snow and warm hearts

This was the backdrop for my hot chocolate date this afternoon with a sweet friend. It was great to catch-up with her. The chocolate and friendship warmed my heart on this winter day. I am thankful for all three.

hope in suffering

The world is full of suffering...and the world's suffering has become even more clear to me during the last few weeks. I have been watching others deal with the pressures of suffering, as well as sorting through the emotions and pains of my own.

It was timely to receive the message "Subjected in Hope" about suffering this weekend from a guest pastor, John Piper. He used the text in Romans 8:18-25 to highlight several aspects of suffering, not just that of persecution as was on the minds of the writer but all persecution. The text demonstrates the spatial element (all creation suffers), time element (past, present, and future is mentioned), and the judicial act of God in suffering. Piper also pointed out the promises that are revealed about suffering in this text.

1. we will see all satisfying glory v. 18
2. we will be glory v. 19
3. the ultimate design of suffering is hope v.20
4. all will be free v. 21
5. suffering is not throws of death but pains of birth v.22
6. our bodies will be redeemed v.23

While these are my paraphrase of his teaching. I did much better at taking notes in nearly an outline for this sermon than in a long time. This is not by accident, as I need to refer back to these aspects and promises concerning suffering. It is easy to get paralyzed but what seems to be overwhelming in difficult times. I want to be changed by what God has revealed in my heart and through his word in these days, for these times to bring glory to Him. I must cling to the Hope.

While Piper came to deliver this message due to Matt Chandler's health condition and the suffering that has subsequently happened in our church family...I really do hold on to John Piper's point that while the Word speaks to us about this trial...it also has a personal message. I know I needed it for me and my growth in Christ at this time.

Matt begins chemo and radiation tomorrow that will last for six weeks. He is still heavy on my heart and in my prayers. Please lift the Chandlers up when you pray.

Lone Star Christmas

This year's Christmas was everything Texas for me. Last Monday, I picked Mitchell up to spend a few days with me. The main purpose was to spend time with him. He was truly so happy to be with me and here in "Dallas". I think we could have just sat on the couch all day and he would have been tickled pink. He didn't even complain one time about having to go with me to the hair salon (even when his playstation died 1/3 through the event), which would have been trying for any 10 year old boy. However, he also talked continually about how excited he was to see the ICE exhibit...the second purpose of his visit. Of course, we got there early to see the trains and other holiday decorations, as we had done in the past.
Then it was the beginning of LINES. I have been to ICE two other years and have never stood in a line....but I've also never been the week of Christmas! Oh my! We stood in a line, which led to another line, to yet another line, and finally the line for entering the tent. Then, nearly the entire exhibit was also a line because there were so many people. Wow! I became good friends with the family in line behind us. We acted as a large group that had come together taking each other's pictures and chatting through the entire thing. We even waited for each other when we got separated. Ah, the phenomenon of the crowd. Keep in mind the temperature is 70 degrees at this point in the story! I'm sure this explains why I left home without a coat!

Fast forward 48 hours...Christmas Eve, Texas Style...a little snow on Christmas makes everyone excited!! Since I had just received a new toy for my camera, I decided it was the perfect time for a family portrait...in the winter weather! My family was a bit hesitant at first even though it doesn't look like it here. I thought I was going to have to drag them out...but they came and we had many laughs! You would have thought it was a blizzard! I think this is my favorite family photo of all time! It really sums up the fun and peace that we had on this special day. My next favorite family photo comes here...
This was taken on Christmas Day immediately after opening our "tickets" to the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Philadelphia Eagles game on Sunday, January 3rd. This is a big deal to us...and very Texas! Grandaddy is so excited he can hardly stand it! I'm not sure I've seen him this excited in years! Becky was completely surprised and didn't even see it coming. Julie...she caught the spirit more than anyone. My mom even joined in too! I can hardly wait until our weekend together in a few days. I have been praying for it for a month...so I trust it will be a success!
Christmas #3 was on Saturday with my dad and PJ. We had a good afternoon of visiting with each other and exchanging gifts.

community

How amazing is it to be part of something so BIG! I have never seen anything like this up close and personal. The Village Church is a community! I am thankful that I can proclaim my participation with these believers. This weekend was a milestone one for us.

It was our final set of services in the HV campus. My heart is glad that I was able to do the Saturday night greeting just one weekend before its culmination. It brought tears to my eyes to stand in the doorway at the back of the sanctuary while Matt stood up there for the last time talking about the move. I'm not sure when it happened, but my heart had grown attached to the little "ghetto" church building....if that is even possible in HV, Texas! So much has happened in my heart and with those that I love so dearly during the past four years as a result of God's work through that place. I know, I know...it isn't about the building itself and I'm not even sure it started in those walls, but we are sentimental creatures. My hope is that even more wonderful memories, revelations, and growth will happen just a few blocks away at the FM campus.

Then, I received a status update on Thanksgiving day about a significant event in Matt's health. Within a few hours, it seemed like the whole world was buzzing of the news. Again, my heart felt connection with and heavy for a situation that I had not anticipated. While I have only spoken to Matt in passing as I greet on Saturdays, his ministry pours into me weekly. It is that community of The Village Church. Now something that I treasure is shaken by the news of "a mass" on Matt Chandler's brain. Unreal. Right now? To witness the outpouring of support, love, and prayer from across the globe is breathtaking. This community is far larger than I can comprehend.

God has all things, including these Jars of Clay, within his power.

Now, we pray and wait.........please join us.

scars

The last several days have been emotional for me. A case of serious tears appears to be on the verge of flowing down. I guess the water has been backing up.

While for the most part the spirit is resilient, some wounds of distress can easily be torn open. These scars have left an everlasting impact. The words of Papa Roach in the song "Scars"...

Why don't you just go home?
Cause you're drowning in the water
And I tried to grab your hand
I left my heart open
But you didn't understand
But you didn't understand
Go fix yourself

I can't help you fix yourself
But at least I can say I tried
I'm sorry but I gotta move on with my own life
I can't help you fix yourself
But at least I can say I tried
I'm sorry but I gotta move on with my own life

I tear my heart open, I sew myself shut
My weakness is that I care too much
And our scars remind us that the past is real

I hate some words as soon as they are spoken. Then, emotions break my heart.

I ponder the darkness that others walk in without having a flashlight to deal with it.

Thanksgiving

I am thankful for...
*time to sit and be quiet
*simple pleasures
*sharing moments with a friend
*people who love and challenge me
*The Village Church and grace
*memories that make me gush and hopefulness for more to come
*music that makes me tap my feet
*good food
*a glass of wine
*bar food and a cold beer
*the warmth of spring and the chill of fall
*pictures that hold memories
*comfortable pajamas and a soft bed
*new clothes
*surprise phone calls
*weekend trips
*paying off a car
*the anticipation of a holiday
...and an abundance of other gifts I've been given

Happy Thanksgiving!

state fair

Yes...I have fallen behind on my posts! October was filled to the max. It contained a lot of traveling and work, celebrations, and good times with people I love. So now that I have time to breathe, the pictures are edited and ready for posting. :)

One of the things that thrilled my heart was an afternoon at the State Fair of Texas! I was even a little surprised at how much joy it brought...and that I continued to think of it for some time after. Macee, Maile, and I were battling with the weather during the month of rain. It was hard to say, even at the moment of pulling out of the parking lot whether we were going to make it. Before the clouds began to spit on us, we did get to have the all important photo-op with Big Tex, take a ride on the ferris wheel, and indulge in fair food. The Fletcher's corn dog and cold beer were worth the numerous tickets that we had to hand over, but the best was yet to come. I now know the simple pleasure that will cure all problems--FRIED SNICKERS!! Oh my! I just wish that I could find a place to enjoy this treat before next year's round of fairs.

Then The Casey Donahew Band performed without disappointment. Singing along complete with chants and motions is not uncommon, however, I had never heard the band stop and teach the fans the inserts. They did! Macee and I were glad to be included and able to participate. :)

Dear Bigmama

Dear Bigmama,
Today would have been your birthday. I have been thinking about this all week. Really, I think of you so often. A thought will flash across my mind that I need to tell you something or how you would be worrying about this or that if you were here. Nana is really good at listening to me during the hardest times. She understands exactly what I mean.

I enjoy wearing the necklace that you gave me. It reminds me of you and all of our special times. I especially keep it close during significant times for me. Somehow it seems a comfort.

I miss you no less today, than I did a year or even two ago. I love you very much!
Jen

greet 'n eat

Saturday night, we had a "Greet 'n Eat" event at Macee's. A good time was had by all! I have been transitioned into drinking from a can and introduced to 2 new games. These are my friends!

P.S. It was a bad camera night. Please do not judge my photography by this post. It was a fun night and these grainy, blurred images are memories! :)

all in a day's work

This week I had the opportunity to continue some work that I have been doing on the social studies framework for grades K-1 in Texas (commonly known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills or TEKS). This portion of the process was to present a general summary of the suggestions that we have made thus far to the State Board of Education and receive their feedback. The meeting began at 9:00 am in Austin, but I did not begin speaking until approximately 2:45pm. It had been a long and sometimes dramatic day up to this point. I was a little nervous to be put in this spotlight essentially in front of the whole state of Texas! I knew that it was being broadcast via the web and recorded. Mulitple media representatives had been in attendance throughout the morning and a few remained after lunch. There was a lot of pressure. We were limited to an approximately 3 minute speech prior to the questioning, which I had prepared and continued to refine throughout the day. I was pleased with the flow of my time to defend our thinking and goals, despite the intensity at times!

However, I have been completely overwhelmed by the response from others. Before I could return to my seat, I had texts from my friends and colleagues in Denton who had watched all 35 minutes online. Within an hour, I had an e-mail from a stranger offering resources related to the suggestions that I had been given from the Board who also watched it online. Then at the break is when I was taken back...people I didn't know, acquaintances, colleagues, and friends gushed and freely flowed with compliments. It was all still a blur to me since my adrenaline had been flowing. I found it interesting to hear their perspectives and at what points they became defensive. My ears had not heard the same things from behind the podium! They were informing me of things I hadn't even noticed or was unaware of during the "grilling" I was under. I did not understand the big deal they were making about the event. This made me very anxious to watch it online later in the evening to see what all the fuss was about!!! I was excited and giggly, but confused.

Unfortunately, the recorded versions were not posted until Friday, so I had to wait until I returned home to reflect and take it all in from the other side. Upon arriving back home I received flowers that had been delivered to the school during the day!! The card simply reads, "You did wonderful at the SBOE meeting!!! Way to go! Many were watching and all of us are proud of you!!" It was unsigned. Based on a conversation with my coordinator, I believe they are from at least one other coordinator--who I don't think I know!

Then I was really surprised! I watched the video of the meeting. Yes, it went well...I smiled, graciously accepted their feedback, and took the opportunity to politely defend former and current mislead accusations about the proprosals for change. However, it was all in a day's work.

I feel like I have a "fan club". It is a pleasant overwhelming feeling to be supported so strongly from so many people. Thank you! I'm in awe.

loving lori

I was blessed to be part of a celebration of Lori and her upcoming marriage to Dana last night. It was such fun to love on her during this special time. Brooke, Maile, and I pulled off a successful dessert, punch, and wine menu. The girls all had a great time creating a menu of lingerie for the Mexico honeymoon. We not only got to see the new items, but an "I Do" pair that had already been received!! There was much smiles, laughter, and good times. It seemed that Lori was glowing with excitement and joy, while looking as beautiful as ever. I love those girls!

good thing 30 is the new 20

It's a good thing that 30 is the new 20...otherwise I would not have been able to survive this week. It was back to work and lots of fun times with friends all packed into one. As you can imagine, it did begin to catch up with me because I'm not actually still 20! Bummer! Today I have taken the opportunity to sleep away a beautiful Sunday, gather my thoughts, and prepare for the 1st week of school.

I am so thankful for the way this school year is beginning. The kids have not even started yet and I can tell it will be a successful and less emotional year than last. I have been amazed this past week at what a difference a year will make. We've come a long way. I can once again say..."I love my school and the people in it!" Friday night was Meet the Teacher. I feel blessed to have 5 students who I have already taught and one student who's older brother was in my class a few years ago. It is extra special to keep the tradition going within families. This will be my 4th year to teach one family! I love it! Several of the additional families seemed genuinely thrilled to be in my class, which made it very nice. There is one girl that I have already begun to giggle with! It looks like fun!

Amid all of that excitement was a GNO (I learned this means "Girls Night Out"~that one had slipped by me). We went to downtown Fort Worth to see High Definition, a cover band, play at Fat Daddy's. This venue is just off Sundance Square. I would highly recommend it, as it is clean and classy. The only glitch in the evening was the sounding of the fire alarm. Of course, this excited me very much! However, I seemed to be the only one concerned. Four firetrucks came to the location with about 15-20 fireman in full atire ready to protect us. They investigated the building for about 30 minutes before turning off the alarm and departing. This led me to become nearly best friends with a local police officer and get the inside scoop on the situation. Unfortunately, the cause of the alarm was not discovered.

ABC's of Summer 2009

Asian Mint--eating Thai with Seth

Bands--always trying to find new ones to add to my list and enjoying the favorites

Certification--English as a Second Language

Dates--3rd anyone?

Eagle Mountain Lake--4th of July with friends and family

Father's Day--with Dad and PJ in Southlake

Girlfriends--love them!

Hill Country--didn't want to leave, can't wait to go back

Independence--extending the trip because I could

Julie came to visit--the greatest sister weekend to date

Koozie--simple pleasures

Lingerie--Something sassy...it's going to knock Dana off his feet (Lori's shower)

Marriage--Brooke and Steven's Wedding

New teammates--what a difference a year makes

Organizing--curriculum for the district

Photography--learning, practicing, exploring, adventures, community

Quiet--the apartment when my visitors left

Ranger's Game--hehe!

Staff Development--at least, I got most of it taken care of at the beginning

Tuna Steak Sandwich--delightful at St. Pete's Dancing Marlin in Deep Ellum

Upper Wisdom Teeth removed--it's my goal to not have oral surgery next year

Venue--Cheatham Street Warehouse, San Marcos

WHISKeYFISH--with the band

Xristos--continuing to learn about Him

Yawning--and school hasn't even started yet!

Z Tejas--6th Street, ATX

ATX

Hehe, I love to get out of town. Last week I had the opportunity to spend almost a week in Austin, Texas. Yes, I was working during the day, but I managed to explore the city and have quite a bit of fun in the evenings. I exhibited my independence on more than one occasion by navigating around the city (without GPS, folks), adventure eating alone, and renting a hotel room just because I didn't have to go home. When it was complete, I really wasn't ready to leave. Fortunately, I will be returning in a few weeks.

The first night I was in town, I had a fun dinner at Hula Hut on Lake Austin. I think this is what Summer Nights should be made of! I was even a little adventurous by having a Shrimp Enchilada. (Ashley, you would have approved!) I enjoyed this outing very much. It was also my first navigating experience across Austin. I realized that I could in fact come across downtown without any issues and even compensated successfully when I missed a turn in the directions. Woohoo!

Tuesday night, Dawn and I ventured downtown to Saba Blue Water Cafe. We were educated a little more about the design of Austin, learning that Congress Street divides the city East/West. This turned out to be helpful information, even in the days to come. We randomly located this place through a list in the hotel room. This is just how we prefer to do our "adventure eating". The restaurant serves Pacific, Caribbean, and Latin cuisine. I enjoyed Calypso Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes, Pecans, and Tamarind Molasses. Overall, it was a pleasant choice. The best part were the sweet potatoes and pecans! Yumm! Unfortunately, Dawn got sick so were unable to hang around in the area following dinner.

Wednesday evening was spent with the Kockler Family. We traveled out to Salt Lick BBQ for dinner. If you don't know, it is boasted as some of the best barbecue in the Hill Country. The only real flaw that I could find was that it was BYOB~what a bummer, since I was unaware! Next time, I'll be prepared! :) Later, we went back in town to watch the bats at the Congress St. bridge. There were many more people there than I had expected, but the bats themselves were not as dramatic as I had anticipated. It was a good experience that I can add to my classroom stories.Thursday night I was on the town again. This time to a neighborhood bar, Barton Springs Saloon. Then we played putt-putt across the street. Can't every week be made up of these kind of adventures? Haha, however, this is where I had to use what I learned about Austin to get back to the hotel! I hope that you did not get the impression that I always take the most efficient or direct route to get where I am going. The greatest part of this adventure was finding the Whataburgers along the way.

One last adventure in ATX came on Friday. I had lunch on 6th street at Z Tejas. This was the most delightful meal of the week and it was enjoyed alone! I am so glad that I followed through with this adventure instead of settling for something I eat regularly. The Yucatan Chile Spiced Shrimp Salad was worth the reward!

Friday afternoon, I hit Southbound 35 once more for San Marcos. Seth and his friend Corey met me there for a night out in this college town. We had dinner and hit a few bars on the square. it was definitely a fun time with these guys. There's nothing like being "hated on" by someone who you know will love you when it is all over. Then to my happiness, we went to Cheatham Street Warehouse. Of the things I wished to do during this week it was at the top of my list! Check! It is a great little Texas Hill Country bar. The guys were real troopers about this fact. It is possible it even kind of grew on them after a while. The venue is much smaller than I imagined for the bands that it features. However, it is like going home for them and that is always a nice feeling.
Yes, it was pretty much all about food! I will be returning to Austin the week of September 17th and I'm already compiling spots to check-out while I'm there. If you have any local suggestions, please let me know!! So far I'm thinking of Maudie's Tex-Mex, a couple of pizza joints I've heard about, and a few of the burger places listed in the latest issue of "Texas Monthly".

If you have made it this far, I must apologize for the length of these recent posts. I clearly need to do something about this problem. Possibly I should blog more frequently. Thanks for sticking with me! :)

tell me a story, please?

Tonight I am taken back to a time, actually many times. It was almost every Sunday afternoon for months that this feeling began to creep in. It would move in slowly like a winter storm that you see building on the horizon. I would begin to drrraaagggg my feet in anticipation. The errands and excuses would begin to pop-up like wildfire. It was actually the beginning of..."Tell me a story!" :) The way I would stall for a just a little more time, to push back the inevitable a bit further. LOL, I remember the silliness, flirting, long conversations that would ensue when I was successful. Hehe!

Finally, it was way past time. Then the storm of emotions would break loose. The heart ached.

Now, it's a Sunday evening years and more years later. So different, so similar.

Tell me a story...

photography blog

Yea! I have a new blog! This one will be completely dedicated to my photography passions. It is really my hope that it will develop into something more in the future. For now, I just need more opportunities for practice and developing skills. There is SO MUCH that I do not know, but I'm learning! Sometime in the future, I would love to be able to capture special treasures for others. I can't imagine anything better than my hobby becoming something that would bring joy to others. That is a dream!

The best way for me to get practice is to take more pictures, which means people need to know that I am available...and the type of photos that I have already created. So as I share these ideas with others there has become a need for me to have some place to share what I've already done....which is where the idea for a blog of a more professional nature developed. I have to give a shout out to Chrissy for helping me think through the details to use it more efficiently! She is so great!

I used the photo shoots with my sister on Friday to get the new site launched. It might be a little premature, but maybe it will evolve with the rest of the adventure. Check it out~Moments by Mackey~and as always, leave comments!

july already?

My sister came to visit for the holiday weekend! It was truly fantastic having her here! She was a wonderful house guest. We were able to share some adventures and relax together. I am thrilled about how our back to back weekend visits turned out. I have to say I was a pretty good hostess, too! We did not eat out one time...and I didn't starve her...that's right, I prepared meals for her (and sent her home with "to-go" boxes for the beginning of the week)!!

Thursday, we fulfilled her requests for shopping and live music. I wasn't too excited about the shopping location, but it turned out that I left with quite the loot. However, I was very pleased that No Justice was playing at Hat Tricks in Lewisville. It was amusing to find out that Steve's favorite song is "Red Dress". Now, I know we share a little something in common! :) I'm becoming quite partial to this little neighborhood bar. Joe was there this week, too, so that also added a little excitement.

Friday was the photo shoot! I can't brag about Julie's skills enough...she was patient, photogenic, flexible, and everything I could have hoped for. We were worn out when it was over though. Three hours in the Texas summer heat is almost too much to handle when you are not near a body of water.

Saturday, we celebrated the 4th of July at our Dad's on Eagle Mountain Lake. It was a fun day spent with Jenna and Amy, too. Later, we watched the fireworks here in Lewisville.
Julie left this morning. Like always when my house guests leave, it's a little lonely around here.

east texas

This is the kind of weekend that makes me miss the things and people in East Texas. I figure that I will eventually go back, but the time is not quite right yet. It was a busy, long weekend in and around Tyler with people and things that I love!

Thursday night was a "Sister's Night Out"! Julie and I went down to Randy's Crawfish on Lake Palestine to see an acoustic show by Daniel and J.P. from WHISKeYFISH. We had a lot of fun! We sensed that it was going to be an adventure before we were out of her neighborhood and it only got better as the night went on. The little restuarant was not quite what I expected, but the shack charm grew on me. Our waiter was a sweet, cutie. He tried to protect the band from us by indicating that we would need to sit at any of the other available tables. I began to kind of stumble and hint, until Julie just said, "We are with the band." It made me giggle. As I'm sure you can imagine. It was nice to sit outside on this summer night and listen to the guys play. Daniel played some of my favorites. Julie harassed me and I harrassed her throughout the night~but it was all in sisterly love.

Friday was a day with Jenny! We ate lunch (I had a much needed nap on Grandaddy's couch) and then we were back together again at night. Some things never seem to change. Jenny and I have been listening to music together for the length of our friendship. It started back with our tapes of Sylvia in my bedroom, continued to the Oil Palace, Jacksonville Rodeo, Smirnoff Music Center, and now...it was another adventure on the town to support WHISKeYFISH at Electric Cowboy.

How lucky was I that they had two shows while I was in town? This show inluded the whole band. Rule #117 of following the band: It is not time for the show to start, until it starts. Seems I would have known that already, but now I have experience from a different perspective. It was fun to have Julie and Jenny around. We were early enough to get a prime location right down front. :) The picture that I wish I had captured was a photo op with some young fans and the band after the show. It was a preview of the future.

Saturday, Julie cooked brunch for me...I was thankful! Then, I was off to the GABC Youth of the 90's Reunion. It had been many years since I had seen some of these people who had played important roles in my life during middle and high school. I enjoyed catching up with them. This is Leigh Ann, Jennifer, and I--talkative girls together again. It was interesting to find out how many things I did not remember from those days. Wow! I guess there's the proof to the brain research that I had heard...I'm already on the downhill slide.

The news of Michael Jackson's death finally hit Becky and I on Saturday night. We watched music videos, documentary clips, and movies about his life. I tried to convince her to put her t-shirt from the 1984 tour on ebay, which was unsuccessful. However, I did manage to get a picture of her wearing it. I was strictly prohibited from posting it on the internet...but Nonda did anyway. See Facebook for that image!

Finally, I got to see Mitchell on Sunday. We ate pizza and went to the park with Mom.

The worst part about the trip was getting up at 5:30 am today to come home. It was very early for a day in June...and I could have stayed a while longer. I'm sure it was the cable TV that was giving the magnetic pull?? You think?

with the band

Haha! I found this song on my iPod this morning on my way back home. It makes me giggle when I find songs I really like on my own iPod!

...I can't believe we made it this far
Country singin', bangin' loud guitars
The biggest stages to the smallest bars

We were cold beer drinkin', what was I thinkin'?
Just the other night at the after party rockin' just right
This little country girl caught my eye

She was backstage, legal-age, hangin' with the drummer
When a big dude attitude grabbed her by the collar
I looked at him and said, "It's all good, brother"

"She's with the band, hired on as a local stage hand
The one in charge of the microphone stands"
And the lead singer told her to get the one in his dressin' room
We might even have a beer or two
Don't worry about the backstage pass, man, it's cool
She's with the band

Well tomorrow is another town
But you know we love a party crowd
So if you've got the right stuff we'll meet you on the bus
But you better get the lingo down

Just tell 'em that you're with the band
Hired on as a local stage hand
You know we got a lot of microphone stands
And the lead singer told you to get the one in his dressin' room
We might even have a beer or two
Don't worry about the backstage pass, y'all, it's cool

You're with the band...
~Dierks Bentley "With the Band"

God is good

Wow, I am so humbled and amazed this morning.

Over the last few weeks I have been a bit out of sorts. I have been characterized by laziness, complacency, and reclusiveness, especially in my relationship with God. I have seen the effects trickle across my scene. During this time, I have been concerned about my upcoming finances. It's not that it was going to be the end of the world. However, it is not what I had in mind for my recent feat to save some cash.

Then this morning I received a phone call regarding some work that I agreed to do. It was announced that I am going to be payed 5 times the amount that I expected! And....wait for it....the amount of the financial burden!

It is more than I can comprehend! There is no other way from my perspective that this could be anything except from God. Why at a time such as this...would he choose to bless me? Grace! Praise Him!

Heavenly Father, You are so amazing! Thank you for providing for our circumstances despite our sin and humanness. You have such gentle ways of bopping us upside the head sometimes. I am appreciative that you do not allow us to wallow for too long. I love you!

another small step

My little photography dream is developing! Each time that I learn a new technique, I fall more in love with this hobby. I hope I can improve my skills pretty quickly so that I can continue to chase this idea I have in my head of what it might become in the future. The excitement inside of me just might explode if it takes too long.

Yesterday, I requested the design of a watermark with my trademark name~Moments by Mackey. It arrived today! That is quick service. Thank you, Chris! Well, that meant I needed yet another toy to continue this task...more advanced photo editing software. I acquired a new program and "Viola!". It was so easy to add this addition to my favorite photos. This is what it looks like...

One of the things that brings joy to my heart about this project is that it is a family affair. Without them, I would not be able to pursue this interest in this way. Anyone still wondering what I want for Christmas?

P.S. I also got a little table-top tripod for my Flip Video camera this week. Videos to be posted soon!

sunday at the ballpark

A sunny day, home run porch, all you can eat ballpark food, a new lens, merchandise shopping, and...

...enough said! It left a smile on my face. Being Young can be pretty fun!

summer storm

A few hours ago a severe thunderstorm blew across the metroplex. I had about 30 minutes warning before it hit this area, but by then it had already threatened a tornado in Flower Mound, stirred strong winds, and reports of damage in its shadow. At about this point, the tornado sirens sounded, so I was bound for the bathtub with my normal supplies. Parts of Lewisville are in the dark and there is damage to apartments on the other side of town.

After it was more than clear, I resurfaced from the bathroom and opened the blinds to watch the wind blow. It didn't take long before I witnessed some amazing streaks of lightening. I decided to try out one of my new toys and capture some images of the night sky from the stair landing. With some creative liberties taken, this is what I got...