blankets

Technically, this story isn't mine to tell. It was told by Pastor Larry, and I didn't even hear it from him ... I heard it from someone else. I may not even have all the details just right. But the punchline ... just a few words ... they've been ringing in my ears since I heard them.

A pastor from Uganda, Pastor Richard, came to The Woodlands to visit PL. Old friends, I believe. It had been a very cold week here, below freezing for several days in a row. Plants and pipes were draped with sheets to prevent damage. PL took Pastor Richard out to lunch after church on Sunday and on the way home Pastor Richard stared out the truck window.

"It's amazing," he said. "Even your plants have blankets."

Jesus, open our eyes.

Beyond this place,

our jobs, our schools, our streets, our sickness.

Beyond our friends, our own families,

Fox news, local radio.

Beyond our town

our state

our country.

Across oceans

to places we can't image.

Give us a passion.

A prayer.

A love for the nations.

Make us care, sweet Jesus.

Our plants have blankets.

I'm sure there are many trustworthy organizations through which to donate money to a Haiti relief fund. But here's one that I know, personally, has a love for the nations. www.iamchange.org/haiti

sweet sweet friend

Just got home from a little road trip. In three days, I saw three (four?) small Texas towns and had a blast! I went to Graham for Meredith's baby shower, then to Kerrville to stay with Kathryn. Together, we drove to San Antonio one day and Fredericksburg another day to have some girl time! I lost track of the number of thrift stores we hit, but I picked up several little treasures for the house and searched the clearance rack for "professional attire" for this coming semester. We also shopped for baby clothes... for Kathryn and Mike's baby Kate! :) In fact, aunt Jen bought Kate a giraffe print onesie! With a PINK giraffe on the front! So precious. We went to the movies and splurged on buttered popcorn and Cokes. We cooked a yummy dinner and drank lots of coffee. There was lots of time in the car, tons of great conversation, and we laughed until our cheeks hurt!

I am so thankful for you, sweet Kathryn, and nearly fifteen years of friendship!

Junior high.

Hot rollers. Bangs. Ribbons.

Horseback riding. Red Barn.

I swear, no matter what L & M said, those Breyer horses never, ever moved their heads!

Road trip to Wyoming.

Do you remember when the microwave fell on my head?

High school. Homecoming.

Graduations.

New student orientation. Underwood. Phi Lamb. 8:00 a.m. freshman biology. Football.

Apartment. Roommates. Shakie's.

Falling in love.

Engagements. Weddings.

Houses!

Who knew we inherited our mother's decorating senses... and that we'd love landscaping.

And now, your precious baby girl.

I cannot wait to meet her!

You are so precious to me. I am so thankful for a confidant, a friend, a sister. I love our talks about Jesus, husbands, sins and freedom, fear, clothes, plants, plans, people. Thanks for having me to Kerrville this weekend. I will see you in February!