Mo Ranch Retreat

Ronnie and I went on our all church retreat up in Hill Country last weekend. It was BEAUTIFUL. We had fun in the sun with our friends and enjoyed relaxing for a change. The teaching for the weekend was on Road trips, which seems so appropriate to our lives. Often we come to a detour, stop, or yield sign that changes the plans we have for our life. But God is ever faithful and ever present if we allow him to be in control. And after all, it's not just about the destination, or else we would just go straight to heaven after we accept Christ; it's the journey here that matters.

Saying Goodbye to Texas

It's been over a year and a half since I moved to Texas and it has become my home away from home. I love our church, our friends, BAMC, and even our little apartment. It took a lot to say goodbye. Our Friends from First Pres took us out to one last Texas BBQ, and man was it delicious! But I think it was the company that made it so spectacular. Thank you all for being such an intricate part of our home in San Antonio!

It's Summer Time!

Our small group came over for a summer pool party this week, and it was a blast! We hung out by the pool, played racket-ball, and then stayed up late watching the game. It is so fun to entertain and spend time with fun friends like these. :D

Dedicated to my PawPaw. We read this at his funeral on Friday.

Christmas
In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,
reflecting on the snow

The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away,
We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift,
from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious
than pure gold.
It was always most important
in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love
He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and
wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

*This poem was written by a 13 year old girl named Lysandra Kay Bencke
Lysandra had a seizure and was in a coma for five days before she died
on the anniversary of our Lord's birthday, Christmas Day 1997

RAK

I have been intrigued by Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) lately. I think it is such a blessing to bless others when they least expect it. There are so many random things you can do that don't cost much but bless eternally. I was so excited to find out that a church we are involved with decided to do RAKs in place of our Wednesday fellowship dinners. This week, we took baked goodies to the local fire station and police station. It was so much fun to interact with everyone and learn more about their jobs and say 'Thank You' in a tangible way. I was truly blessed by the experience.

MPC Lock In

What I learned....

1.  High Schoolers DO NOT sleep

2.  About 101 new amazing games

3.  Shipley's Do-Nuts is open at 5am

4.  To Save A Life is a great movie

5.  Girls will ALWAYS scream in the dark

6.  Grog is a great capture-the-flag-type game

7.  Not everyone gets tired at 3am

8.  I heart this group

9.  Cheese balls are the bomb

10. Maybe I am not the night owl I use to be *old*