Rainforest

Between the trees, the humidity, and the birds singing...I feel like I live in a rainforest! (Please note that this photo does not do justice to my peaceful little patio out back. I truly love this little corner we hold down in the world!)

                       

Bearded Bluebonnets

Just a few pictures from our weekend...

 Love taking our lovies out each spring to take pictures in the bluebonnets!

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms...

 And just so that I have a record, here's my bearded fella. This is after his district championship win, with a record of 19-2-3. Proud of you, babe!

Final Mile

Today was the Final Mile! Leah has spent the last few months intentionally walking and running quarter and half miles. The goal was to complete 26.2 miles, a full marathon, and she did it! We're so proud of you sweets! Leah's learned that she loves running, and is really very good at it. We hope to be able to foster this skill over the years. Here are a few pictures from the event today. Whoever organized it did a super job making each kids' efforts celebrated. I was totally impressed. Way to go, Leah Beth!

 Look at her go!

Taking Notes

 Leah has recently started coming to 1st service with me and Ryan on Sunday mornings. She prefers going to the 2nd hour Bible class. The class size is much smaller and it seems to be best for her. We've told her that if she comes with us, she's going to start taking notes during the sermon. It's so neat to see what she picks out of the lessons, and what sticks with her. On a side note, it's also pretty neat to see how she remembers entire thoughts that Tom shares, and records them. Our series is titled, "What Your View of Scripture Says About You " from Matthew 5:17-20
"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."

I myself will call him the lest in my kingdome. 

 All at the same time Let me Just give you a couple igsamples of this when you turn to chapter ten.

What's the Plan?

What does one do on spring break when family comes to town?

We go to the Fort Worth Stockyards!

We take the train downtown Dallas and eat yummo food.

We've taken nice walks, eaten super tasty food, slept in everyday, and just kind of played it by ear. Ryan's beard is still growing, the sun is still shining and we're all thankful for a nice week of good times! Thanks for coming down to visit, Grandma Connie and Randy!

Thoughts for Spring

I love this time of year. Spring has sprung here in Texas. Our apartment is situated in the back of the complex, facing a canal that runs by our back patio. The only thing separating us from the water is a bunch of trees that hang over, and protect us from the hot sunshine. It's raining today and it's warm enough that I feel like we live in a rainforest! The birds are humming and the leaves are clapping with the rain.
 Scripturally and historically, this time of year is leading up to Palm Sunday, Christs' death and resurrection. I love that God's Bible is true. I love that we have other historical documents to prove it, even though we don't need them. I love God's system.
 While I realize we celebrate Resurrection Sunday in the spring, my thoughts have been on Christs' birth for a couple days. A Charlie Brown's Christmas,  was playing in our house yesterday. I caught bits and pieces of it as I was working around the house. A thought struck me yesterday about the little tree he picks out. It dawned on me when I heard Charlie complaining about Christmas being so commercialized. And, "what's the real meaning of Christmas, anyway?" Another character steps up and recites the scriptures describing the birth of Christ. You know, the character with the blanket and all the dirt flying around him. I realized then that this little tree, much like our Savior, wasn't anything overly decorated. He was born in a cave, most likely. It was probably pretty dirty from the animals that sheltered there. Scripture makes a point to tell us that Christ had a lowly birth.
 As i'm sipping my coffee in my little apartment in the trees, looking down over the water, I'm reminded that my Christ came as a man, simple and un-flashy. Un-decorated, discrete, tucked away, simple, rustic, and perfect.
 I wonder if Charles Schultz had Jesus in mind when he wrote that little tree into the script? While I think on scripture throughtout the year, these springy times bring Jesus to the front of my thoughts. Sweet baby boy that came here for me, grew into a man, and died on a tree. Hallaleujah, what a Savior!