Home Improvements 2

Here are some pictures of our recent home improvement projects. The are "mostly" finished.

The Kitchen:
We painted the cabinets & the walls. Later we are going to change the lighting.




The Loft:
We painted the walls, bought a futon, created a desk (for me) & got an extra t.v. for gaming/cartoons.

Wisdom for 2007

This is something that I posted in my devo blog...I thought I would share it here...enjoy.

Proverbs 3
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands
in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many
years and bring you prosperity. 3 Let love and faithfulness
never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them
on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a
good name in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord
with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and
shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and
nourishment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with
your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your
barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over
with new wine. 11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline
and do not resent his rebuke, 12 because the Lord disciplines
those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man
who gains understanding, 14 for she is more profitable
than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She
is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can
compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her
left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant
ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to
those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be
blessed. 19 By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place; 20 by his
knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds
let drop the dew.

21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight; 22 they will be life
for you, an ornament to grace your neck. 23 Then
you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will
not stumble; 24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Have no
fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the
wicked, 26 for the Lord will be your confidence and will
keep your foot from being snared.

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when
it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbor,
"Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have
it with you. 29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you. 30 Do not accuse a man
for no reason-- when he has done you no harm. 31 Do
not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, 32 for
the Lord detests a perverse man but takes the upright into
his confidence. 33 The Lord's curse is on the house of the
wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. 34 He
mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.



In this new year I beg you to change my heart and make it more like yours. I love your word. Your grace in my life has been great and I am thankful. A debt that I can never repay. I sit in awe of your presence and goodness. You, who are the one who can fulfill my inmost desires,I love. I so desire you. More of you and less of me.

In great love.

Snow Lift 2006

What great fun!

It has been a busy week. We went to Springfield, Mo. for Snow Lift Winter Camp. It is a long trip from Abilene to Springfield. Our students didn't mind the 12 hour bus ride. They will do almost anything to have a good time.

What can I say, I love camp! I wonder if I will ever grow out of it? It is not the activities for me...I could live without dodge ball. The presence of God is so present there. It is time when our students hold nothing back. They worship their father like no one else is watching. For a moment nothing else matters to them. I love that! In that place worship is so free. Why can it be like that when we get home? The weight of judgmental eyes on them is much. Oh Lord please teach us all to love more and worship freely.

I still stand amazed at why God has allowed me to minister to girls. I feel honored and humbled. I love them. When their heart breaks I am right there with them. Their tear stained face in the act of surrender is so beautiful. Thank you God for allowing me see your handiwork. You love them so much and I get to experience you lavish it on them. How amazing you are. Those moments are priceless.

Ernest also spoke at a break out session. He titled it "Don't Fight Naked". I was in the girls sessions but I heard that he did a great job. He spoke about being spiritually prepared to fight the daily battle. He gave the guys some practical advice and tips to use everyday. I love that man and I am very proud of him.

//debra//

Grandparents: round 2

Thank you Nana, Papaw and Grandma Harp!
Did they really need anymore? Here are yet more pictures of the kids opening presents. They loved all the gifts. At this moment Ernest and Colton are playing Atari and Carly is playing with her Barbie. I have used the camera all day...thank you so much for giving that to us. We still need to really learn how to use it.

Here is a message from the kids...


No more pictures today...I am tired.

Grandparents: round 1

Grandma & Grandpa Guerrero we love you!

Thank you so much for these gifts. We love them.

Santa was here!

The kids woke-up with screams this morning...He came...He came!!

To all our family...

We miss you and wish we could be with you. Enjoy our pictures. It is our way of bringing you here with us. Hug each other a few extra times for us. Know that you are loved and thought of on this special day.

Here is what Santa left the kids...

Christmas Eve

It has been a great day! Christmas Eve, the night before the Savior's birth. What things we have to ponder. What was Mary thinking on this night so long ago? What about Joseph and all that he had to endure. Did he have a clue about babies or the knowledge of how to assist in a birth. What strength and peace our God gave them that precious night.

I will never forget the night before my babies were born. In both instances I was having contractions and knew full well what was to come...my baby. The thoughts that consumed my mind were great, small, fearful, and amazing. I had no real idea just how much my life was going to change. I just cannot seem to get Mary out of my mind. It is just something about being a mom that makes you connect with another. Her tender heart who must have loved much. She was chosen among so many. What an amazing woman, the mother of my Savior, Mary.


Tonight the kids opened their presents from us. I posted a slide show with some of the pictures we took. It was a lot of fun. They enjoyed every gift that was given. The best part of the night was listening to them read us the "Christmas Story" out of their own bibles. Oh how I love those two crazy kids.

//debra//

The Holidays

My beautiful wife never thought I would post on here so this is for her. I actually have posted a few times on Myspace but not here. These will just be some general thoughts, nothing too profound. I am just sitting here with my family, 2 nights away from Christmas, enjoying every bit of it. It's cold outside, warm inside...there's a fire in the fireplace, Mary Poppins on the TV, and cookies in the oven. My son and I went shopping for my wife yesterday and today. We had a lot of fun. The stores were busting at the seams, we had to park a mile away from the doors, but it was all worth it. We made a game of keeping mom from finding out what we got her. I even had him convinced that she hid a spy microphone in the truck in order to find out what we got her.

Then today while we were driving he saw a beggar on the side of the road and asked if I had any money to give him. I told him I didn't have anything to which he replied, "Yes you do dad, you have a coat on, a hat, a truck...you actually have a lot so don't say that..." What truth is spoken from the mouths of children sometimes. Most of us have so much without even allowing ourselves to realize it. We focus on what we don't have instead of the things we do.

We're having Christmas here by ourselves instead of going to Houston like every year before. We will miss our family but it will be nice to just spend some quality time with each other for a few days.

Anyways, I am just rambling so I will bring it to a close. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Rocking around the Christmas Party

We have partied hard this last week. Wednesday was spent doing parties for the kids classes at school. I was there from 9-3 p.m. We also had our youth Christmas party wed. night at the SMB while the kids were celebrating with their awana group.

The kids are now out of school. We are looking forward to resting for a few days. Christmas is coming. The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We will spend our time sharing in the gifts that he has given to us.

Giving is great...do some more.

We still have time to spread some vicious glee.

Santa and the top readers

This week Colton was honored to be one of the 4 top readers in second grade. He brought home this letter addressed to "the parents of Colton Parker" with great anticipation. We opened it and informed him of the great news. It was a contest he had been working toward and now he was declared a winner. This honor meant a lot to him and we were happy that he met his goal. Here are some pictures from his reward,Breakfast with Santa.

a time for rest

Sunday a day of rest?

For us Sunday is the busiest day of the week. We both teach Sunday morning core group and then love to participate in our church's worship service. After services we went to lunch at Abuelo's for our youth staff Christmas lunch. It was a great time and amazing food. My kiddos however were acting nutty the entire time. We went home for a brief hour and tried to rest and relax. Soon enough we were off to church for a sno-lift meeting which Ernest was in charge of. The kids also performed in the kid's Christmas show tonight. I will post a few pics from that. We are now home and trying to wind down from such an active day. Sometimes winding down is the hardest thing to do.

All the rambling to say this...

The kids did a great job. Carly was the part of Mary. She took one of her cabbage patch dolls and swaddled him up and he became baby Jesus. After practice last night she even took him to Long John Silver's and introduced people to Jesus. You should have seen the looks that she got. Colton did wonderful singing and dancing. It was evident that he was having a good time. I really enjoyed watching them tonight. God ministered to my heart but that will be for another blog when my mind is more centered.

Happy Sunday...enjoy!

i love this woman...mary harness!

80's night...yeah baby!!!

This year for the companion Christmas party we all decided to go 80's. It was great fun! We had to search our closets with utmost creativity. What can we turn into 80's cool? I didn't just want to be 80's but I wanted to be cool. We also played the dirty Santa game and I won a Rubik's cube. Has anyone ever figured one of those things out? It was great to hang out with the young marrieds at our church. I don't think we really qualify to be in that class. We are 30 and we have been married for 10 years...good grief.

Here are some pictures of us "back in the 80's"...

I am going to miss her...my friend marcie.

home improvement skills

Project 1: The kitchen

I can see in the kitchen cabinets. It is hard to handle. The project is far from being done yet we have high hopes that we will finish tomorrow. Great hope. Our cabinets were in need of a new finish. Ernest put in wainscoting from the cabinet to the top of the wall. That looks really good. He is now painting them black. We are hoping that is comes out good. I am a little nervous about the black. I would love to have stainless appliances now. They would look great against the black cabinets.


Project 2: The loft

I painted the walls upstairs last Saturday. It is the same coffee color that the rest of our house is painted in. We are in the process of redoing upstairs into a bonus family room. A futon will go up there for when we have company in town. They will appreciate the upgrade from the good ole air mattress. Tomorrow we need to finish changing out the plugs from the classic tan to white.


***Interruption***Ernest just came in from getting something out of his truck and to our amazement...we were hit! The life and times of a youth pastor. This is the fifteenth hundredth time our house has been wrapped. Usually we are sleeping while it happens. Can you believe it...we were just sitting here in the living room. When Ernest went out they must have thought they were getting caught because they speedily drove away and might I add honking all the way. I guess we have one more thing to do tomorrow. Ernest's truck was wrapped in foil, kite string strung along the yard, and of course toilet paper in our lonely trees. I hope you enjoy the pic of this memorable event. It is pretty dark so you can't see the full damage.






Too funny.

The growing girl and christmas gifts

We have been going back and forth about what our (almost) 9 year old daughter wants for Christmas. She says one thing and then it changes. This is so not like her. She is really in that in between stage of babyish things and more sophisticated toys. She started out "really" wanting baby alive. She thought that it would really feel like she was a mom if she had to change dirty diapers. Although after last night talking it over she decided that she would rather have amazing allysen. I did some research on that doll today and she is for ages 4-8. Her cost is about 70.00. My dilemma is that I do not want to purchase this doll and her end up not enjoying it.

She is also in love with Limited too. She has a few gifts under the tree from there and she is already talking about what they could be. I just don't know if we are ready to make the plunge into mp3 players and 'are you kidding me' phones and text messaging tools. She is too young for this... right! I am sensing that feeling of not letting her grow older without a fight.

Last night we rode home with Kerrie and her mom from cheer leading practice. I heard Carly telling Kerrie that she didn't like dolls anymore. WHAT??? She loves dolls. Just last week I found her with about 10 of them on our couch. She said that they were all on a plane ride to Antarctica and they were watching the in flight movie. I later asked her about what she told Kerrie and she said that Kerrie would laugh at her if she knew that she still liked dolls.

Okay I know I am rambling about this but really...

What should I do? Should I spend the money on amazing allysen and not worry if she grows out of it too quickly. We don't usually spend a lot of money at Christmas. Our son is already receiving a PS2. This is going in our family room and really for the whole fam. We have pushed games away for so long but now he is really interested. His Leapster is just not getting played anymore. What can I say our kids hang out with our teens.

date night

Saturday night was so much fun. It seems like it has been a while since our last date. We went to eat at Fugi. It is no Nakato but it is good food and fun entertainment. The chef even popped shrimp into some of the guests mouths. He asked me if I wanted this done...NO thank you...! That is just not for me. Seriously, I am surprised that Ernest didn't go for it. We left there completely stuffed.

We decided that we would drop by the mall to do some Christmas shopping. We ended up staying there until 10pm. We didn't purchase much just some stocking stuffers and presents from my mom to my kids. She gave me the money to buy them gifts from her since we are not going to make it home for Christmas. The kids will love what we picked out. Carly got 2 things from limited too (her fav. store). She was so thrilled to see the boxes under the tree. Colton got some great finds at game stop. Santa is bringing him a PS2. I still cannot believe that Santa is doing that!

We didn't make our usual stop at Starbucks on the way home. We were still too full from dinner. After we got home we wrapped presents for what seemed like an eternity. (Ernest's mom and grandma sent their gifts home with us after thanksgiving.) We still have yet to buy anything and under our tree is full. There really is no need for more.

Lots of rambling to say this...I am so thankful for my sweet husband. He romances me to this day. To be with him brings joy to my heart. I am love with that man.

::Snow day::

Today has made the feeling of Christmas come.

School was canceled and the kids were able to relax and play in the snow. They had so much fun! It rarely snows here in Abilene so they took major advantage of this fun filled day.

Tuesday night was the City Sidewalks parade in the downtown area. The kids rode in the awana float. City Sidewalks is what makes Abilene feel small town. Everyone comes out and families gather to see the lighted floats ride by.

I am sitting in my living room bundled up with a blanket, the fire is searing warmth, and the Christmas tree lights are glowing. At this moment I am so content. At peace! This is just one of those dreaminess days.

Tonight is 'Parker night'. It will be a good one. I think we are going to make chili and play games or watch a movie. What a day!

Thank you so much for peaceful days like today. Your peace has transcended my understanding. Things are happening all around me and I am only to trust in you. You are in control of all. I am in awe of you. I am in love with you...my sweet Jesus.

the nutcracker

I really think my daughter might surpass my level of starry-eyedness...

The other night as I was cooking dinner she asked me to put on one of her favorite Cd's. Of course that would be the nutcracker soundtrack. She began to tell me that she couldn't wait until daddy was to be home. After all she had a show to put on. She informed me that she needed to practice and that I was not to watch until the real thing.

A little bit later she came into the kitchen and asked for tape. What do you need tape for? Mom I need tape so that I can post my sign on the door. I want daddy to see it when he drives up. At that moment we both heard the famous garage door moving up. She ran and got her sign and opened the door just enough so that she could hold her sign out for her daddy to see. She was so happy when he reached the door and read aloud "welcome to the nutcracker...the show will soon begin."

She is something all right!

Here are a few pictures of the show that took place in our living room. She had the costume down to the details. She was the character of Clara. She even begged her brother to do the scene from the beginning. And for the end who else to play her prince but her beloved daddy!

She dreams big and loves much. I love that about her.

family pictures

So we played around this morning and attempted family pics. Caleb we needed you around to shoot these for us. I am going to pick one of these for Christmas cards. I haven't decided which one yet so if you have some input let me know. I took them to wal-mart and printed some in each one the top of Ernest's head was chopped off. Does anyone know if there is something I can do to change that? I guess it just automatically cropped them.

this one shows the true spirit of our family!

so thankful

What a great year we have had. God has been so good to us. My mind is spinning thinking of all the things that I have to be thankful for.

God has ignited a desire within our hearts to follow him in whatever way that he leads. We have had this for some time but this year it seems to be burning stronger than either one of us could have ever imagined. I am so thankful for that. He grows my love for him each day. I still stand in awe of this savior.

We have been to so many places this year. As a family we went to New Braunsfels and camped IN A TENT! We floated the river and fished...Fun. This year also took us to Sea World. Ernest and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary with a cruise to the western caribbean. That was so amazing and so beautiful. As if that wasn't enough we were able to take a mission team to Belgium. On our celebration day we hopped on over to Paris via a euro rail....amazing! There were other great highlights among our year like camp and vbs.

We moved into a house of our very own this year!!! God definitely worked that situation out. We were able to stay in the same school district and that was great!

Needless to say we have a lot to be thankful for. This is only some of the highlights.

Every good and perfect gift comes from above!

today

so we trust...

some days thoughts are summed up in the form of these three words...




We love you father. Help us to stand firm in you. Give us strength to trust you when our feelings seem to run another direction. Protect us and guide us.

student halloween service

So the week before Halloween we had costume night for 'rush hour'. Here are a few pics from that night. The best dressed won $50. I went as a doctor (we had the costume in the prop room). Ernest went as Joe Dirt. We do some crazy things in the name of ministry.

can you see Joe Dirt on the stage...?

some of the girls who dressed up

bryce // is he in costume or not???

Halloween 06

We had so much fun this Halloween season. We of course were so busy with Judgement house. We did that for four nights. The kids had a great time at our fall festival. On Halloween night I stayed home from Judgement house and took the kids trick-or-treating in our neighborhood...they had such a great time. It was so cold that night but the kids did not care! Here are some pics of that week in our life.

me and my sweet girl (with a scared face)

This is us at Judgement House

the kids trick-or-treating in the neighborhood

our very own Lance Berkman

in full view

our very own pop star

another one of lance

she loved this microphone!

he made his daddy so proud!

i love this little man

they have my heart

why?

So there are many thoughts today...my heart is heavy for the haggard family. I do believe that he was wrong in what he did. But I am sad at the victory that Satan won in this life situation. I think about the wife of this man who I am sure is hurting. What about the children. I don't know their ages but no matter they are still grieving from the fall of their father.

If you know us then you know that we are not free from scandal. When you have been given much grace then you are usually apt to give much back.

I have heard a lot of people drag this man's name through the ground even in our Christian circles. The truth is he fell into temptation. Sin always hurts! We cannot judge or think that we are above making these kinds of decisions. We need to stay close to God and pray for this family.

He was secluding himself in a certain place to write and get close to God if you will...this is when he gave into temptation. After hearing this I thought of Jesus who was lead to the desert to be tempted. He was alone and it was a time when he needed to rely on the truth of what he knew. Here is my reason for saying this...If we are sent into a time of temptation what would be the outcome? What are you doing to arm yourself with the truth that you need? Do not forget that it is an all out war out there. When you are in ministry Satan wants nothing more than to ruin your name and reputation.

Watch out for the enemy is prowling around seeking whom he may devour.

I ask that you would be with this family...at this moment whatever they may be feeling. The hurt is much and the emotions are high. The embarrassment is almost unbearable. The death of life as it was known last week. The feeling of no future. Lord just come to the rescue. Show them your love and grace. Your love is higher and deeper than we can imagine. Put your arms around them and give them spacious breath. Bring their friends close and show them how to minister to this need.

Protect my family sweet Jesus. I know that we are not above a fall...keep us close to you. I thank you for your grace and unconditional love. You have restored my soul...I sing a new song.

A good book to read about this subject
When Godly People do Ungodly Things By Beth Moore

How could this be coincidence?

Really...could this be some kind of coinsidence???

A miracle is about to happen.

If you live in Abilene and know me you know that I am without a car at this moment. My car has been broke down for a couple of months. Ever since we came back from camp this summer my car has been giving us problems. Let me also say that this car has been a great blessing to us over the years. We have had it since we moved to BBC in 98 so needless to say we have just worn it out.

For a while we have been looking at what kind of car to get to replace it and we settled on a Saturn Vue because of price and gas efficiency. I really like them. Well just because I like them does not mean that I can have one...right. I know that God wants me to stay at home and pursue writing so that limits our funds to purchase a new vehicle. We didn't want to get into something that we couldn't handle. Okay...I will try to get to the point.

Yesterday I was shopping at Target and after my second transaction (that is another story) I looked at my receipt and there it was starring back at me. In black bold letters "you could win a 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line"!!! All you have to do is fill out this survey online. What do you think I did as soon as I got home??? It was a weird coincidence since we had been praying about transportation that exact morning and once again bringing to God the fact that at this point we can't afford a new one (like he doesn't know.)

I know that this may seem like a long shot and you may be thinking "Debra this time your dreaming has gone too far..."

I am choosing to believe that this was just for me. How awesome would this be? God is going to provide us a means for transportation if not by this way in some other miraculous way.

He is so good to me!!! I am so in love!

How a father loves...

Last night we are in the middle of rush hour service when Carly comes to me...she wasn't feeling well so her teacher brought her over to me. She sat cuddled in my lap for the rest of the service listening to her daddy's words. The end came and the band started to play then I felt this precious girl leap out of my lap to run to her daddy. I sat there in complete amazement! I have seen her sit with him a million times but it never seemed so beautiful.

She was so safe! She felt so secure in the arms of her father. She knew that nothing could take her away from him. More than that she knew that he would pick nothing over sitting there with her. He loved her and she loved him. It was beautiful. There is just something between a girl and her daddy.

We talk all the time about the love of our heavenly father. Last night I saw it in a perfect picture. It is just that much. He loves us and we are to love him. He is who can make us feel so secure. If we could only learn this lesson.

Just some thoughts from a mother's heart.

the cloud of waiting

We are in a place of waiting. Waiting for everything. Waiting for God to say the word or in this sense to move the cloud. Sometimes I wish it were just that simple for me to see a physical cloud in the sky and know to follow it.

God is providing all of our needs and a lot of our wants. Our biggest want is to pursue this great adventure with Christ yet at this time we are to wait. It is hard and my patience is growing weary each day. I trust God's timing!

Each day is time for preparation...to mold us into what He desires us to be. In my devo today it said that this is the ultimate act of obedience.

Whatever the waiting process is for I desire to be doing the work of my father now and in the future.


the itch is great Lord...I pray that you would strengthen us through this time. Make us ready for tomorrow but also for today. I am in great need of your direction. And more and more each day I long to follow hard after you and the dreams that you have put before me. Still me before you.