Baby, It's Cold Outside

Lesson Learned

Okay, so I revived this blog with great expectations to keep it up-to-date and give all 4 of you who read this something new to look at each day. HA! What I've discovered in my attempt to do that, is that when I have time to blog I have lots of time and end up doing multiple entries at once (like today) and...when I don't have time, I don't have any time to blog (like this past week.) So, no promises from here on out. Just enjoy what I can share when I get a few moments.

And, because I know you all are really looking for pictures of Jenae and could care less about my commentary, here are a few to keep you going:

In the Dust of the Rabbi

This past weekend Jordan and I had the opportunity to travel to San Antonio to attend a conference presented by Dr. Ray Van der Laan. It was amazing on so many different levels.

It was nice to travel with our church and not be the adults in charge. It's hard to recall the last time that occurred. We love our students, but it was a blessing to be able to go and be filled and not have to worry about all the little details.

RVL's teachings have been scattered through our church but I had never taken the time to listen to them. Many at our church just LOVE this man and his tapes. For some reason the way I heard others speak about him and things he said, made me a bit skeptical. So, heading to San Antonio I didn't really know what was before me.

Now, I understand!

RVL is passionate! His love for the Lord just overflows. Sometimes that can come across as a fake veneer, but his love for the Lord also runs deep. His teachings are so insightful. He has spent his life studying about the Jewish people and their customs. He clearly explains important differences between Eastern and Western thought and the implications those have on how we approach Scripture.

I wish I could share all my thoughts here, but there is much I am still processing. What I gained from this trip is a renewed desire to truly search the Scriptures. RVL seemed to make the Old Testament jump off the page. He showed us how so many texts parallel the ministry of Jesus. It must have been amazing for Jesus' disciples.

The title of this post comes from one of RVL's teachings about the rabbinic schools and how one truly advanced to the level of being a disciple of a rabbi. The blessing says, "May you be covered in the dust of your rabbi." In other words, may you be following so closely, that the dust he kicks up as he walks covers you.

"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus walked." I John 2.6

Trick or Treat

Jenae was definitely the 'treat' at everyone's door this Halloween. We went trick or treating to just a few homes of friends this year, just to see how Jenae would do. Needless to say, the girl figured it out pretty quickly. We had a great time visiting with several friends that evening and caught a few special moments with the camera.

Pirtle Pines Ranch

Monday and Tuesday our family went out to Pirtle Pines Ranch for our first Family Retreat. This was such a blessing. We were able to enjoy each other, time with God and being out in the country. It was a great time of renewal for each of us, especially during this busy time of ministry. We left refreshed and rested and have already commented that this is something we should have done sooner and need to do more often. It was more than a "vacation" as it was time dedicated to God. It was being able to just sit and "be still and know that He is God."

It was also a first for Jenae to really be out in nature and for her mom, me, not to worry about getting dirty and all the junk that would go in her mouth. She loved picking up sticks, stomping on crunchy leaves, petting the horses and throwing rocks. I love watching her learn about this world. It's good to get back to the simple things...things without batteries and lights and music. Good old fashioned rain puddles and acorns!