Them was loving words

Today was a memorable day for me and my children. We all have spring fever, the kids are taking Standarized tests next week, school is almost out for summer, the baby is teething... we needed a break. My precious cousin Kristen (who by the way was born with spina bifada) invited us to her home in the country for a field trip. Kristen works as a substitute teacher. I remember the day she graduated from high school. We all cried. It was a day that 18 years earlier- none of us would have believed would have happened. From there, she beat the odds and graduated from college. She is a fighter. She refuses to quit (more on that later).
So... back to my story. We took the day off of our usual schooling to enter Kristen's classroom of life. Wow. From the moment we walked in we were blessed by her heart. She had the day planned out to perfection. We began with a visit to the donkeys. She shared with us how donkeys are so important - both Jesus and Mary rode on them. She told us important facts about donkeys. Did you know they never throw up? :) Willie, Lily and Tuffy gave us quite a show as we fed them carrots and apples. There was enough laughter, smiles and joy to pass around the planet. Kristen shared her electric wheel chair freely and let the kids even do wheelies! Her dog Koda was right beside her. He is incredible to watch as he transports Kristen in and out of her chair! Next was the picnic. Everything prepared for us. It was the most complete, perfect picnic lunch I think I have ever had - complete with carrot sticks (my favorites). Kristen prayed for us and asked God to bless my dad (today happens to be his 71st birthday) and thanked God for the role model he has been to our entire family (Kristen's grandmother is my daddy's big sister) As she was praying for my daddy I had the thought - "those are loving words". The loving words continued as Kristen announced the next assignment - face painting. The kids were thrilled. Kristen popped right out of her wheelchair onto the ground and began the honors. The next words out of her mouth were something like "now it's time to pamper your mom". Once again those loving words! She proceeded to take me inside to a receive a spa treatment - complete with parafin wax treatment for my hands and feet! I will never forget the moment she got out of the chair on the ground in front of me and started on my foot massage. I remember when Kristen was born 30 something years ago. I remember hearing, but not understanding the diagnosis. Those were very dim days and now here she was on her precious, imperfect legs in front of me - washing my feet. It seemed backwards to me. Now that I think about it. It seemed backwards when Jesus washed feet. I fought back the tears as all I could say was "thank you SO much". It was a day to remember, following an unforgettable year. Over the past year we have heard some fighting words. Today we saw, heard and experienced Jesus. Today "them was loving words".

easter

I so badly wanted to describe our day today. So, I thought, why not start a blog like the rest of my friends? It will also be a good way to post a few pictures of our family for those of you who do not see us regularly.

Today, was Easter. We had it on our heart to have a neighborhood egg hunt. Actually we have had it on our heart for a few years. God has given us such a burning desire to be salt and light in our neighborhood. What better way than inviting kids to an egg hunt? We started early this AM at 7:00 meeting with a group of Jesus followers. In my mind, I think it must have looked like the upper room where the disciples of Jesus met after his death. What a joy it was to read the word, sing hymns, pray and listen to the translating of our English words into Spanish (we had a non English speaking guest). Then our time of communion, which was so sweet and rich. We had great discussion over a huge breakfast together as we shared our personal stories of how Jesus pursued us. Everyone had something to offer to make our time a potluck of sweet fellowship. It was good. The morning flew. We then hit the streets and joined our neighbors to begin a cookout for the neighborhood. Hungry mouths started arriving as the sweet fellowship which had been inside our house, flowed out to the street. The conversations I happened upon between believers and non believers were rich and full of life. The children were running through our cul-de-sac looking for treasures and the adults visited with each other searching for treasures of the heart. What difference did today make to the church, to the kingdom, to God? It seemed so small and insignificant. Yet, in faith we believe that as we do to the least of these, we do for Him. The little boy I have never met before who won a special treat from the blessing box will not soon forget that experience. The little ones running through the water sprinkler in today’s record heat will not soon forget. The adults on the street may or may not forget the warmth of the day, but surely will remember the warmth of the hearts connecting in our gathering. It was a monumental day for us. It was the day we envisioned almost 2 years ago, when God called us out of our pew and onto the streets. Yes, it was a little uncomfortable without the climate controlled building, sitting on blankets rather than padded pews. Would I trade where God placed me today? Never. I can honestly say there is no where I would have rather been today than on the cul-de-sac of Ashton Court. He is risen indeed!