Great Joy!

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news and great joy that will be for all people." Luke 2:10

Joy is the theme of the third week in Advent and as we light the candles of hope, peace and joy let us all remember what we are preparing our hearts for!

I read in my quiet time today that you can't be fearful and grateful at the same time and that fear prevents us from being joyful.  This third week in Advent celebrates the joy that is the Christ child and that in preparation we need to examine our hearts, clear away the fear, the chaos and doubt and fill up on hope, peace and joy.

As we near the celebration of the birth of our Saviour may we all look deep into our hearts and prepare the way for the Lord!

Merry Christmas

Thankful

Our campsite

Spent a glorious four days at Lake Pleasant being thankful, getting rest and refreshed for the upcoming Advent season.  It was a great time for reflection and to give thanks for all our blessings.

We met our friends Rhonda and Jeff, their daughter Ashleigh and Rhonda's brother Darren at Lake Pleasant.  Here are some pictures of the beauty we encountered, the fun times we had and the wonderful Thanksgiving feast we jointly created! Kaya and Eden rode the Rhino with Darren, Rhonda's brother. They had a blast, Kaya even got to drive.

Eden on a ride

Kaya driving the Rhino

We had campfires and roasted marshmallows for s'mores!

Sittin' by the campfire

 We made a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, macaroni salad, deviled eggs, rolls, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.

 We went fishing- had a few bites but didn't catch anything.

A Lesson in Communication

Otto and I joined our friends, Cindy, Jesse and Tim for a bike ride Sunday morning.  Nothing really unusual in that, we ride often with this group.  But one thing about this ride was different, Otto and I rode a tandem for the first time.

Jesse and Cindy offered a few tips, but stressed it was important for us to figure out how to work together on the bike.  Now, some may say, 'no big deal', right?  Wrong!  It really was a lesson in communication for both of us.

When you ride a tandem, both pedals work together at the same time, which means if I stop pedaling, Otto must stop and when he starts, I have to start.  Otherwise, in each of these instances, starting and stopping without advising the other can lead to injury and frustration.  The same goes for turning a corner, hitting a bump and braking!

The key is to communicate what you are doing and then for the other, reacting appropriately.  For example, if you are cruising along and the light is turning yellow we both know we need to stop, but when, now or in a few more rotations.  I just can't stop pedaling unless Otto communicates to me he is stopping.  The same goes for the restart, we both have to make sure that we are in the pedal before taking off, so we have to talk to each other through the process.  Which foot are we leading with, etc.

Our ride was successful, and I think we may give it another go thanks to Jesse and Cindy!  The important thing I realized yesterday was that it is not only imperative to communicate but also to listen and be ready to react.  Otto has to be aware of my comfort level and I have to trust him to make the right choices.  For me, losing control as a rider was difficult but I enjoyed the challenge of learning to work together for the common goal - keeping us from killing each other - not really, but keeping the bike upright with us on it!

Communicating  is not just for the tandem riders though, it's important for the entire group of riders whether sharing a bike or going solo.  Communicating with each other as you ride helps prevent accidents and ensures a pleasant, safe ride.  Yesterday as we rode behind the Ortega's they signaled us of debris in road, bumps ahead, when to slow down and which way we were turning.  We had to pass that along to Tim, who rode behind us.  Concern for your fellow rider is a definite 'rule of the road'.  So, communication is key not only for tandem riders, but for all bikers!

You can also use this as a tip in every day life - the more we communicate and listen to what others are saying the better we will understand their position!

Eden's Concert

Eden's Chorus Concert

Here are some pictures from Eden's chorus concert last night - they were so cute and sang some really cool songs - "Good Night", "Lean on Me", a blues and jazz song, a Journey song and finally Michael Jackson's "Heal the World" - I will try to upload a video later today!  Eden has such a sweet, sweet voice, it is unfortunate that you can't hear only her, but the group sounded great!  I'll bet she'll be up for a solo soon!

Eden rockin' out

All that jazz!

Las Brisas Chorus

Eden singing the blues!

 Stay tuned, video coming soon!

Contentment

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content
Philippians 4:11 (NKJV)


I'm puzzled at times by how I get confused with what 'being content' is.  Should I just be happy with my situation or where I am in life, is that contentment?  Or, is it being happy with my choices and decisions?  Is it fully placing my trust and faith in God?  Well, I guess it could be all of these.


If I'm just content with my life right where I am that is okay, but without the belief that God is the leader of this expedition am I really content?  And, if just being happy with my choices without acknowledging that God leads me, am I content?  Well, I guess I could be.  But my belief in God is what makes me who I am, so I think without acknowledging Him as the great I am and Creator of us all, this is all for naught, right?


I feel the most content when I do place my life, completely, in God's hands - but why oh why do I question my path, my choices and my decisions if I am right where God wants me to be?  I guess, that is human nature and something we can't get away from in this lifetime.  Free will I suspect has made us question our choices. But free will also gives us the ability to choose.  So, bittersweet!

Happy Birthday Momma!

Emerald Cove, Parker CA

Tony, Tree and Tina

We had a great time at the river with Tree, Tony, Robin, Tina, Mom and me celebrating our Momma!

The weather was hot, and other than wishing we had our boat and a few jet skiis, we were in heaven - no phones to be answered, no homework to check, no laundry to do and nothin' but time on our hands.

We swam in the pool and floated in the river, had yummy food, walked, gambled, played games and talked, and talked and talked!

It was a wonderful weekend - here's a few pics to enjoy!

Cribbage anyone? Tony got mom a cool board which depicts an outdoor scene complete with boats, water and a bridge!

Our campsite - right on the river!

Robin and Mom with her tiara and wand!

Highway 88

Took a scenic drive on AZ Highway 88 last Saturday with the Worden's.  We've been talking about doing this drive for years, and finally confirmed a date and we were off.....


We headed toward Canyon Lake off Highway 60 and soon came across this sign.... so we stopped, our first of many.... The 'town' wasn't opened yet, but we walked around and checked the place out anyway!  After we strolled through this cute little town, we were 'on the road again' to Canyon Lake.

Entrance to the ghost town

an old collapsing shack

An old water tower

The view from the ghost town

The drive to the lake was short and we discovered a campground right on the water with hook-ups, we'll need to check that out soon! The weather was still cool and we drove with the windows down while we viewed the beautiful blue water against the contrasting stark desert.

The first bridge at Canyon Lake

View from the bridge

Drove along side the lake and as we exited into the next valley you could see Tortilla Flat, don't blink or you'll miss the whole town!  It was still early, so didn't try any of the Prickly Pear Ice Cream, but got some cool pics!

Tortilla Flat

An old wagon and wheel

Old electric lines

Driving along, we saw a vista where you could view the entire valley, so we stopped.  We ventured out onto the point and were able, with the help of the binoculars, view several cars that plummeted from the road!

View from the point back towards Canyon Lake

So, the drive continues on 22 miles of curvy 10 MPH dirt road!

On and on we drove, over one-lane bridges, onward through the desert, until we came upon Apache Lake.  We drove down to take a closer look and snapped this beauty of a turkey vulture hunting in the day use area.

Turkey Vulture hunting

We only passed a few boats on the way, I guess that's why this lake is so cool, not a lot of boaters on it.  Saw lots of camping areas with access to the lake, not sure if we ever will bring the pontoon here or not because of the drive.  At least we wouldn't come for the day!

Apache Lake narrowing as it nears the dam

More of the desert beauty

The lake narrowed and we knew that we were finally were reaching Roosevelt Dam.  The end of our scenic drive of Highway 88.  But the journey didn't end there, the fishing poles were in the back just hankerin' to be thrown in the water!

Roosevelt Dam

Ken fishin'

Otto fishin'

Cheryl and Bea reading, relaxing and sippin' some wine!

Once we decided no fish were biting, we were off for the drive home and on the lookout for something to eat! Our throats were parched and tummies definitely growling!

Punkin Center for dinner or.....

Blue Adobe Grille......

Well, the Blue Adobe Grille it was!  And, it was delicious, a nice refreshing margarita on the rocks and one of the best mexican dinners we've had in a long time!  Yeah, and it was all so spontaneous and on a whim!  The whole day so far had been an adventure and full of anticipation of what was around the next bend. 

Ken and Bea

Otto and me

After dinner Ken suggested a stop at Casino Arizona.  It's funny how we've lived in AZ for 12 years now, and before this last summer, we had only been to a casino once or twice.  In the last two months we've been four times.

We stopped at the bar on the way in and grabbed a beer then each took $50 bucks and agreed to meet back at the bar in one hour - win or lose!  So, off the guys went in one direction, Bea and I in the other.  As I dropped 20 pretty quickly, I decided to try my hand at black jack but was sitting with Bea at a 'Flamin' Hot' machine and what do you know, on her second spin, she wins the progressive pot of $517, and she only played .80 cents.  Yes, folks, you can win big on the penny machines!  Well, of course, we made her buy the next round and we saluted her win with a Kamikazee!  As for the rest of us, well after black jack I was even and the guys, well I never even asked!

Do You Need to be in Control?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Well, do you?  I certainly think I do, most of the time.  But, I am reminded time and time again that it isn't up to me to control everything.  I need to lean on and trust God and not my own understanding!

Sharing our home has not been the easiest thing to do, being empty-nesters and on our own without anyone else to worry about.  I was in control of what and when I made dinner, when I worked out, what I watched on TV, when I cleaned, etc.   But bring another adult and two kids into the mix and I was no longer in control of anything it seems.  It is my nature to step in and try to understand and know everything that goes on and try to fix it if not to my liking.  Well, this certainly doesn't sit well with our house guests!  I laugh here as really, it doesn't sit well with me either anymore.  It's just what I've always done, try to fix everything, make everyone happy.  I need to trust that God has it under control and it isn't up to me.  Not such a bad trait to have, wanting to help but really, is that my job?  Well, yes, sometimes it is, but not always.  As a read this scripture today and the little personal story written with it, I am reminded that sometimes all we need to do is show up and be there, and not control everything and leave it up to God.

Today Tina told me 'I'm just complaining, don't talk logic to me right now'.  Yes, Tina, I should listen more. To you and to God!

A Purposeful Heart

Avon Walk - 2007

 
In my quiet time this morning I was reading an oldie, but goodie "Just Like Jesus" by Max Lucado.  The beginning chapter speaks about 'the heart of Jesus'.    To summarize.......His heart was pure, he was adored by many, yet lived a simple life.  He was cared for by many women, yet never had a lustful heart.  He was scorned by man, but willing to forgive.  Wow, big shoes to fill, huh?  Reading on......it talks about Jesus' reaction to circumstances in his life; where others around him feared the storm, he slept and when the disciples abandoned him, he didn't go home and pout! (I especially like that reference).  He carried on and refused to be sidelined by anything else by His higher calling.

Do I have a purposeful heart?  Or is my heart set on worldly things that often don't matter. Do I often go home and pout if things don't work out the way I want?  How do I handle adversity?  If I place myself in the presence of God, must my heart be pure and full of purpose?  Well, do not fear because we already have the heart of Jesus, if we are in Christ we already have the heart of Christ.

If you have given your life to Jesus, then He lives in us!  How awesome is that, just give your life to Him and He is in you ---  now we are free to live that life He intended for us, that purposeful life! So what are you waiting for?  I want to live a life of purpose and follow my higher calling.  I am on a journey to live for Christ, and if you are too but don't know how to do it, pick up your Bible and start by reading Colossians 3!

Lightning on the River

Went camping on the river this past weekend, tried out one of the CRA sites - fished, barbqued and played cribbage, Phase 10 and just chilled.  We didn't get any of the rain that hit the towns north of us.  But, we did get a great lightning show while sittin' on the bank Friday evening!

Awesome bolts

The storm raged around us and lit up the sky, but never felt a drop of rain.  Still was incredible, awesome and beautiful!

Light up the sky

When we woke up on Saturday morning the river looked like the Mississippi!  Just a brown mess! 

Muddy waters

So much different than the day before......

Me n' Otto on the Colorado

Happy Birthday to our friend, Bea!

Bea blowin' out the candle

Ken and Bea

Another great camping weekend behind us - what a blessing it was to get away for the weekend and enjoy the great river, fishing and awesome storm!