Remember the Alamo

While on our anniversary trip, we made a visit to San Antonio. I had never been, so it was fun and interesting to see new territory. Of course, we checked out the Alamo. It was a lot smaller than you'd think (common reaction, right?), but provided plenty of history and information. The museum boasted impressive artifacts, especially Davey Crockett's gun and personal items.

We also strolled down the river walk. It is soooooo great; maybe my favorite part of the city. It is amazing to realize the river is a natural river and not a man-made attraction because it is so neatly kept. We took the boat ride too, which helped me understand the development of the city around the river, etc. It was also a very beautiful ride with waterfalls, duckies, and great views of detailed architecture.

Our San Antonio day came to an end in the Market Square--an hispanic flea market of sorts. We did find a Christmas gift or two! And we enjoyed buying pastries from an authentic Mexican bakery. Mmmmmm, smelled so good!

Like I said, I had never been to San Antonio before, so I was a bit entranced by the double-decker highways. The land area was not wide enough for them to create four lanes (on one side) for traffic, so they make two lanes below and two lanes above, but it is all the same highway!!!! Ah, the Texas roadways....always tricky. :-)

Palo Alto Creek Farms

Palo Alto Creek Farm, we miss you! Bryan and I just returned this evening from our anniversary trip to Fredericksburg, Texas, where we stayed at the Palo Alto Creek Farm Bed & Breakfast.

It was such a treat! The farm was settled by Germans in the 1800s. It has four separate "houses" on the farm for guests. We stayed in the barn! As you can see from the pics, it wasn't exactly hay and horses. However, the walls were original limestone and the wood beams made it feel rustic--in a good way. In the barn was a living area, kitchen, dining area, fireplace, king-sized bed, and a super bathroom (take a look at that tub!). Also, notice the gorgeous two dozen roses my wonderful hubby had waiting on me. Every morning we sampled (er, consumed!) the tasty breakfast. We had tasty pastries which Bryan liked. Personally, I think the sausage burritos were out of this world.

The outside was just as lovely as the inside. Being five miles from town, the country quiet and fresh air was thoroughly enjoyed! I particularly fancied the herb garden with its abundant butterflies.

Butterflies were not the only wildlife around. The farm housed plenty of cute, cuddly cats. (In fact, one cat demanded to be petted...constantly!) In addition to the felines were goats and longhorn cattle. More along the lines of "wild" animals were a large flock (is that what a group of turkeys is called?) of wild turkey, who got out of dodge before we could take a picture. But my favorite....(drum roll, please) were the deer who came out each evening to eat corn. So b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. And there was even a little baby..... At the farm next door, we were excited to see they raised elk. Every evening you could drive by and see these elegant creatures chowing down on hay; not to mention we heard their "cries" in the evening.

While at the barn, we had such a fun, relaxing time. We read. We ate year old wedding cake. (And yes, it actually tasted yummy!) We splurged on a massage and facial from the professional hands at the European Day Spa. (They came to the farm for the pampering session. I had my spa treatment in the old smokehouse!) We enjoyed watching the deer from the tree swing. We sat by the fire. We watched Breakfast at Tiffany's. We soaked in the heavenly tub (Calgon....). We HAD A GREAT TIME!

Happy Anniversary

Today is the day we celebrate our wedding anniversary--our first. I keep thinking, what was I doing one year ago at this time? Of course, it's an excuse to relive the day I married Bryan--truly the most wonderful man I've ever known. The last year has been a blessing to me.

We have both said this first year together was relatively smooth, unlike some horror stories of first years I've heard. At the same time, we jokingly are waiting for the bottom to fall out. :-) We have enjoyed learning more about each other as we learned to live together. We enjoy just hanging out at home, acting silly together. We enjoy working on our house and yard together, making it our own. We enjoy shopping together, groceries and all. In other words, we just enjoy being together no matter what we're doing.

Although our first anniversary isn't ideal--I've got classes from 3-9:30 p.m.--we are looking forward to a week away in Fredericksburg, Texas. We are visiting the Palo Alto Creek Farm Bed & Breakfast. I'm super excited because I've never been to a B&B. It looks fabulous, and I'm praying that's what I find when we arrive! I'll post pictures when we get back. But until then....

Happy Anniversary to us.

More Babies

Not only does the Fort Worth zoo have three new tiger cubs; they also just put four new lion babies on exhibit. Aren't they cute? Come visit and we'll go see them!

Fort Worth Presbyterian Church

Each Sunday Bryan and I are blessed to attend Fort Worth PCA. During my year of attendance, I have come to appreciate more and more elements of the church. For starters, I love their commitment to strong families and raising children to know of Christ and His salvation. Also, the emphasis on accountability (from the pastor to each member) is a biblical practice I have rarely seen in other churches. And they have a deep desire to reach out to the community, which they make good by participating in several outreach ministries targeting the local neighborhoods and schools.

Of course, being in a new church takes time to get know everyone and get plugged in. Bryan sings in the choir and helps visit the sick in the hospitals. I attend the women's Bible study group each Wednesday. We both are members of the Denton's small group. Currently, we are in the Inquirers Sunday school class--for those interested in church membership. Hopefully, (as soon as we get those forms completed!), we'll be volunteers for the nursery!

Finally, we do admire and appreciate our pastor, Darwin Jordan (great name for a creationist, eh?). His compassion for people is remarkable; his love of the Scriptures is exemplary; and his commitment to spiritual growth is encouraging. Each week, his sermons challenge me and bring to light new aspects of God and His Word I'd not considered--that says a LOT because I have grown up in the church and made a living in Christian curriculum!!!

During the last few weeks, Darwin has preached on 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 primarily. I realized through his teaching that I have mostly heard this passage in regards to persecution rather than temptation. Understanding this verse in light of the Corinthians' situation--they felt so spiritual that they were above temptation--brought new insights. Paul is saying that they (and we) have no excuse to give in to temptation. Any temptation you face is common to all people; your case is not an exception. I immediately related:

"Well, I couldn't tell her the truth! She's not ready for the truth. I didn't have any other options but to tell a little white one."

"It's not really gossip. I just like to connect, have relationships with people. To do that, I need to know what's going on."

"I had to get angry; he made me angry. What did you expect?"

"I need to make this compromise because I'm trying to build a relationship with her. She'll think I'm weird if I don't . . . or maybe be mad at me; then, poof, my witness is gone."

"No one will know that I've done this. It's not hurting anyone. It's no big deal."

Those excuses don't fly. Whatever situation we find ourselves in not a "special" ordeal. All temptation is common to everyone. But the great part of the verse doesn't end with this--it's realizing that God is always faithful to provide a way of escape. We don't have to give in! God is right there with the alternative, wise choice. Now, if we could just learn to have that careful, hearing heart! What's the solution? Jesus said, Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.

Sorry for the sermon; I got carried away. I've just loved Darwin's lessons so much these few weeks . . . .

Worth Quoting

"He is not any less the Lord of history in times of trouble, no do good times suggest a mere temporary spasm of control over events. He is steady and sure, and the Israelites are to see their prolonged enslavement in light of God's character rather than to make conclusions about God's presence or absence on the basis of their circumstances." -Peter Enns, The NIV Application Commentary, "Exodus," pg 43

The First Day of Autumn

As you can see from the pics, Bryan and I are full swing into Autumn. Now, if the weather would just cooperate . . . we're still in the nineties here.

This weekend Bryan dug out our cookie press from the cabinet. We received this very handy, very nifty gift for our wedding. Of course, like so many other gadgets, we hadn't used it yet. Bryan stirred up the vanilla batter and we made all sorts of designs, including a pumpkin that's semi-recognizable. My decorating skills (if I dare to term them "skills") left quite a bit to be desired. Nonetheless, the cookies turned out to be very tasty, which is the important part, right?