So much has been happening lately. So much bigger than I could imagine. Some things feel like they are coming full circle and then leading off in a whole other direction. Everything with Lena has been a blessing. I had been searching online for her a Bible. A German translation with possible English also. The only one I could find was a parallel with German Luther and ESV. The shocker... $79! Wow, my parallel with 4 translations wasn't that much. A dear friend reminded me how cheap that is compared to what Lena would get from it. So true! Things came up, kids activities. and so on that I kinda put it off. With all the questions we were answering lately, I knew I had to order it soon. Went back to my search and found that CBD had put it on sale for $49. Um, yea! (it's the bargain hunter in me, what can I say?) I was also able to include her full name printed on the front. And it's a shade of pink, which is her favorite color.

This morning immediately after I logged onto FB, a chat came up. A friend had some questions about prayer and why we are to pray for things to happen when God already knows what our future holds. She prayed and said she gave it to Him, but really kinda kept an eye on it. She was still worried about her situation and wanted to just give up. I told her of a verse that says we are to always pray, without ceasing. Not to worry over it, but have faith that God is in control. I admitted I couldn't remember the exact verse or verses but I would find it. I guess I answered her questions because we ended the chat with her thanking me for clearing that up for her and her seeking to have more faith. ‎16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

The shipment was supposed to arrive by the 9th, then I checked again and it got pushed back to the 11th. As I was outside this afternoon, the mail came and she handed me my package. Awesome!

I was anxious to read the Bible to compare the words. I have learned just a few German words recently. As I turned to the New Testament, I came upon Luke 18:1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. ESV

I believe the package arrived at just the right time on this beautiful Friday afternoon. I pray that the Lord continues to use me, to speak through me, for His glory. And that I continue to learn. I see so much coming from something I thought was only a temporary situation. I will say it again... I don't believe in coincidence.

Spring Break Day 4

New beach. No, not nude beach, NEW beach. I know what y'all were thinking.

After the last hurricane, pretty much all of the beach front houses were considered condemned and torn down. Now the houses are street front with beach access. Surfside had tons and tons of sand brought in and rocks placed to help keep the erosion down. 

Setting up our spot. 

The wind made it kinda chilly so the girls had to adjust before getting up and having fun. 

Of course the boys were digging in no time at all. 

Love this picture. 

No Rance! I said go in the water to do that, not pull your pants down. Bri was such a big help, after she stopped laughing. But then I am sitting there taking pictures of the whole thing. Ha!

The tide brought in so many man of wars that they literally littered the beach. We couldn't step without looking down to make sure we missed them with each step. There were some as small as quarters.

A full size one next to Colton's hand. 

The tentacles on a man of war can get as long as 165 feet. They sting about the same as a jelly fish. The tentacle floats along under water and is hard to see. The venom extends the whole length of the tentacle, not just the tip. The one pictured above only shows a little bit of the length. It had just washed up on shore when I took the the picture. I guessed the length of this one to be about 10 feet. We could see the tops of them floating in the surf. That's when playtime was restricted to sand only. Yikes! 

Self portrait. Most of our trips have pictures of the scenery and the kids. Very few pictures of me are taken, so I have decided that I will have to do it myself. And here ya go. And with my new shades.

Digging a really deep hole. 

Big enough to put Colton in. 

And bury, while Lena jumps up and down to make sure the sand is packed. He couldn't get out on his own.

This concludes our Spring Break in Pictures.

Hope you enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed sharing them.

Spring Break Day 3

KEMAH!

Was packed.

We met Keith and Jenn there. Kaitlyn was getting her face painted. I zoomed in across the park from the ferris wheel. Keith is on the phone with Trevor making plans for dinner later at The Flying Dutchman.

Lena and Bri.

Did I ever tell y'all I DO NOT like heights? Trevor and Rance got in trouble for moving around too much in the seats.

Rance made a friend named Lorenzo.

A German friend of Lena's named Fabian, was staying in Dickinson, which happens to be close to Kemah. Her host dad was nice enough to drive her over so the two could visit. They spoke German pretty much the whole time. It was neat listening to them.

Waiting to ride to the top.

Trevor's mom and Colton.

Trevor's step dad and Rance peeking around.

Our view from the tower looking down at the boardwalk.

Our trip wouldn't be complete without a pirate ship.

Oyster on the half shell.

Yes, I ate some, with Tabasco sauce. It was really good.

The Flying Dutchman has some really tasty clam chowder, I highly recommend.

Two tiered carousel.