God's Protection . . .

Cindy and Emily had a wreck a couple of hours ago in Abilene (Cindy's there for a few days hangin' out) . . .
Kind of scary when your 7 hours away . . .

Praise God they are both OK . . . although telling me they are getting sore . . .

A guy ran a stop sign and knocked them into a guard rail, after which they spun around 2 or 3 times and ended up on the other side of the road -- one wheel away from going into the ditch. Thanks God for Your protection!

First pic shows where they get hit in the back, then where they hit the guard rail in the front --- then the third shows where they ended up . . .

Happy Birthday Cindy!

Today is my beautiful wife's birthday! And this is one of my favorite pics of her and our beautiful daughters she has poured into.

I chose her gifts around a Proverbs 31 theme because she possesses the strength and wisdom and grace and faithfulness and care for her family and nobility that Proverbs 31 talks about.

Many of you don't know her well because she is quiet, chooses her words and moments. And I admire that about her. I watch how she gently and wisely leads women at Oso Creek and I'm in awe!

Happy Birthday! This is a cool gift some friends left this morning as she was out talking our puppies for a walk.

Best Decision I Ever Made!

OK, spiritually speaking my decision in 1982 to follow Christ was the decision that has impacted my life the most for eternity . . .

But the decision that I made in 1986 to marry Cynthia Jean Barnett was right behind it. Today we celebrate 22 years together.
It's kind of funny, we're staying in the same hotel that we stayed in on our wedding night (hey quit it, we got 4 kids with us OK!)

Has it always been easy? No. Has it been worth it? Heck yes! And it gets better and better every year.

A couple of thoughts of encouragement after 22 years:

1) Fight for it - When I've wanted to give in or quit - or just be jerk - nothing makes me fight harder than to think about the generations of influence we can have as we seek to be faithful in the good times and bad

2) Keep Dating - We do that on Thursdays at lunch right now - Find regular time for just you two alone - keep it fresh, keep it real.

3) Stand in the gap for your spouse - Nothing brings me back to thankfulness for Cindy more than when I pray for her - for God's power and blessing in her life.

May 14, 1983

Believe it or not, 25 years ago tonight I had my first date with this beautiful woman! Wow! (And, yes, we were 9 years old :) Actually we were Seniors in high school)

She is an awesome wife and incredible Mom who keeps me on task in following Jesus.

Cindy brings blessing and joy to my life and our family! I praise God for His incredible gift of our relationship!

April Fools Girl . . .

Today is Cindy's birthday - what a day to have your birthday! My wife has been through all the jokes, so don't bother.

It's hard for me not to be sentimental on these days . . . this is Cindy with the kids shortly after we moved here. Wow, how time flies . . . and what an incredible Mom - and wife - she is!

I Love You!!!!