A visit from family....

The Bible teaches that there is a cost to follow Je$us, including leaving your family.

Luke 9:57-62 (The Message Bible)

On the road someone asked if he could go along. "I'll go with you, wherever," he said.

Je$us was curt: "Are you ready to rough it? We're not staying in the best inns, you know."

Je$us said to another, "Follow me."

He said, "Certainly, but first excuse me for a couple days, please. I have to make arrangements for my father's funeral."

Je$us refused. "First things first. Your business is life, not death. And life is urgent: Announce G*d's Kingdom."

Then another said, "I'm ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home."

Je$us said, "No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put G*d's Kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day."

Je$us isn't telling the believer to forget his family but rather love Him so much that he would be willing to leave his family if called to do so. Leaving our stuff behind doesn't compare to leaving our families behind, but Scripture shows us that we don't get to pick and choose regarding obedience.

Our hearts are prepared to leave everything behind in order to go where He has called us to go...and as the day draws closer for us to leave, we have come to cherish each and every moment with our families. The past few days we were able to spend with the Browns was no exception. What a sweet family...and what sweet memories we will carry with us as we follow Him to the ends of the earth. Thank you, dear ones, for spending time with us in our home!

We packed in quite a bit in 4 days, including some mall time, "McCart Thrift Center" time, picnic/park time, a photo shoot, some Bible study, lots of eating, some Wii moments, and a whole lot of fun and laughter!!

We spent time at Castle Park...perfect day for a picnic and some play time...

Dinner at a hibachi grill...dinner AND a show...

Nothing like having the cook throw food straight from the grill and into your mouth...some actually caught it!!

And even the little ones got brave and used their chopsticks...

This was such a fun outing for the sisters...and for everyone!!

After stopping off for ice cream, we ended our last night together downtown at the Fort Worth Water Gardens. It was a perfect night for strolling and just being together. We are so grateful for the memories made and we are grateful for our families...