Our Trip- Part 3...Tuesday

Monday night we entered into Maryland to spend the night. This was all of ours first time in Maryland. We were excited to see the state the next morning on our drive back to Virginia.

                     Here are a few pictures. It was a beautiful, hilly state (at least where we were at).

                      Our first stop was Mount Vernon where our first president, George Washington lived.

                                                              Sheep up on a hill.

                                
                                
A family picture "with" President Washington, First Lady Martha, and their grandchildren.

                                
                                                             Mount Vernon

                               
                             
                                


                                              President Washington's privy house (outhouse)...

                                                

                                  Potomic River behind the house...isn't God's creation beautiful! 


                                           

                                                                             Some pictures of the grounds and inside the museum...

                                                                                 
                                 

                                 

                                 
            
                                        Kids working on their puzzle to get a free souvenir...

                                    
                                   

                                                While Zechariah pushed his stroller around...

Pictures inside the Museum:

                                                            Mr. President's sword...

 

On our way back to the van...

                                 We then headed to the Capital. We decided we wanted to go in.

                                                        

While there, we met an officer. He was there when we entered into the building. While I waited on AJ with the kids who didn't take the elevator, we began talking. He was a very kind man who immediately took to the kids once he heard we were from Texas. He lived there for several years while going to school and working in the law enforvcement.

We said our goodbyes and headed to get tickets to see the Tundra. While down there, AJ was called by an officer to return to the top floor. Aj, nervous he did something, went up there. The man who spoke to us earlier decided to give us a personal tour. He gave us many facts about the building. But our unexpected blessing was he took us into places the normal public doesn't get to go. Telling us info. about  things that go on behind the scenes. It was all very interesting and exciting to be in these places.  AJ and I were constantly amazed at what we were being able to see. It was truly a visit that we won't forget. By far, this has been the highlight of our trip so far...at least to AJ and I. The kids are to young to appreciate what they saw.

                                         Pictures from inside the Capital (which do not do them justice)...God truly blessed the man (forget his name) who designed this with great talent!

                                                 
 Outside where they are currently building President Obama's platform for his inauguration. You can see the wood if you look carefully.

                                 
This is where all of the important people people sit like Senators, past presidents and their wives, family members, etc...this way if they are cold, need to use the restroom, get a drink... they can easily walk in the capital

                                        
                                   A few views from the balcony (as the day went on it grew colder and        cloudier)......

                                         

                            Thank you, kind officer, for blessing us. You truly went beyond your duty to make our trip more memorable!!!

                                                          

         It was bitter cold when we left the Capital. Everyone was a trooper in not complaining while we walked back to our van (a few blocks away.) We loaded up to head to our hotel.

                                                                          We stayed in

                                                             

Very exciting once again!!! A state none of us had been before. But before we checked into our hotel, we enjoyed the treat of eating at Crackel Barrell ( I have been making all of our meals). Some of the kids enjoyed hot chocalate while some of us played checkers.

                                           
This trip so far has been amazing. I am beyond thankful to our Lord and His great blessings upon our family. His mercy is ever so great! I give Him all praise!


                                       Till tomorrow (Lord-willing), be blessed and honor the Lord!

Taking A Trip- Part 2...Monday

 "WOW! Did you see that?"..."What is that?"..."Look mommy! I recognize that!"..."I'm scared we might get bombed. Do you really think this place is safe?

The drive into Washington D.C. was full of excitement for all of us. AJ and I felt like kids as we pointed out to the kids all the exciting monuments while driving by on the interstate.
                                 


"Just wait children, we'll go see those monuments, Lord-willing. First we are headed to the Arlington Cemetery!"

                                      As we walk up to the grounds, we pause to read the sign.

We explain to our blessings the importance of not being rowdy, and showing respect to those who have served our country.

It wasn't until I looked out over the grounds, that I was overcome with emotions. Each tombstone represented a man who has served our country for the freedom of the people.

 I have the kids sit on a wall as I also discuss with them that each one of these soldiers sacrificed much in their lives to serve us. We should be very grateful and humbled.


                                 

                                    We headed up to see the John F. Kennedy  "Eternal Flame.

     Here is My Man, AJ, explaining to the kids what we are about to see and why we are to be silent.

                                     
We then headed to the Guarding of the Tomb Of The Unknown and watching the switching of the guards.

Robert E. Lee's home

         

This is the view in front of Lee's home. Isn't it beautiful!

                               Poor Zechariah was so cold he sat there very still most of the time.

The half mass flag. Someone this day died serving our country.

Thank you, Soldier, to you and your family for your life sacrificed for us...

                                                   

 After leaving the cemetary, we headed to see the Lincoln Memorial. With all of the traffic and unsure of where we were to park, we crossed over this bridge 5 times. I began laughing really hard, although I don't think anyone else was amused.
                                     

We decided to call it quits for awhile and have dinner at the Pentagon...in our van. We then decided to attempt the Lincoln Memorial once again. But on the way we got side tracked.

                                                            We saw the Capital...

                                                              National Treasury...

and finally The White House...

                                      Here's the children in front of the President's house-notice Zechariah is still "frozen"
                                                     
With 4 layers of clothes on, I was still cold, so I brought a blanket...Forget fashion...warmth was all I was worried about.

                                

                              We then walked the grounds of the Washington Monument...

and finally made it to the Lincoln Memorial...

                                                      which was chiseled by these tools...

                                        

                                                     My Man and me...I love this guy!
                                                  


That's what we did Monday...up next tomorrow will be our Tuesday's events...which turned out to have an unexpected blessing!!!

But before I say goodnight, I want to give thanks to our Great God who has blessed us with this vacation and extra time as a family. He truly blesses us more than we deserve!

Taking a Trip!!!

Last week was a very busy week for me. Lots of preparing food, shopping for warm clothes,  packing clothes, cleaning the house, school,and some more shopping for some warm clothes.

 It was very hectic and busy, but I didn't mind because I was getting ready for our FAMILY VACATION!!!

Friday afternoon, My Man...AJ...and the rest of us loaded into the van...headed down the street, turned around  because I forgot something...did this twice, but we finally made it off the road

First night we drove to Satsuma, Alabama. Kids got a new toothbrush for the trip, they were really excited!...Here is Zechariah with his new train brush...
                                           



It was a late night, but the next morning we all were anxious to get up. We were on a mission.

With little giggles in the back, some playing animals...                            


                                                              Some "reading" books...

                                                                   Sleepy ones...

                                                     ... gazing  at my handsome husband...

                                                    and others were  making funny faces...
                                        


it was a nice ride to our first planned stop.

Montgomery, Alabama to see my sweet god-daughter, Alyssa. She recently moved there from down south in sunny Florida where I grew up. She is now going to a small college and I wanted to stop by and see her and her dorm and hear all about how she likes living up there.

It was a short visit but we enjoyed seeing her room as well as having lunch with some of her other family that was in town.  
                               

After lunch, we headed to a little oasis in the middle of the city where they showed us the project they are working on for the city. It's a garden with fresh produce. The kids enjoyed picking cucumbers, carrots, squash, and tasting fresh okra.

                                               

                                       While others were more interested in the trains going by.

                                                

                      After lunch, it was back on the road again. We crossed state line into Georgia...

                                          



                                                         and drove through downtown Atlanta...
                                           

  This place is CRAZY with traffic!!!  I tried taking pictures of the traffic but they all turned out blurry from the fast furry of it all!

Seeing all of the lights from the cars hurrying down the road reminded me of the Bible verse "Go to the Ant thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise" (Proverbs 6:6) It was very busy. I love how the Lord gently reminds be I need to be more busy and less idle.

Our next stop for the night was Taylors, South Carolina. We wanted to make sure we had a sound church to go to on Sunday. We attended Grace Baptist Church. I especially enjoyed Sunday school. The teacher taught about being a peacemaker in the church, and not a strife maker.

Service ended and we loaded up again. We wanted to get on the road to head to the church we wanted to attend that night.

But on the way, we decided to stop and take a little break and let some energy out. We all had had fun...
                                                    
                                                                       Running...

                                                                 playing ball,

                                                  looking at God's beautiful flowers,

                                                             finding "cool" sticks...

                                                            playing in the fallen leaves...

                                       

                                                                   climbing trees...
  

                                                        



                                         and Kaylyn acting like she was a tree losing leaves.

 Time passed and we needed to head to church.

We stopped in Melbane, North Carolina at Grace Reformed Baptist Church.

It was a very good message from 1 Thessalonians about love. There was much said, I was convicted in areas, but I was left with a question that I have been meditating on...Am I characterized by love? Do I show Christ's love to others? Oh how I fail, but my desire is to honor the Lord and grow more in this area.

After church, we headed to Richmond, Virginia for our next stop.
Crossing into Virginia was especially exciting because this was the first time the kids have been to this state!
                                       

 We were all hollering with joy!

 By this time, the weather has dropped at least 20 degrees. We went from sunny, warm Texas to "I think I'm gonna die it's so cold!"

This morning we woke up to freezing weather. Brrr!!! But hey, I won't complain, God gave the cold weather, I will be thankful. It's a great time to snuggle with My Man and the children.

Our drive today was beautiful. We were able to enjoy some of the fall colors our great God created. Even though it was at the tails end. I sat amazed looking at His creations. He has so blessed us in spite of our sin. We don't deserve to see or have anything pleasant due to our sin.

                             
                             
                                 
                                 


It has been some very late nights, and getting up early these past few days, the kids are tired, we are tired, but we have each been having a good time.

Today we saw some great places, but you'll have to wait to see where we are at! It's late, and I'm headed to bed to snuggle with AJ and pray. It's my favorite time of the "day". It's quite, dark, time with my Lord to pray for others. If I know you...be assured I have prayed for you these last couple of days or will be in the upcoming days.

                                                 Good night friends, until next time...

The Fruits Of the Spirit

Over the years, I have spoken with my children of my need for Christ. I speak of failures, I confess, and I tell them of God's great mercy and grace to me. I have told them if they ever see sin in my life I want them to lovingly come tell me. 

Sometimes I get a tap on the shoulder and a whisper in the ear, other times a child will bring me to another room to talk to me. My children have always been so kind and gentle with their words when they approach me with sin they see in my life.

The past few days I have been pondering in my heart the fruits of the Spirit and my role as a mommy. 

 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5: 22:23)

The Lord had already been convicting me on each one but two in particular. 

Faith.

I have failed my children in this area. I so often will tell them we are doing something and fail to make it come to pass. For example, Fridays are days off of school. I told the kids this year on Fridays we will have fun days together. Crafts, field trips, playing games, just some good 'ol time together enjoying one another. But when Friday rolls around, I look around and see something that needs to be done in the house saying to the kids we have to work instead. But truthfully, what I am doing is breaking my word to them, not being faithful, and telling them a house cleaned is better than quality time with them.

God is so faithful to me, in spite of the messiness of sin in my life. He doesn't send me away when I go to Him in prayer, when I come to worship Him on the Lord's Day.

So yesterday, I take each child to the side and read the Fruits to them. I tell them I want them to tell me the fruits they feel I am "not doing well".

Each child gave the same answer.

Temperance (Self control).

I knew I had already been failing with temperance. The Lord has been convicting me.

Each child said lately I have been harsh with they way I talk to them. They said for the past few weeks it seems like I get irritated a lot easier.

It is true. I have had a lot going on in my mind, I have prayed and confessed to the Lord. But when a moment arises, the kids are quarrelling, I snap at them. A job is not done, I get frusterated.

Just Monday I had a little temper tantrum. One of the children was practicing piano and I went to put the metrononme on for them.

No tick and no tocks. Just swaying back and forth.

I immediately call the rest of the children in and proceed to tell them I want all of their money, I tell them they will be working to pay for a new one. All with a harsh voice. One child was crying, the others just stood there.

See how sinful I am and in need of a great Savior!!!???!!!

Last night as AJ was fast asleep in the bed next to me, the kids were warm and snug in their beds, I cried out to my Lord, to once again, please forgive me. I cried for mercy. His strength. I prayed for Him to shine through me.

This morning I awoke, praying once again that I would show Christ to my children, in spite of the happenings of the day. I also woke up not feeling well.

Today, I have 5 tired children. Which any of you with younger ones know how a tired child can be. 

I thank God for the opportunity to be sanctified through this day. Persevering, not in my strength, but the Lord's, to make this a day with no harshness in my tone of voice. 

I sat with the children and we prayed confessing our need for Christ and His help today to be gentle and long-suffering with one another. 

So far, the kids have done well after our prayer time. Except one who is in the bedroom hopefully praying.

We shall see how the day goes. There is much to be done. We have company coming tomorrow for the weekend, and possibly one tonight. Next week we leave for family vacation. Lots of pressure to get things done.

But Ishall rejoice in the Lord and persevere. Repent. Pray. And continue to depend on the strength of the Lord, because in my own strength...I WILL fail!

Please pray for me. Pray I would be faithful to my children, have soft answers always. And more importantly, that I would honor the Lord.

How about you? How do you struggle as a mommy? When you read the Fruits of the Spirits, do you see your own failure? 

May we be in prayer for one another, going before the throne of God, loving and holding one another accountable as we "walk" this life "together" seeking to honor and glorify the Lord, growing more and more in our love for our great God, bearing much fruit of the Spirit for His glory.

By the way, remember that tamper tantrum over the metronome? It wasn't broken...just needed to be winded.

PERFECT!

This is an old post when from when I was pregnant with our Zechariah. These were some trying days but with God's peace, joy, and strength I longed to meet our little baby and live a life with our son...even if he  had problems physically and/or mentally....because I knew...in my heart he would be "perfect".


I dedicate this to my friend (you know who you are) who is struggling with the possibility of her young one having some problems.


  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." `~Philippians 4:6-7


11 weeks ago the Lord blessed AJ and I with a new child that is being knit in my womb. The weeks and days have been long with the never ending nausea, fatigue, and detest for most smells. This is a blessing though because I am in constant reminder that the Lord is forming a perfect child for our family.

The first question people ask me is, " Do you want a boy or girl?" I usually respond "whatever the Lord gives me I will be thankful". Then they proceed to say,"Well, as long as it is healthy, that is what matters." Although they have good intentions when they say this, the Lord placed on my heart last Wed., August 14th, WHAT IF THE BABY IS NOT HEALTHY?

So, What if the baby is not healthy?...
Does this mean the baby will be less special? What about less beautiful or handsome? A mess up by God? Not as lovable? A burden? Embarrassing?

God forbid!

I believe God placed this on my heart because 2 days ago I went to the dr. for a regular checkup. As Dr. Moore checked for a heartbeat he could not find one. After checking vaginally and still not able to find a heartbeat he ordered an ultrasound on me right then. He told me to be praying ( he is a fine christian). When I went into the room with Elijah, my youngest who is almost 18 months,
They found a heartbeat. Dr. Moore and I gave thanks to God. As he was leaving the room, the ultrasound lady tapped him on the leg and pointed to the screen. They looked for a bit, meanwhile Elijah is tired, hungry, teething, and sick which leads to a fussy baby. After a few minutes of them looking, Dr. Moore said they are looking at the head of the baby as it looks like it is swelling. They proceeded to look and discuss things with each other for about 15 min. I did not hear anything they said due to Elijah fussing. Dr. Moore said they want to do an U/S on me in 4 weeks to check the baby. To be praying. He said it could be nothing, but then again it could be something.

So here I am now 2 days later.

What does all of this mean? Well, after some research, it could mean different things. I won't go into detail but each one is not favorable to a "healthy" baby.

So again, what does all of this mean?

It means God is still in control. God is forming this wee one in my womb. Is this baby perfect? Spiritually, no, no one is perfect, but physically, yes, my "Little One" is perfect because God is forming the baby perfect in HIS sight. The world would say," Oh how terrible, what a sad thing", I say, MY GOD IS GOOD.

In God's Word He says in Romans 8:28 "And we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose."

So, IF this baby is not perfect in the worlds eyes, I will not lose hope in my God and what He has preordained for AJ and I. We will rejoice in knowing that God is doing a good work in us. He is molding us according to HIS purpose in HIS way.

I am not foolish enough to know there will not be hard times emotionally. I will shed tears...I have already. I may grow weary at times. I may find it hard to smile at times thinking of my "Little One" who may suffer...

But I will keep my eyes on Christ. I will look to Him for my peace, comfort, and joy. And I will rejoice in the Lord, whatever the outcome of the next ultrasound, for I know.......our baby is being knitted by God's PERFECT hands and will be PERFECT according to Him.

Thank you God for our "Little One".

I Love you friend, please know we are praying for you in this time of uncertainty! Cast your care upon Christ...for He careth for you...and your little one!

Shatterred Dreams

Last week, My good and dear friend, Amy, texted me.

"Please pray for Rob! We're on our way to the hospital in an ambulance. He dove into the pool down the street and didn't come up. He's not real alert, not breathing well, and seems to have some spinal and neck issues!!!"

All day waiting, 5 hours of surgery, my dear friend learned her husband was paralyzed, chest down with no use of arms and legs.

"Complete paralysis" the dr. said, "which has less chance of recovery."

These words have rung in my head over and over for the last 8 days.

I began thinking of how this would affect the family dynamics. Ramps will need to be placed into the house, new van accessible for wheelchairs, a new table for them to sit at low enough for his chair to slide under, etc...

Through the initial shock and tears my husband and I shed while driving to Louisiana to be there to support our dear friends, one thing kept ringing in my ears louder than anything...

"God is in control. Before the foundations of this earth was formed, God ordained for Pastor Rob, on July 3, 2012, to dive into the pool and break his neck. All things happen for the good of God's children whom He loves.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:28

 God knew  Amy would be at Walmart, the kids would  witness their daddy not coming up for air. Their oldest few would pull him up, Cade, the oldest at age 12, would blow breaths of life into his blue daddy saving Rob with the help of God our Father in heaven.

It has been a long week  for my friends.  Sleepless nights, sinus issues, hard decisions to be made, not so nice nurses, broken dishwasher, need for constant oxygen, a/c stopped working, did I mention sleepless nights?

Many would look at this family and think of the shattered dreams.

Bike rides would end, camping would be harder, water parks would be no longer be a time of daddy walking up the steps to enjoy the excitement as they raced down water slides, adventuring through the woods behind their house...no more. Running through the water at the beach...no more. Hiking through the mountains...no more...

But I would say to those who consider their life full of shattered dreams...consider this...

Their life as it is now, has just begun.

Some physical dreams may be shattered but this is the beginning of Spiritual dreams they would never have imagined.

To grow in the Lord, spiritually, in news ways.

Learning to lean and depend on Christ deeper than they have ever had to.

 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Growing their faith, trusting in their great God and believing His Word.

Being humbled by the love and support of people from all over praying for them.

The strength our great God has given them in this time of weakness. Physically and spiritually.

^" Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." ~Isaiah 41:10

The opportunities that  continue to arise for them to share of God's goodness. People they would have never met...nurses, drs, therapists...

New ways each day to seek our Lord for their needs.

"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always."~1 Chronicles 16:11

Grow in patience. 

 ^" My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." ~James 1:2-3
 

Friends, it is ok to be sad, it is ok to hurt knowing the difficulty this trial has brought... this was a horrible accident, that will be filled with many trials, tears, hard times, disappointments and they will need our constant prayers,encouragement and help, but in the end, we are to  have faith in God's Word that He will be glorified in Rob's accident.We are to be encouraged to look and  see how the Lord will use this trial in the lives of this family (and ours) to draw them and others closer to Christ.

Yes, again, they will have some shattered dreams physically, but I know this family...growing spiritually is the most important thing  to them. And as hard as it may be for them, I know, without a doubt, they will suffer through this time trusting in God's Word that this is for their best.

If you would like to keep up with the progress of Pastor Rob and "meet" his family, check out their blog.

If the Lord places it on your heart to help them financially, go here.

Update on  Pastor Rob...He felt a tiny sensation in his foot the other day. We rejoice!!! The doctor has said he is now considered "incomplete paralysis". The story is not over... God may desire to show His great power and restoration. It will be a  hard time of therapy, but we are praying for Rob to be able to use his hands again, to stroke the tender heads of his children, hold his wife in his arms, and walk....if it be the Lord's will.

 

Brother Rob and Amy..."  we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light" (Col.1:10-12). We LOVE you, our brother and sister in Christ!!! Know that even though we are not close, you are near to our heart.

To God be the Glory...to God be the Glory....