a quiet yet compelling personality, encouraging those around him to serve the Lord with their gifts and talents... with all they are.
We love you Quint!

Quint's highlights of the past year


Recently, I was talking with a friend and we were commenting about how much one year… one month… one week… one day… and even one moment can hold. Yes, even one moment can change life, our perspective, and our plans. This year has held many such moments. 

• I love my work!! I love to work with horses and meet knew people.
• This year we had several opportunities to travel- GYC in Houston, Texas, our mission trip to Honduras, Oklahoma Family Camp where we spent lots of time catching up with friends from across the country.
• Riding horses with Becky (and sometimes friends) up in the hills, mesas, and mountains surrounding our home.
• Cattle drives with the neighbors.
• Lots of family time talking.
• Learning more about God's enduring love and promises.
• A prayer of the year, " God be merciful to us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us. That Thy way may be known upon the earth…" Psalm 67:1-2

Texico Conference

Last weekend was our 3rd year in joining friends to provide the music for our Conference Camp Meeting. Because of our busy schedules, there was very little time to practice this year. The Lord really blessed our efforts (and our fingers). Unanimously, this was the best year yet!

 Joshua, Stefanie, and I playing, Morning Has Broken, for special music

Pie Town men's choir singing, Here is Love

Fellowship around the meal table was often the place to find animated conversations and lots of good laughter.

Putt Putt Fun

Sweet friends

Fun times... beautiful memories