Beach Retreat 2015

It's that time of year once again--time to head to the beach with some ladies from my church.  We've been going to Crystal Beach just outside of Galveston, TX for the past few years.   We have the best time and this year was no exception!  Not only did we enjoy the ocean, relaxation, and fellowship, but we were also sanctified with truth.  We watched the video series by Pricilla Shirer:  Breathe.  It was wonderful.  Pricilla is a gifted communicator and God really used her to speak to me this weekend.  I needed this message in a big way. There are so many things in our lives that consume us--not all bad, not all good.  It's so important for us to make room--declutter our lives so we can worship our Savior with fewer interruptions  and distractions.  I had some sore toes throughout this study and plan to readjust a few things in my life to made more room for Him!

I'll end with some of my beach pics...

Do you spot the sun peaking over the horizon?

I look forward to this wonderful getaway each and every year!  I love my girls, but it's nice to have a moment away to refocus and 'breathe'.

Five Years a Texan

Today marks five years since our family moved to Texas to serve at Fellowship Bible Jacksonville. We give thanks to the Lord for our church family and the great work He is doing in and through His people.

I took this photo at Love's Lookout which is just across the street from our home.  It's a beautiful spot here in East Texas.

Youth Room

Recently, we got new carpet at our church and we were able to make some changes around the place.  I had the fun job of sprucing up the youth/multi-purpose room in the back of the church.  I felt like knock-off version of Joanna from Fixer Upper (sort of...not really!).

Ladies Retreat | Crystal Beach

I just got back from a wonderful retreat with the ladies from my church.  We had the best time of relaxation, communion with the Lord, and fellowship with one another.  I am refreshed and renewed!   I'm praising the Lord for my time away from the busyness of being a mom. 

We stayed at a beautiful home on Crystal Beach.  It was truly a retreat home--newly built, spacious, and gorgeous.

On Friday, we played games, walked the beach, got settled, and enjoyed some really yummy seafood.  Saturday morning, we had a time of Bible study (myself and a friend shared with the group) and the rest of the day was spent relaxing.  Saturday night, we enjoyed more games, great food, and good conversation.

It's rare for me to take pics of anything other than my kids.  Both mornings, I rose early and headed out to catch the sunrise.  It was a peaceful time...

good friends

I had never been to a Texas beach before this weekend.  It was much different than the white sandy beaches of Florida, but still beautiful in its own way.  Where it's hard to find a really good shell in Florida, there are no shortage of shells on the Texas shoreline... 

 I have never seen so many shells in my life!

our backyard view

See the tiny sliver moon fading?

Can you spot the sun rising?

There were a few more early risers on day two.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

some of our wonderful church ladies

My mom went on the retreat with me.  Sunday was her birthday and it was nice to share in her day. 

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I'm so thankful for my time away, but now it's back to the grind!  I am refreshed and ready to continue carrying out the Great Commission in my home with my children.  I'm praying they come to know the Lord soon and serve Him gladly as a member of the body of Christ--joyfully proclaiming His truths.

v-b-s

Guess who is excited about V-B-S?

 

life-n-pics

I think I'm on to something with these (phone) photo collage catch-ups.  Quick and easy. 

• First trip to Wal-Mart with all three girls was a success.  We've already made it back a second time.  We are definitely starting to find our groove as a family of 5.
• my little Rosie all ready for sister's recital *swoon*
• my little Joyful looking perfect *double swoon*
• my little AG all "Toddlers and Tiara-fied" for recital *triple swoon*

• I absolutely love our church and the emphasis put on equipping believers.  We just started a class/course (Fellowship Bible University) which is geared to furthering us along in our sanctification.  The first course is What Christians Believe and Why and we are going through Wayne Grudem's, Bible Doctrine:  Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith.  I have already learned so much and am looking forward to growing more and more.  For information or to listen to the classes, click HERE. 
• Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down...
• Gaga came to visit!!!  So glad to have my mom for a few days.
• one of my favorite hymns

• sprinkler fun
• Gaga and Joyful out on the town
• My rose bush makes me smile.
• banana pops, swimming, and relaxing

 

• glad to have "Mommy Time"

• How incredibly sweet are my girls?  Gotta print this one!

• Somebody is a tummy sleeper! Joy would much rather be on her tummy than on her back--it is what it is.