Ukraine

Katya and Valya

Misha and his class of gymnist

Girls from my class

Valya and I helping Illeana with her class.

Ryan's group of children

I sit and think, often to much, about how much my heart fell in love with the people in Ukraine.  I took my first trip in 2008 with a group formed through LCU and the 12th St. COC in Shallowater.  The team was named Team Inspire and was a great group of people who loved and put God first in their lives.  I returned in 2009, 2010, and 2013.  I am on board to return this coming June, leaving on the 29th and returning July 18th.  Every time I enter into a conversation about my experiences in Ukraine I get emotional.  Every time I hear the song, "Prayer for Ukraine" I cry.  This is a country that has endured war over the past year or so and my dear friends have been affected in one way or another.  This year when I go, Lord willing, I will be traveling with a new team and new friends.  I am struggling with knowing I made a choice to begin new and that comes with heart break.  My friends in Ukraine that I know and love will not be helping with my new team.  I don't love them any less nor do I love my American past team members any less.  This year my choice to change teams was due to my personal needs and based on who I am and my past experiences. I am feeling very connected to my team and am very excited to see how God uses us to minister to the children, counselors, Ukraine team members and camp staff.

Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Psalm 18:30 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.  He is  shield for all who take refuge in him.

Signs of Spring 2015

A female Cardinal making her nest in my birdcage on my back porch.

Beautiful flowers of Spring

Blue Bonnets the Texas State Flower absolutely DIVINE!!

Dainty and Frail yet standing so Bold and Brilliant!

Changing of the Seasons

Green grass is always better....wait...what is that taste????

It's always nice to share....enough sweets to go around!

This is our little friend who roams our backyard daily!

Woody wood pecker

Male Cardinal

The seasons are changing and Spring has sprung.  God is seen in all the small things of daily life if we just take the time to open our eyes to his creations.  Tommy and I enjoy watching our backyard for some of the most fascinating creatures to be present each day.  We also love traveling around the hill country to find the larger animals and flowers to grace our eyes with awe.  I am reminded of the scripture Luke 12:22-31"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  24 Consider the ravens:  They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.  And how much more valuable you are than birds!  25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you canot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 "Consider how the wild flowers grow.  They do not labor or spin  Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you--you of little faith!  29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."