Monday, March 31, 2008

Heading back home!

When this picture was taken, it was the last time Andrea and I had been to the beach. We have been in Texas now for eight months and I must tell you, we miss the beach! Even though I am from Texas, I really grew to love Florida. My heart is there. Funny thing is, I never spent much time at the beach when I lived there. But I did like driving by it and strolling on it when I could. Andrea and I are planning a trip back to Florida in May. We're looking forward to seeing our friends and family back home. I think I might squeeze in some time to go to the beach.

Hot off the press!

Wow! We are excited about this!

My dad, Dwayne Spradlin, just had his first book published!

It is the result of several people asking him for a simple "introduction" to the Bible. He wrote it as a short read and to simply present an overview of what the Bible is about. Then, a person could begin their study of the Scriptures with a basic understanding of God's message to man.

I read it in one sitting while eating lunch! It's a great little book.
You can find it at: http://www.ketchpublishing.com/

Way to go, dad!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

A touching story and joy of salvation

Here is a wonderful story I just read on the blogsite for the mission work in El Salvador. I have had the privilege of being involved with this fine work. In fact, Josh and I studied with this young lady's mother and her family when we were there.

Ralph McClurg writes:
"The photo shows Debbie and Dea and Jim helping Claudia get out of her wheel chair and take some steps. She will get a therapy evaluation on May 9 with the hopes of getting the therapy she needs to help herself more. We will help her get a better wheel chair and some exercise equipment. Her father has to physically carry her up and down some very long steps when she leaves the house because there is no ramp to wheel her up. Both of her parents are devoted to her."

Then, Ralph revealed this exciting news:
"We were thrilled last night when Claudia, a young lady in a wheel chair who has been studying with Melva, came to the hotel and said she wanted to be baptized. We have helped her previously with funds for physical therapy. She is improving physically, and last night she removed the doubt in her mind about her salvation."

Glory to God!

Monday, March 10, 2008

Shootin' up the country side!

Andrea and I hosted our first youth activities this past weekend! They turned out quite successful and everyone said they had a great time. The boys got together on Saturday and shot trap and skeet and the girls had a "coffee" on Sunday afternoon. We had a blast! (No pun intended) The picture above shows Matthew Jeansen releasing a clay pigeon for the shooter.
One of the boys, Pierce Jordan, was a little shy at first and repeatedly turned down the opportunity to have his turn at shooting. After about an hour of watching everyone else having a great time missing the targets, he finally decided to step up and shoot. Wouldn't you know it, he shot better than anybody there! He hardly ever missed and we really enjoyed watching him come out of his shell! (Again, no pun intended) It was a great day for all and we're now looking forward to many more youth events to come.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Spring is Springing

Now here is something I have not experienced in almost 14 years - Spring! As I was driving home today from school, I started noticing that there were patches of green in places where I haven't seen any in several months. When I got to the house, I noticed our tree in the back yard has sprouted little leaves and flowers.
That's when it dawned on me, I haven't seen this happen since I moved to Florida! As all my friends and family in Florida can tell you, there are only two seasons there: summer, and not summer. You just don't see entire neighborhoods popping out little buds like this.
Speaking of new beginnings, Andrea and I have accepted a "position" as youth workers for the Dripping Springs church of Christ. We are really excited about the opportunity to get to work with the youth there! They have a great bunch of kids and we're hoping to implement a strong activities program for them to be able to grow in. Please pray that this effort will be successful and that God will be glorified in it! - TS