No One Leaves Untouched

You know, it seems that no one can come to Cross Roads without feeling God's touch. Yesterday a repairman came out to do the yearly maintenance on the refrigerators and ice machine.  Anyway,  after spending a few hours working and visiting he was so moved he volunteered to come back and repair the cattle guard, on his own time, for free. Isn't God great?

We've heard many, many times from folks that as soon as they cross the cattle guard they have an incredible sense of God's presence.  It doesn't matter whether they are come here intentionally seeking Him, or just dispatched to do a job.  God meets everyone who comes here.

New Year's Resolution

I hereby resolve to follow my dear friend, @Ed Wetterman's, example and be a better blogger in 2013! I'm really gonna try to post once a week.  We'll see.

Today is dreary, wet and cold here at @Cross Roads.  The trees have long since given up their leaves. The woods are gray with occasional splashes of evergreen cedar breaking up the monotony.  It is quiet. Moisture is dripping from eaves and limbs.

I am reminded of the purportedly true story about a seedling that someone planted that seemed to be dead. (maybe bamboo, I can't remember)  The gardner faithfully continued to fertilize and water it year after year, never giving up hope that one day it would it would show some signs of life.  Then one day, after about five years the plant sprang to life and shot up 15' almost overnight.  The little seedling had spent the preceding years growing a gigantic root system underground, unseen.  A root system able to support the towering plant that was to come.

Winters can be like that at @Cross Roads.  We miss our friends and it can be a bit lonesome.   But, we know that God is still at work here during this time, even though it's not always visible to everyone. This time is spent fixing, doing, repairing, planning, cleaning, painting, building and renewing our spirits in preparation for when He sends our next guests across the cattle guard.  Yes, God uses the silent work of winter here, and in our lives, to prepare us for the promises that only He knows lie in our future.

Walk Abouts

I've been walking about quite a bit lately.  Saturday morning, after torrential rains pounded the area the night before, two advance scouting parties arrived from Houston to check out the camp.  One was scheduled, the other was just lucky we were there!  So, Pat and I walked them around and through the buildings and grounds.   All went well and we hope to see them back with their respective organizations.

Yesterday as we walked about about the grounds we noticed lots of animal tracks. The rain had wiped the sand clean like a fresh chalkboard just waiting to be drawn on and deer, raccoon, armadillo, and bunnies  obliged.  It was clear the animals were out out and about, too, enjoying the nice weather and probably celebrating the return of WATER to their world.

Rob fertilized and applied weed killer to eliminate burs in the grass the other day, and then the rain came.  God's perfect timing, right?  So, now the grass is greening up, wildflowers are starting to pop open, unfortunately the limbs of the cedar are hanging heavy with the yellow pollen ready to wreak havoc on my sinuses.

But, the good news is - many of the dogwoods are showing modest signs of life!  Some seem to have completely survived the heat and drought, some partially, some are truly gone forever.  I'm still not sure they'll make it, but, I am cautiously optimistic that come the end of March Cross Roads will once again blossom to bless our guests with one of the most amazing arrays of Dogwoods in Central Texas!

Off-Season Blues

Our off-season is rapidly coming to an end, praise God!!!!  From December to January it is way to quiet out here.  Missing are the joy-filled sounds of laughter, the acrid smoky remains of a fabulous bonfire, delicious aromas from the kitchen wafting through the air,  the friendly chatter with my friends volunteering in the kitchen and the smiling faces of new friends as they file past the serving window.  The break is lasting a little to long this year and it is my prayer that the sagging economy isn't finally impacting this little piece of heaven on earth!!!!  

Love In Transit: COLLIDE RETREAT

A WOW weekend with a fantastic bunch of Austin Community College Students on a retreat sponsored by several Austin area churches.  The conference room rocked as (2) great bands took turns leading the students in such powerful singing that we could hear it in the dining hall! Teams of students played field games, others played board games and cards, a handful of powerful speakers shared wisdom for living a meaningful, purposeful, fulfilling life, and there was plenty of down time for naps, walks and conversation with new friends.  The only thing missing was the traditional Cross Roads bonfire.  Will the burn ban ever end????    

Women For Christ

What a blessed weekend for all concerned!  This was their second year at Cross Roads and it was wonderful seeing old friends and making new ones.  Bondages broken, hearts healed, friendships made, blessings abounded for everyone - including us.  Christ was definitely  "in the building"!!!!!

FOCUS Learning Center

We loved having this great group of college students from Texas A&M University - and they loved the food as show by this "Thank You Poster".   We thoroughly enjoyed having this energetic, positive and fun bunch.