Cabining

Our friends, the Hoods, invited us to a CARE's Retreat (part of Mr. Hoods work) along with the Shiflets and the Brattons. The campground was very nice and spanking brand new; it had everything from kayaks to nature walks, to game rooms! But the best of all was being able to spend time with each other. Thank you Hood family for inviting us! :)

Stony Creek Ranch!

So picturesque! That was our first morning to go kayaking.

The Blob.

I personally thought it was much more enjoyable to watch people being blobbed than to be so yourself. :)

Besides kayaks and blobs, the ranch and a very nice pool, as Nate enjoyed.

Sunday afternoon was almost entirely used up by skeet shooting. And I decided that I'm not shotgun girl, but more like a handgun or archery girl
But it was fun!

Sunday evening we were all able to squeeze in time to go kayaking.

The weather couldn't have been better, with a breeze and lovely view.
And sadly we didn't take anymore pictures, I guess that shows how much fun we had! :)

Not My Own

This concept of my life not being my own is something that I've been thinking about for a while now. It seems to be quite the common theme in some experiences lately and I've just now been able to put into words what has been simmering in the back of my mind.

This was brought on through some very wise words I was encouraged to hear a few Sunday's back. A middle-aged pastor was at the end of his sermon in which he shared that one of his greatest fears is to have his family taken away from him, for his family to be scattered, while he was serving the Lord and acting out his role as a provider and leader. After the sermon a wise, older gentleman was very gentle to remind the middle-aged pastor of the example of Paul the apostle. In Galatians 2, Paul explains that because he had been crucified with Christ, it was no longer Paul who lived and suffered, but Christ. His life was no longer his own.

"I have been crucified with Christ.

It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave himself for me."

This is also the reason that Paul was able to say in Colossians 3, "For you have died, and your life is hidden in Christ with God."

His life was completely and utterly in the hands of the Lord, to do His holy and perfect will.

This has been played out in different ways for me the past few weeks, especially at my Aunt's home. It was much easier to "make sacrifices" and "do more" with my time when I considered why I was really there: for me to be of service to them, be a blessing, care for the house/children, and learn what I could from my Aunt and Uncle while I was there. All of this being done for Christ. When I didn't think of things (time, resources, money, etc) in terms of them being mine, it made more sense to get up earlier instead of savoring precious sleep.

I suppose in the end, the "giving away" and "sacrificing" was easier because I understood a bit better that this life I have is so very short--but a vapor really, and I desire for my life to used by God for His glory. I want for His will--not mine--to be done, and I don't want to be struggling over things that belong to Him.

A quick application of that was when we recently check our voicemail and heard a message that sent my stomach into spasms. It sounded like the voice of my Sweet Nicole, she sounded in tears and that something was dreadfully wrong. For about three seconds multiple scenarios were speeding through my head and they all ended with me as a sad basket-case.

In reality it was a dear friend of ours, who happened to be yawning while leaving a casual message about dinner plans for that evening.

Yes, I felt pretty silly.

Later on I thought about my brief reaction and was reminded of His hand over our lives. If something did happen to be wrong with my sister, I hope that I would remember how much I love her, how much I want to be with her, and how much I want for nothing "bad" to come her way--then, I hope and pray that I remember how much more God loves her, how much more able He is to protect and provide for her, and the wonderful plans He has. Plans that we might not understand now, or ever. That is where I will find all of the comfort and peace because He truly is a great Savior, Provider, and Protector.

This is why I can be thankful that I no longer live; I have been crucified with Christ, and praise God, my life isn't my own.

Psalm 150

Praise the LORD!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD!

The Webb girls, Apodaca boys, and cousin Emily went to a music camp a few weeks ago. In addition to learning many hymns, music theory, and a love for singing, the kids also memorized Psalm 150. Here is a video of the Webbs children performing it for us.

Enjoy!

It's That Time of Life

Yes, the Apodaca family have been blessed for the fifth time with sweet Rebecca Nicole!

If you should get the chance hop over to their blog and ask for the birth story--it's pretty exciting.

I'm looking forward to being their nanny starting this Sunday; this is something that I really enjoy doing for them. In addition to the countless lessons learned about life, homes, and stickies, I get to cuddle with a sweet-smelling baby when everyone has gone to bed.

Last time I was able to keep up a blog series during the days that I was there, and I'm hoping to be able to do the same this time, so stay tuned for updates!

Also, please check out our new button on the side of the page.

The Frye family have such a sweet story in this season of their lives, but please click over there for the full and sweet story!

Being Faithful

{picture credit}

At all times we should commit our all to Jesus' faithful hand;
then, though life may hang on a thread, and adversities may multiply as the sands of the sea, our soul shall dwell at ease, and delight itself in the quiet resting places.

"Into Thine hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of Truth"
~Psalm 31:5

~Charles H. Spurgeon
Morning and Evening, page 481

Trampoline, Babies, and Fun

While the Hood family has been staying with us, some of the clan from Austin came down for a visit (Grandma, Emily, and Sophia). And the four girls played and played,and I occasionally helped them. :P

Naomi Hood in her bouncer!

The Grandma's!

"Emily, smile!"

I thought this was a cute picture of Mom and Nate!

The Cleaning Crew.

The four girls, or more like the four mommies with their babies.

What could be better in a summer in Houston, than to play on the trampoline with the sprinkler underneath! :)

Lemon Kale Chips

So, I got this email from Elana’s Pantry, just raving about these lemon kale chips. My first reaction upon hearing the two words together, "Kale Chips" was not pleasant. I mean, come on, who had the brilliant idea to coat those leafy greens in lemon, salt, and olive oil and bake them? Well, as you've already suspected, I was wrong. And now I just can't get enough of these chips. So, here is the recipe. I hope you will try them :).

Lemon Kale Chips

1 bunch kale (prepared and washed; I like the curly kind best)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1) preheat oven to 350 degrees

2) chop kale into 1/2 inch size pieces, place in a large bowl

3) with hands, massage oil, lemon juice, and salt into kale.

4) place on parchment lined baking sheet and bake 10-15 minutes until kale is dark green and crispy. Cool and serve. Enjoy!

In Christ,

~Micaela

Thoughts on Wool and Hard TImes

A bit ago, I announced a new project on my art blog (please visit there if you haven't in order for the rest of this post to make more sense!)

Let me share that knitting for these patients has been especially sweet for me. For the past year I have been searching around for an organization that will accept knitted donations. Mostly I was looking for something that I could identify with and feel somewhat attached to.

So, I was very excited and happy when a sweet friend told me about this project. It fit very well with my search requirements and gave me plenty of time to be preparing.

This has also brought some thoughts and seemingly endless strands of questions.

Mostly about the future owner of the knitted hat, wondering who the person is and what they are feeling; are they saved? Are they alone or do they have family? Is this their first treatment with chemo or just one in a long line of treatments? What is their prognosis like? What's their favorite color? But not to worry, I don't over analyze or contemplate about these questions!

These are a few of the things I have been thinking about as I knit.

It really is different creating something for a complete stranger. For one thing, I don't really bother too much about sizing or the shape of the head--which gives me more rooms to think about the texture and feel of the hat. I'm sure you didn't know that all of this went into knitting, well, now you know.

I also have an opportunity to write a wee note of encouragment for the receiver of my humble creations; this was another thing that attracted me to this project. It's brought on a great deal of prayer on what to say and how to say it. I have a burden to encourage them and give them some sort of hope, knowing that ultimately the greatest thing for them is to find their peace and strength in Him. This made me to think of the experiences of the writer of Lamentations, which caused him to say:

"I am the man who has seen affliction

under the rod of his wrath;

he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light...

He has made my flesh and skin waste away;

He has broken my bones.

He has besieged and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation,

He has made me dwell in darkness like the dead of long ago..."

And through all of this, the writer continues to remark (which sums up what I would like to encourage them with):

"My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me.

But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

His mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning,

great is Your faithfulness.

'The Lord is my portion', says my soul,

'therefore, I will hope in Him'."

Lamentations 3

In addition to the note of encouragment, I have a personal opportunity to pray for them.

This is something that, as a Believer, I am always able to do. I may not be able to physically comfort someone or say words of hope and peace, but I can always pray.

There have been many times where I wish that I could do something or be somewhere when it's just not possible, however, I do have the ability to keep the person and situation in prayer.

Because of that, I find a great comfort to know,

"For He delivers the needy when he calls,

the poor and him who has no helper.

He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.

From oppression and violence He redeems their life,

and precious is their blood in His sight."

Psalm 72

I am reminded of how much more the Lord loves and cares for His people, and how much more abundant is His ability to provide and keep them.