BURRRRRR.......

Wow, it is cold out there! -15 degrees. Need I say more! We just walked around the neighborhood and delievered cookies to our neighbors. You know it is cold outside when the people who are from here make comments like, " I can't believe you all are out in this weather." We had over 20 inches of snow over the weekend and there is "no" (as Leia would say) everywhere! On the bright side though, we have very nice neighbors and we can have as many snow cones as we want! For Free!

Evening Walk

Here are some pictures of the lake that we walk around in the evening. Leia loves it because there are always lots of puppies to see along the way.

Leia Beth

Here are a few pictures of Leia. She misses all of her family and friends in Texas, but she is doing well.

Bye, Bye Texas.....Hello Minnesota

We wanted to let everyone know that we are safe and sound in our "tree house." We are staying on the third floor of a furnished apartment in Woodbury. Leia is just starting to get used to everything here. She really enjoys running up and down the halls outside our front door. We have a little hike to get from our car to the apartment, so Leia thinks that every time we leave the house we are "going for a walk." Our cars were delivered this morning, so Leia and I will have to go exploring here in a little while. The weather here is gorgeous and all the leaves on the trees are changing.
Thank you to everyone who have been praying for us. We have literally "felt" the peace that passes all understanding over the last couple of days. We both still tear up when we think about our family and friends who we left behind. Our hearts ache for the fellowship of the local body of Christ in McKinney, but we are learning more and more about God's faithfulness each day. We can see already how the Lord is going to use our weaknesses to bring glory to Himself as He displays Himself to alone be our strength. Please continue in prayer with us as we seek God's will in finding a new church body to worship with, and a home to live in. We know that He is in control and we are resting in His perfect timing. Talk to you all soon! ~Renee

1 Peter 4

1Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 4In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; 5but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God. 7The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Amazing grace how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone, I've been set free,
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.

My chains are gone, I've been set free,
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace.

My chains are gone, I've been set free,
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine, will be forever mine
You are forever mine.

Songwriters: Traditional; Giglio, Louie; Tomlin, Chris;

Leia Beth

Our Sweet Leia Beth is 13 months old! She is very busy learning new things everyday. She loves being outside, swimming, listening to music, dancing and playing with all her family and friends.

Asian Chicken Salad

Marinate chicken for at least 5 hours in a mixture of the following.

1/4 c. teriyaki sauce
1/4 c. water
1/4 c. white vinegar
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. Sugar
4 chicken breast halves, skin and fat removed

Grill or oven roast chicken until juices run out clear. Shred chicken. Set a side.

Shred a head of iceberg lettuce and any other desired veggies. (We like carrots, zucchini, red onion, and cucumbers....but really you can add whatever you have, as long as it is shredded.)

Ginger-Soy Dressing:
1/3 c. oil
1/4 c. white vinegar
2 tsp. soy sauce
1 T. sugar
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)



Toss salad with dressing, chicken and chow mien noodles. (You can also add, crunched, toasted noodles too.) Serve immediately.
This is one of our favorite summer time recipes!
Enjoy!

Before The Throne of God Above

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can big me there depart
No tongue can bid me there depart
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there the risen Lamb
My perfect spotless righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The Kind of glory and of grace
One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God!
With Christ my Savior and my God!

~Written by Vikki Cook & Charitie Lees Bancroft

This is just a test.......

Hello all! It is my desire to stay in touch with family and friends with this blog. I am not sure that anyone cares what I will write about, but I thought it would be fun to do anyway. You all will have to excuse the occasional typo and misspelling. I am quite sure though that if I waited to check it, and check it again, I would for sure talk myself out of ever posting anything. Thanks and God bless!