Here is the latest update from the Horvath home.
Ahhh...Spring
As I type, I'm looking out our office window, we're surrounded by huge, trees already full of green leaves. In fact, it is green everywhere....all shades of green. It has been raining all day. Today I had the best surprise. I went outside to check out my garden since I planted some veggie seeds 4 days ago. I was shocked to find that some little sprouts are already up. I've been praying for God to bless our garden (seriously...I have been.) He's answering! Most of the seed packets state it takes 1-2 weeks for germination. I can't tell you how excited I am!!! Planting and getting the garden ready was an amazingly sweet experience. All last week, while I shoveled, moved rocks, and planted, I had 3 little helpers involved in every stage of the process...Ava helped dig, make the holes for the seeds and drop the veggie seeds. Lily scattered thyme seeds around the stone path. Josh was stealing our shovels, trying to move rocks and dig, sitting in my lap each time I sat to plant seeds, and hugging me from behind. It is truly a family project and we hope to enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of our labor all summer long! For those who live in Austin, we'll share the bounty. (A special thanks to Brett for being the brawn behind the digging and tilling of the soil.)
Followers With the Potential for Transformation
I read something this week about Jesus' disciples. "To the rest of the world, they seemed unimpressive. Unwashed, untaught, and sometimes uncouth. But Jesus saw in them exactly what he needed--followers with the potential for transformation." That is a crazy thought....that Jesus isn't as impressed by what we can do (read and write in Greek and Hebrew), what we don't do (cuss, do drugs, get in drunken brawls), at who we know, what we know, what we do for Him, how many hours we serve, etc, etc. He's not as impressed with all of that as He is with our desire to change, be transformed, be teachable. Easier said than done! Another quote I love "God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. His goal is not to pamper us physically but to perfect us spiritually." A guy came to house church named Mike...he's just a regular dude, puts in glass windshields and stuff for a living (which is how we met him...he put in our new glass in the van). His first time at house church was this past week. It was amazing to hear him speak about how he is looking for a place to hang out with other Christians put doesn't want to go to a "traditional" church. He spoke of his desire to have Christ continue to transform him and for his "woman" (as he referred to her) to believe and accept Christ. He also talked about even as a Christian, he still makes bad choices and hates that he does it. By looking at him, you would never guess that he was as knowledgeable as he was about the Bible or that he was a Christ follower at all. Funny how we have an idea in our head about what a Christ follower should and should not look like. Just because someone doesn't fit the mold, doesn't mean I should count them out. This week Christ reminded me (yet again) to try to see people as he does....all in need of Him, a Savior, to transform them.
News From Our Home
The kids are good. Yesterday we went to Ava's school's playground. All 5 of us were running around, playing soccer, swinging, doing the monkey bars (some of us better than others...if you get a chance, try it, it is a workout for a 35 year old...makes me wonder how we did without getting tired back in the day). Josh LOVED roaming free in such a big space. Last night when I was tucking Lily in she said "Can we go back to Ava's school playground. I want to live there." Fun time had by all. Josh got a haircut this week and is still happy and huge. He's doing great on the stairs (and my back, shoulders, neck thank him). Lily is perfecting her dress-up technique...she's quite skilled at accessorizing with scarves, hats...she's thinking outside the box, too...tutus for hats, my shirts for dresses, etc. Happy to report that a few of Ava's teachers told me she has really adjusted to her new school and doing great. Her main teacher said last week that she has caught up and is doing great in all her subjects (even math!). She's even in the top reading group. We're starting to have the neatest conversations with Ava, she's really thinking and learning. At dinner a few days ago, she asked me if I'm sad because I don't live with my parents anymore. What a great question! Brett and I explained how when you grow up you want to move out (some kids more than others...ha!) and especially when you are ready to get married, you're ready to move out of your parent's house. So cute!
Beaches, Pools are in our Future
We're headed to the beach! Brett's parents are taking us to the beach for a long weekend (almost week) around Memorial Day. We're so excited to rent a big condo in Port Aransas, TX within 100 yds of the beach. The kids first time to go to the beach, and we're all thrilled to go on May 22-27 or so. (Almost a month to get in shape to wear swimsuits...ha!) They don't allow pets at the condo (sniff. sniff. Emmett would love the beach... so sad!) A friend recommended a great kennel for Emmett outside of town. I totally trust her recommendation (her dogs are treated better than most people's children). Hopefully, he'll have fun in Leander, TX while we're away. We've been working on the pool, and it is almost ready! Brett has quickly become proficient in all things pool....chemicals, vacuuming, sweeping, shocking. It's still a little cold in there but the temperature climbs daily as it gets warmer and warmer here. Last Tuesday as I drove to Bible Study, a temperature sign on the side of the highway said it was 99! It still feels good to us (probably because we have 2 air conditioners in our home or maybe because we moved from a frozen wasteland ). The pool is huge, and we're all so excited to break it in! Come visit us this summer...you can swim and eat food from our garden!
Connected But Not Connecting
I went to a Women's Conference this past weekend with my lovely friend Shannon. Guess what it was about? Community. : ) The speaker talked about in the Western world how we are SO connected (Facebook! Twitter, Email, Faxes, Text messages) but not necessarily connecting with each other in a personal, authentic or satisfying way. I keep hearing from many of my friends things like "I have a lot of friends but not enough deep friendships." or "I'm too busy to keep up with my friends." The speaker also mentioned that 41% of Americans of fewer close friends than they did in the recent past. We Westerners are brought up to be self-sufficient and self-reliant. I think that is one reason it is so hard to be real to each other...to not always say "I'm good" "I'm fine" but tell those close to us that we're afraid because our parent is sick, we're shocked at how hard marriage really is, we're lonely and need to get out of the house, whatever! I challenge you to find someone to be "real" with.
Parting Thoughts
Let's see..what else? Brett is doing a Coaching Clinic in San Antonio in May, and he is one of the Trainers. Very Cool. We have regulars coming to House Church and it is GREAT! Still Wednesdays at 6:30. I found a local brewer of Kombucha that is my new favorite brand and cheaper than the Synergy brand. (Don't know what Kombucha is? Google it. It is a "tea" that is great for you and quite addictive (in a good, healthy way).) I (finally) got new glasses and contacts. I saw my friend since Jr. High (years ago my Taco Villa lunch buddy now Dr. Wally!) He did a great job. I can see better now than ever before...my night driving has improved greatly. That's all I can think of . We can't tell you how much we thank you for your prayers and miss you. You are a true blessing to us!
Love, Tiff (and Brett and kids)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Update: Hail, Kids, Ministry, God's Grammar
Wow! It has been a busy last few weeks. Sorry I haven't emailed sooner. Let's see? What has been happening... Get ready for a long one. : )
Hail No!
Almost 2 weeks ago, we planned to start our Horvath Home Gathering (House Church) on Weds 3/24. The food was made, we had a few people coming. Then about half an hour before it was to start, we had a crazy hail storm. For about 2 to 5 minutes there was baseball-sized hail. The back window of the minivan was blown out, it looked like someone shot it out with a shotgun. (as I wrote this Brett just returned from the insurance claim center with a $2800 check to get the repairs fixed.) Our minivan and the suburban we're using had plenty of gnarly hail dents too. It hit the city around rush hour so the highways were stopped for awhile. You should see how bad the cars look at the dealerships around here. Also, tons of cars had broken windows, houses need new roofs. The girls were confused..."what is it? is it snow? snow balls?" Needless to say, due to the storm our guests didn't come for house church that night, so we continued on with just our family. It was still great to read the Bible with the girls (Josh was asleep).
Kid Stuff
Kiddos are great! Ava is doing well at school, got her first report card which only graded her on her first 2 weeks at school. here grades were 4 out of 4 in most attitude and behavior related items, and 3 out of 4 with a few 2's in English and Math. This was not surprising since her school here is so far ahead of her Glenwood school. The standards for what is basic (just meeting, not exceeding) or 2 here appear to be the same as a 3 or 4 (exceeding or consistently exceeding). She is reading well, and I can already see the difference in being at such a great school. She snapped out of her latest sassy phase, and is very happy again. : ) Lily is still enjoying our at home time without Ava. She enjoys playing with Barbies (even though Josh tries to eat the Barbie shoes), playing dress up, High School Musical 3 (she's been wearing red and white most days to support the East High Wildcats from HSM), and coloring. She is counting the days when she can go to Preschool (next Sept) and talking alot about going to the beach (great idea!). She is set on marrying Daddy one day, but when Lily asked if Ava wanted to marry Daddy, Ava said "No, I'll marry a much cuter, younger boy." Josh is busy, happy, large. My back hurts at the end of the day from carrying that hoss up & down the stairs. He can go up and down the stairs solo, we're just watching him and going with him until he is very good at it and comfortable. He's talking tons. We'll ask him a question? "Where's Ava?" and he'll say something like "She's my sister." He talks real fast, but sometimes you can totally make out the words. With all the toys we have, his favorite things are our toothbrushes (we have to hide them) and kitchen gadgets (not the sharp ones). Everyone is still loving the back yard, and we're out there every day for at least an hour or two. Emmett is slim and trim, flea-less, and about to need another shave.
Brett's family visits
Last weekend Brett's mom and dad came (from Denver) Thurs to Sunday, and his brother came in from Dallas Sat to Sunday. We shopped, introduced them to some our favorite restaurants (Schlotzsky's, Chuy's, Rudy's, Amy's, La Madeline), showed them the Arboretum pond/park, Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful weekend (70's and 80's). We had a great time catching up, enjoying the back yard, sharing our new life with them. Of course the kids adored seeing their Grammy and Papa too! They left snow and came back to Denver with a blizzard. I know they were happy to escape from the snow and cold for the weekend. They left happy to see us and physically sore from carrying around Josh the Bruiser.
Coaching, Ministry, Bible Study
Amazing things are happening. First, Our Bible Study starts tonight (Beth Moore's Esther) at my friend Shannon's house. Thirteen people are coming, most from Shannon's gym. The cool thing is that most of these gals haven't done this type of study, don't regularly attend church, and/or aren't Christ followers. I am so excited to see how God works in this time and through the in-depth study of the Bible. Second, Brett attended a week long Coaching Certification which licenses him to train coaching classes. He is seeing alot of recognition and success as he continues with coaching. I'm bragging about him...many of his trainers and peers are saying he is extremely gifted at coaching. He is coaching 5 people right now, and loving it! Very cool. Finally, we have had several encounters with either friends we already know or those we just met. I saw at friend at a burger joint that we love and really wanted to get back in touch with. Right before (seconds before), I saw her, I was praying that God would put people in my path that I needed to talk to. We've invited her to house church and are praying she'll come. Brett met a guy at the BMX park, Joe, that he talked to Christ. Brett explained to him about why we moved to Texas, about our thoughts on Christ, community, about how it is about a relationship not religion. Joe said "I could really get behind that." There is an "old man" night (also called "The Dirty Thirties") at the BMX park on Weds, so we may switch our House Church to another night. I can't help but think there may be a BMX church at the park one of these days...we'll see. We met a really cool couple that have a non-traditional church (meets in a music venue/club, has extensive community outreach) here in town. They seem to share many of our values about community, possessions, ministry, etc. We are excited to get to know them better.
God's Grammar and Lazarus
Lazarus has come up alot lately, in my Mary Martha book and a movie we just watched The Lazarus Project (with Paul Walker, we liked it. I won't tell you about it, it'll give too much away.) Did you know Jesus waited four days after hearing until he went to see Lazarus? He was dead and buried for four days. Mary and Martha were Lazarus' sisters. I can't begin to know what they were thinking, but I bet they questioned why Jesus didn't come back sooner and help their brother. I read and loved this. "God always has a plan. But it may not follow human logic. In fact, it may often seem to go directly against what we believe about God." The last few days I've been reading a part called God's Grammar specifically Never put a period where God puts a comma. So often when I don't hear from Him about something, I think the answer is "no". It is hard to trust His schedule. I'll admit it, I don't often enjoy or like His delays. I want to know now! However, I do know those times when He doesn't answer right away, He has used to change me or strengthen my faith in Him.
That is all I can think of right now. Here are some prayer requests.
Hail No!
Almost 2 weeks ago, we planned to start our Horvath Home Gathering (House Church) on Weds 3/24. The food was made, we had a few people coming. Then about half an hour before it was to start, we had a crazy hail storm. For about 2 to 5 minutes there was baseball-sized hail. The back window of the minivan was blown out, it looked like someone shot it out with a shotgun. (as I wrote this Brett just returned from the insurance claim center with a $2800 check to get the repairs fixed.) Our minivan and the suburban we're using had plenty of gnarly hail dents too. It hit the city around rush hour so the highways were stopped for awhile. You should see how bad the cars look at the dealerships around here. Also, tons of cars had broken windows, houses need new roofs. The girls were confused..."what is it? is it snow? snow balls?" Needless to say, due to the storm our guests didn't come for house church that night, so we continued on with just our family. It was still great to read the Bible with the girls (Josh was asleep).
Kid Stuff
Kiddos are great! Ava is doing well at school, got her first report card which only graded her on her first 2 weeks at school. here grades were 4 out of 4 in most attitude and behavior related items, and 3 out of 4 with a few 2's in English and Math. This was not surprising since her school here is so far ahead of her Glenwood school. The standards for what is basic (just meeting, not exceeding) or 2 here appear to be the same as a 3 or 4 (exceeding or consistently exceeding). She is reading well, and I can already see the difference in being at such a great school. She snapped out of her latest sassy phase, and is very happy again. : ) Lily is still enjoying our at home time without Ava. She enjoys playing with Barbies (even though Josh tries to eat the Barbie shoes), playing dress up, High School Musical 3 (she's been wearing red and white most days to support the East High Wildcats from HSM), and coloring. She is counting the days when she can go to Preschool (next Sept) and talking alot about going to the beach (great idea!). She is set on marrying Daddy one day, but when Lily asked if Ava wanted to marry Daddy, Ava said "No, I'll marry a much cuter, younger boy." Josh is busy, happy, large. My back hurts at the end of the day from carrying that hoss up & down the stairs. He can go up and down the stairs solo, we're just watching him and going with him until he is very good at it and comfortable. He's talking tons. We'll ask him a question? "Where's Ava?" and he'll say something like "She's my sister." He talks real fast, but sometimes you can totally make out the words. With all the toys we have, his favorite things are our toothbrushes (we have to hide them) and kitchen gadgets (not the sharp ones). Everyone is still loving the back yard, and we're out there every day for at least an hour or two. Emmett is slim and trim, flea-less, and about to need another shave.
Brett's family visits
Last weekend Brett's mom and dad came (from Denver) Thurs to Sunday, and his brother came in from Dallas Sat to Sunday. We shopped, introduced them to some our favorite restaurants (Schlotzsky's, Chuy's, Rudy's, Amy's, La Madeline), showed them the Arboretum pond/park, Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful weekend (70's and 80's). We had a great time catching up, enjoying the back yard, sharing our new life with them. Of course the kids adored seeing their Grammy and Papa too! They left snow and came back to Denver with a blizzard. I know they were happy to escape from the snow and cold for the weekend. They left happy to see us and physically sore from carrying around Josh the Bruiser.
Coaching, Ministry, Bible Study
Amazing things are happening. First, Our Bible Study starts tonight (Beth Moore's Esther) at my friend Shannon's house. Thirteen people are coming, most from Shannon's gym. The cool thing is that most of these gals haven't done this type of study, don't regularly attend church, and/or aren't Christ followers. I am so excited to see how God works in this time and through the in-depth study of the Bible. Second, Brett attended a week long Coaching Certification which licenses him to train coaching classes. He is seeing alot of recognition and success as he continues with coaching. I'm bragging about him...many of his trainers and peers are saying he is extremely gifted at coaching. He is coaching 5 people right now, and loving it! Very cool. Finally, we have had several encounters with either friends we already know or those we just met. I saw at friend at a burger joint that we love and really wanted to get back in touch with. Right before (seconds before), I saw her, I was praying that God would put people in my path that I needed to talk to. We've invited her to house church and are praying she'll come. Brett met a guy at the BMX park, Joe, that he talked to Christ. Brett explained to him about why we moved to Texas, about our thoughts on Christ, community, about how it is about a relationship not religion. Joe said "I could really get behind that." There is an "old man" night (also called "The Dirty Thirties") at the BMX park on Weds, so we may switch our House Church to another night. I can't help but think there may be a BMX church at the park one of these days...we'll see. We met a really cool couple that have a non-traditional church (meets in a music venue/club, has extensive community outreach) here in town. They seem to share many of our values about community, possessions, ministry, etc. We are excited to get to know them better.
God's Grammar and Lazarus
Lazarus has come up alot lately, in my Mary Martha book and a movie we just watched The Lazarus Project (with Paul Walker, we liked it. I won't tell you about it, it'll give too much away.) Did you know Jesus waited four days after hearing until he went to see Lazarus? He was dead and buried for four days. Mary and Martha were Lazarus' sisters. I can't begin to know what they were thinking, but I bet they questioned why Jesus didn't come back sooner and help their brother. I read and loved this. "God always has a plan. But it may not follow human logic. In fact, it may often seem to go directly against what we believe about God." The last few days I've been reading a part called God's Grammar specifically Never put a period where God puts a comma. So often when I don't hear from Him about something, I think the answer is "no". It is hard to trust His schedule. I'll admit it, I don't often enjoy or like His delays. I want to know now! However, I do know those times when He doesn't answer right away, He has used to change me or strengthen my faith in Him.
That is all I can think of right now. Here are some prayer requests.
- Gals in Esther Bible Study, Tues nights 7 pm: for those that don't know Christ to accept Him, for all of us to commit to completing the homework daily (45 min), that God would change all of us through the Study.
- Horvath Home Gathering: That God would bring those that He wants to be here.
- Coaching, Ministry Funding: We sent out a fundraising letter for our ministry (non-profit AdvanceHim). That God would bless Brett's coaching. Also, that Christ would speak to those who He wants to partner with us as we strive to live our whole lives for Christ
We love you and miss you! Thanks for your prayers. Love, Tiff (and Brett, Ava, Lily, Josh, and Emmett)
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