a father's love

the other day i was in line at target when a dad and three daughters got in line behind me. the dad was getting on to one of the girls about being late, him wanting to leave and not being able to find her for the last ten minutes. the teenager didn't have much of a defense but acted respectful, becoming aware that me and other people around were now caught in the family "discussion." about that time the dad became aware as well that those of us in their vicinity were politely pretending like we couldn't hear the argument. he said to her "you are the most selfish person in the world" in a tone that was clearly avoiding embarrassment and attempting to deflect the negative attention off of himself and blame the incident on "the most selfish person in the world." everything inside of me wanted to turn around and say "do you know what that just did to your daughter? it is your job to defend, protect, encourage, adore, and lovingly discipline your children. demeaning her in public is like an arrow piercing her heart, a wound that will fester and become a lie that speaks over her as long as you continue to treat her like that." i mean i could go on. luckily i kept my mouth shut and am now saying a prayer of protection and the father heart of God over those girls' hearts. i wish all dads knew the influence they have over their daughters hearts and that any good, bad, ugly, loving word he says to her forms the ins and outs of who she believes she is. there is my sermon to dads today. so to my dad (Dr. Doug) id like to say thank you. i have never known an unpleasant or negative word come from him-about me or about anyone. dad you helped shape my heart, you spoke love over me every day and im the woman i am today because you always believed i could do anything i put my mind and heart too.




on a side note! since charlie and i are living life as one and his life is just as cool as mine we have decided to start a "family" blog. follow us at boydadventures.blogspot.com

Awaken

Every Spring Break the college ministry of Antioch Community Church takes a short term trip to the Mexico boarder. This year Charlie and I joined around 575 students for a trip to Edinburgh, TX. Our morning were filled with worship and teachings, afternoons with service projects and seminars, and evenings with local outreaches. Our "section" is made up of 54 students who names ourselves "City On A Hill." Our big team was broken up into smaller teams - evangelism, drama, and dance. Charlie ministered all week as part of the worship team and of course I was on the dance team! Our job was to portray the joy that is full in the Lord and attract people with our energetic dances. Then someone would share a personal testimony as the crowd gathered. Next the drama team would visually enact the creation, fall of man, and the redemptive act of Jesus Christ. After that we would share the gospel and invite people for salvation or healing. Of course with over 500 students doing this every night over the city for a week straight the Lord moves! There were tons of salvations and many healings.

This past week was our first mission trip as a couple and we were super excited to be hands on in ministry together. Thank you so much for all of your financial support and prayers. Hope to keep up with everyone soon :)


The dance squad


Charlie....as himself

Married Life

yes it's been a while since ive posted anything and yes a lot has happened. this is my first post as a wife! charlie and i are just getting settled into our house in waco and are really enjoying creating a place we both feel at home and comfortable. neither of us are working as much as we would like yet, so we have plenty of time to piddle around the house every day. its been a huge adjustment for me. i am no longer the independent girl who worked as a wilderness instructor in georgia nor am i a random white girl in kenya working on a ropes course. now i am "charlie's wife" most places we go. its not that im looking for a new identity or that i dont LOVE being called "charlie's wife", it's just a really big adjustment.

i really love the community charlie is a part of here. we attend antioch community church and are a part of the college ministry there. charlie is a "lifegroup" leader and also helps with worship during their weekly college service called "dwelling place." most of the students in the ministry dont believe me when i tell them im 29, so i just go on as if ive just graduated or am just a little older than most of them. charlie and i really look forward to hosting college students in our home for dinners, lifegroups, game nights, etc.

and we still have one more party to go! mom and dad are driving out (and graciously bringing a trailer full of MORE stuff) next week and will be here for our final shower in marble falls. i look forward to meeting even more people from charlie's hometown and getting to spend the weekend with my folks in our new house. give us a call if you are driving through texas! see you all soon...



On our honeymoon in cabo san lucas