The road

Where will I end up today ?




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Inspiration

My inspiration.



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Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. A nice Texas family getaway.

"We wanted the LBJ Ranch to be our home for the remaining years left to us , then to be open to to all who wished to visit" - Lady Bird Johnson 1999

It's been many years since I had been to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park in Stonewall Texas. I think the last time I was there had to be in the 1970's and at that time I was about 7 or 8 years old. I vaguely remember the trip with all of my brothers and sisters. We used to pile in a station wagon and head all over the Lone Star State . My parents would pack the ice chests full of sandwiches and chips and we would eat outside on the park grounds and then continue our tour. Today was no exception it was a absolutely beautiful day in Stonewall Texas..The high temperature today was about 82 degrees which was just about right to take my family on a little adventure for the day. 

We started out at the Sauer-Beckman living history farm which the kids loved .It displays rural farm life from the 1860's. 

I also loved visiting LBJ's ranch including his show barn, The Johnson family cemetery, his air strip where Air Force One often landed and of course the Texas White House. 

Looking for family fun? I highly recommend this trip. It was about an hour and a half drive from our home in San Antonio. We took interstate 10 to highway 87 and onward to Stonewall. My personal favorite areas to see at the park were of course Air Force One that is parked there near its runway . I also enjoyed the Texas White house. To enter LBJ's home it is only done by guided 30 minute tours with no touching and no photography once inside the house. I also enjoyed the "Friendship Stones" where different visitors went to visit the President over the years at the ranch. No guestbook here just wet cement! (see the picture above).

The final resting place of Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson. 

Looking faith in the eyes.

I am God's servant. On Sundays I usually find myself transforming into a Eucharistic minister or Lector. The church I go to is pretty crowded. It's great to see a lot of young families. Some of us are  looking for faith. Some of us are all looking to maintain the faith we have. I really think that faith has many faces. I see these faces every Sunday. The faces of faith.

The construction worker with the large callouses on his hands.
The single mother juggling two kids.
The single dads.
The homemakers
The working dads.
The retirees.
The teenagers.
The young children.
The babies.



My face.

Government Canyon State Natural hike Jan 2011

Took my Canon Rebel to Government Canyon State Natural Area .I am a writer and amateur photographer. If you follow my blog you will see that I mainly focus on family issues and finding ways to have fun with my family. I still have tons to learn about photography but I kind of like it. There are some technical issues that I am working through but so far so good. I figured Government Canyon State Natural Area in San Antonio Texas would be the perfect place for my Rebel. It was the perfect setting for my little family. Sun and a cool breeze. My little ones are actually at that age where they are able to keep up with us during the hike. South Bluff Spur was definitely rocky but my kids did fine. We took plenty of snacks for them and water. Of course Government Canyon is pretty any time of year. This day almost seemed to be too perfect.

The weather was nice it at about 62 degrees. It was a bit nippy but the family enjoyed it.There was some construction there with the visitors center being remodeled. But who is there to visit the buildings? I was there to hike with my family. The picture directly below is the path that leads to the back country trails.

Take your kids to Government Canyon State Natural area. Your kids are guaranteed to have a great time. Don't forget your camera.

Be an encourager

Encouragement is a gift.

Encouragement creates energy.

Encouragement lasts a lifetime and can be life -changing.

Encouragement motivates positive behavior.

Encouragement is often the most effective form of motivation.

Encouragement most often comes from listening than talking.

Encouragement is more effective than criticism.

Encouragement can be as simple as a smile.

Encourage everyone you know and everyone you meet.

Bruce and Stan
Adapted from "God is in the small stuff."

Where did the holidays go?

I swear the holidays went by like a blur. Every year I think the holidays will go by so slow and they always go by so fast. I love all of the holiday music as well as all of the holiday sounds. Oh well, till next year. Hope you all have a great 2011.

Keeping it flowing

Been a busy 2010 so far . I know we are coming to the end of a year that has been pretty good to me and my family. Let's see , one job came to a end and another one began. The kids are growing up before my eyes. My brothers and sisters have some changes in their lives as well. I have said it over and over again that job change is good. I have always had good luck when it comes to changing jobs or losing a job. I usually bounce back right away or find a new job while my current job is coming to an end.

My previous company that I worked for got bought out in the middle of September and I started my new job with one of the best companies in the world. I feel very lucky and blessed that God is always watching out for me and my family. I have repeatedly asked why God has a special interest in my well being . I posed this question to my parents and to a family friend . I was told not to question God's love for each one of us so I have never brought that question up anymore. I guess it was more curiosity more than anything else. I should know the answer.

I need to get back to blogging . With my new job it has been tough. I work five days a week and weekends off. The only bad thing about starting a new job is that there is no vacation time. I could use a good two weeks off right now! Just wanted to touch base and let you know what I have been up to. Look for new blog posts through the end of this year and into next year.

Back to school 2010

It's that time of year !

Wishing it was fall weather

I wish the weather was cooler I am tired of the Texas heat!!!!





I wish I was at Lost Maples State Park. Can we fast forward a couple of months?


I'll keep wishing for cooler weather.

Faith

There has been so much going on at work that I have relied heavily on prayer and my faith. My company was sold and I was not going to be moving on with the parent company. Only a handful of us were selected and I was forced to find another job. I believe having a strong support system and having a strong faith in God has helped me immensely. I know that if I put my trust in God and keep a strong dialogue with him he will provide for me and my family.

Faith means different things to so many people. Here are some notable quotes on faith:

Take the first step in faith.
You don't have to see the whole staircase,
just take the first step.
- Martin Luther King Jr

The strengthening of faith comes through
staying with it in the hour of trial.
- Catherine Marshall

For the believer there is no question,
for the nonbeliever there is no answer.
-Anonymous

The light of God surrounds me,
The love of God enfolds me,
The power of God protects me,
The presence of God watches over me.
-Prayer card

Faith never knows where it is being led,
but it loves and knows the one who is leading.
-Oswald Chambers




I will always keep the faith. Will you?

One chapter closes and a new one begins

I recently received the news that my job was going to end in September. I have been with this company eight years this past May. I have never really been without a job in the past 14 years, I have always been employed. I think I have a pretty good work ethic. I work hard, I work weekends when necessary, I work overtime when it calls for that. I travel .

When I got the news last week that I was not going to be offered a job with the new company I ran through all of the emotions. We are summoned to the conference room where the news was received. As I glanced around the conference room I see the look of battered troops. I was included. We knew two years ago that this day would come. Our company was always on the selling block . Maybe we forgot about it. Maybe we thought that a sale was impossible during these tough economic times. I was feeling all of these emotions, fear, relief, self -worth and sadness. I know the people in the room were feeling the same range of emotions too. I could see it.

According to About.com some of the things you can do before a layoff hits:

1. Prepare for a layoff by having your resume ready.
2. Prepare for a layoff by keeping your network alive.
3. Prepare for a layoff by sharpening your skills.
4. Prepare for a layoff by taking time for yourself.
5. Prepare for a layoff by thinking about a career change.

I am prepared with my resume. It is polished and ready. I think there is always a silver lining behind everything. Being laid off in a few weeks will allow me to spend some valuable time with my family, specifically my wife and kids. I worked a lot of weekends and I missed several events and family functions. I struggled finding the perfect work-life balance if there is such a thing anymore. I worked hard for my family. I did it for them. I look forward to watching my kindergartner take her first steps into public education. I will be there for that. I will also be there to pick her up after school and asking how her first day was. I will also be able to meet her for lunch on her first day of school.

I will keep you posted on my journey.

Summer doldrums

Summer has been good for the kids but a bit unpredictable for me. It's also been the summer of uncertainty for me with the job market. Companies get bought and sold. My company is not immune to this. My kids have been pretty oblivious to the surrounding job market. I don't really expect them to know what's going on with the job market because they are kids.

I think parents should not get kids involved with their problems especially the job market. I know when I was a kid my dad went through a few job changes but I always knew things were going to be fine and I was always confident when it came to my dad and his abilities.I know my girls are confident with whatever endeavor I choose. Kids have the most important job of all, just being kids and having fun.

I know things will be looking up. They always have a way of turning around. One door closes another one opens . I will keep you posted .

God answers

You say : It is impossible.
God says : All things are possible .

You say: I'm too tired.
God says:  I will give you rest .

You say : Nobody really loves me.
God says:  I love you.

You say: I can't figure things out.
God says: I will direct your steps

You say: I can't do it.
God says: You can do all things.

You say: I'm not able.
God says: I am able .

You say: I am not worth it.
God says: It will be worth it.

You says: I can't forgive myself.
God says: I forgive you.

You say: I can't manage.
God says : I will supply all your needs.

You say: I'm afraid.
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear.

You say: I'm always worried and frustrated .
God says: Cast all of your cares on me.

You say ; I don't have enough faith .
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith .

You say: I'm not smart enough.
God says: I give you wisdom.

You say: I feel all alone.
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you.             


*** Author unknown***

You cause others to stumble when

1. You allow negativity to grow .

2. You compromise your integrity .

3. You break your promises.

4. You speak before thinking.

5. You act out of greed or selfishness.

6. You refuse to forgive.

7. You twist the truth.

8. You justify your behavior.

9. You hurt others.

10.You leave God out of your decisions.


Dr Steve Stephens
Author and Seminar Speaker

Changes

Changes are on the way. In life and in the business world changes are a daily occurence. There are a couple of cliche's that come to mind when I think of changes.

1. Change is good.
2. One door closes another one
opens.

Let's take the first one.

Change is good. In my experience this has always been a good thing. I had a previous job that ended many years ago and that led to another job that had a higher salary.

Let's take the second one.

One door closes another one opens. This is true. It's obvious when one door closes opportunities should open up. We have the power to create these opportunities. Sometimes we are lucky enough to have opportunites come looking for us.

What I always tell myself is that nothing is forever. All good things come to an end at some point.

Here's to changes past, present and future.

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On being a father

Here is a little list that my dad put together on what constitutes fatherhood. It is all so true. Sometimes I find myself searching for my own list or rewriting the list that I have. Fatherhood is not easy as you all know. I am still learning things everyday from my daughters. I think they are redefining what fatherhood should be for me. What I tell everyone is that God put me on earth for my daughters just like God put my parents on earth for me and my brothers and sisters. That is my only mission just to raise my daughters into fine women . Here is the list.


A father must be able to carry the world on his shoulders.

Must be able to solve problems.

Serve as a confidant on the spur of the moment.

Act as a consultant when called upon for advice.

Serve as financial planner.

Lends assistance when needed.

Inject common sense into discussions that do not make sense.

Attempt to serve as corporate CEO for the family.

Directs the family in faith and hope..

Serves as business advisor.

When the chips are down, father knows best.

Believes in giving away what he has in order for his children to be happy.

Sacrifices are part of the norm.

Rides an emotional roller coaster on a daily basis..

Loves his family even though it might not seem like it.

A father expects nothing in return and is a father unconditionally.

Whet else can a father do? Just call him, and you’ll find out that fathers can do any thing.

A letter to my daughters about BP Petroleum

Dear daughters,

As you can see from the pictures above BP Petroleum has created a ecological disaster. I'm not sure the reasons behind the explosion. There has been rumors of safety shortcuts, I really don't know. I do know that good men were lost and marine animals are suffering. There are pictures of birds and crabs covered in oil. There are dead dolphins coming to shore.

Drilling companies are always in search of oil for a profit. BP Petroleum was in the Gulf of Mexico for that same reason. Men make mistakes for several reasons. This is a big mistake that can be attributed to man. What are we going to do about it? BP Petroleum is taking the lead and trying to correct the situation along with the U.S government. I just know that Americans in this area are suffering because their livelihood has been taken away. It will be years before it is cleaned up. There are even reports that the oil is drifting to Florida and is there now. I just hope that we can visit there when everything is clean. I would love for you to run your little feet on the nice beaches in the Gulf Coast one day.

Love your Dad

Letting my little ones experience Spectrum health club

Sundays are usually set aside for me to spend quality time with my daughters.My wife usually works on Sundays which is fine because I usually have to go into work on Saturdays. We usually wake up and go to church and then off to eat lunch with my parents. Today I had the day planned out . I wanted to take them to the gym with me. I did not know that the kids club at Spectrum  was going to be closed so I was forced to take care of them while I worked out.

I had planned on taking my sixth grader to run with me while my two younger daughters played in the kids club. I asked the guy at the front desk if the kids could play on the Internet there where I could watch them and run at the same time. I was able to squeeze in a 5k run before I was forced to cut my run short and tend to my little ones who were roaming throughout Spectrum health club.

I headed over to the weights while my sixth grader finished her run on the treadmill. Is this such a bad thing letting my little ones roam the Spectrum health club ? They were not getting any dirty looks from any other members. After all they were dressed kind of cute and they look like twins. I figure that rather than have the kids sitting at home, they can see people being active by running and working out on the weights. I want to plant the seed early with all of my daughters that exercise and staying active is important in life.

According to kids health.org there are many benefits of exercise. Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. Kids who are active will:

•have stronger muscles and bones

•have a leaner body because exercise helps control body fat

•be less likely to become overweight

•decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

•possibly lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels

•have a better outlook on life

Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better and are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges — from running to catch a bus to studying for a test.

If you can keep the kids near you while you work out. I encourage the experience for kids. Lets get all the kids active and fit as early as possible.

A picture is worth a thousand words

A little Easter fun!  I love this picture . Two of my daughters getting a little carried away.