Vacationed Out

K and I just returned from a 5-day trip to Jackson Hole / Yellowstone. While I don't have the energy to delve into the details of our travels, I do want to post a few of our favorite pictures. It was absolutely amazing - natural wonders that will take your breath away. More to come...

















And lastly - a video of snorting buffalo that were literally right beside our car as we drove through Yellowtsone:

www.texasvacation.com

If you are looking for "memorable vacations on the river or creek, quiet getaways secluded in the hills or out on a ranch, or a perfect place for wedding, reunions and retreats" then you should go to http://www.texasvacation.com/.

As a belated 60th b-day present for the Debster, the Bowen family made the trek to Wimberley, TX this weekend as guests of Wayne and Mary K. They were unbelievably hospitable, and their place is gorgeous! Despite the severe drought that south Texas is currently experiencing, they have natural springs underneath the Blanco River right outside the backdoor of their home, so we were able to tube and cool off in the stiffling heat after a morning of shopping in the square.

We also spent time at a local winery in town and fed the foxes, deer, and other "pretty girls" that came up to the K's back porch for a bite to eat (my favorite part of the weekend). You can't beat the beauty of Texas hill country...

Quote

“But in friendship we think we have chosen our peers. In reality, a few years’ difference in the dates of our births, a few more miles in between certain houses, the choice of one university instead of another, posting to different regiments, the accident of a topic being raised or not raised at a first meeting – any of these chances might have kept us apart. But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking, no chances. A secret Master of the ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples, ‘You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,’ can truly say to friends, ‘You have not chosen one another, but I have chosen you for one another.’ The friendship is not a reward for our discrimination and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each the beauties of all the others.” C. S. Lewis

Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful friends you have chosen for me.

A Night for Me

So as K has a night out with the guys (a movie and sushi - how manly), I find myself home alone and reminiscent of the times I lived in my tiny 1-bedroom apt in Uptown a few years ago. I spent many weekend nights out with friends, but also made it a priority to spend time reflecting on life in general. This most definitely involved music on my computer and likely Microsoft Word. I was either a) typing a new journal entry or b) reading an old one while either dancing to Usher or praising God with worship songs (ahhh how I love the shuffle option).

Tonight the only difference is that I'm in a bigger house and I have Abby as a dance partner. I am reflecting instead of documenting. As I've likely mentioned before, reading what I have come through reminds me where I am going. Shows me that if God has worked in my life before then He is sure to work in my life again even if I don't feel Him currently.

I need time to spend alone with God – it is absolutely invaluable. How precious are the times in which I’m in His presence, the times when I’m able to tell Him that He’s great and good and wonderful, the times in which I can lay on the floor with my arms outstretched, eyes closed, heart open, totally vulnerable to Him and His unfailing love. I don’t make this a priority. I get distracted.

Yet tonight is a night of few distractions - the perfect opportunity to recharge and regroup after a long and busy week. Though I miss K, I'm appreciative of our time alone. This evening included a fulfilling trip to Tom Thumb and Sams, handwashing clothes in the sink, berries and a salmon burger for dinner, and now - Brooke Fraser, Pat Green, Shawn McDonald, etc. play in the background as I sing and reflect. I have no shame in embracing the fact that this ia a perfect night for me...