Waterfalls and Randomly Placed Horses

Saturday, we took our teens on a walk in the Neath Valley (20 minutes away from Merthyr) to go walking in a beautiful forest that led to gorgeous waterfalls. About 20 altogether went. We trekked along the path as Dave SPED to hit all of the waterfalls in a timely manner. He was such a man. Could possibly be a tour leader for the park. Mud covered the paths, and luckily, we wore wellies to be able to hop in puddles and mud. However some of the girls (two of my favorites, Alys and Bec), were not so prepared with their Converse sneakers and were knee high in mud and water by the end. You were actually able to go behind one of the waterfalls we found. It was beautiful.

As we walked, it was amazing to think that God created all of this for our enjoyment. He is a master Creator. His power can be seen in the rushing torrent of water. That same power is at work in me. He is working. Trials do not have to make our hearts grow in bitterness. They can point us to a powerful God that is able to save weak people. And he loves to show forth his power. So I can boast in my weakness when I feel drained or discouraged. Because that leads me to admit my weakness, cry out for HIS strength, and SEE HIM ANSWER MY CRY FOR MERCY. He will rush over me with the power of the waterfall and fill me with His Spirit.

On the way home, we saw something Merthyr has a reputation for. We saw a horse walking around in the town! People in some of the slightly rougher counsel estates (government housing) will often have pet horses. They keep these horses in the their back gardens and have even been to keep them in their small houses! Occasionally, the horses escape. And this is what you get. See pic. Come to Merthyr and see for yourself.

Sunday, we had our traditional bring and share after church. Around 20 people filled our little house yet another Sunday. Most everyone is in their 20s or early 30s. But they are all SO different. Couples with babies, newly marrieds, breakdancers, homeless, recovering addicts, moms, government workers, etc. It's always a different group of people. Sharing food together and having a laugh. Love Sundays. 

Today is a slow day here with us. Bank holiday! I wake up at ungodly hours even on days off. Dave is adjusting a mirror I put up incorrectly. I am cleaning and perhaps working on budget. Then hopefully, off to Cardiff Starbucks for the afternoon.

Forts and Bible Study

In our effort to do fun, cheap things, we decided that for our FOUR MONTH ANNIVERSARY we would build a fort in our living room. So we set out on this adventure last night after dinner (the quickest, easiest dinner... lots of veg and potatoes, covered with hamburger meat, cream of mushroom, and cheese all cooked in oven). Pictures are posted too ;) We got out the chocolate and coffee. We have loads of chocolate in our house and I adore decaf coffee. We lit candles. We planned to watch a movie right away, but had a sweet date just talking. I love Dave. He is my best friend. Then we watched a crude movie that had funny parts, but isn't reallly worth it (Stepbrothers). Did I mention he bought me a plant with beautiful flowers, bought us a book by Edith Schaeffer, and wrote me a beautiful letter? He is wonderful. All and all, our fort was a hit.

After work today, two of my friends came for coffee. Meet Rachel and Leanne. Rachel got saved on Easter. Leanne got saved in my kitchen. Precious to pray with both of these ex-addicts to receive Jesus. We got to read the Bible today, encourage each other, and pray for each other. Their lives are not easy. They face abuse, lack of money, temptation to return to addictions, and relational difficulties. But they have Jesus now. The Holy Spirit is in them. He is POWERFUL. And he loves and is crazy about them. Have you seen someone know the Lord recently? If not, get please get to know unbelievers and tell them about Jesus. There has been so much joy in the last couple of weeks. GOD IS REALLL. He is working.

Pray for how we can change my schedule so that I can spend more time with people in Merthyr that are poor and broken. My heart is for them. Pictures for you below. Anddd I have added in a little picture from a walk about a month ago. In the Brecon Beacons. Come visit us. But come on a nice day!!!