inside out.

i love what this photo represents.

you see, march 20th officially marked the first day of spring, one month ago to the day. but twice in the last week we've woken up to the white fluffy stuff which usually compliments the tunes of Silent Night and We Wish you a Merry Christmas. This time of year, people are more likely to be singing, "Raindrops are falling on my head," or "Everything's coming up Roses..." but yesterday my kitchen was more in the mood for Amy Grant's tender Tennessee Christmas.

i'm told mid-westerners are hearty people and am beginning to see why. a snow storm just in time for easter? yes! they expect it and for the most part take it in stride, all while longing for flip flop weather, of course. almost every other day i hear, "you just can't beat the summers in minnesota..." and i secretly wonder if they're collectively deceived due to the fact that winter lasts more than half a year up here!

as the city woke up to snow, Pastor John wisely wrote, "Beware lest in bemoaning April snows you fault your God who governs all your woes." And when I walked into the kitchen and saw my orange lily this morning, her brights petals sprawled open wide, I couldn't help but smile at the paradoxical backdrop of white, driving snow. it felt inside out somehow.

but i'm glad I have a flower in my kitchen holding out the promise of spring and I'm glad I have a God who orders all things (even snow when we want the sun) for our good.

p.s. For those of you wondering, I still LOVE the snow! If these people are hearty, I don't know what I am!? I may need a few Minnesota winters under my belt to qualify as truly hearty though, since all this snow is still a novelty to me. I hope the excitement doesn't fade.

as promised

the weekend in photos.
enjoy!




ft. worth convention center.


first time eating pickle chips.


fireside pies: best pizza in texas.


@the village church.

Redeeming Texas

I admit.

I have a very low view of Texas directly related to the many summers I spent as a teenager just outside of Dallas. Granted, I was going each year for missions training camp in the mid-July time frame, but still. Texas, you have a few things I simply detest:

• Soaring high temps in the summer.
• Humidity which renders your typical shower (meant for cleansing) almost completely useless.
• Bugs the size of small animals.
• Red dirt that manages to get into every fiber of clothing over which no Tide, Cheer, or Gain has any chance of getting the upper hand.
• Chiggars. When I get to heaven, I'd really like to know why they exist.
  
• Fearful storms, of which I am not a fan. I watch StormChasers to figure out which parts of the country to avoid. You are one of them.

I've often told my husband there is only one place I'd be strongly opposed to moving: Texas. Don't hate. Remember, this is a redemptive story. When I found out that we'd be visiting the Dallas/Fort Worth area for Passion 2011, my first thought was, "Thank goodness it's only April." And my second thought was, "Maybe there's some small chance I'll find something to like about that place this time around."

And so, we did Texas in all its southern glory this weekend. And to my surprise... I liked it. I even said at one point, "I could live here" (then I immediately checked myself and said out loud, "No you have to come back in August for at least a week before saying something like that again.") But all in all, we had a wonderful time! The sky is big and blue and aside from a deluge that greeted us just as we pulled up to the airport yesterday morning, the weather was breathtakingly beautiful.

However, it's not the weather or even the legit Tex-Mex we had the last night that most impressed me, but getting to spend time with a few people who have deeply provoked me over the years to love Jesus. I can't believe this incredible kindness from the Lord!

Texas, you got to me this weekend.


(more photos to come)