A quiet week for us

It's been a quiet week for us here in west Texas - it has just been too hot to do much else! 

We have been watching the live coverage of the 2012 session of The United Methodist Church General Conference via the computer each evening (and a few mornings).  Fascinating watching the denomination 'up close' like this.  This is the first time that this feature has been available.  We've also joined the ranks of Twitter  (@gc2012) and on Facebook in commenting on what is happening in Tampa.

In honor of St. George's Day

In honor of our English heritage, here is a prayer from the Anglican (Church of England) tradition:

The collect for St George's Day:
O God of hosts, who didst so kindle the flame of love in the heart of Thy servant George that he bore witness to the risen Lord by his life and by his death: grant us the same faith and power of love that we, who rejoice in his triumphs, may come to share with him the fullness of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This weekend in west Texas

Well, it looks like springtime is over for west Texas - temps in the 90's today and looking to hit over 100 by Wednesday!  Still, it was nice to be home together last night after returning from San Angelo (Belinda) and San Antonio (Charles). 

Today was our monthly breakfast potluck at FUMC-Iraan, such good cooks!  This afternoon, we met up with two Iraan church members, Marie Richardson and Wanda Morrow, for a bite of lunch and then the two stopped by for a tour of the parsonage and of course, Charles' button collection.

Two-year Academy, #2

Charles returned from his last session of the Two-year Academy for Spiritual Formation in San Antonio this afternoon.  Along the way he really enjoyed more of the Texas wildflowers along I-10 and on the back road to McCamey.  A surprise was the large "turkey" seen just south of McCamey!

The bottom picture shows some of the reminders of Charles' experience.  The disk (lower left) is a ceramic coaster made by one of Charles' covenant group members, the Rev. Peggy Hillman.  The bronze cross was presented this morning at the commissioning service for the Academy members. 

The frame (upper right) holds a special prayer (by Fr. Thomas Merton) that was shared early an early Academy session.  Judy Bauman, another covenant group member, presented each of Charles' group with a special reminder of the journey they shared.

The prayer:

O Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me, I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire to please You. And I know that if I do this You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to make my journey alone. Amen.
-Fr. Thomas Merton

Two-year Academy #1

Lighting a candle on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Lots of wildflowers along I-10!

Charles has been in San Antonio this week, attending the eighth and final session of the Two-year Academy for Spiritual Formation being held at the Oblate Renwal Center.

He's had a wonderful experience and encouarges everyone to consider their own Academy experience!

More Pictures from Yesterday's Wildflower Tour

Today's Texas Hill Country Adventure!

Belinda and her mom went on the hill country tour today that was conducted by Rio Concho West, the patio home community where her mother resides in San Angelo.  A bus and a van transported folks to the beautiful hill country surrounding Frederickburg.  The weather was perfectly lovely!  It was a special treat to visit Wildseed Farms.  Thanks be to God for a fun outing with the friendly folks that reside at "RCW!"

Monday, Monday...

Charles is off to San Antonio this week for the final session (eight sessions of five days each) of the Two-year Academy for Spiritual Formation.  Belinda is in Angelo with her mom, catching up on some quality time in the big city (for us in west Texas, that is!)

It has been a long journey!  Fitting that two years ago we didn't know if we'd be staying in west Texas past June and here it is two years later and we're preparing to depart for parts unknown!

Yesterday was a busy day with services in the morning and meetings in the late afternoon.  We had some fun in the worship services with "Holy Humor Sunday!"

Another windy day in west Texas

It was a very windy day here in west Texas!  Charles got to offer the prayer at the start of today's golf tournament in McCamey in support of the veteran's memorial being planned for the community.  It was nice to see so many come out and support this worthwhile project.

A treat in San Angelo

Seven days of Creation

Before leaving San Angelo we had the thought of checking with Mr. Don Kenney, the maker of some amazing mesquite wood creations.  We have several of his creations at both churches and had previously gotten a large number of his small, hand-held crosses to give away.

Mr. Keeney is an amazing man with a wonderful, creative spirit.  We are only sad that we don't know yet where we're going so we didn't want to get anything really big to take with us!

RCW update

Coming into Rio Concho West

We made another quick drive to San Angelo yesterday and while there enjoyed Belinda's mother's hospitality.  The Rio Concho West staff placed some nice decorative rocks alongside the driveway, so much nicer than bare patch that was there before.  Charles moved a bench from the back porch and added some foot-path stones to complete the look. 

More blooms!



Changing tags, again!

Hummingbird feeder with organge slices

We are really enjoying the backyard at the parsonage - the birds and blooms keep amazing us!

Sights in west Texas

New pink roses at Belinda's mom's place

Approaching Iraan on US-190

Iraan from the east on US-190

 A quick trip to San Angelo and back for us on this post-Easter week.  Charles planted some more roses at Belinda's mom's place, it really looks great!  On the way back to McCamey, we stopped to take some pictures at a scenic overlook just outside of Iraan.  What gorgeous scenery!

Our Easter Sunday

Sunrise in McCamey

"The cross on the hill" in Iraan

Easter presents at Iraan

Fellowship time in Iraan

Introducing Ashor to the Church family

 We've had an amazing Easter Sunday here in west Texas!  Last night's rain gifted us with 1.1" (some in the area reported as much as 1.9") and three worship services have left us feeling truly blessed!