February - the month for love to bloom

View of our sidewalk with minimal snow this year.....

OK - Valentine's Day is what everyone thinks of when they see February on the calendar - right? But there are other important things in February.

5th - Hope's birthday..... ugh!

7th - Ed Peterson's birthday

9th - Luke will turn 13 - woohoo

23rd - Niece, Ariel will turn 17

28th - Caleb will turn 15

Looks like we are all getting older - now what would the alternative be?

I just looked back in January and did not show birthdays and important dates!

I mentioned that grandson COLE turned 11 on the 1st and sent pictures of his paintball party; friend Janice had a birthday on the 7th, nephew Aaron turned 11 on the 8th (only 1 week younger than Cole). Sister-in-law Darlene had a birthday on the 20th, Ray's brother Bob had a birthday on the 22nd, and my kidney-in-love Liz had a birthday on the 28th. (I will try to do a better job of mentioning special dates.)

On the 20th of January Ray and I rode to Cochrane, AB with Dick & Shirlee Hale. The Midwest Baptist Association was hosting pastors and their wives at a retreat. The roads were not easy to travel (10 hour drive) but the company was great. The planners had thought of everything - we enjoyed our time away. Then the long drive home. Did I tell you that living in the Peace Country means you spend a lot of time ON THE ROAD?

I am continuing to care for preschoolers on Wednesday mornings as the young moms continue their Bible study time. Carole and Patty are sure a blessing to help out during these times. Thanks to Mona for leading the ladies and for Ranea for assisting.

Ray has been asked by Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Carrollton, Georgia to preach a revival in April. We are so excited to visit a lot of our friends who for three years have traveled north to help us with our Vacation Bible School. Such faithful folks - can't wait to spend some time on their turf. Thank you pastor Danny for the invitation.

Since the church is only a couple hours from our family in Chattanooga, TN - we are planning on seeing brothers, sisters and aunts while we are there in the neighborhood.

I just talked to Laura in Arlington and emailed Matt in Corinth and it seems the entire Metroplex is iced in. Everyone be careful!

On February 14th when hearts indeed think of love - remember that the Lord Jesus loved us so much that He gave up His life on earth to make a way for us to experience freedom from sin...... oh what love the Father has lavished on us.

Praise Him!! Love you all, Hope