April 3rd, 2006
What a refreshing weekend we had! Since this was Tyler’s first long car ride I wasn’t sure how he would do so I drove my own car up to the mountains with Missy and Michaela keeping me company. We left an hour before Bobby and Ty did with the seniors because I knew we would have to stop a few times. Tyler did amazingly well and actually slept most of the way. We had a pretty adventurous drive up and a wonderful time there.
It took us nine hours to get there because of some traffic and the extreme weather conditions. It was pouring most of the way and then snowed the rest. Neither my Explorer or the van Ty and Bobby were driving had chains, but by the time it was snowing there was nowhere we could buy some. It was so scary to be driving up a windy two-lane mountain road in the dark with it snowing! I started noticing how the right side of the road didn’t even have any railing, and it was so dark I had no idea how far it dropped off. Before I could get too nervous I just started singing Godsong’s–”You are my God, my times are in Your hands…”–over and over in my head! The Lord provided a safe way for us when we caught up behind a huge Safeway.com truck that made a steady path for us the rest of the way there!
I thought Bobby prepared some excellent devotionals for the weekend. Seniors in high school are usually looking forward to the future–moving away from home, going to college, preparing for a career, hoping to meet that special someone–but it can be easy to get overwhelmed. I really liked one of the devotionals where Bobby addressed two main heart attitudes that people have about their future–boasting or worry. He pointed out that both of these sinful attitudes about tomorrow are prideful. I would probably have thought of worry as a passive or weak attitude and boasting as the prideful one, but I can see how both boasting and worry reflect a heart that is trying to do it on it’s own and not trusting God. This of course, is rooted in pride.
We looked at James 4:13-16 which admonishes us not to assume that we even have tomorrow let alone arrogantly brag about our plans. Instead James encourages an attitude of humble submission. We can be responsible in planning and looking ahead but always certain to keep our hearts subject to the Lord and His will for us. Then we read Matthew 6:25-34 where Jesus teaches on the futility of worry. We don’t know if we even have tomorrow so there is no sense wasting today being anxious over it. God provides all that we need and we can expect that He will continue to be good as we are faithful to trust Him.
Instead of boasting or worrying about the future, Bobby encouraged us all to do what we know for sure God wants us to do–which is obeying Him. We can obey Him by seeking “first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) And also by being ready to do good works for “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Let me not think that life is mine
For I belong to Your design
You make all beautiful in time
You are my God
My times are in Your hand
You are my God
My times are in Your hand
April 4th, 2006
Can I have the picture in the middle?
I am so glad to hear you made it there and back safely (no chains, wow!).
April 4th, 2006
Um, that’s ALOT of snow. ::shiver::
Sooo….I think the Esparza household is getting more established. So we can start talking about a rendezvous if you and Bobby (and Derek, Tyler, etc.) are up to it! (Did my last e-mail get through to you?)
April 4th, 2006
Christa~
That mountian road was scary, but God kept us safe…with a safeway truck!
I had such a fun weekend with you and Tyler and everyone else! I’m so glad I could go
~Michaela
April 4th, 2006
Christa-
I know how Tahoe can be, since we live near by, and I’m suprised that you were able and allowed to make it up the mountain without chains, or snow tires!
Thanks, for words of encouragement to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” I too have a big decision to make soon, and have been struggling with worry. Thank you for reminding me, from the Word, that I need to stop sinning and seek the Lord and His righteousness!
April 5th, 2006
Christa,
Kathie
Dawn’s mom here, I LOVE the middle picture…how you and Bobby can be seen in the mirror behind Tyler. I don’t know if you planned it that way but it is a great picture!
BTW, Tyler is a cutie
April 6th, 2006
Monica- I just e-mailed you the picture:).
Dawn- I did get your last e-mail, thanks so much! We’re always ready to get together, just let me know when you’re ready and we’ll make some plans!
Michaela- I totally should have made mention that Tyler was good in the car because you were entertaining him the whole time, haha! I’m SO glad you came and not just because of that:). It was such a fun time.
Ilena- I was surprised too! I kept seeing signs that said “Chains Required”, but I guess nobody was enforcing that, I’m so glad we didn’t end up needing them or we would have been in trouble! Thanks for your comment:).
Kathie- Nice to have you reading, I’ve checked out your blog a couple of times from Dawn’s links. Bobby totally planned to have us in the background. He always takes great pictures and this one was no exception!
April 8th, 2006
It’s hard to be in a possistion of so much pressure. People expecting you to grow up, go to a college and still do the best you can do after 4 years of hardwork. I’m so glad I don’t have a senior year lol.