Mrs Lee's Garden

We are experiencing Spring flowers here in Texas and it's been a long time since we have been in town to see them so we went out for a picnic at Mrs Lee's Garden just a few miles down the road. Back in the 50s Mrs Lee imported a boxcar of daffodils which have multiplied over the years into a beautiful blanket of yellow!

Snow in Texas

Along with the rest of the country we have had our share of snow and even a snow day where it was too icy to drive. So we filled up the bird feeder, put a few logs on the fire and sat down with a good book and a hot cup of tea. The next day I shoveled the driveway but it may not have been necessary as the snow was almost all gone by evening.

Radical

This week is a fast week for our church and we are all seeking how we can bring life to our community. After the fun of the holiday season with family we now focus on Jesus the Lord of our lives, the one who came to bring abundant life through us to others. We finished the book Radical by David Platt (thanks neighbor Dave) and  bought copies for the family because we are seriously going to take up the challenge of this book for 2011, and we want our family to know what we are experiencing. For the few of you who read this and are not our family, we recommend this book and the message it contains. It is challenging, but not at all out of reach or impossible. We can all apply these principles to our lives.

Bad News

When Sarah called on Monday, there was a catch in her voice. "We have bad news" she said, and then a little gasp escaped from her throat. For that two seconds thoughts raced through my mind before she explained that she had lost her uncle Jack, who was very dear to her and her family. We cried together. Nothing can be said to ease the grieving. The suffering and the tearing of death is a thing to be borne by us all. Jesus is grieving along with us, silently bearing our burden. I like this picture of Sarah. I think it captures her robust love of life and relationship, which makes the loss even more painful.

Snow on the Mountains

Bryan, Michelle, Sarah and I had the privilege of going snow shoeing at Snoqualmie pass the week after Christmas. Barbara and Maureen stayed with the children and Andy worked. :-( It was a bright sunny and still day. I had my shoes on the wrong feet and couldn't figure out why they kept clacking together until the end of the day, but the grandeur and majesty of the mountains was a real treat for all of us, especially those of us from Texas.

The Best Christmas Story of the Season

While here in Seattle we visit with Andy and Sarah's home group and their leader Gus told us this amazing story that recently happened to them. While shopping at a local store they were given a little game card to scratch and see if they are winners. So they scratched and behold they won! They won 10,000 dollars! This in itself is incredible, but their response is what I believe is the best Christmas story of the season. Instead of paying bills or buying something for themselves they talked it over and agreed that this was a gift that they had not earned and decided that they would give the entire gift to something they have always wanted to do. They have always wanted to provide clean water for an entire village that lives without it. Now they are trying to get a matching grant to provide clean water to two entire villages! Now that is what Christmas is supposed to look like! Well done Gus and Erin.

Birthday Breakfast

First a chat with Betsy, Wes and Sophia, then coffee and cinnamon rolls, then presents for Barb this morning. Bryan and Michelle to add spice. The book with Elijah and Clementine recordings was a big highlight. Thanks Sarah and Andy! Barb is reeeel happy.