Spring Break

Spring break is always a welcome event in Texas.

Every year it falls in the middle of March and 

overlaps Abby's birthday.

Usually, I cringe at the thought of making elaborate plans

and going to all the local fun places

because all of North Texas is on spring break

and they all plan to go to the same places too.

Inevitably, lines are long, parking spaces non-existent,
traffic is ridiculous, and everything is crowded.
Fortunately for us this year, the weather was not very cooperative

and we were forced to sleep a lot, 

eat a lot, and fit in some dental appointments.
We were pretty happy about that.

But on "Pi Day" we did make an excursion to a terrific place

where my children could experience some British culture

as we prepare for our mission trip to England this coming June!!!

(Sidenote:  If you're interested in donating to our mission trip,

please click on the link in the right-hand sidebar!!!  Thanks!!)

What a grand time we had!!
Everyone got to pick out a little treat for tasting or a souvenir

to take home with them.

After our exploring, we popped into a fun pizza place

to celebrate "Pi Day!" 

The Compassion Experience

 

I have a strong conviction that one of my jobs, as a parent,

is to model and emphasize the principle of loving others

and having a spirit of empathy for those in difficult circumstances.

But how can they learn that when they live in the land of plenty?

When they don't know anyone in our circles who struggle

with living in a cycle of poverty?

Most children in American culture have no idea how to survive on the street.

Most know exactly where their next meal is coming from.

Most have appropriate clothing for the season they are living in.

Most have access to education.

Most can read early in childhood.

Most have access to medical care.
Most live where water is clean and available and indoors.
Most live in peaceful neighborhoods where criminals are not

preying on them and where parents fear their children will be snatched

and used as slaves in a variety of criminal lifestyles.
Most have an opportunity to hear somewhere that Jesus loves them.

But American children are in the minority 

when eyed through a global comparison.
American children live lives of comfort, ease, privilege, 

and prosperity when compared to 3rd world countries.

What should our response be, as Christians, to the worldwide result

of the curse of sin?

People are starving and we know the Bread of Life.
We have had that knawing internal thirst quenched by the Living Water.

We sit at the table in the presence of The Light of the World

while millions grope in darkness all around us!!
Do we love comfort more than we love Christ?

How can we get involved?
How can we tangibly point others to the place they can find Bread?

I first became aware of the Compassion International organization through

my favorite author, Ann Voskamp.

She is a global  advocate for sponsoring children in
hopeless living situations, and has sponsored many children as well

as traveled to meet these children.
When I saw recently that the Compassion Experience was going to be

just down the road from our house, I wanted to check it out!

It was an awesome, free experience for my children (for me too!)

 to get to walk through very realistic home settings 

of children in other countries who struggle to survive.
In 20 minutes, it  gave my children a glimpse 

into how comfortable they really live,

but also the incredible transformation that happens to the future

 of these children when they meet Jesus!!

We did not feel pressure to have to sponsor a child through this organization,

but there were definitely clear opportunities to do so.
We did leave so grateful that Jesus makes a difference.
You clearly understood that hearing about the Lord and responding

to His invitation to receive Him as Lord was not a lottery ticket nor

an instant escape to a better life.
But He offers peace, opportunities, hope, better choices,

and a brighter future.

I was so glad we had this experience together as a family!

Learn more about Compassion International here.




 

Abby's 15th Birthday

A photo tutorial of a 15-year-old girl's birthday.
She didn't want a big complicated party with her friends

or even a low-key sleepover with one special buddy.
She kept it simple and included all her family
and was happy to have some "Mom and me" time.
She's a keeper!!!
Happy birthday, Abby!!

 

Spring!!

"It's the most wonderful time of the year....."

I realize this statement conjures up visions of snow,

and Christmas trees, and hot chocolate and cookies,

but this really is the most wonderful time of the year.

As we take our afternoon walks and look for glimpses of God's glory,

I always marvel as new life starts peeking out.

Every. time.

We learned in earth science to expect this phenomenon

and botanists can explain to you why this happens every year.

But it still gets me every time.

The quiet awakening.

The wonder of what the buds will look like after it completely flowers.
The glorious variety of colors after a drab winter of dormancy.

"For, lo, the winter is past,

the rain is over and gone;

The flowers appear on the earth;

The time of the singing of birds is come...."

Solomon's Song 4:7

So much anticipation.

In our neck of the woods, the weather becomes very volatile.

I've been caught driving in tornadic weather that seemingly 

popped up out of nowhere.
Most days are gloriously clear and sunny with bright blue skies

and fresh green gradually covering the brown-gray branches.
The winds of change are blowing though,

and bring with it some potentially damaging storms.

The rain encourages the blooms and the pollenating,

but if you don't pay attention you get caught.

We're more on alert.

Looking toward the skies more.

My favorite holiday is this month too!!
The day we celebrate the resurrection of our Saviour.
It reminds us as well to keep looking to the skies.

Just as He arose from death after 3 days and then

ascended back to Heaven 40 days later,
we look with anticipation for His soon return to catch
away His bride, His church to be with Him forever.

These beautiful truths always fill my heart with hope during the spring.
He is still making "all things new."
He is still in the business of restoration and redemption.
We serve a risen Savior.
I know that He is living whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy,

I hear His voice of care,
and just the time I need Him, 

He's always near!!

A Quick Trip to Michigan

Just as we were about to say "goodbye" to February and "hello" to March,

I had the delightful opportunity to make a quick trip to Michigan.
There was a very special miracle baby who was celebrating her 2nd birthday,
and I was invited as a special guest to be a part of the celebration!
How could I say no??

It was much, much colder than my home in Texas,

but snow showers came down several days and it was just beautiful

to see and reminisce on how peaceful it is.
There is just something about how white snow covers so much

of the ugly!!

My dear friends kept our days busy and full of fun and friends!!
So much happiness and lovely memories were created!!

 

{Visiting dear faith family at Cornerstone Baptist Church}

{Creamy Lemon Chicken Rice Soup.  Yum!!!}

{Flint's interpretation of a "Greek Salad"}