need prayer

Well, since we all seem to be revealing our deepest thoughts here on the blog, I'll just go ahead and be honest and ask for your prayers. I'm in a yucky place, a bit of a faith crisis, I guess. Suddenly, this whole poor, moving to Como, selling our stuff thing is not about doing something good or even about obeying Jesus (although I want to). Staying in my 3000 square foot house or moving to a 1500 sq foot house - if I don't know how worthy Jesus is, how LORD He is, either place is miserable. Having lots of stuff or having nothing - both positions are miserable without knowing the Love of Jesus. This sounds terrible, but the questions that I find myself asking right now are "Why am I even thinking about doing any of this? Is Jesus really worth it? Is this all about my love for Him or something else?" Jamey just preached on Jesus yesterday - His worth, Him as precious, as the Treasure. If this is not my driving motivation then I will crash, no matter where we are in the world. I feel like such a hypocrite when you guys or anyone else talk about our "sacrifice" or our great hearts in wanting to help the poor. Ha. I told Randy that I have this feeling that we are on a boat right now. Jumping back in the water is not an option (unfortunately it's hard to ignore what the Lord has revealed and I really don't want to go backward), but life on the boat is making me really seasick right now!! I'm "stuck" in this faith battle and I need breakthrough. Please pray that I will catch a glimpse of the unfathomable beauty of Jesus - if I miss this, then there will never be lasting joy in ANY trial, but especially those associated with what we're looking at doing right now. Joy is promised, rejoicing is commanded. I'm not like you, Jill! I'm a WIMP!! In one of his sermon biographies, John Piper talks about how we are so wimpy and weak in our American culture - we don't like anything to be hard. That would be me. Pray, pray, pray. I feel like I could pray and read my Bible for hours on end(not really an option in this season of life) - need breakthrough!!
Love you guys and I am so encouraged by this crazy blog! I was just telling someone today that this blog has been one of the biggest blessings! I feel like I know some of you better than I ever have. REally cool. Thanks Alan and Holly!
And thanks, Dale. I am honored and blessed to be able to claim you as my father-in-law. I love your learner's heart and your love for people. Your wisdom, thoughts, and love are treasured.

Love to everyone,
Anda

Just Thinking Out Loud on a Blog

Trisha, thank you for your encouraging words -I really value what you think. And I am selfishly so glad that I will have personal access to the best South Beach Cook around! Please share your favorites with us. I had to laugh out loud about Alex - I can see him being the best carb-control/counter!

Randy, I really needed to hear "Follow Me." Lately, I've been thinking a lot about that rich, young ruler - begging God that won't be me. Good news is I'm not so young anymore - getting older every day. Bad news is my bank account is rising along with my age - but God can change the bank account part if He wants. Interesting to me that Jesus asks him to sacrifice first before the "follow me" part. "Sell what you possess (ownership) and give to the poor."

I have no doubt that you guys taking this job in Como is definitely a sacrifice and I am blown away by that. Funny thing is I know you two and I know how glad you are to make this sacrifice and now you're focusing on "Follow Me." I'm sure this sacrifice that He calls people to make is different for everybody - time, talents, money, reputation, self-absorbtion - no need to continue, my list of sacrificible items would be a large blog. Some of my sacrificables are strangely easy to give up and I have wanted to - thank you Holy Spirit. But does that void the sacrifice if they are not so hard to give up anymore? By definition isn't sacrifice something that might be an insty-bintsy bit painful (gasp)?

Anyway, good advice for me, Randy. Gals like me (type-A, keyed-up, "Peterish" for a girl) tend to want to do something so big and bad for the Lord that we put down our Bibles and don't have time to pray anymore about it because we're too busy doing the Lord's work. "Follow me" is better & I'm having faith in the Holy Spirit to lead the sacrificing part. He is so faithful, isn't He?

Wow

I'm sitting here printing out recipes for a diet Ben and I have committed to and thought I'd just check out the blog while I wait for the printer. And once again, the mundane becomes a God moment. Thank you, Jill, for your boldness in sharing what God is putting on your heart. You are a great woman. Thank you, Dad, for being who you are and always growing. You inspire me. I'm afraid I far too often choose to neglect the poor. And thank you, Randy, for challenging me. (I should include Anda in that as well.) I think you are right--God is doing things in our family! It's exciting and scary to me all at the same time. And, like Jill, I don't exactly know what to do with it except to pray fervently for God to show me just what He wants. I love blogging with you all because you don't allow me to be content with where I am today.

On to where we are today! We enjoyed a wonderful week at the lake last week. Our church office was closed for some major construction, so Ben had to be elsewhere. What better place to go for some intense work than the lakehouse? It did rain a lot, so it made it easy for the kids to play inside and both of us to get some thinking kind of work done. We did manage to read The Boxcar Children while we were there, and Ben and the kids enjoyed the go-cart! Dad has already told you about our time in Ft. Worth. It was great. Randy and Anda threw a great bug party for Luke and were incredible hosts to us! And stimulating conversation...

We started the South Beach Diet while we were at the lake. This is the first time we've gotten serious about our health since we married, so it's about time! (One thing we've both felt the Lord saying to us is that we must be more disciplined!) I'm telling everyone because I want the accountability that comes with knowing you know! So far it's been a fun challenge to come up with creative recipes. It will be different being at home with all the busyness and temptation that is here. Alex, my ever attentive one, is going to keep us on our toes, I think. On our way home from church he wanted to know how many carbs are in Diet Coke.

You are a great family! I love you all! May God be honored by our choices this week.
Trisha

Following Jesus

I am really encouraged by Jill and Dad's blogs. I sense that God is doing something throughout our entire family. This blog thing is not an accident. I think God wants us to be wrestling with this stuff together.

I was telling my kids a story this morning at breakfast as I often do, but this one turned into a story for me. Jeremy (the ongoing main character who loves God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength and loves other people, too) was disobeying at the dinner table. Everytime he disobeyed his mom said, "Don't" to whatever he was doing. He obeyed each individual command, but always found something else to do wrong. The next day as she was reading she came across the verse where Jesus called the disciples. There was no long list of do's and don'ts. It was two words that summed up everything. "Follow Me."

I don't need a list when I'm with Him. Anything that distracts me from Him is sin. The perfect life is simple: just be with Him and respond to His every word. Simple. Not easy.

As we struggle with all these hard issues I tend to want to have some great plan for life. I want to know what works and to do whatever that thing is. God is inviting me to look down from my drawing board, settle into his lap, look up into is eyes and ask, "What are we gonna do next, Daddy?" When I do that, I feel peace. But I look away often. Frequently I wander so far that I wonder if He's even around anymore. Right now I'm doing better than usual. No great success stories to tell; just a sense of peace and more joy than normal. I find I'm doing a little better at loving Luke when he seems unlovable. I am able to get my rear off the couch and rinse dishes or wipe bottoms more than I usually am.

There's a huge leap I'm trying to make right now. I want to really love poor people. I don't want to just talk about it, but I really want to do it. I believe God is moving us to make major life changes right now, but all I know for today is that I really need Jesus.

With love for you all and a desire to be with Him,
Randy

Where did this come from?

Mom and I just returned to Midland after a great time with Randy and family in Fort Worth. We went by way of the lake on Thursday night where we had breakfast with Trisha and crew Friday morning. The lake level is more than a foot above spillway and it is still raining! (Spillway crossing closed!)

I dropped Mom with Anda and the kids then went downtown for some real estate business. Trisha and family came in time for dinner. An interesting discussion of various diets and eating habits made me pretty uncomfortable but I ate well anyway. Randy and Anda insisted on giving up their bed for a night on the floor in a house full of company. We had a great time.

Breakfast at McD's with McKenna, Josiah, Luke, Alex and Katy was great fun then back to the house for Luke's birthday party with a fun-filled bug theme. Lunch together at Jason's then off to Midland in the rain the entire trip. Forgot to mention the stop and the Christian bookstore for a big bag of books related to women and time management for some reason.

What fun at tonight's championship basketball game followed by celebration of a victorious season at Swensen's ice cream place. The adult participation in the enjoyment of the "Earthquake" sundae was limited to the role of spectators.

I realize that good blogging is more that a play-by-play description of what is going on, but it is a start for an amature.

Jill's comments and the time with Randy and Anda as well as attending an ACU Lecture class with Larry James talking about ministry to the poor has got me a little introspective. It seems that my world spans a great distance - from lunch with Bob Fu from China, mission ministry meeting with the livelihood of several Brazilian ministers at stake, talk and emails about Opp Camp, and the above activities on one end and updating and remodeling our little hut, and real estate and oil deals at a level still hard for me to cope with on the other. All in the same week. It is not easy to keep focused on the really important things and keep the rest in proper perspective.

I am so blessed to have all of you with parallel life focus to share my walk with and to draw strength and wisdom from. I may appear to be mainly passive, at least when it comes to blogging, but your examples, and words, are a great inspiration and motivation for me to live my life more boldly as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Thanks.

Dad

We Won!

The championship game was great tonight - the whole family would have been proud of the "Brown Boys." They hustled, they both scored, and they're just the best-lookin' 5th grade boys I know. I really do like watching basketball - especially when you're on a team that wins all the time!
Cary is on his way back tonight from skiing in Ruidoso with Ashley, Kyle & Kenzi McGraw. They said they had a great day of skiing - pretty good snow for Ruidoso.
Okay - here goes a kind of rambling blog. I must thank everybody for all of the great info being passed around on this site. From Anda's info on world madate, Larry James info, Mike Cope blog & other blogs, etc. It's kind of got me in a stew in a good kind of way. I've been reading-up on Central Dallas Ministries and I'm really liking that whole thing. So much so that I've got some ideas, thoughts, dreams, maybe. You know when you kind of get that feeling like God may be up to something with you but you aren't sure what. I like everything I see & hear about helping the poor (which is a relative term to me - I don't have a good grasp on that word & have seriously considered driving around town sometime to help define that word in my community), but I'm really praying about my motives & the sincerity of my heart - I'm not sure it's all there, yet. Even if my heart is not quite there yet (maybe truly very far away?), I can sense a discontentment with many things that I considered very satisfying and this is very curious to me and possibly an answered prayer to "less of self." I didn't have any strong direction for all these feelings until today, and then I had a desire....to learn Spanish. Don't laugh - okay, go ahead if you must - but I think somehow this is an important step for me, but I really don't know exactly why. I have some ideas of what it might could be, but I'm pretty sure I am just a piece of a puzzle, a part of a whole, a member of a team? I definitely feel I could be used more effectively, usefully if I knew how to communicate with a people in my community that would be considered truly poor. The Larry James Blog "Charity is not Enough" really got me thinking. I wanted to ask, "then what in the world should a person do?" Then I went on his website and saw a whole world of things that could be done. Forgive me if I boast, but I do consider Cary & I to be generous givers. There's defintely been a joy in that, but it's a disconnected joy sometimes. I just feel like there's more - more sacrifice, more joy. Like I said, I'm still praying about my heart & motives about all of this, but I am becoming strangely discontent with this world and very restless. I feel like if someone were to come up to me today to put together a group of people to open a store front food bank or anything similar looking to CDM, I would jump....maybe....still praying....still feeling a little weird even blogging about it. Maybe since Cary hasn't been around to bounce ideas off of I'm feeling a little more "bloggy" than usual. Don't leave me hanging, people. My faith is telling me to be vulnerable & share all this. Give me some feedback!

Mitch's "before" picture 

 

 

 

 

Things have kind of blogged down

I think this is the longest stretch without one of us posting, so I thought I would. We had a fairly quiet week this week. Connor, Reagan and Hutton are all finishing up what remains of church league and any other kind of basketball. In fact, Connor and Mitch have a championship game tonight at 7:30. We are looking forward to it. As Lee Ann said earlier, over the course of a kids life there really aren't that many championships. I am proud of our boys. Connor makes me smile. I will try to post later with a score.

Bailey started golf this week. She played in a tournament in Ft. Stockton with Midland High, Lee, Permian, Odessa and others. Their team came in 8th out of 15. They beat Permian and Odessa. It was pretty cold and rainy, but such is the way of West Texas golf.

Lee Ann got her hair highlighted this week. I love it. She is as beautiful as ever. We are really looking forward to Spring Break so that she doesn't have to go to the hospital. All in all it hasn't been too bad.

I went to the ACU lectures this week. (I posted a little blurb about it on my LifeGroup blog.) I really enjoyed it although I didn't leave completely satisfied with what we are doing as a fellowship or church. I keep thinking that we may need to break with somethings and go a whole different direction. Kent Smith is encouraging me to think more about missional house or simple church networks. He doen't think there is any other way to evangelize North America. Even if Stadia gets all their churches planted it only makes a difference in the lives of 1.4 million unbelievers. By itself that sounds impressive, but it doesn't mean much to the 300,000,000 in the U.S. who need the gospel in a way they understand from someone they can trust. These networks are popping up all over the place domestically and growing exponentially. They do seem to be more functional as representatives of Jesus in poor and unreached communities. They are reaching groups that have been considered unreachable in many "church growth" circles. In my gut I know he is right, but it is so far outside my normal range of thinking that I can hardly wrap my mind around it. It makes me think.

By the way Anda, thanks for the thoughtful post. I think I understand what you are saying perfectly.

Grace.

Spring Break Update

Just to update everyone on our plans--Alan is speaking in Brownwood on Thursday night at some estate planning seminar, so we will be there starting that evening. Our friends, Danny & Amanda Carrigan will be joining us through the weekend. Amanda & I are having to make a trip to Dallas on Friday to pick up clothing racks that we purchased for our upcoming Just Between Friends sale. We decided since we were already half way there, it would make sense to get them while we were in Brownwood. Carrigans will leave Saturday or Sunday. Alan will probably head back to Midland early Tuesday a.m. and the kids and I plan on enjoying the lake a little longer. Not sure when we will head back to Midland.

Hope everyone has a blessed week. We are so looking forward to our time of rest and relaxation at the lake!

Spring Break Plans?

Spring Break in Midland is the week of March 7 - March 11. Holly and I and the kids are planning to be at Providence Point for the first part of that week and I was curious as to what everyone else's plans are so we can coordinate things. So lets hear the plans.

Update

I met with my doctor this afternoon, and she said that even though the dye couldn't go through my right tube, she says I don't need surgery. She said it could be either blockage or my tube could have been enflamed at the time of the test. We are supposed to keep trying for a while and then after a certain amount of time, if I'm not pregnant then to do more tests. I'll give it till the end of the summer to see. No matter what happens God is in control. The good news is that my uterus and left fallopian tube look perfectly clear and healthy.

April

answered prayer

Good news. Randy and I are "grappling" with some big stuff/decisions right now and really trying to seek the Lord in prayer together more. Last night in our family prayer time we decided to focus on one thing - the job in Como. We prayed specifically that we would know today about whether or not he got the job. Dr. Williams just called about 45 minutes ago - they're sending him a letter of intent and he'll start in about 90 days. Thank you God.

Church at Highland

This morning Holly and I (and the kids) went to church at Highland in Abilene and it was a great experience. Brandon Scott Thomas and the Zoe Group lead worship and sang many of our favorite songs (Blessed Be Your Name may be one of the greatest worship songs ever). Mike Cope preached on the importance of community, and then did something really moving. He had all the families involved in the wreck come on stage and then had 2 of the kids talk about the importance of community to them. Then Mike's wife Dianne, spoke briefly about how important it was as a mother to know that there were people there tending to her son while she was on her way to the accident site. Apparently they had invited several people who were the first on the accident scene and offered help to the kids, because there were 4 or 5 couples from other towns in Texas and New Mexico there at the service, and Mike had then come up on the stage. Then he invited a bunch of the emergency workers (police, fire, ambulance, helicopter pilot) to come up on the stage. Mike tried to thank them, but couldn't get the words out, so he had one of the elders come up and finish his words for him. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. The church just stood up and applauded. It was an amazing scene! A great reminder of how important community is, especially in a time of need.

Jill is my hero too!

Jill, I'm always amazed at your incredible ability to bless people with your timely gift giving! Thank you so much for my books! I can't wait to look through them for great ideas! And thank you so much for Luke's early b'day present, Mitch!! I am so sick today I can hardly walk (fever, etc. - what my kids had) and Josiah is home recovering from the throw up bug last night. We've done nothing but lay around watching PBS all day so a game was just what they needed to entertain themselves!! Perfect timing!

Bless you guys,
Anda

Larry James Blog

Here it is:

http://larryjamesurbandaily.blogspot.com/

The post you are looking for is Tuesday, February 15 --

The Institute is Coming to Dallas!

breaking from the Lord...and a recipe

Okay, this is long and a little on the heavy side, so don't feel obligated to read! I suppose you could say I've been grappling with a few things. Just wanted to share a little of what God is doing in my heart right now. This Sabbath month thing - I don't think we had a really clear vision of what that was supposed to be when we started, but it has become much clearer now. When you discipline yourself to slow down and rest in the Lord, you have more time to LISTEN to Him. This has been one of those painful, but so good, revelation kind of times. The bottom line for me? I am one of the most hopeless, self-centered, and self-absorbed people I know. Before you object and try to make me feel better about that, please don't. It's good. God has had to get me to the place where I can see the depth of my depravity and inablility to love so that I can rejoice in the grace and love of Christ. The journey has just begun, but He is in the process of breaking off some major flesh. I do not and actually cannot love people. It has been startling to realize how unnatural it is to love. Before Mandate, I had fresh revelation of how I was created to be my husband's helper - only purpose mentioned there in Gen 2. Hmmm. We've all heard that, but when you really SEE it, it changes everything. At Mandate, did some big time repenting about that to God and to my husband. The nations of the earth. Do I really care about the people who were affected by the Tsunami? About the lost in Africa? The persecuted in Iraq? My neighbor down the street?! The gut-wrenching, honest answer has had to be 'no'. But praise God, He is changing it! I'll have to tell you later what happened on Sunday with my Chinese neighbor down the street! God just flung the door wide open!
And then there is the subject of the poor. I have been listening to my husband, but not really hearing him for quite some time now. But God's timing is always perfect and suddenly I'm hearing it; not really from him, but every time I turn around, there is someone else telling me that the gospel and love of the poor and disenfranchised are absolutely inseparable. I've been tolerating our limited involvement with the poor and even patting myself on the back because we're doing more than some - have mercy on me! praise God for the cross! I haven't even begun to see the poor as God sees them. This has been a sobering and heart-breaking realization.
Charlotte Connally gave me a book at Mandate for my birthday called Authentic Faith but Gary Thomas. Although this guy is not a Christian Hedonist (made clear in his chapter on the discipline of selflessness), he has many, many really good things to say. Today I read the chapter entitled "The People of God's Heart: The Discipline of Social Mercy". Killer chapter. Get this verse from Jeremiah 22:16 describing King Josiah: "'He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?' declares the Lord." The whole chapter is full of scripture after scripture about loving the poor. At Mandate, Ty Denney had done a word study and pointed out that the poor are mentioned more than sexual sin, talk about money, and several other things that I can't remember. When he was in college he met Mother Theresa and she told him to go read his Bible and see what God thought about the poor. He then read it cover to cover "with new eyes" and saw what he had never seen before. Anyway, here's the quote from Thomas's book that just did me in: "Regardless of where we live - whether in the Suburbs of the Midwest, the elite societies of the East, or the rural South - or what we do, as a laborer or business owner, we are called to care. If there is no evidence of social mercy in your life, if there isn't a single poor person, prisoner, man or woman with a disability, or refugee who can stand up and testify that you have lived out and continue to live out your faith with compassionate care, then know this: Scripture, the Christian classics, and contemporary faith all stand in one accord to challenge the sub-Christian religion that you have adopted. This might seen like a harsh statement, but you cannot read Scripture with any honesty, you cannot read very deeply in Christian history, and you cannot live with open eyes in comtemporary Christianity without being challenged by how central a compassionate outreach to the poor and needy is to the gospel message."
Sorry I'm processing all this on the BLOG! I know this is kind of heavy stuff, but Tod's question has also stayed with me about are we the friends of sinners (the kind of sinners He was actually friends with). I hope his doesn't make anyone feel terrible and guilty - Godly sorrow leads to repentance; anything else (condemnation, etc.) is not from the Lord! I guess I just wanted to share what's going on in my heart because it is a Godly sorrow season (I'm not depressed, etc). I would love to hear your insights and wisdom. That's one reason I love this family so much - you are about loving people!

On a lighter note, I made this great little salad last night and thought I'd share the recipe. You may already make something like this, but here it is:

Roasted Red Pepper Rotini Caesar

1 12-14 oz box of Rotini pasta (we used whole wheat)
1 12 oz jar of roasted red peppers, sliced (I used fresh red pepper, chopped)
4 cups of fresh baby spinach
1 cup of creamy Caesar dressing or creamy peppercorn Parmesan dressing
shredded parmesan to taste
cracked pepper and salt to taste

1. Cook pasta according to directions.
2. In a mixing bowl, toss pasta, dressing, red peppers, and spinach until evenly mixed. Add any desired extras at this time (chicken, shrimp, sausage, mushrooms, pine nuts, olives, garlic, etc.)
3. Top with desired amount of parmesan cheese, cracked pepper, and salt.

This was a really simple recipe and healthier than what we usually eat. I just cut up that pre-cooked chicken from Sam's in it, but you could do whatever. You get the idea!

May God bless you richly today as you soak in the glory of the cross!
Anda

Need a little help

Hey--
I have been unsuccessful in finding Larry James' blog. Tod, (or anyone) do you have that link? Ben is thinking of going to his Urban ministry conference in March. I'd love to know more about it.

Have a great day! I'm going on a date with my wonderful husband today, which is one of my favorite things to do!

Love to all of you...
Trisha

a Luke story for your enjoyment

In case you need a little humor to lighten your day, today I had told my kids that they could have no more candy (Luke hasn't stopped eating it all week!). He sweetly asked if he could just dump out his Valentine's bag and just look at all of it and then put it back. Okay. I noticed a bit later that he seemed to be hiding behind the kitchen table, but just didn't really stop and think about what he was doing. A few minutes later, he comes out and says, "I was just sitting down over there for a little while." He looked guilty. I asked him if he had been eating candy to which he responded "no". I could tell that there was some dishonesty going on so I reminded him of how black your heart gets when you tell lies. He was clearly debating on which road he should take. I told him to go to my room so we could talk where he then told me that it was gum and not candy that he had had in his mouth. "Where's the gum?" I asked. He said he wasn't sure. Then he told me that he didn't eat it (keep in mind that I had said no candy and hadn't actually said no gum). Then he proceeds to tell me that he put it in his underwear. I'm thinking what a hilarious and dumb lie that is when he starts fishing around in his underwear and pulls out the gum wrapper. He says, "Oh. Where'd the gum go?" Then he digs around some more, locates the gum, and pulls it out. Have any of YOU ever thought to stash YOUR gum in your crotch? I thought not.

Life with Luke is NEVER dull.

Blessings,
Anda

Hope you all had a happy Valentine's Day! Here's to the handsome couple who started it all! 

I think the spot where mom and dad are sitting has now become a dining table! Remember the lovely brown sectional couch? 

Mug update

I want to publicly thank Randy for the mug. I thought about posting a picture enjoying my morning coffee, but that would be gloating. Randy has once again shown great wisdom. I keep the greater mug at my office and would be happy for any of you to come by and share it.

I must say I am quite concerned about Alan. I asked him if his conscience was bothering him and he replied "not at all." After stealing from his father and being rebuked by his brother, he still feels no remorse. I think that the legal profession has so jaded him that he cannot see the error of his ways. I would ask that the family add him to the list of sinners we are currently praying for.

Your concerned brother,
Cary

Aunt Hellen

My great aunt, Hellen Scales, lived most of her life in Sweetwater. She moved to assisted living in Abilene in '95. April and I would go visit her at the Sears Methodist center on 10th Street. She lived there up until the holidays when she went into the hospital. She was in the process of moving into a full nursing situation when she went back into Hendricks late last week.

She was always upbeat and had an independent flare, her term being "spunk". At 95, she still was alert, although April and I could tell she was declining in the hospital when we visited just before New Years. She outlived both of her children and her husband Claude, a WWII colonel who survived Bataan and POW camps.

April and I will definitely miss her, but my mother will miss her the most. She was closest and is the executrix. Please pray for my mother for peace and for safe travel. Both parents woke up this morning in McAllen, and mom will be in Sweetwater tonight after dropping by Brownwood, all car miles.

The funeral is in Sweetwater tomorrow at 3 pm, most likely at the McCoy's funeral home, although it may be at the 4th & Elm church. The details are still being finalized. She was associated with the Baker Heights church in Abilene. I think Bill Baskett will be performing the service. His son Mike is the youth minister at 4th & Elm.

April and I will not be able to attend. I'm still feeling some shock right now and some helplessness at not being able to go.

Thank you for the support, encouragement, and love. I'll pass them on to the family. I don't have access to mom's recently changed e-mail address. I'll pass that along this evening or tomorrow.

Please pray for me tonight for peace and focus as I am still teaching on 1Cor. 13.

Love you guys!

-James

In-laws

Please pray for my mother-in-law and her side of the family. James' great Aunt Hellen (his mom's mother's older sister) died yesterday morning. She was 94. She had been sick for the last little bit and going downhill fast. We weren't expecting it this soon. Just please pray for this side of my in-law familly.

The Mug

Sensing favor from God to make a wise decision regarding the mug debacle, I came to a conclusion. The stealing may never end. Unfortunately, those who participate in such activities are difficult to reform. After reading Cary's beautiful, heart touching plea for the mug, I felt he should be it's new owner. The first mug, now tainted by thievery seemed unworthy of such an honor, so it shall now be considered the Lesser Mug. May it frequently burn the lips of those who drink hot liquids from it. The Lord has graciously provided a new mug, which shall heretofore be known as the Greater Mug. It was hand delivered by my faithful mother-in-law to Cary at his office today (along with a complimetary copy of Jimmy Seibert's World Mandate sermon.) My hope is that its moral teaching will keep him from the fate of the Lesser Mug villains. I trust that Cary will keep his word and appropriately steward the New Family Mug. Blessings to all.

 

Cary, Mitch, & Rusty Holt 

Mitch's Hunt 

Randy's Legacy

I spent Friday and Saturday night varmit hunting with Rusty Holt and Mitch. Mitch hit 3 coyotes. The last one we stepped off at 142 yrds. Rusty was quite impressed with his gun skills. We had fun.
While we were driving around Rusty told me the story of Vince Henderson who was Rusty's college roomate at Texas Tech. Vince was the quarterback on Randy's HS football team and apprently quite wild. Rusty said it was funny because he always talked about Randy with such respect. It was like he couldn't understand him. He said Randy was so kind and quiet but was the hardest hitting guy on the team. It made quite an impression on Rusty about how such a worldly guy could be touched.
Randy, I was once again proud to be your brother. Rusty said as far as he new Vince doesn't know the Lord, but you may have planted a seed.
Thanks for the pictures, Trisha. They bring back good memories.
cb

Sunday

Hey guys,

I don't have much time to write tonight. 5.7 million was the pledge amount tonight. It was a great moment for the church. We also introduced Tim and Melinda Halstead to the church as the new church planters. It was exciting to me when the church gave them a standing ovation before they ever said a word. Tim did a great job introducing himself. He and Melinda were funny and inspiring. It was great. All in all I felt it was a historic night.

Grace.

REALLY missed you guys!

Hey guys. Well, Mandate was...indescribable. We were really wishing that all of you could have been there! Jim Yost spoke Friday p.m. (missionary in Indonesia for the past 30 years). His basic message was that we need to run to danger - it's where the gospel will spread (this guy wants "he didn't play it safe" written on his tombstone). Embrace suffering because it's absolutely necessary, etc. After that light and fluffy message, George Otis, Jr. (the Transformations video guy) spoke on Saturday a.m. Basically, he and his team are monitoring 350 communities all over the world that have been miraculously transformed by the power of God and his stories were amazing (and almost unbelievable)! Then Jimmy Siebert spoke last night. He has never been one of the main speakers, so we were excited - we just love him and it was encouraging. He gets a little bit excited about Christ and the Church and church-planting (understatement, in case you didn't catch that). The worship was phenomenal - God had really been preparing us all week to enter in quickly. And we went to Ty Denney's break out session on the poor. It was convicting, enlightening, and actually encouraging to me this year. This session did not get recorded (I really was excited about sending a copy to everyone), which actually did not surprise us. It's interesting, but we've noticed that messages about ministry to the poor often have some problem getting recorded. Hmmm...maybe the enemy has a problem with the truth about the poor being preached! Anyway, I think RB sent a copy of Jimmy's message with my mom to give to Cary, so you can hit him up for the CD if you want to hear it. This a.m. Heather Mercer spoke at Christ Fellowship to kind of end World Mandate here in Ft Worth. That too was awesome. Can you tell it was a great weekend? I could write for hours about all the stories, lessons learned, and the excruciatingly painful, but wonderful things that God is doing in our hearts through this weekend, but we'll talk later. No one wants to read that much. Let's just say that for me, this was the best year ever. World Mandate has always been stretching for me in my capacity - in worship, caring about the nations, loving people, and letting the heart of Christ be formed in me. I could tell that my capacity was greater this year and that was really exciting. The Lord is incredibly merciful and gracious. Jesus is so beautiful and He is absolutely worth our lives. Almost couldn't contain the joy yesterday!

My sweet parents had quite an adventurous weekend. Moriah started getting sick on Thursday night with a fever. By the time I left on Friday afternoon, she had had a couple of diarrhea episodes, and my mom called me at 6:30 p.m. in Waco to let me know that she had just thrown up everywhere. She needed to know what to feed her. Oh yeah, Luke also pooped a little in his pants, which my dad got to clean up in the midst of many hilarious and very Lukey-like comments. I felt so sorry for them, but they handled things beautifully and had a great time with our kids in spite of a sick baby. Sweet Moriah is sicker than I've ever seen her. We've now concluded that she has rotavirus and a cold on top of that, so she's not feeling so good. But she's still very sweet most of the time. We're getting in a lot of good cuddle time. Just pray that she gets better soon!! This virus can last as long as 2 weeks!

I've thought and prayed about the campaign a couple of times today. Let us know what happens! My parents were excited to see what God would do!

Have a blessed week. May you be blessed to have the eyes and heart of Jesus for the people around you. Don't forget we're on a mission!

Love,
Anda

REALLY missed you guys!

Sundays

I'm posting a few pictures from my archives for your Sunday enjoyment. I always think of my family on Sundays, and these pictures reminded me of some Sundays from our past. I hope you've all had a beautiful day of worship and community. I miss you!

This was at Granny & Pop's 50th. Mom was wearing red polka dots--something she doesn't do anymore. She can explain. I just thought you'd enjoy seeing/remembering what a hip family we were! 

We used to go visit Great Grandma Brown in Lamesa on Sunday afternoons, as I remember. This is where I first remember drinking milk from aluminum cups. Any other memories??? 

Mom teaching Bible class in Brazil... 

Muggies

I now dub the Brown siblings the "muggies". I had debated using "muggles" initially, but that term was already taken (and the Brown clan is anything but dull and ordinary).

After much debating and contemplation, I have decided to abdicate and and all claim I might have had at any time on the mug. If I had a vote, although I do not having abdicated all claims, I would grant the mug to Cary, as he fulfilled the requirements set by the giver of the mug.


Life in Austin is busy. My days on average, with the bus commute, are about 12-13 hours. I am teaching on 1 Cor. 13 at care group on Tuesday night. We would appreciate prayers for the group, as we are in a transition period in leadership, format, and location.

Also, April's appointment to discuss the dye test results has been moved to the 22nd, one week from Tuesday.

Have a blessed Sunday!

-James

Mug

I think that Cary should get it. He did complete the requirement of posting a blog before Monday. Plus, he is willing to share the mug. I'm sure that Randy might be willing to share some other mugs with the rest of you just like he gave one to me last summer.

Mug Shots

I think the one on the right is a member of the "mafioso mug gang." Or is she the vigilante? Maybe a spy? They both look very dangerous.

Busted!

Who are these masked individuals? Could they be the infamous mug thieves?

Tod grapples with Alan

Tod and Alan--Just wanted to remind you of the bond you used to share... 

My grapple

Family--Here's what I'm grappling with... Which of the pictures below should I use for our Valentine's newsletter? Anyone have an opinion?

Option 4 

Option 3 

Option 1 

My Plea for the Mug

This is CB. I've been grappling with this all day. For the good of the family I humbly accept the mug. I will not resort to stealing or name calling, I will rely on Alan and Tod to do the right thing and turn over the mug. Upon its receipt I will store the mug at the office for Dad and I to share. I will also commit to allow blood relatives to use the mug while they are visiting the office. I believe Randy has once again shown wisdom beyond his years. This is the fair thing to do. I will post again when the mug is in my possession.

On another note, I had a great time with my beautiful girls tonight. Eating spaghetti & playing bingo is my idea of a perfect Valentines Date.

On the giving issue I think Alan and Holly are setting a great example for us all. While grappling with the Kingdom Now campaign, I had the following thoughts:
1) I am not responsible for the use of the money. It is a comforting feeling knowing that I only have to worry about the things God puts on my plate. In this case, that is only "what should Jill & I give." That is an easier question.

2) God's economics are not the same as business economics. In business you work with a budget and allocate to the projects that are most profitable. God owns everything and doesn't need my money. It is more about my heart than the project. If he calls me to give to a project, He will provide for other projects. I don't have to make sure that the money is going to the most worthy cause- only that I give where the Lord is directing. If another ministry come along He will provide the resources if He calls me to be the giver.

Just some food for grappling.
cb

Off they go to the Indian Princess Valentine Banquet! 

Mom watched the Knuckleheads 

The Girls Are Glammed-Up! 

Daddy's Valentines 

Grapple Count

Current grapple count on the Brown Family Blog : 21

Sadly

Alas, once again I am compelled to anounce the sad news that the cup has been confiscated for selfish purposes. Apparently, while fraudulently billing someone for his services, someone broke into my office and took what was ours. I tried to protect the interests of the family, but I was unable to maintain the vigil that freedom requires. Rest assured, I will neither flag nor fail until justice is served. Your faithful brother,
Tod

My decision

As the initial giver of the mug set, I feel a bit of an obligation to intervene for the good of the family. So I am debating between three options. I will leave the voting open until Monday, so please give me your input.

Choice #1 - Bring me a hacksaw, that I may saw the cup in two.

Choice #2 - Give the cup to Dad (who I gave it to initially before his sons absconded with it.)

Choice #3 - Offer it to Cary with the following condition: He must personally enter a post on the blog before Monday to receive it. I thought that might be a good way to get him back in the family loop.

Please post a comment before Monday letting me know of your choices. Just say #1, #2, or #3. You can all keep me accountable for the final tally, as it will be on the blog for all to see. (By the way, Tod and Alan are not allowed to vote because I sense that they are not acting in the best interest of the family.)

For the People!

You might remember how Alan absconded with the generous gift of our brother Randy that was to be for all the family. Alan was planning to keep the mug for himself instead of sharing with the community. I tried to bring it back to the family, but he enlisted (with brainwashing I assume) the aid of his wife and had her sneak into my office and steal it off my desk. (It took her 3 tries--such was her determination to keep this common gift for the rest of us.) Fortunately, Smokey Joe has been unsullied by their capitalist propaganda. She bravely took the common cup, put it in her backpack, brought it to school and called me. It is now safely in our collective possession. I was so proud of her courage and idealism. I thought you might be interested in the email conversation that took place afterward. I have redacted several emails.

Alan: You have corrupted my sweet innocent Allison

Tod: How have I corrupted your beautiful innocent daughter?

Alan: As for my daughter, you have induced her to steal the mug. It is one thing to involve adults in such nefarious schemes, but to use an innocent child is reprehensible. If my daughter resorts to a life of crime, the genesis of her downfall will be the moment her beloved, and by many accounts favorite, uncle told her it was ok to steal. Shame on you!

Tod: I will not be ashamed of urging my precious niece to work for the rights of the oppressed and disenfranchised. You, of all people, should understand what a noble and good thing it is to work for justice on behalf of the marginalized. She is a champion of freedom and fairness. She stands bravely with those great souls we call freedom fighters who would not let the tyrannical rule of those with obliterate the needs and rights of those without. It is quite clear whose side you have slithered toward. I know not what dark and vicious methods you used to extract your so-called truth from that sweet girl. I only know that in the end, justice will prevail. I am proud for whatever resistance she put up. We both knew what she was risking. I am saddened to think of her suffering, but my heart is strengthened knowing that her cause is just and she will not go quietly into that good night.

Cast aspersions if you will, but remember this: VIVA LA REVOLUTION!

As you can see below, the people have prevailed.

On a completely different note, I had a great cup of coffee this morning.

For the People!

Results

Well, I heard from the doctor's office yesterday, and the test results are in. They apparently couln't infiltrate (their word, not mine) my right tube, which means that there is probably some blockage. This is not the same tube that my pregnancy was in. I have an appointment with my doctor Feb. 17 to talk with her about the results and what to do next. I've been told by one of the nurses that if indeed it is blockage, then the next step would be surgery. Not what I wanted to hear, but I'm hoping that the outcome of all this is some beautiful babies. Tears were shed tonight as James and I talked about it, and I'm having a hard time grappling the hardship of all this. (I had to get in on the grapple fest.) I know God has great plans for me, but sometimes it's hard to keep faith when this is my lifelong dream. I know this isn't really a huge bump in the road towards motherhood like for some people, but for me it seems big. Pray that I can keep strength as we go through all this. Luckily my boss is very understanding, and everyone at church is supportive, along with the love I feel from all of you. It helps to have all that. I just have to keep telling myself that God has a plan and He has perfect timing.

Love you all,
April

has anyone tasted one?

I'm just wondering...has anyone actually sampled one of the new grapples? My kids keep wanting me to buy some, but they're a little pricey (sp?). Just wondering.

I'm also beginning to wonder if it's wise to continue to allow a lawyer to continue posting on this blog. He seems to be having some difficulty separating WORK and BLOG. By the way, whatever happened to the suit against Cary? Randy was just wondering. He's gone to bed already - anyone have any remedies for his extreme fatigue? The man needs about 16 hours of sleep a day!

Well, we'll be really missing you guys at World Mandate this weekend! We understand busy schedules, though! We'll pick up any good cd's, etc.

I really don't have much to say tonight. Just wanted to say "hi" and that we love all of you. And if you're needing any kind of baby fix, you've got to come and visit the cutest - and I do mean that - baby ever! Moriah could not be any cuter and sweeter than she is now. Trying to talk, walking, cracking herself and everyone else up - she is a precious gift from God. I call her my grace baby.

Bless you guys,
Anda

It's Good to Grapple

Hi Everbody! I really enjoyed getting home & reading all the blogs. It's like little presents of information just waiting to be unwrapped - funny how addicting information (emails, blogs, etc.) can be!
We had a really good church meeting at our house last night. Ronnie did a great job at explaining all of the building changes and answering questions - tough job, he did it well! It's been so interesting to watch others "grapple" (my new favorite word) and grapple ourselves over how much to give, why we're giving, and just exactly who we are giving to. Bottom line is I'm glad we have leadership that is not afraid to ask us to give. Grappling forces me to really seek God. At first, it's just my human nature to ask, "what for? says who? how much? how much are they giving?" We've listened to others grapple with the same questions. Then comes the great discovery...you can't bluff God. There are no pretenses with Him, no false humilty, no hiding. It's just me & Him and my heart and my checkbook - nobody else. It's not my job to figure out how it's spent or what for (thank goodness and thank you ministers & staff!). I'm simply giving it to God and I'm so glad somebody asked me to. There's great peace & joy in that thought.
Alan, we did hear you did a great job sharing your heart on Sunday. Thanks for being vulnerable on a sensitive subject like giving - why is that?
Grappling is good - forces me to "wrestle" with God. Is anybody out there grappling?
I do, however, grapple with surface things like sweats or blue jeans, hair up or down, Tivo or...Tivo.

Have a great day

I haven't posted in several days so I thought I would give a quick update of my family. Several have mentioned that I spoke Sunday morning on giving. I don't mind the public speaking, but the topic was a little difficult. Anytime you talk to people about giving to the church for a big capital campaign there is a bit of skepticism. I got lots of positive feedback, and I felt like it went well, so I thank God for that. For those of you who didn't hear it, I basically said you need approach your giving from the perspective of joy. It is hard to be generous when your motivation is duty alone. I went on a little more than that, but you get the basic idea. Thanks to all of you for being so encouraging.

As for the rest of the family . . . Thursday night we have the Indian Princess Valentines Banquet, where I will be escorting my three lovely and beautiful daughters to an evening of dinner and bingo. It is always great fun. Friday night, Holly and Allison will be heading to Lubbock for a girls weekend. The will be shopping and attending a concert (Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns and Steven Curtis Chapman). I know they will have a special time. A.J., Abby Claire and Annie will all be hanging out with me and I'm sure we will have a great time together.

That's about it for now. I hope you all have a great day!

Happy Monday

Hello, family! I'm with Tod--I can't believe how time has flown. It's been a bit of a strange week for us. Ben has been out-of-pocket with a YouthWAVE meeting in Austin all day Thursday, then a men's retreat Fri-Sat. I spent most of the time he was away working on a project at church. We're in the midst of construction, and they put in a 35-foot temporary wall down the main hallway (blocking 4-ft. of an 8-ft. walkway!) It was an eyesore--big brown masonite wall, and a real pain. So, Ben thought it would be cool to make lemonade out of lemons. We launched 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting for our neighbors yesterday. So, 2 other women and I spent Thurs-Sat painting a mural on the wall. I wasn't the designer--just the slave labor. It turned out to be quite something. Yesterday people had the opportunity to sign the wall as their commitment to pray. There's a calendar painted on that they put a sticker on for the days they will fast, and the children put their handprints on. It was a big hit, and I think it will be a good reminder/motivator for the 40 days. Something about signing your name to something seems to make it carry some weight. Each person received a list of 28 people in our neighborhood to pray for. At the end of the 40 days we'll mail them a note telling them we've been praying for them and a personal invitation to our Easter service. I can't wait to see what the Lord does! Already someone called last night saying she was thrilled because one of her neighbors that she's been praying for happened to be on her list. (By the way, we copied several ideas we saw at GCR as well--signs in the bathrooms, calendars, etc.)

Meanwhile, back at the house the kids had a wonderful teen babysitting. Her family was going camping and she really wanted to stay here for a few babysitting jobs, so she spent the whole weekend with us. I have to say, it was very nice having the extra hands, even when I was home! It made me think what a blessing Bailey is to her family--to our whole family!

We had our last youth group Super Bowl party last night. It feels strange having our "lasts" with our teens. We hope that next year maybe we'll have a Super Bowl party with some of our neighbors!

Girls, I'm about ready for that lake time! Have we made any progress on setting a date?

I enjoy so much hearing about all of your lives. Each of you serve the Lord in beautiful ways, and I love to hear about it! Mom, the Groundhog Day card was great! I'm hoping for Valentine's Day, but it is fast approaching!

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power..to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Eph. 3:18-19

Sunday

It's hard to believe that a week has gone by. Life just kind of happens around here. Some people like to know their schedule far out into the future. I just wake up in the morning and ask Lee Ann what I am supposed to do today. Sometimes I even wait until the afternoon to find out my schedule for the evening. But we get through it.

Hutton finished up basketball--the school version--church league keeps it down to one night a week. The season wasn't a great success from a won/loss perspective, but I love to watch Hutton play.

Connor and Reagan are going at it in their church leagues. Both lost Saturday (I missed it because I was speaking in Brownwood) but both of them scored season highs. Connor had 7 in his first loss (their two best players were out of town playing soccer). The kid hates to lose, but apparently he played big when his team needed him to. Reagan scored 12 in a losing effort. On the phone he told me he wasn't upset to lose because he had scored so many points. I love the team spirit.

Bailey spent the weekend in the Metroplex with the girls basketball team and got home late Saturday night. She spoke again to the younger girls about purity and then it was off to another youth gathering.

Hutton and I had a great time in Brownwood with Dad. The lake is still as nice as I remembered. The retreat was great. There were 300 kids from small town churches all around. I put in a pretty strong plug for YouthWave. Maybe something will come out of it. Thank you for praying. It was whole different crowd than I have ever been around. I sometimes get a little nervous speaking to small or rural church people. I am probably wrong about it, but I constantly worry that I am going to say something offensive without meaning to. I don't mind being offensive when I am trying to get something stirred up, but I don't like to offend accidently.

We had a great time in our LifeGroup tonight watching the Super Bowl. It looks like we decided to join a group going to Lubbock to see Stephen Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns and Chris Tomlin next Saturday. I think Holly and Smoky Joe are planning to be there also.

Alan did a great job giving a testimony about giving this morning. I had a lot of comments. I am really proud of him.

It looks like we have a church planter. I can hardly believe how wonderful God has been to work that out. I had a single mom come up to me this morning and tell me that she thought God was preparing her to go with the team. She drives over to Odessa twice a week. She already has two people that has befriended and talked about spiritual matters with. She says they will come to church with her when it launches. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Well, I guess that's all for tonight.

Grace.

Lurker Coming Out

Dear Family,
I feel like I have been a lurker for the past few weeks. When I finally got time to write, I couldn't remember my password. It must be that I'm getting older. :) I have loved reading every word. I think this is one of the best presents we got for Christmas.

Thank you all for the sweet birthday greetings. Some of you made me cry. I had a great birthday with so many encouraging words and thoughts. It is always so much fun to share a birthday with Allison. Tod asked me how I felt. I think the thought that the big 6-0 is coming next is a little sobering. I now find myself making decisions based on the thought that my years are not forever, and I have to use the time wisely. There are so many things I would like to do or be involved in, but I have to make choices. I am truly wanting to find what God wants me to do with my time.

I would go back and make comments on many of the things you all have blogged, but it has been long enough that you probably wouldn't think to check them. Randy, the things you said about traditions touched me deeply--made me cry. Those were such difficult decisions at the time, and they were not made lightly. Matthew 6:33 was my theme verse as we raised you--"Seek first...Him." We always looked for ways to reinforce that. We weren't just trying to adhere to traditions, but traditions sometimes help.

As I read the blogs, my overwhelming thought is that I am so proud of each one of you. I am so proud of the Kingdom work each of you are doing. Tod, you just called for a printer cable. I will be praying for you all day today. God continues to use you in so many ways. I am so proud of all of you for the way you encourage each other, especially when you encourage April. Randy, I did love the action pictures. I am so proud of you. Jill, you always have such a fun way with words. I love to read your blogs. Lee Ann, I treasure the words you wrote for my birthday. I don't know how you have time to blog, but I'm thankful that you do. I am so proud of your nursing work. Anda, I am ready to set the date for a girl's weekend at the lake. I am going today to buy file boxes to start sorting my pictures. Alan, I am so proud of the man you have become, especially as I watch your spiritual growth. Holly, I loved the odd socks story. When the kids were young, I used to keep a basket full of odd socks, always hoping just one more mate would show up. I think I kept that basket long after they were gone, still thinking there had to be something useful to do with odd socks. I always said that one of my first questions when I get to heaven would be, "What happened to the odd socks?" By the way, I have a collection of grandkids' odd socks that might match some of yours. April, we will all keep praying for your heart's desire. James, we are all proud of your hard work. Cary, it is good to hear from you now and then, and I hope you have resolved your problems with your niece and siblings. :) Trisha, you are always an encourager. Ben, I loved your honesty. I know God has great plans for both of you.

I think I am blogging too much. Today I am cleaning in the game room to get ready for Tim Neale to come get our technology under control. I will go to a couple of basketball games, which I always enjoy. (Dale went to Brownwood with Tod and Hutton.) My ladies' class on time management has been a wonderful discovery journey for me. I determined that God did not want me living under constant time stress, and I have thoroughly enjoyed studying His Word to find His time management principles. Last week I told my class that the very first time management principle God delivered to us was in the very beginning when He rested (not because He was tired, but to model something to us) to show us how He expected us to trust Him with our time. The principle is reinforced throughout scripture. But, I won't give you my whole lesson...

Well, I think you have heard enough from this lurker. I love each and every one of you. I am so incredibly blessed with my family, that I could live out my days just praising God for you. Love, Mom

Weekend and news

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to post a little news while I have a chance. The semester is off and running. My hours are throwing my clock off a bit but it enables me to be a mom uninterrupted for the most part. I really like my preceptor. She is about 55 and she graduated from nursing school when she was 42. She is divorced and black and someone I would have little in common with otherwise so I love that. She has been very good to me and lets me have all kinds of experiences. I thought I would be very intimidated by her but she is encouraging and helpful. I have really enjoyed post partum (we also have all the gyno surgeries) and at this point think I would like to work in woman's health somewhere so this might get my foot in the door. Everyone wants to know what I'm going to do after I graduate...well I don't know! I would love your prayers that God would find that perfect fit for me. Something part time would be best but I have no idea at this point if that would even be possible.

Tod is out of town with Hutton this weekend and Bailey is in Fort Worth with the basketball team (filming) so it will just be me, Connor and Reagan until Saturday night. The boys both play basketball tomorrow and I think we will have a night with just the three of us tonight...I love when I get to spend a little individual time with the kids. Bailey is doing a wonderful job driving and it has been such a help! Please pray for safety in travel for everyone this weekend, our family is constantly on the road and I never want to take that for granted.

Have a blessed weekend,
Lee Ann

Here's a close up. 

Just a little reminder to be thankful. Just to the right of the palm trees in the middle you can see a little head sticking up between the window and the door of that building. That person is in the shower that we used all week. A cement wall with a well, where we threw our bucket in and dumped it on our heads. It was sort of fun to shower by moonlight, but I did feel quite exposed.