A Bike for All Seasons

This little bike has been featured a couple times this year:

July:

October:

Today:

December Challenge

For the past few months I've done a variety of challenges on my blog.  Photo A Day, Verse A Day, Thanks A Day.  So here's my December challenge:

Enjoy Each Day!

If this is truly the "most wonderful time of the year," shouldn't we enjoy it?  So many times we get caught in the hustle and bustle, allowing stress to take over, and before we know we're looking at January 1st wondering what happened to Joy to the World.

Les and I don't have any travel plans, with the exception of Dad possibly having surgery this month.  We have lots of church events and I plan to do my annual baking.  Other than that, I really just want to enjoy the days.  I'll bake, shop, wrap, and decorate, but I don't plan on going all out in any of it.

I want to sit by the fire and listen to Christmas music.  I want to bake cookies and try a new recipe for peppermint fudge.  I want to re-read the Christmas story and marvel once again that God became man and dwelt among us.

Repeat to yourself and store in memory some good thought everyday.
Look for something beautiful everyday, no matter where you are.
Do something kind and helpful for someone everyday.
~Mom's Bible

Will you join me in this challenge?

Nearly Wordless Wednesday ~ Yosemite Through the Years

November 1990 ~ Engagement Day

November 1996

 

November 2009

November 2012

Is Yosemite open any other month besides November??

Yosemite 2012 ~ Hiking the Mist Trail

I'll just say it here and get it out of the way ~ Yosemite National Park is one of my absolute favorite places in the world!  I really don't know any place that is more majestic.  The rocks, the waterfalls, the trees, it's all so beautiful!

We headed up there Friday morning planning to hike part or all of the Mist Trail.  It is 3 miles round trip to Vernal Fall, or 7 miles round trip to Nevada Fall.  After looking closely at the map, we saw that we could catch the John Muir Trail for our return.  And we were off:

The elevation at the trailhead is approximately 4000 feet.  We immediately started climbing... and climbing...

One mile later we were getting closer to Vernal Fall.  The last quarter mile or so is extremely hard.  There are stairs cut into the cliff that are very steep.  For someone with short legs like mine, the steps are really tough!  There were times when my hand was on the ground as I stepped up.  My heart rate maxed out at 162 beats per minute on this part of the trail.

Almost there!

 

Finally!  The top of Vernal Fall. 

 

We took a short break, then walked over the Emerald Pool.  This is where Les proposed on November 3, 1990!  I guess he knew if I would hike that far, I'd follow him anywhere in life.  He was right!

This is as far as we've ever gone on the Mist Trail.  We decided to try to make it to Nevada Fall.  Les, who appears to be part mountain goat, was ready to tackle more ~ I was feeling a bit worn out from the stairs, but wanted to keep going as well.  It wasn't long before we spotted Nevada Fall for the first time.

 

 

The elevation at the top of Vernal Fall is 5,000 feet.  Somewhere between Vernal and Nevada, the elevation started getting to me.  I had to stop for a break.  Les took a short nap....

After a few minutes, I decided I could make it to the top.  I'm so glad I did!  The views were spectacular.

After hiking 3 1/2 miles, we were only four miles from Half Dome!  The cables were down for the winter, so even if we had the strength and energy, we couldn't have kept going.

The elevation at the top of Nevada Fall is 6000 feet.  We had climbed 2,000 feet in 3 1/2 miles!  Yes, we were WAY up!!

After eating our lunch, we started the trek down via the Muir Trail.  It was suppose to be 4 miles, which meant it was going to be a little gentler.  I was glad for that ~ especially skipping the stairs at Vernal.

There were a few switchbacks, but nothing like the Mist Trail.

Four miles later we were back to the trail head.  I believe I burned off my Pecan Pie Brownies!

Thanksgiving 2012

Thanksgiving with our families is a big deal.  This is the holiday where we all come together.  Christmas is reserved for small family gatherings, but Thanksgiving is "the more the merrier."  In 2008 we were in Gatlinburg with the McElhaney clan, in 2009 and 2010 we were in Visalia with all the Fultzes, and in 2011 we were in Wewahitchka, again with the McElhaneys. 

When it became clear that Dad would not be able to travel for Thanksgiving, Kim and I decided to change our plans.  We couldn't go to Visalia and not be close to Dad for the day.  Just wasn't going to happen.  We also didn't want to overwhelm Dad's roommates with a large group all at once, so we decided to spread our visits out.  Kim went first thing Thursday morning.  Les and I spent about an hour with Dad mid-morning.  Kim and Rodney and her girls fixed Dad a plate and went back late Thursday afternoon.

We had our feast at Kim and Rodney's.  Our gathering was small, but so fun!  The foods we love to eat and family we love to laugh with.  I didn't take a single picture, but if I had, there would have been plenty of smiles.

Les and I spent Friday at Yosemite (full post with lots of pictures coming) and when we got back to Fresno we went back to Kim and Rodney's for more dessert.  Remember my siblings post?  Kim and I spent so much time laughing on Friday night.  So thankful for shared memories and the chance to make new ones.

Before coming back home on Saturday, we saw Dad one more time.  He is looking so good!  His mind is so sharp.  I'm constantly amazed at his memory.  While we were there, Dad's sister, Jeannette and her husband Dick came by.  I'm glad I got to see them as well.

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone, I have so much to be thankful for.  Now it's time to start thinking about Christmas!  Coming this month:  End of the Year Banquet, Sunday School program, Music Department Recital, and Toys for Tots!  Hold on to your hats and glasses!

Church Buses Go the Extra Mile

Yesterday morning I brought the paper in at Dad's house.  The Fresno Bee has been part of my life as far back as I can remember.  I received a pleasant surprise when I turned to the "Life" section.  On the front of that section was a picture:

Source

I recognized that bus! The article talked about the Truth Tabernacle bus ministry.  I've been on those buses, I was a bus worker when I was in 7th grade.  I had a huge smile on my face while reading the article - every paragraph was positive.

The love that the Truth Tabernacle family has for the Fresno community goes back many decades.  In 1960, Pastor Murray Layne wanted to do something to raise attendance.  Elder Bill Garrett (father of Pastor Ron Garrett of Glendale, AZ) was the Sunday school superintendent at the time:

"He (Bro. Layne) said, 'We have got to do something about raising attendance' -- and it came to mind," Garrett remembers. "It" was a bus ministry.
Garrett traded his 1954 Buick automobile for a farm labor bus in Parlier. Church workers made bus repairs, which passed inspection, and Truth Tabernacle was in business.  More than 50 years later, Garrett still attends Truth Tabernacle and says he is pleased the bus ministry has grown.
"We're just trying to reach the city of Fresno," he says. "Our motto is to reach one person at a time."

That was part of the story I didn't know.  Bro. Garrett has always been part of bus ministry, but I had no idea he traded a car for the first bus.  There are now 18 buses, with 75 workers, who pick up over 500 children every Sunday!  Some come to Truth Tabernacle, others are taken to the many daughter works across the city.

There were quotes from two of the riders:  "If you get an answer right at church, everybody cheers," said Kayla Alonzo, 10, a fourth-grade student.  Minell Williams, 10, a fifth-grader said, "They teach you about God.  You learn to listen to God."

Bus driver, Matt Miller said, "I wouldn't do it if my heart wasn't completely into it, but it is. I feel I am making a positive impact with people who like to go to church -- and don't have a means to get there. I love to serve this way."

Great job, Truth Tabernacle!

100 Steps and a Sneak Peek

We are home from our Thanksgiving visit to Fresno.  Last week we celebrated because Dad took 7 steps.  A few days later he took 21.  Then 48.  Yesterday he took 100 steps!!  He looked so good.  All the infections that his body has been fighting for months are finally cleared up.  Definitely the favorite part of my weekend was seeing him feeling so good.

Faithful blog readers know that Les and I love going to Yosemite.  That's where Les proposed and we have made numerous return trips through the years.  We went there yesterday ~ a perfect day!  More details and lots of pictures coming next week.  Here are a few pictures to tide you over...

November 22nd ~ You (Thanks A Day)

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you eat a plate full of your favorites, but enjoy whoever you spend the day with even more.

I'm thankful for each of you who take the time to read my blog. I know there are many that don't comment and some who do. I'm thankful for you all!

Have a great day!

11:45 Update:  We just got back from a great visit with my Dad.  His therapy continues ~ 7 steps last week, 21 steps on Monday and 48 yesterday!  Much to be thankful for.

November 21st ~ Thanksgiving Service

We have a wonderful tradition at Victory Tabernacle.  On Thanksgiving week, we have our midweek service on Tuesday night so everyone traveling can go on Wednesday.  We don't have any teaching during this service, it's purely a time of thanks.  Two cordless microphones start at opposite sides of the building and everyone who is willing can give thanks.  Pastor White pointed out the importance of speaking our testimony so that others will see the memorials in our lives.

Joshua 4:21
And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?

Last night Pastor White asked us to take no more than one minute per person and give thanks for two things - something in the past and something more recent.  We went a little longer than usual, but everyone got a chance to testify.  It was beautiful hearing so many say they were thankful for the Holy Ghost - some as recent as this month, others more than 40 years!  There were testimonies of healings, victories, financial help, marriages that have been mended, prayers that have been answered, and so much more!

We serve an awesome, awesome God!

My two part testimony was ~ I'm thankful that my Mom started attending Truth Tabernacle in Fresno before I was even born, I'm privileged to have been raised in this truth.  And currently I'm so thankful for God's hand upon my Dad.  Last week during therapy he took 7 seven step and this week he took 21!

So what about you ~ can you tell me something that God has done this year and something He has done for you in the past?

Must Try Recipe ~ Pecan Pie Brownies

I did a silly thing on Saturday night - I was hungry and decided to look at food blogs!  There are so many Thanksgiving recipes right now, but this one really caught my attention - Pecan Pie Brownies.  If you are lucky enough to have a Cracker Barrel near you, you may have tried their Chocolate Pecan Pie, this is a similar idea, but a little more chocolatey.  And oh so delicious!  If you need just one more dessert for Thursday, this is the one!

Pecan Pie Brownies from Plain Chicken
1 package brownie mix and ingredients listed on the box
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp flour
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch pan.
Mix together brownies according to package directions.  Spread in 9x9-inch pan.
Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, flour, corn syrup, vanilla and eggs.  Stir in chopped pecans.
Carefully spoon pecan pie mixture over uncooked brownies.
Bake 30-35 minutes.  Cool and cut into 12 or 16 squares.

As you can see, the squares have not yet been cut, but I couldn't resist a sample.  Now, will any make it to our gathering on Thursday??

2:05 update:  As I was cutting these, I found that the center was very gooey.  Most of it was cooked perfectly and I have a platter full, but the rest will require a spoon to eat it.  It could be my oven, but here's a suggestion:  Bake at 325 for 40-45 minutes instead of 350 for 30-35.  Or bake the brownies at 350 for about 20 minutes, remove from the oven and add the pecan topping, then bake another 10-15 minutes.  That should firm the brownies up without overcooking the topping.  I'll try that next time!

3:15 update:  Les just came home from a 110 mile bike ride.  He burned almost 3500 calories.  He said the gooey part was really good!

November 20th ~ Parents (Thanks a Day)

How can I express enough thanks for my parents?  We weren't wealthy by any means, but my memories of childhood aren't marred by that.  Our needs were met.  We had clean clothes and plenty of food.  Dad worked very hard, while Mom stayed home and watched other people's kids, while taking care of us and stretching pennies as far as she could.  Mom and Dad were married 40 years and 7 days when Mom passed away.

I am also thankful Les' parents.   They raised a pretty awesome guy.  They have been married for 53 years and recently celebrated their birthdays (75 and 80) by riding in a glider plane!  I'm glad they are still so healthy and active.

November 19th ~ Redemption Draweth Nigh

I probably won't use any of the words from the list for my thanks this week.  They're a bit trivial, and I have big stuff to be thankful for!

Last night Pastor White preached an incredible message.  His text was Luke 21:24-28:

24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Pastor White's key point came from the second half of verse 24 "and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled."  These are the words of Jesus.  Pastor White pointed out that the city of Jerusalem has had less than 100 years of peace total since it became the capital of Israel!  It continues to be trodden down, but a new day is coming.

We know this old world isn't getting better.  When I look around, it's easy for my heart to tremble with fear.  But I don't plan to stay here!  Our redemption is drawing nigh!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Jesus to come back. So when I look around and see all these things coming to pass, I am truly thankful because our redemption draweth nigh!

November 18th ~ Happened This Weekend (Thanks a Day)

Everybody ought to go to Sunday School,
Sunday School, Sunday School.
The men, the women, the boys and the girls,
Everybody ought to go to Sunday School.

My earliest memories involve being at Sunday school.  I remember my teachers from the 2 and 3 year old class - Sis. Nettie Taylor and Sis. Irene Wilkinson.  The foundation I learned in Sunday school is what I stand on today.

Not just this weekend, but every weekend, I love being in the house of God!  For the first 27 years of my life I attended Truth Tabernacle in Fresno, pastored by Bro. Murray Layne and then Elder Vaughn Morton.  For the past 21 years I have been at Victory Tabernacle, Pastor Phil White.  I am so thankful for these three men of God.  Not once in my 48 years have I worried about the direction they have led.  I am safe here.  I can make it to heaven following men of God like these.

I don't know what God has in store this weekend.  We had 3 baptisms and one new one receive the Holy Ghost last Sunday.  I'm praying for more of that this weekend!

November 17th ~ The Last Thing You Bought (Thanks a Day)

The last thing I bought was groceries!  Do you ever take the time to be grateful while in the grocery store?  We see abundance everyday.  I can only remember one time when I walked in to a grocery store and saw empty shelves - after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.  Recently, cities hit by Hurricane Sandy have suffered in this way, but it is the exception not the norm.  I get a little irritated when I can't find "my" brand, but the shelves aren't empty.

As we prepare for our Thanksgiving feasts, the abundance is more evident than ever.  Turkey, ham, yams, mashed potatoes, stuffing, dressing, vegetables of every type, rolls, corn bread, and jello salads of various colors overflow our tables.  Pies of every variety, cookies, and cakes fill our dessert plates.

I'm thankful for the abundance in grocery stores.  And I'm praying for restraint in the days ahead!!

November 16th ~ The View from Your Window (Thanks a Day)

The view from my window this morning showed wet roads.  We got a little bit of rain but we're expecting more late tonight and tomorrow.

At this time of the year, the view from my window has been filled with smoke in the past. I've also seen branches and patio furniture fly by, driven by Santa Ana winds.  Looking out and seeing rain drops makes me very thankful.

November 15th ~ Siblings (Thanks a Day)

I am so extremely thankful for my siblings.  These past two months, with all Dad's health issues, the three of us have had a lot to deal with.  We've all made trips to San Francisco and worked to make sure Dad has been taken care of.  Now that Dad is back in Fresno, I feel so relieved because I know that Kim and Rick are checking on him daily and can see if he has everything he needs.

I can't write about siblings without mentioning Rod.  There were four of us Fultz kids and he is missed so much.  His humor got him out of lot of scrapes with the rest of us. 

The memories I share with my siblings are priceless.  Things that only we understand.  Stories only we can tell.  One or two words can send Kim and I into fits of laughter or a song, because we share those memories.

As the baby of the family, I thought this quote was so true:

Our siblings push buttons that cast us in roles we felt sure we had let go of long ago - the baby, the peacekeeper, the caretaker, the avoider.... It doesn't seem to matter how much time has elapsed or how far we've traveled. 

~ Jane Mersky Leder

November 14th ~ Encouragement (Thanks a Day)

It's funny how encouragement works.  At about the 15 mile mark of Saturday's marathon, I met Alison.  It was her first marathon and she was really starting to feel it.  I asked if she would like some company and she said yes.

You see, I remember my first marathon.  It's only been 5 months.  There were some really lonely miles.  Miles when I thought, "What am I doing here?  Why did I think I could finish this?  This is the dumbest thing I've ever done!  What was I thinking?"  Many miles I questioned my ability and my sanity.  So when Alison said it was her first marathon, I knew she was heading towards the lonely miles and I wanted to help her through them.

We ran the final 11 miles together.  We took walk breaks.  We drank water.  And we chatted.  About life.  Our families.  Running.  But the entire time, we kept moving, getting closer to the finish line.  Somewhere in those miles, Alison told me that when I joined her, she was starting to wonder if she was going to be able to finish.  "I'm glad you came along when you did."

As much as I'd like to take credit for getting her across the finish line, I can honestly say she helped me, too.  I never felt lonely or isolated.  I wasn't fast, but the miles seem to fly.

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour."

Ecclesiastes 4:9

So it's funny how encouragement works.  The encourager gets encouraged!  This doesn't just happen during a marathon.  Look around, there is someone in need of encouragement today.  And when you see them pick up the pace again, with a smile and look of determination, you'll be encouraged, too.

I'm thankful for encouragement today.  The times I've given and the times I've received.

November 13th ~ Where You Slept (Thanks a Day)

I have been sleeping SO much since running the Santa Barbara Marathon!  I'm thankful for a really good bed.  One that fits....

November 12th ~ Drink (Thanks a Day)

I am so thankful for water!  Every one to two miles on the marathon course there was a group of volunteers handing out paper cups of water.  Nothing tasted better.  Especially at mile 15, since the previous water stop had run out!  So refreshing.

I also got to run along the water during the last 2 miles.  Mostly downhill.  I was thankful for that, too!

P.S.  Full race recap can be found HERE.