I have been babysitting my nieces/nephews this week and having a great time. We have spent each day filled with games, field trips, shopping, eating, watching movies, tickling and laughing.

Yesterday we traveled to my cousins working farm near Sanford, NC. She has 24 horses, 14 geese, 32 chickens, 5 rabbits, 5 birds, 12 dogs, 8 peacocks, 12 ducks, and I am sure a bunch of other animals too. We spent the afternoon walking all over the farm, petting the animals, feeding and carefully avoid the occasional poop. I loved watching my 5 year old nephew find an old broken bucket that he hoped would help him capture a chicken. He would run and run and run after those chickens, crying out, I can't get one Aunt Kristine. We would all just laugh.

Later we sat around the living room sharing past memories of those we loved. It had been a while since we had been to cousin Linda's home. As we started to leave, Linda gave us 2 dozens eggs and stack of peacock feathers. My niece Abby was so excited and wanted to make sure she got some to take home.

As we started the drive back, I know there was a list to do at home. I know I have computer stuff and ministry stuff and phone calls to make, etc. But you know, there is nothing outside of my relationship with God that is more important than spending time with those you love.

Today we made memories and you know, the work was waiting when I got home like always.

Take some time to spend with those you love, it could have an eternal impact.
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Orange You Glad 02/05/2011
 
OK, so it seems I have started a pattern with food, but seriously, this is what God gave me this week. I was watching another Walton's episode on my laptop when Grandpa Walton was talking to Elizabeth (the youngest Walton) about being poor and rich.  It had recently come up as subject in her family. Grandpa shared with Elizabeth of how when he was very young he had the best Christmas of his whole life. That he got something that year he had only seen once in a store. And when he got it, he knew he was truly rich. Elizabeth was waiting anxiously to hear what this item could have been. I personally was thinking of a car, a horse, or maybe even new clothes, etc. Grandpa burst with the answer. He said he got "an orange." Elizabeth just smiled as an orange wasn't as much of a big deal for her as she gets to eat all kinds of fruit. So was Grandpa really rich because he had an orange?

In my own life my mother has shared many stories of her up-bringing. She had been raised very poor like the Walton's although she didn't have running water or electricity. For Christmas one year she got an orange as a special gift. Yes, they got other fruits from the farm but an orange was something grown in Florida. It was special. And if you could afford to have one, you might think you were rich.

What was so interesting about this all was right at the time Grandpa was talking about the orange, I was eating one. Then God told me...you are rich Kris. Sure, maybe not in materials things (all things are relative) but in my love for you, in my guidance, my direction, my safety, my healing, my friendship, and my protection..you are rich. In fact, I have the whole kingdom..I am a princess of the King who has it all.

So was Grandpa rich? Well, it all depends on whose eyes you are looking through. Mmmm, don't you just love the smell an orange gives.

Thank you Lord for oranges and all the things you gives to help us know we are special.

Psalm 107:37
They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest;
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