Ending our time away....

 We spent the last several days of our time away from home at a rather unusual place for a couple of old fogies like us.  Gwen and Tim had actually stayed at this resort several years ago to break up a trip to Baltimore.  They loved the beach and knowing that we were looking for a beach closer to home, they encouraged us to try out The Breakers at Cedar Point.  The interesting thing about this place is the amusement park that is directly around the hotel.  And I mean right there!  A perk of staying at the Breakers is a short walk to both the regular park and also the newer water park as well as early entry to both parks.  Of course admission tickets for the parks are NOT included in your hotel fee, which was great for us!  We did not want to visit either park!  We really came for the beach and the pools.  It was an different experience for us for sure.  I could not get over the noise of the big steel roller coaster that was directly behind the beach.  The rumbling - and the people screaming - were an interesting back drop to the lake view.  It did make for some wonderful sunset photos....
I call this one "Going Down!"

I am sure that Ken got many more great shots during the time we spent on the beach at sunset.  And the beach was mostly empty with the majority of the guests at the parks.

As you can see in this picture, we had the beach to ourselves during this time.  This was the last week that the parks were open, so they had an earlier than normal closing time of 8:00pm.  So after that time the pools and hot tubs were jammed with people.  This suited us just fine, since by 8:00pm we were quite happy to be relaxing in our room or on the wonderful screened in balcony.  We spent some time on the beach during the morning, when all but a few people were in the park.  The weather, though sunny, was not very warm.  We had been told that Lake Erie was shallow and the warmest of the Great Lakes.  However, thanks to rainy weather and very cold temperatures the lake was COLD!  Even the pools were not really warm enough to be comfortable.  The hot tubs were great and we enjoyed the indoor pool and hot tub when the wind was cold. There were many sitting areas scattered around between the pools and the walkways to the parks and the beach.  We found a great place to relax in one of these areas when the outdoor pools and beach were too cold and the indoor pool area was too hot.  It was secluded enough to be out of the wind, and had another amazing feature...

Even on the balcony of our 5th floor room we would see hundreds of monarchs flying around.  Apparently they were especially attracted to these flowering bushes that lined the walkway. When someone walked by there would be a cloud of butterflies rising from the bushes.  It was memorizing to watch the play of the butterflies against the plants and the building.  It was a great way to spend several hours.  

It is good to reflect at the end of a trip, to remember the really great things and to discard some of the not so good things.  Those hotel surveys sure make you take stock of your trip, don't they?  A conclusion of this recap for both Ken and I was that we would not go back to Cedar Point.  We were glad we tried it, but we would look for a different beach on our next trip.  We were extremely glad that we visited the Flight 93 - 9/11 memorial park.  It is  in such an out of the way place that we might never get back to that area.  While we finally made it to Cooks Forest, we did not get to tube or kayak on the Clarion River.  The last two times we tried to visit, the park was flooded!  This time it was cold and the river was very low.  Still, thankful to finally see another place that was important to Ken from his childhood. I got to visit an old friend and see a new (to me) city.  Ken got to revisit an old childhood home.  Yes, lots of positives from this vacation. 

I think all travel is beneficial.   It helps you to see from other people's perspective.  You get to encounter all kinds of new people along the way.  We got to try out lots of new to us places to eat.  I recently saw a video about a 57 women with early onset Alzheimer.  Her biggest regret was that she would never be able to travel - something that she had been putting off for her entire life.  When her son heard this, he decided to make her dream come true, and arranged several international trips with her.  She was able to see the places she had dreamed about.  How often do we make the mistake of putting off something, even if it seems like a good reason?  I know I have certainly been guilty of doing that.  I am so thankful that Ken and I have made travel a priority during these years - while we are still young enough to enjoy the journey.  It is, however, really good to be home! 

I began these blogs about our vacation talking about running into September.  And here we are, in September.  Last week was cold and rainy and certainly felt like fall.  Today, however is 82 and sunny.  Still, it is clear that the season change is upon us.  We saw more than one tree that had begun to change color.  The kids are all back to school.  Yep, soon enough we will be pulling out those winter coats.  I can't image living in a place that never had a change of season.  I really enjoy marking the time by the season changes.   Before I know it, September will be gone.  

Yes, time is going by and it is easy to put off those trips, those visits with family, or just that coffee with a friend.  I don't want to have a list of regrets in the years ahead.  Instead I want to have scrapbooks full of pictures of great adventures and the faces of all my loved ones.  I want to have memories of times spent laughing and talking with family and friends.  I want to have tons of hugs that will warm my heart.   

I am so thankful today.  Just sitting in my own little chair, reflecting back on the last couple of weeks.  I am feeling very happy and very blessed.  It is so good to stop and reflect as the seasons change.  It is good to add to your thankful journal all of those memories.  And it is good to look ahead to the next season. Yes, life goes on!

Jesus, thank you so much for this beautiful creation.  Holy Spirit give us courage to keep on seeking new adventures.  Jesus thank you for butterflies and the reminder that you will totally transform us into new creations!  Give us gentle nudges when we start putting off those things that will bring us joy.  Keep our eyes turned to you, Jesus.  Thank you for family and friends and home.  Amen

Vacation memories...and thoughts

 We have had a fabulous time away from our "normal" routine. It was a cold, windy start to our time away but the weather cooperated and we have had days of sun, sand and waves.  Just what I really needed.  I have always said that sitting by the water, listening to the waves and watching the rise and fall of the water somehow "resets" my spirit.   We were sad when we left the beach this morning, but it is always good to think about being home.  There really is "no place like home!" Here is a shot of our last sunrise and the beach, as I waved goodbye.

We did do a few interesting things on this trip. We got to check something off of our "want to do" list.  We watched the Blue Angels during their homecoming practice at the Naval Air Base. I believe that 90% of the other people vacationing in this area ALSO decided to attend.  The web site actually says that only 1,000 people can get into the viewing area, but today they did not stop the crush of people entering through the gates.  I can not imagine just how many people crammed into that area.  Ken and I waited in a line to get in for over an hour.  Then I waited in line for about 40 minutes to buy water!  It was HOT and SUNNY - but we saw the show!  I actually missed the take off (while waiting in line) but I can assure you that I heard and felt it!  The dollar we paid for ear plugs was certainly worth it!  Ken has actually seen the Angels several times at the Air and Water show.  I had never seen them before.  It was special to see them at their home base.  We also got to see the 2017 show for the first time ever.  Ken took lots of pictures. We walked through the museum but didn't spend much time there.  We had visited it on a previous trip to this area.  We did stop for a photo op with this Blue Angels plane!

We also visited the Fort Pickens National Park and the Gulf Shores National Seashore.  It was really amazing to drive miles and miles and see only white sand dunes and see water on both sides of the road (the bay on one side and the gulf on the other).  It was so peaceful and just the opposite of the busy, touristy area right around the hotel and the pier.  There were lots of big birds and I saw more than a couple bald eagles.  The only really negative thing about the National Seashore is that you can not stop along the route - only in designated parking areas.  So we couldn't get pictures of some of the really amazing things we saw.  But, it was still a wonderful way to spend several hours.

We had a couple of interesting things happen during this trip.  There is a toll bridge to get out to the outer island that we were staying on.  We made several trips back and forth over that bridge - in spite of the toll.  Let's face it - we live in Chicago and pay tolls ALL THE TIME!  So a buck to go for ice cream seemed well worth it.  On Sunday (following our ice cream run) we were told by the friendly toll taker that someone else had paid our toll!  While it was only a dollar, it was a reminder that there are kind and caring people out there, spreading good cheer to others.  Such a simple thing, but it sure made us smile!

The hotel was very busy, as you might expect at this time of year.  We had several families with small children in rooms near to ours, but we never had any noise at all!  We figured that swimming and the sun and the beach must have tired them out.  It was all quiet on our floor after 10pm!  We have stayed in some very noisy hotels before, so we were especially thankful for the quiet on this trip.  Again, it might seem like a small thing, but we sure appreciated the nights of good sleep.

The last time we visited this beach was in 2007.  There had been really bad Hurricane damage in the fall of 2004 from Hurricane Ivan.  There was very little rebuilt around the hotel and there was no access to Fort Pickens.  The National Seashore did not exist.  They had started to build two more hotels just down from the hotel we stayed at.  It was interesting to see the development that had happened in 10 years.  So many more places to eat.  And the pier and public beaches are so nice.  It really puts into perspective just how quickly material things can be "blown in the wind".  I love the reminder that no matter how much destruction seems to be in our life, Jesus is in the reconstructing business!

As always, this time away has filled my mind and my spirit with so many thoughts and images and things to ponder.  The fierce  winds that started our trip reminded me to pray that the wind of the Holy Spirit would surround me and fill me with all that Jesus has for me.  Several nights, as I went to sleep with roar of the wind in my ears (instead of the lapping of the waves), I prayed for more insight and wisdom and direction.   And Jesus was faithful to speak to me in my dreams!  As I walked in the water while searching for shells, I was reminded that Jesus doesn't just look at "perfect" people.  I was seeking that perfect shell, but more often than not, the shells were broken and chipped from the intense waves caused by the strong winds.  I have certainly felt pushed around and tossed in the waves of life over the last few years.  And I know that I have broken and chipped places in my heart and spirit.  I am so thankful that Jesus looks ESPECIALLY for us broken ones.  In His hands, held by his heart, we are whole and perfect in his sight.  Yes, I will treasure those broken, chipped shells more than the few "perfect" shells that I did find.

On the last day of our trip, I found out via Facebook, that an old friend, Dave, had passed away.  Ken and I had spent many, many hours with Dave and his wife Marie in the years right before and after our marriage.  As a matter of fact, I was the Matron of Honor in their wedding.  Shortly after their wedding they moved to Wisconsin.  We kept in touch with Christmas Cards prior to Facebook.  In the last few months we realized that one of their daughters lives just blocks away from Gwen and her family.  What are the odds of that?  We were hopeful that we could connect with them when they visited their daughter.  Sadly, the last time they were in town was the weekend that our new little Grace was born.  So we were otherwise occupied and couldn't connect with them.    It has been a reminder to me that it is important to make time to see people that are important to you.  You just never know when it will be too late.   It certainly makes me appreciate all of my great friends - those that I see often and those that I  only connect with via Facebook!  Every contact, every picture or post helps me stay close with friends and relatives - in spite of distance!  Today I am thinking about Marie and just how broken she must be right now.  I am praying that Jesus will hold her and her daughters close during this difficult time.  And thanks to those broken shells, I am sure that He will.

Jesus, thank you for a wonderful time away.  Holy Spirit, help us keep our eyes on all of those little simple things that happen each day and remind us to share your love with others - even in small ways.  Thank you for winds that help clear away the clutter in our mind.  Thank you Jesus for holding close all those who grieve.  Thank you for your healing touch.  Amen

Memories of a long ago trip....and another bit from Wednesday night!

On Friday night, Ken and I had dinner with Doug and Susie, followed by a wonderful time seeing their photos from their recent trip out west.  They got some amazing pictures!  And I couldn't help but remember my trip through Yellowstone and Glacier on my family vacation to Spokane to visit my aunt and uncle.  I was thinking of this picture of my mom, me and my aunt Bee from that vacation.  This was the only "real" vacation I ever went on with my family (other than going to the Lake).  Sadly, what I remember most about this trip was being crammed in the middle of the back seat (between my mom and my brother, since Aunt Bee needed to ride in the front seat).  On the entire trip to Spokane, I was miserable with an abscessed tooth.  As soon as we got to my Aunt's house, a trip to the dentist, a pulled tooth, and antibiotics and I was feeling much better.   I was almost 9 years old on this trip, so I remember the "important" sights.....Old Faithful, seeing snow in June, the mountains, Mt. Rushmore, and actually meeting my aunt and uncle for the first time (and sadly, the only time I ever got to see them).  Yes, seeing Doug and Susie's pictures made it clear that Ken and I will be putting a trip out west on our "bucket list".

In my last blog I shared about a meeting I attended on Wednesday night with Dr. Clarice Fluitt.   I have a page of "one liners" that I have been meditating on, turning over in my spirit, thinking about and just reading - over and over.  So I decided to just shoot them off to all of you, so that YOU can be meditating, turning over, thinking about and reading.  So here goes....

*change the atmosphere - choose to use your words.
*your participation is REQUIRED not REQUESTED
*you are the disguise of God - He is hidden within us
*be a thermostat - not a thermometer.   Set the atmosphere - don't report it.
*don't wait till it is too late......live in heaven NOW on earth.
*the church is waiting for God to do what God is waiting for the church to do!
*the root of the word culture is CULT!
*live FULL and die EMPTY
*say it in don't just pray it in (use your VOICE)
*be expecting God to do something through you rather than TO you.
*if you are called to be an overcomer you have a lot to over come!

Seeing that list....all I can say is WOW!  Sometimes you come away from a meeting with only one or two thoughts.  Obviously that was not the case with this meeting!  I encourage you to read through those one liners.  Listen to the Holy Spirit and I know that you will be blessed by these words of wisdom!

Jesus, thank you for time with family that includes sharing food and also wonderful photos.  Thank you for providing time  for Doug and Susie to rest and recharge while away enjoying nature.  Holy Spirit, use these amazing "one liners" from Dr.Clarice to bless and encourage us.  Speak your heart and message into us through them.  Amen

There must be a message in this..........

Is there a message in this?  We stayed in a very nice hotel in Washington, DC for the last 4 days.  It had 9 floors and was really more upscale than the hotels that Ken and I choose.  We were in room 519.  Today, we left Washington and drove to New Jersey where we are staying at a hotel convenient to the train station into New York City.  When we checked in this afternoon I almost fell over when the desk clerk handed me the key above.....room 519.  This hotel has 6 floors and is a different chain. Okay, there MUST be a message in this!  What are the odds that this would happen?????

In DC we had this view out the window........ the Washington Monument.

In New Jersey we have this view out the window.....the One World Trade Center.

Seems like this is not a coincident at all, but there is something that I need to learn/share/understand about 519!  Along the way today we decided to take a side trip to see the ocean and the second tallest lighthouse in the United States.  I'll share about that later, after I have uploaded my pictures!  Here is one snapshot from my phone.  

It may be the Atlantic, but Florida it is NOT!  The water temperature at this sight had just gone UP to 57 degrees from a very frigid 50 last week.  Not swimming weather at all.  

So, my first thought on 519..... what does Scripture say in chapter 5 verse 19?  I went to John first (my favorite book)  Jesus gave them this answer: "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can only do what he sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does, the Son does also."    Interesting..... I have often pondered this passage.  I love the thought that Jesus only did what he saw the Father doing.... somehow it makes his miracles seem even more amazing.  It certainly gives us something to think about!  I love to stop and realize that everything that Jesus does, is also being done by the Father.  Isn't that wonderful?  It's easy to kind of let our image of the Father be distant and well....regal.  It is quite another thing to consider each of the things that Jesus did as something that the Father was doing.  I love these verses that are "Trinity" verses - when you can see the action of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  So to be "Christlike" in our actions, means that we will be "Fatherlike" also!  WOW!  I know there is much more that Jesus is speaking to me about 519.... so more to come in the days ahead!

Tonight, when I am thinking about this "God-incident" of being in room 519 twice....I am just so thankful for Jesus and His love and care for us.  When I stood on that jetty this afternoon and looked out over the Atlantic, I could feel Jesus acting in the little things.  Any vacation that does not include the ocean is hard for me.  I really miss seeing the waves, smelling the salt air, feeling the spray... just the immense power of the ocean.  We did not plan on seeing the ocean.  It was a last minute side trip.  But it was all part of the plan that Jesus had for us.  That two hour adventure to the light house, changed our arrival time at the hotel....and the room that we got assigned to us.  Yes, it was a great day today.  

One more rather big thing about today for me..... I added two more states to my list of "VISITED STATES!"  We went through Delaware and I am in New Jersey!  So now I only have 11 states left to visit and Ken only has 7.   The four that we have in common (Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Maine) are on really opposite sides of the United States!  But I am very proud to be down to 11 states not visited. Thanks to Delaware and New Jersey!  There will be more vacations in the future!

Even on vacation Jesus is speaking and acting on our behalf.  We just need to remember to take the time to SEE and HEAR him.  My encouragement to you today, no matter what you are doing - at home or away -  stop and consider all the little ways that Jesus has been there for you.  I am sure that you will be as amazed as me!

Jesus, thank you for the time at the ocean today.  Holy Spirit, continue to speak to me about 519 and all that you have to say through this!  Thank you for giving me amazing views - even from a distance and the provision to visit these structures, up close!  Help us all to see your provision, even in the little things.  And help us to remember Jesus that you only did what you saw the Father doing!  Amen

A bit of an overload of vacation.....

Yes, these are the bottom of my feet, and these are very icky, painful blisters.  And the reason is a most likely from our day yesterday (with a lot of today thrown in for good measure).  We arrived in Washington DC around dinner time yesterday.  We are staying in Logan Square area (which is supposed to be walking distance to the mall.  It is actually 1.4 miles to the mall - at least a part of the mall.  By the time we got back to the hotel (around 10:45pm) we had walked and walked!  Today we discovered that we had actually walked around 10 miles!  And then we set off this morning and walked some more!  By this afternoon, the bottom of my feet were really burning.  Since I figured that I had some blisters, we stopped at Walgreens and got some blister bandaids.  And just to prove that that is really a Walgreens on every corner.....

Yes, we were in Chinatown!  This has been a really interesting vacation.  It is the second time that we have visited Washington DC so we had a very specific list of things to see that we missed on our first visit.  The 10 miles yesterday were mainly so that Ken could get some night photos of the monuments.  I really enjoyed the WWII memorial which had wonderful fountains. And there is just something special about the Lincoln Memorial at night.    It was worth the very long walk.  We saw much more today than we expected but still have several things to do on our remaining couple of days here.  And all of those things involve walking.  Sigh.  I'm praying that my feet heal overnight and that the blister bandaids help cushion my feet!   And we still have three days of walking in New York City!  

I had a couple of interesting "God- Incident" experiences today.  The first was seeing so many churches around the city. These are churches that have been here for a long time.  Most have dates from the 1800's.    As a matter of fact, there is a really amazing church directly in front of our hotel.   You can't help but know and feel that the presence of God has been welcomed here in our capital.  In spite of what has been happening in the political arena, there is no doubt that God is here and He has always been a part of our government.  Standing in the National Archives today, looking down at the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, the evidence is clear.  The United States were founded on God and Godly principles.  

Then later today, when we were making our second trip to the mall, we were walking towards the Capitol.  A young couple approached me and asked if I happened to have any sunscreen.  They were both already badly burned.  Of course, I had sunscreen in my backpack.  I have never seen people so happy to get a few squirts of liquid in their hands!  I made sure that they got covered to prevent any further sun damage.  It was supposed to rain today so they had not been prepared for the sun and the heat!  I knew that it was all about being in the right place at the right time.  It might not seem like anything really important happened in this event, But I spent the next several minutes praying for this couple (and the older lady who was with them).  They had already walked away, and Ken was busy taking pictures of the Capital, And I was sitting comfortably on a bench in the shade.  It was a really wonderful time of prayer!  I don't know why this couple decided to ask ME for sunscreen!   I guess I just look like a mom/grandma who might be prepared for any emergency?  I saw it as a chance to pray for 3 people that I would not have even noticed, without the sunscreen.  I prayed that they would be touched by the SON and also not suffer with their sunburn. It was a really neat way to end the day.

Vacations are interesting on so many levels.  We started out this vacation visiting the town where Ken lived for the first 10 years of his life.  It was so good to actually see the house where he lived and visit places that he has talked about for 43 years.  I really liked this small town.  It was a pleasant beginning to our trip!  I am sure that there is much more in store over the next few days.  And I can't wait!

Jesus, thank you for these times to get away and discover new places and new things.  Thank you for reminders that you are the foundation of our great nation, Jesus.  Bring us back to our foundations Lord!  Thank you for chance meetings and also the chance to see important places from our pasts.  Jesus, I am trusting and believing in your healing power for that sunburned couple from Minnesota and also my blistered feet!  Thank you Jesus!  Amen

Day 7 - An unexpected answer to prayer!

My story for today is actually TODAY'S story!  Not from a few years ago, or many years ago.  But actually from this week.  This picture of Ken and I with his dad, was taken last year when we visited him.  I have been feeling so strongly that we needed to get to Florida to see him again this year.  But we had many, many obstacles in our way.  Even before I lost my job, we just were not seeing any way to plan another trip.  We had decided that we did not want to do the "same old trip" to celebrate our 40th anniversary.  That is why we ended up in Canada.  Another obstacle to an added vacation was that Ken's company is relocating to a different building.  This move is really a big deal (think big, expensive, delicate and fragile equipment that has to be packed, moved, set up and recalibrated.  Yes, this is a lot of stress.) And of course, the exact dates of this move kept changing, which certainly added to the stress.  So anytime I tried to approach the subject of going to Florida, Ken was just unwilling to talk about it.  I understood why he was reluctant.  Then when I lost my job, it sort of made the thought of a trip, well impossible. 

As I have mentioned, I have been looking for a new job.  But there has been nothing out there!  Applications have been filled out, resumes sent, emails and faxes, yet there have been not calls.  I have had the feeling that the exact job just was not ready yet.  And I have had peace in it all. 

Then, Ken came home and mentioned that he has to travel to a business meeting in North Carolina, in the beginning of August.  I started to think about the possibility of combining this trip with a vacation to Florida.  Before I could even mention it, Ken suggested it!  Suddenly, I was very glad that I wasn't at the beginning of a new job.  That would have made it impossible for me to take two weeks off. 

Isn't it amazing how Jesus works?  All this time, the reason that I haven't found work, was to allow me the freedom to travel to see Ken's dad.  And since Ken's travel is already work related, it wasn't a problem to add some vacation time to this trip. 

The icing on the cake answer to prayer was finding out that a gift certificate we received for an ocean resort was going to be honored!   This was amazing because the certificate actually expired YESTERDAY!  I called yesterday and explained that we were going to be able to be in Florida in August and asked if they would honor this, and they said YES!  With no hassle, no trouble, nothing!  It was just a simple, "Sure, we'll honor that!"  Wow, I was overwhelmed.  Ken and I will be able to have some time at the ocean to just relax.  What a gift.

So, this is truly an answer to prayer.  Not only will we get to see Ken's dad, we will get a much needed rest at my favorite location - the ocean.  And Ken will get some much needed time to recover from the stress of his work situation.  I am sure that the exact right job for me will show up after we get back from our trip. 

Jesus, thank you so much for knowing our hearts and making those sometimes hidden things come to pass for us.  Jesus, thank you for this amazing gift of time away to spend with family.  Thank you for Ken's job and for your grace and provision during this stressful time.  Thank you for favor for us with Ken's company and also favor at that resort.  Bless all who had a part in making this trip possible.  Thank you Jesus for unexpected and joyful surprises!  Amen

Revelation from a frazzled day

I have just spent another couple of hours finishing up packing for our long awaited vacation.  I keep having the feeling that I am forgetting something.  I can't figure out if traveling by car or airplane is harder,.  If you could see my kitchen table right now, you would vote for car being harder.  I have a variety of bags, totes, coolers, and other "must take with us" things accumulating there.  On the other hand, if we were flying, we would have just our two bags.  But then again, trying to figure out what we HAD to pack would be much harder.  So I am thankful that we have room in the car for those extra things. 

I am feeling a bit frazzled tonight. It was a rather tough day at work.  It is a mystery to me why three year old boys think it is great fun to spit at each other and to lick anything that is close to them!  Anyone have any ideas here?  I am also growing very tired of "tattle tales".  While we are very aware that there is plenty of foolishness happening that is fodder for the tattlers, I'm saying "enough is enough!"  If we don't witness the act, we will not respond (within reason....if there is blood, a big mark on someone's body, or crazy crying, we step in)! Our response is always "Go and talk to your friend.  Use your words."  Even though this has always been our response, we will no longer listen to the tale being told.  I simply hate this stage of growing up.   We have a couple of kids who seem to just keep their eyes on everyone else and report everything they see.

So on the way home from work I was thinking about my day.  I guess our world does need people who watch and report what they see.  We rely on exactly this type of people for our news reporting.  It is a useful skill and I think I will remember this when dealing with our little "tattlers".  I was thinking about some of the other character qualities that are already so apparent in these little 3's.  There are a couple of children who are so quick to help out their friends.  They clearly have compassion and caring in their makeup.  We have more than one child that can already build and create with Duplos in ways that amaze me.  They could be future inventors or engineers.  There is one little girl who could sit at the table and color all day if we would let her.  I have never seen a three year old color so well with so much detail.  Yes, she is quite the artist. 

I love that Jesus' plan and purpose for us begins at birth.  Each of us has very specific and very clear personality traits and interests that help us fulfill our destiny.   I love that I can have a very different perspective of these children I work with each day.  And it has given me insight in how to pray for each of them.  I am still wondering exactly what the destiny is for the kids who think it is wonderful to spit at each other.  I am praying that I will begin to see exactly what is behind that crazy behavior and get to their heart of these kids!  Yes, I will have lots of time on vacation to ponder this!

Jesus, thank you for rest and relaxing.  Thank you for the opportunity to get a new perspective on my work and the reminder to see beyond the behavior.  Holy Spirit, help us all to apply this lesson to everyone that we deal with.  Especially those that might bother or annoy us.  Jesus, thank you for revelation and inspiration.  Thank you for planning our destiny!  Amen

Result of a very busy few days....

Well my last blog was all about spending a day scrapbooking.  Then, Sunday, was not so much about relaxing.  It was a day that I look forward to all year!  It was Lia's dance recital! 

She works so hard all year and it is so rewarding to see the fruits of all that work! Lia is in a "Combo Class" that does both a ballet and tap number.   It is hard to believe that this was the 5th year she has been at this studio and in this year end show!  She started off in pre-ballet as a 3 year old and has never looked back.  Lia loves to dance!  She is very excited to be adding to her experience this summer by taking a "Lyrical" dance class.  When she is up on that stage, she shines!  It was a great day (although no photos were allowed during the recital...sadly).  This year, at the final bow, she was several rows back from the front.  Its hard to imagine just how grown up she has gotten. 

 

Then on Monday, I went up to Gwen's as usual.  Lia is still in school this week and Gwen had some errands that she needed to do.  So we headed off to the mall with Ellie, Zeke and Anna.  These kids are so good!  All they needed to be happy at the mall was a 75cent ride in a car!

Anna just rode along in her stroller.  She never made a peep through the entire trip.  We were blessed to make it back to the car just BEFORE the skies opened up and it rained and rained!   I just get so filled and happy being with these kids.  I am so thankful that I am able to be with them so often and get to participate in not only the BIG things (like birthdays and dance recitals), but also the little things like trips to the mall.  Yes, I am blessed!  After arriving home, Ken and I had lots of vacation things to accomplish.  Fortunately, I found everything that we needed to begin the packing process.  But, yes, it was a long and tiring day.

Then, today was a back to work day.  And it was also a busy day.  So I am feeling a bit.........gee I don't know exactly what word I would use to describe what I am feeling right now.  So I guess I would settle on excited!  I am really looking forward to this vacation!   In spite of the stress of the preparation for the vacation, I simply can't wait. 

Isn't that like so many very good things that we encounter?  There might be stress and lots of hard work to get there, and there might be quite a bit of excitement and butterflies in the stomach, leading up to the event, but in the end it is always worth it!  I remember my mom saying that nothing in life is really very good unless you have to work for it.  And that work also comes with some stress.   I know that I can look back and see the truth in that statement. 

So, I will sit back and relax a bit tonight.  We still have the rest of this work week before vacation.  So, get ready for more posts, as you follow along on our journey!

Thank you, so much Jesus for this busy time.  I am so blessed to be surrounded by my family and so grateful for this upcoming vacation.   Holy Spirit, help us all to know and understand that hard work and planning are part of the good things in our life.  Jesus, thank you for the many, many blessings you pour out on us.  Amen