The Journey Begins!

Congratulations.....Taynyn and Sam!

May your new life together as husband and wife be blessed beyond measure.

May your path be filled with deepening beauty and love every step of the way.

May you always have grace for one another as you live life

toe to toe!

We love you and are so happy for you both!

A Ray of Sunshine in the Middle of Winter

Yahoo.....Taynyn and Sam are getting married tomorrow!

In celebration of their union, I would like to share their engagement photo's taken in August.

The day was perfect, the lighting just right and more than that these two are just flat out in love and it shows in every image.

Are these two love birds precious or what?

And oh so much fun!

For the Love of...HORSES

These pictures were taken by a photographer named Maggie Moore.

www.walkingwithfriends.com

This is a picture of my sister, Allison.

Smart Strides Training Center

I absolutely love this image.

"Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."

Psalm 139:12

This image is a fitting reflection that captures the journey my family has been walking- in and through darkness toward the light. The walk seems never ending and we are all still groping in the shadows doing our best to make our way. We will rest and retreat if need be, we will be bold, brave and strong even if we're scared. We will continue to trust and cry out for help for we know the SON is near and He still shines!

One of the most difficult decisions had to be made over the last few weeks. My parents have sold all but two of their beloved horses. The two remaining will be leaving as well. It is bitter sweet. We are increadibly thankful that all the horses found a good homes, but grieve their absence on the farm. The beauty of Walking Horse Farm is very different now.

The landscape continues to change as we continue to hope and pray for health and healing for mom and dad both. May they gain strength daily and be comforted and have peace in the mean time.

"But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall."

Malachi 4:2

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Matthew 19:26

Ever just feel boiled over?

This is one of those random posts...more about just being able to write it all out...a way to get all the stuff of life into tangible thought. As a side note...Erin this picture is especially for you! Our kids may have rescued the craw fish the first time around... but Scott had other ideas. Poor lil' craw fish.

I was searching my files and found this image taken just a few weeks ago...it jumped out at me.... it resonated with my soul....I somehow could relate to that craw fish just trying to stay afloat and survive.

The burn of life can sometimes scorch us. It has been a full year of trail, lose and uncertainty for so many loved ones and family members. The ache is deep...yet the river is wide, if only the craw fish could have hid better in the deep waters?

Would it then just be snatched up by the next disaster, storm... perhaps bird of pray?

For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. Psalm 22:24

I will continue to trust that the Lord hears our cry's for help...prayers on behalf of my family continue to be coveted.

Our Furry Friends...

Here's Hobo at 5 months old... He's our blue eyed regal prince!

Then there's Josie (14) and Jake (11)...these two are like peas and carrots... Just look at those smug mugs stiffin around for some grub.

Last but not least....Banjo!

Let's just say he's not so regal like his brother!

Oregon State Fair

Good Fun

Good Friends

Aah yes.... and Good Food!

Meanest mom ever....

Oregon State Fair....

Some rides are good.....

some not so good!

Okay so most moms would have tried to stop the roller coaster.

I on the other hand...could not stop laughing!

Luke Start 4year old preshool

Update on my Dad

It's been a long time since I've given an update on my dad. Many of you have inquired, so I guess it's time I do. I just needed to take a break from it all, but in the mean time I left allot of you wondering what has happened since my last posting in June.


It turns out that my dad was accepted at Cherry Hill Rehab Center. His stay there was intense and much more brief than we had hoped for. Dad was in the rehab facility for about 2 weeks when they where ready to release him. This felt far to soon and my dad bagged for another week and they obliged. So after 3 weeks of rigorous therapy, dad was released to the full time care of my mom on July 20th. It was back to the islands to sleep in his own bed after 7 months being bounced from this, that and the other hospital, rehab, ICU accommodations. The true understanding of "There is no place like HOME" is heartfelt.


Infection is now under control and the surgery site is completely healed. Learning how to get about in the world is a daily battle and learning process. With the help of visiting nurses, physical therapist and a loving wife at his side, he is making gains daily. It is a slow and at times weary process. Healing and maintaining a positive outlook is priority. I am thankful that my mom and dad both have a resilient spirit. When the going gets tough it can be down right horrible, but we push on and strive for Gods best in any and all circumstances.

In the mean time..the barn has been repaired from all the fire damage and the horses will soon be gaining their winter coats as the cool Autumn air quickly approaches. We are hopeful that 2010 will be a much better year. This has been a tough ride!

Bryn and Luke...

Soaking in Summer

It's been a while since I've posted anything...I've spent these last few weeks of summer enjoying life and soaking up summers last bursts of sunshine and beauty! There's been lazy days spent at the river, camping, gardening, fun photo shoots and friends visiting from out of town. Now suddenly a chill is in the early morning air and September is here. School is about to begin and new routines will be underway. There are so many decisions to be made and priorities to be evaluated.

I have had a few weeks at home to process all the back and forth travel from Washington to Oregon that has occurred since January. Lets just say this has not been a typical year. It's been a time of crisis in which God in His Sovereignty has brought much growth, humility and strength into my heart and life. He has been my rock, my guide, my counselor and my closest friend. When everything in life is upside down and inside out, He alone was and is my strong foundation. He has taught me about letting go, about trusting him even if and when the worst happens. He has revealed hidden places that scream out for healing, restoration and growth. My need for God, for His love, forgiveness, protection, covering, strength, truth, wisdom, guidance and holiness has been my hearts desire more than ever before.

It's amazing how God has a plan...a plan in things great and small. From a seed bearing fruit to heartache bringing Glory to His name. I praise the Lord for walking with my family through the challenges, uncertainties and pain of this past year. I thank God for the support, friendship and prayers of others. There have been moments in these past months that I had the thoughts of "What's the Point!" What's the Point of Anything? of Life? of Living?of Loving? It's just too hard, too painful, too scary....It's at moments like these that God is so gracious and good...He is amazing and can speak to us in any way He chooses and often when we least expect it....Just look at this reminder He passed my way, right when I needed it.

How Cool is this! It's not every day I find a cross on my kitchen floor!

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 18:28

God in His Mercy reminds me that I was made to Love Him and to be Loved by Him....It's really as simple as that!

good friends and samores

Friendship

For the love of ROSES....

In a rose I see the joy of the Redeemed, the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.

I have always loved roses.... perhaps it's because of their color, or maybe it's their gentleness that has always appealed to me. We roamed a rose garden a few days ago and enjoyed taking in the many colors, sizes and fragrances. These are just a few photographs along the paths we wandered.

"Through him all things were made; apart from Him nothing came into being." John 1:3

A single rose reminds me of so much... Visiting grandma's, the first corsage given before a school dance and our wedding day. Roses arrived to the hospital room with the birth of both our children and have continued on birthdays, anniversaries and "just because."

" Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water." Ezekiel 19:10

Roses remind me that I am blessed...that I am in process... budding, blooming and will one day fade away back to the earth and into the hands of my creator.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5"

Just as a rose, I want to be beautiful yet strong, gentle yet bold, delicate yet vibrant...The strength, health and beauty of a rose is dependant upon the nurturing it receives. A rose matures from the inside out... from the soil it is planted, to the very nourishment it receives, from the vine to the branches, amongst the thorns and despite scorching sun, torrential rains and the many storms of life....(against all odds) something lovely eventually emerges.

Like the rose I want to be determined, to grow, to mature, to push onward and upward. As a rose my very being would bring Glory to God, our creator, our counselor, the maker of heaven and earth.

It had been planted in good soil by abundant water so that it would produce branches, bear fruit and become a splendid vine." Ezekiel 17:8

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener." John 15:1

Oh how I seek to be nourished by the gardener. True nourishment.... it is in God himself, in his presence, in fellowship and feasting on his word, delighting in who He is, in honoring Him in sencere worship. It is making choices to guard my heart and mind, everyday, in every way so that Gods Goodness and Beauty will spring forth.

"The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy." Isaiah 35:1-2