Exploring Fort Worth: The Heart of Texas and the Heart of God

We traveled from San Angelo to Fort Worth, TX. Several of my closest friends have relocated to that area, so I was thrilled to pay them an extended visit and discover the hype.We initially visited during New Year's, and our experience was so enjoyable that we decided to return again recently. Join me as I share recommendations for my favorite campground in the area, the most delectable BBQ I've ever indulged in, and entertaining activities for everyone.

My Very Favorite Army Corps of Engineers Campground

Nestled alongside Benbrook Lake sits my beloved ACE campground, Holiday Park. 

Five factors make it stand out for me: 

1. Its stunning beauty - Our site was right on the water, nestled in the trees.
2. Abundant wildlife - We spotted deer every morning and evening.
3. Convenient location- Close to grocery and hardware stores and 20 min. from downtown. 
4. Reasonable pricing- Our site, # 73, was $13.50/ night. 
5. Commitment to safety- The presence of a gate guard ensures added security.

 However, there are two drawbacks to note: 

1. The gate closes at 10 pm.
2. During our stay, the water supply was shut off, leaving us with only electric hookups.

Tip: Investing in a water bladder can be a lifesaver, as it proved invaluable during instances of boon-docking or when facing water supply issues, such as our experience in South Dakota and here (where the weather dropped below freezing for three days straight!).

Favorite Activities

Exploring Fort Worth's Stockyards was the highlight of my trip. Witnessing the Cattle Drive, browsing through western shops, and stepping into Billy Bob's, the world's largest honky-tonk, were unforgettable experiences. 

Inside Billy Bob's, we marveled at the wall of fame adorned with celebrities' handprints, and my kids were thrilled to find their hands were bigger than Willie Nelson's. The bull riding arena at Billy Bob's was a surprising highlight, showcasing the world's top bull riders in weekly competitions.

Among the Stockyards' dining spots, Jo T Garcia's stood out as my favorite. Established in 1935, this restaurant boasts lush gardens, their famous margaritas, and a delightfully simple yet tasty menu.

For Pickleball enthusiasts or chicken lovers, Chicken N Pickle is a must-visit. Whether renting a court or dining in, it offers a lively atmosphere reminiscent of a Pickleball version of Top Golf.

Seeking outdoor adventures, we ventured to Marion Sansom Park, where the boys biked the trails while the girls hiked. We discovered a partially frozen waterfall, adding to the excitement of the sunny 60-degree weather, despite the steep and muddy trails.

While we didn't explore all recommended activities like the Fort Worth Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Bush Museum, and Cowgirl Museum, we savored local cuisine. 

Food to Try

Goldee's BBQ, despite the two-hour wait in freezing cold, impressed us with its top spot on Texas Monthly's list. It lived up to it's reputation, it has been the best BBQ we have ever tasted.

Our family friends graciously took us out to Texas Roadhouse, which somehow tasted better in Texas, and Hoffbrau Steak Roadhouse, which was delicious. 

For a quick burger fix, our favorite place was Dutches Burgers. 

For the best Mexican Food you must try Jo T's as listed above.

Overall Experience

• Overall, visiting friends from kindergarten and high school, sharing moments with their gracious and giving families, and exchanging insights enriched our trip. 

• Friendship and family hold immense value, and our time together, whether discussing parasite cleanses, the benefits of raw milk, conspiracy theories, relationships, or resilience, was truly cherished.

• One of my friends tragically lost her brother, leaving my other friend widowed with two young children. My heart goes out to them, as life can feel profoundly unjust. Yet, the words she spoke continue to resonate with me: "God truly does take care of widows." Although I have never felt that kind of grief, Jesus has, and I can see how inviting Him into our grief opens up a way forward. 

• Through this experience, I've come to understand the importance of vulnerability in connecting with others. Rather than projecting a facade of having it all together, it's essential to share from a place of authenticity and humility, acknowledging our own brokenness, for no one has all the answers or perfect lives.

Bible Verse 

• After reflecting on brokenness and preparing to celebrate Easter, the Lord put these verses on my heart:

Isaiah 53:3-6 NLT

3 He was despised and rejected—

a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.

We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.

He was despised, and we did not care.

4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;

it was our sorrows that weighed him down.

And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,

a punishment for his own sins!

5 But he was pierced for our rebellion,

crushed for our sins.

He was beaten so we could be whole.

He was whipped so we could be healed.

6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.

We have left God’s paths to follow our own.

Yet the Lord laid on him

the sins of us all.

Reflection

• Empathy: Jesus was willingly burdened with not only our sins but also human weakness and sorrow. We can be reassured that Jesus has deep empathy and identification with all of our struggles and pain, He gets us.

• Misunderstanding: There was and still is a common misconception about suffering – that it is always a consequence of sin. However, the passage clarifies that Jesus' suffering was actually for the sins of all of us, not His own. That is how much our God loves us. His suffering freed us, our suffering brings us closer to Him. 

• Final Sacrifice: Jesus, being the perfect man, bore the punishment we deserved, closing the gap between us and God. All we have to do is embrace the final sacrifice of His only son, Jesus. This invaluable gift is accessible to all. What an inclusive God we have!

• Our Sin: We all sin, but God shows His love and grace by placing all of our sins on Jesus, offering not only salvation, but a faithful advocate and the most fulfilling relationship to those who believe. 

I read that these verses have led many individuals from the Jewish faith to believe in Jesus as their Messiah. A Rabbi shared an enlightening experience where a friend read these verses to him, and he assumed they were from the New Testament due to their clear reference to Jesus. Upon discovering they were a prophecy from Isaiah, it profoundly impacted the Rabbi's perspective and life. His insights, rooted in his Jewish background and understanding, are remarkable. I highly recommend his book, "Mysteries of the Messiah."

Prayer

• If you have never accepted Jesus as your savior or maybe you have and you want to simply recognize his sacrifice, pray this prayer with me:

Heavenly Father,

I come before you with a heart full of gratitude, acknowledging your endless love and mercy. 

 I repent of my sins and ask for your forgiveness, knowing that you are a God of compassion and grace. Help me to turn away from sin and to walk in righteousness, following your will for my life.

I accept the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for my sins. I am humbled by Your love and sacrifice, and I surrender my life to You completely. 

May I be a vessel of your light and truth, sharing your love with others and bringing glory to your Holy Name.

In Jesus' name, I pray,

Amen.

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.

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