Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most
important and by far the most life changing
~ Zig Ziglar
We are Four Generations ~ few in numbers, but fierce in heart, a force to be reckoned with.
My precious grandchildren keep me young at heart!
Three of my dear children – I loved them since the first day I laid eyes on them.
He is my quiet strength, the perfect one for me.
I am a blessed woman. I will never forget when I prayed
for the things I have now.
Filed under Gratitude, Thanksgiving
So my family and I watched this raw and poignant documentary (see movie trailer above) about gospel singer and songwriter, Russ Taff. Such a moving and candid story about six GRAMMY® awards and nine Gospel Music Association Dove Awards talented singer, hailed by Billboard Magazine as “the single most electrifying voice in Christian music.” YET, when one would consider him at the top of the world, he struggled deeply with depression, emotional pain, and despair in many ways.
NEWS FLASH: No one is perfect except the Lord God Almighty! I have NOT arrived, and neither have you! As Christians, we ALL have a cross to bear, working out our salvation with fear and trembling, fighting the good fight of faith. You may be at the top of your game, but I bet you have a struggle, a needling if you will, in your decaying flesh you wish you could overcome – yesterday! Well, don’t stop praying and believing. We work out our salvation by going to the very source of our salvation—the Word of God—wherein we renew our hearts and minds … daily.
In viewing this movie, I appreciated Russ Taff’s honesty and he never tried to gloss it over. He spoke about his religious, strict upbringing (talk about legalism), his own personal shame, and debilitation guilt in struggling with an addiction he tried to bury and hide. He loathed himself. So, if we struggle with our earthly parents, will it not be difficult to see our Heavenly Father as loving and forgiving of our own flaws? And if we loathe ourselves, then how can we comprehend and accept God’s perfect love for us?
When you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you see? Some of us are gonna have to open our eyes by faith here!
At the end of this movie, I took away a lot of golden nuggets.
But one interesting term (I had just never heard before): Covert Incest – it is also known as emotional incest, a type of abuse in which a parent looks to their child for the emotional support that would be normally provided by another adult. Wow! I know now what I wished I had known regarding my own childhood so long ago. Such a revelation for me!
I highly recommend this inspirational film – do not miss it!
Thank you, Russ, for your candid testimony about your life as a Christian. And thank you for coming to Texas and visiting our church, The Freedom Center, in 2012. I also thank you and your precious wife, Tori, for not giving up on God and on each other. I love you guys!
The best comment was from Tori herself, “Russ is a grateful recovering alcoholic, saved by grace!”
My all-time favorite song by Russ Taff:
© M.A. Pérez, 2018, All Rights Reserved
Filed under #istillbelieve, Russ Taff
Hi y’all! Hola Amigos!
The mountains were calling and we went!
We recently returned from a glorious two-week getaway in God’s Country in good ole’ Colorado, with a couple of wonderful friends of ours!
And as promised, here are a few photos taken from my !phone (sorry…! Haha!)
Found this perfect quote to a perfect scenery:
“Heaven is a little bit closer in the mountains.”
Introducing our traveling buddies, Ed & Sandy Brockhausen.
Now having the pleasure to hang around with this couple is anything but a trip in itself!
They are delightful, and animated and know how to have fun, fun, fun!
Hubby and I.
And this is the Brockhausen’s little hideaway up in the mountains; took a while to drive up there.
Yes, these are wild turkeys! Some neighbors feed them; not sure if they’re pets or fatten up for consumption.
But no hunting is allowed in these parts.
See the beautiful Spanish Peaks in the background?
Wouldn’t you know it? It started snowing the day after we arrived and my hubby was the first one out exploring!
And then he got me to join him cuz he needed some warmth!
Frolicking in the snow 🙂
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Meet Bailey & Dakota. They love going out in the snow – they’re in their element and they’ve worked up an appetite.
Another breathtaking view from the deck.
So peaceful.
Haaaaaaay!
Let me take you on a little tour inside …
Upstairs loft/TV room
A view from the loft looking down on this gorgeous kitchen.
Notice the beautiful hand-crafted cabinetry.
Looking down at the Southwestern décor, colorful den.
Check out the antler lighting.
So cozy, comfy, and inviting.
Enjoying some warmth near the fireplace.
Yes, the perfect kitchen!
Look at all the details. Their builder was truly a craftsman.
Home away from home.
The master suite.
The guest room where we slept – not bad, eh?
The next day, it had stopped snowing, so we hopped in the buggy and cruised.
A wee bit chilly riding in the wind!
My mountain man – such a natural in the outdoors.
A couple of days later, the four of us took a road trip into town.
We saw lots of wildlife and deer are everywhere!
I’ve known this precious friend–who is like a sister to me–for a loooong time! She be way crazier than me, y’all!
Taking this majestic view all in.
A little disconcerting with some of the wiggly road signs!
Oh, Lord! This reminded me of a scene in the movie, “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure”… LOL
A quick view of Stonewall.
Girls just wanna shop until we drop!
Red River, NM – elevation 10,350’. Between my tender back and needing to breathe in all this altitude, I needed to rest!
I guess I be more of a city gal. LOL
Good morning all! Are you hungry? Best biscuit and gravy I’ve ever eaten made by Sandy’s hands!
Man talk!
Horsing around in Trinidad, CO.
We met and made new friends, Mike & Debra Messemer.
Debra’s creation: One-Pot Cheesy Italian Pasta & Chicken was delish!
She’s also a great baker and makes a variety of homemade preserves.
Our last night in Colorado.
Well, I hope you enjoy the journey of my vacation to a little piece of heaven.
Y’all come back now, ya hear?
Filed under Weston Colorado
Just two years ago today, I received a phone call from my daughter that made my heart drop. She said “Pops” had fallen off a 20′ ladder that left him with 13 busted ribs, 4 cracked vertebrae, and both lungs partially collapsed. I sped to the job site just as the ambulance arrived to rush him to the hospital. Once there, they immediately inserted a tube in his lungs to inflate them so he could breathe. He remained for several days in ICU, battling for his life after getting an infection, along with a bout of pneumonia. But God! After a couple of weeks (that felt like the longest two weeks ever) he came home to finish mending!
If you have a moment, you can read about this story here
People, let go of the petty stuff and love your spouse!
Every day is a gift (from God), that’s why they call it the present.
My Mountain Man!
Filed under reminiscence, Survivor
NEW! Book Club Edition
Reflexiones del Corazón
I just want to thank Mandy for making me a hero in her garden. I was deeply touch and wanted to share my appreciation by adding her link on my sidebar. Click the picture below to view her blog. . .
Reflections From the Heart 