Sandstorms, tumbleweeds, and dairy farms are the prevalent sights where I live in New Mexico. Along with all that comes our “cocktail” economy — peanuts, cheese, alcohol, and soft drinks! Oh, and a terrific little liberal arts university completes the picture. Having lived here for … years, well, a very long time… my roots go all the way to the Ogallala Aquifer where the water for this valley originates. If you are reading my blog, then you are most likely a friend or a member of my family, so you probably know all the rest.
For the accidental bloggy tourist, here’s some history. My parents moved to Portales, NM when I was four years old and I don’t have any tangible memories before that. I grew up on a 120-acre farm about 4 miles east of Portales and graduated from Portales High School. I attended Eastern New Mexico University and earned an Associate of Science degree in Secretarial Administration. I married Joe Chandler in 1973 and we have four children one of which, Anna Marie, was a victim of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) when she was only eight weeks old. Our three living children are Chad , Matthew and Alisa. Chad is married to Shannon and they have one son, Case. Matthew is married to April. They have five children, Sarah, Hannah, Landon, Kari and Evan. Alisa is married to Matt and they have a West Island Terrier named Cash and a black cat named Hallie.
Joe and I have been married thirty-three years and own our own business, Pioneer Woodworkers, Inc. Chad is now employed here as well. Our website is www.pioneerwoodworkers.com We are Christians and worship with the Third and Kilgore Church of Christ in Portales. Joe is a deacon.
We have been through numerous trials in our life together. We have learned a lot and have become wiser and more compassionate. Jesus said that “everyone will be salted with fire” and I have come to understand that our trials are the times when we receive that fiery salting. They give us a glimpse of hell. As we understand that concept, we realize that Hell is a place that we never want to experience. If we are wise, we seek to draw closer to the Lord when trials occur. As we do this, we become better equipped to live our life for God and to help others to do the same.
I hope you will enjoy reading my blog and that you will keep up with me on a weekly basis. I need your input and feedback.
Give me some comments, people! Otherwise, I’m just talking to myself.
