“Late February days; and now, at last, Might you have thought that winter’s woe was past; So fair the sky was and so soft the air.”  ~ William Morris

February

The days of February were mostly cold and rainy, giving little opportunity to venture outside and even fewer events to go to this month. I did put my inside time to good use though, I have started a prison ministry and with that, I send cards and letters to guys in prison who have very little support from their own family. I call it my “Hebrew 13:3 ministry.”

For upcoming Valentine’s day, I printed and sent out cards with several Valentine themed activity pages to my inmate pen pals. I wanted to send a little something to let the guys know they are loved. I try to bring a little brightness to their days especially around any of the holidays since they can be especially hard for those who are incarcerated. I also wanted to give them the real definition of what love is supposed to look like, sadly many of these guys rarely experienced love and even fewer in it’s truest form. So the card was printed with this scripture:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

I felt they needed to know what love is supposed to look like, maybe it would help them make and keep healthier relationships in the future. I do not try to force my beliefs on any of the guys because they all come from various beliefs and backgrounds. I try my best to just love them without terms and conditions which would show them the love of God more effectively than a sermon ever could. I feel like likely they have had plenty of people who preach at them or have in the past but very few to show them how it looks for love to be walked out before them. I know I have a long ways to go to be a decent example of God’s love to them but all I can do is try my best. I share inspiration to them in various forms from various authors which also includes scriptures but I already told them I like to share quotes so they have come to accept that.

I sometimes wonder if my ministry matters, if I am doing it “right” or if what I do is “enough” but then I receive a letter like this from one of my inmate pen pals, this is what makes it all worth it, knowing what I do really does matter.

All of the guys I write have expressed similar sentiments of appreciation and to know that I made a difference in someone else’s life is the biggest reward on earth.

February 14th

Single sibling Valentine’s date! She and her little bro went riding around and then to Smoothie King.

I haven’t been a big fan of mainstream holidays in years but this year since I started sending cards to my inmate pen pals for the holidays hubby must have gotten into the holiday spirit! He always bought me a flower of something small but this year he went all out. Maybe he just knew I was having a hard year and wanted to do something special. He took me out to dinner the day before (to miss the crowd since he knows I hate crowds), then clothes shopping and bought me 5 new shirts.

He also bought the family heart-shaped pizzas for dinner on Valentine’s day and bought the kids each a box of candy. Then he bought me this teddy bear and brought it to me on his way out on the mail route! He really did make me feel super special and a little awkward but I love him for his enthusiasm! A lady he works with saw the bear and made the comment, “I don’t see a point in buying for each other after you have been married for a few years.” I disagree, if you want to keep full of love and life you still need to make your spouse feel special and the longer you are together the more work you should put into it, it should matter more not less, you have a whole lot more invested at 20 years together than at 2 years together, you must show your loved one that it was all worth it and you don’t regret a single year that has passed.

February 20th

Finally, a pretty day and we had a nice little walk around the lake, which happened to be out of its banks from all the rain we have had. It was just nice to get out, get some exercise, and enjoy the fresh air! I am so ready for spring!

February 24

Happy 20th Anniversary to us!! Hubby took the whole weekend off and we sent the kids to their aunt’s house and he and I stayed home to save money but we did venture out on a little day trip! We went to the Jim Hogg historical site where we hiked the trail and geocached the cache, explored the historical house and even played on the playground equipment a little.

Then we went to the longest footbridge in Rusk and had a mini picnic it was so peaceful and beautiful there, I could have stayed there for hours, then we went to Love’s lookout in Jacksonville and enjoyed the scenic view and then we stopped at a Mexican restaurant there and ate lunch. It was a really precious day just hanging out with my love. I am looking forward to the next 50+ years with this amazing man!!

While we were having our kid-free anniversary weekend, and the kids were at their aunt’s, they met up with my daughter’s friend and went to the “Bull Bash” rodeo and had a really good time! I was worried my son wouldn’t really like the rodeo but he said he had a great time, even enough to act silly and make that face in his sisters “selfie!”

Life is what you make of it, do good, embrace each moment whether they are lessons or blessings, and love those God gives you in life.

Peace, love, joy, and blessings,

Becky

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