Tulsa!

This past weekend, I ran out of town to go visit one of my oldest and dearest friends, Heather, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I've been holding onto a Southwest Rewards ticket for almost two years as flying anywhere with a family of five (when only one is under 2) is just ridiculous. This bad boy was set to expire and as I had earmarked it "Heather trip" - I had to go!! Heather has made it out west to see me a number of times - after babies mostly when I am whining and need the help, so although I wish I could say I was heading her way in a moment of need to return the favor, but ... such was simply not the case. It was a quick getaway to get our Heather-Stacy fix. :-)

Tulsa was brief and amazing and I enjoyed spending quality, extended time just visiting with Heather and Anthony and getting to know their sweet kids, Adia and Abraham. I can't say we did anything spectacular as we purposed just to connect, so here are some pics of our cute kids:

Caleb (9 Mo) and Abraham (14 Mo) looking pretty excited about Chik-Fil-A (which, btw happened to be cow appreciation day - I never knew it was such a big deal to dress up!)

Heather's parents' backyard - this one if for Tim. Don't you just LOVE all the trees? Tulsa was so green!!

Caleb started crawling on all fours - I think he was inspired by the plush carpet (and absence of saltillo tile)!

We took all the kiddos to the pool for a swim, Tulsa was experiencing a heat wave ...

As I checked out the high dive, I couldn't help but wonder if Jared or Will would be brave enough to dare to jump off!

Wilson family picture - aren't they adorable?

... as are our tired babes after a few hours in the pool!

I snapped a few pics of Heather's house (for Tim again) ...

Her style is very simple and modern, much unlike mine, but very cool nonetheless (and inspiring in its clutter-free-ness). Heather and Anthony are in the process of remodeling an older home in a pretty neighborhood in South Tulsa.

She loves her galley kitchen, see the baby gate at the entrance? Any guesses why? :-)

Cute Adia loves to cook up goodies in the kitchen with her mommy. Could there be a happier girl??

I'm always encouraged and stirred up in my faith after spending time with Heather and Anthony, they hold such a special place in my heart and in my story of salvation and its always encouraging to share what the Lord is doing in each of our lives.

On Sunday night, we went to a special meeting at their church to hear a sermon by David Platt on un-reached people groups. Wow. You can find the video here (Wednesday morning - convention message). Take some time to check it out, seriously.

After 3 full days with my sweet friends and baby Caleb, we flew home EARLY this morning

(I've been up since 2am Phx time) - barely making it on the plane as I had a ditzy moment and spaced my departure time! Wonder what Tim and the big boys did in our absence ... that should be the subject of another short post soon!

I'll leave you with a quote from David Platt on this topic of evangelism to chew on ...

"We have reduced Jesus the King to a poor, puny savior who is just begging for people to accept him into their heart or invite him into their life, phrases that are never used in the Word of God," he said. "We have reduced the Gospel of the Kingdom to a shrink-wrapped presentation that if we can get people to say and pray the right things back to us, we will pronounce them fit for heaven and free to live their life on earth however they desire.

"Not true," he continued. "Our King is not a savior who is begging for anyone's casual approval. Our King is a sovereign who deserves everyone's eternal praise."