Beach Day

Today we woke up to bright sunshine! This was very nice since we have had on and off sprinkling and partly cloudy skies most days. We headed to the beach. Today we went to a place called "Chinaman's Hat" and Makua Bay Beach. You can tell by the back ground of the picture of Madi on Mason's shoulders, why it is called the Chinaman's Hat. That is what it is shaped like. While we were there a couple that had just gotten married came to take their post wedding pictures. It was very beautiful! It was amazing this morning that we were standing on the beach in the surf in the sunshine and behind us, the mountains were covered in thick clouds and dark skies. We traveled from there all the way around the island to the "dry" side, to insure our chances for sunshine. We went to Makua Bay Beach. The kids were excited about the big waves for boogie boarding. After some time, they got some healthy fear of the big waves after a little time out in them. But all in all it was fun and they were safe, so don't worry Mimi! The views at Makua Beach were gorgeous. Everytime we go to a different place we are amazed by all the beauty. Driving back this afternoon we saw another huge rainbow while driving through a lush green valley, headed toward a sparkling blue ocean. We were all singing "God with us" by Mercy Me, and realized that with all that beauty around what else can you do but praise God for the beauty He created. Enjoy the photos.

Pearl Harbor Day

Today we went to Pearl Harbor. We had no real idea of what to expect, but it exceeded our expectations. You have to stand in line and get tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial, then come back when it is time for your tour. So, we had time to go and see the USS Missouri in the meantime. This was really cool, in case you don't know, this is where the peace treaty was signed with Japan. This ship was also used in Operation Iraqi Freedom, so there were modern things in the ship and lots of really cool things to look at. It's been raining on and off since we have been here and it started raining really hard just as we were finishing the "Mighty Mo" tour. From there we returned to the Arizona Memorial Visitors Center. They show you a documentary film of the Pearl Harbor attack before you are ferried out into the harbor to the memorial. Being the family cry baby, I had to wipe away tears before boarding the ferry. The trip to the memorial is very solemn. It brings out all that patriotism and thankfulness for our military. I think anyone under 30 should be required to go watch the movie, then go to the memorial and look at the names on the wall. You can still see oil slowly bubbling up from the ships hull. Mason took a picture of that, isn't it amazing, oil bubbling up for over 60 years? What a huge ship. Our next stop was the USS Bowfin submarine and museum. This was awesome!! We all decided that there must be a maximum size allowance for submarine duty. It is really tight quarters! There were lots of cool dials, switches, levers, wheels, just general gadgets, all around. This eventually left me quoting Sean Connery in The Hunt for Red October. You know, "Aim 43 degrees south, prepare to dive, load torpedoes," just silly stuff like that...meanwhile Carey was making sonar sounds and spotting things on the "sonar", the other visitors thought we were crazy. The kids laid on the bunks, sat at the desks, talked on the phone/radio, oh wait, that was me and Carey! Anyway, it was a great day, Mason was even smiling, mainly when he was laughing at me. The day ended with Shaved Ice from Matsumoto's in Haleiwa and crab hunting in the dark across the street from the house. Madi prayed as we left Pearl Harbor, thanking God for those that gave their lives for others in Pearl Harbor and for those still fighting today. We should all echo that prayer and remember the ultimate sacrifice that God made when He gave His Son for us, while we were just us not deserving a single thing. His grace, greater than all our sins.

What is at the end of the rainbow? Hawaii

I couldn't resist it! I took these rainbow pictures today. And, yes, they all ended in Hawaii...Also, if you click on the cloudy picture and zoom in, you will see at least three waterfalls coming down the mountains...This is what the locals have to look forward to after a rainy morning. Okay, it is late, goodnight.

Day Three- Diamond Head Crater and Waikiki

Even though this day began early and without coffee, it was awesome! First we drove from the North Shore towards Honolulu and searched for a gas station that was open. As a result of the power outage, many of the stations still were not open and we needed gas. We drove through Waikiki and up to the Diamond Head State Recreation Area. We hiked up the Diamond Head Crater. This is a landmark in the Waikiki area and has awesome views from up there. The beach was next on our list. We headed for Waikiki. This is definitely a more "touristy" area than what Carey and I usually like, but it was sunny and warm, and the kids loved it. We got some great pictures both at Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. We decided to drive back a different route and came across a much "wilder" area than we had seen. The new "love that view" picture to the right is from here. This area is near Makupu Point, there is a light house there and some very rugged cliffs with awesome waves. So enjoy the pictures, we are enjoying taking them.

Day Two in Oahu--FUN FUN

Ok, we had a great day yesterday. We went to the North Shore of Oahu, which is the surf mecca in the winter months. We got to see huge waves and watch people surf them. We also found a good spot to hang out and get cooled off in the water. Just north of Sunset Beach we found a little point with small pools in the large rocks, the kids found a cave to climb in and we just enjoyed watching. After spending some time there we went to the little town on Haleiwa. We had lunch there and got a "shave ice", imagine, Darby did not invent these lovely treats! They started in Hawaii! We drove from there to Ko'Olina Beach. In Hawaii, all property within 40 ft. of beach is public property, so even though this huge resort built these little protected coves for their guests, the rest of the public gets to enjoy them. The winter time is very big waves on the windward coast and the North Shore, so Ko'Olina was one of very few calm, easy swimming areas for 12/26/08. I was unable to post last night because there was a blackout all over the entire island. Imagine being in an unusual town, with no electricity for the entire night. When we got back up the next morning, there was still no electricity. Which meant NO COFFEE...well we survived, of course and began the next great day.

Christmas in Hawaii: Aloha

Well we made it! After a long night and early morning we landed in Honolulu, Hawaii at 12:05 (4:05 pm at home). Both Mason and Madi were really great travelers. Carey, always on schedule, had everything planned so well that we were never in a rush or worried about our time. We had time to take a few pictures as soon as we arrived in Hauula, Hawaii, at the house we rented. Yes, the beach is just across the front yard and there are HUGE waves in the distance. Just the drive from the airport, which took about 40 minutes was gorgeous. The kids were definitely impressed with the green mountains and blue ocean. We are all exhausted and headed to bed, but I did add a couple of photos for anyone interested. We hope you have all had a very Merry Christmas, we certainly have! God's creation is just amazing to behold.

This is a new week, YAY! Last week was too much...Do you guys ever feel that way? It just seemed like too many phone calls, too many appointments, practices, homework, we have to eat, what can I wear mom?, have you seen..., what about this idea?, did anyone ask you?, oh so and so is looking for you, can I come over?, a hurricane is coming, Its homecoming, I need a mum mom, what about the food in the daycare freezer? I mean really, just TOO MUCH!! I just felt overwhelmed all week. I was worrying, frustrated, short tempered, and just plain droopy. Then on Saturday I figured it out, I was already ahead doing my preparation for Sunday School so I didn't get up as early last week. Now that in itself is not a bad thing, but because I didn't take the extra time, I rushed in the morning. I just didn't give God my time and I missed it so much. I know this, I teach people this, and I still blow it. Jesus has given me so much, and He only asks for me to spend some time with Him. Isn't that so great! Thank you God for your continued grace, and the peace you provide when I abide in you.
To everyone else, Have a great week, learn a new verse, show love to someone you don't like, and pray for families affected by Hurricane Ike.

Parental pain...

Okay, I do not like this...I am starting to encounter some of the things that I heard my parents talk about. I have experienced a big disappointment. Don't get ideas, it isn't anything life changing or horrendous, but a kind of sadness that I couldn't have imagined. I don't really know even how to handle it. God gives us mercy, so I want to also have mercy and give mercy, but I also have to train, guide, discipline. How do you do both? I hate that I disappoint God this way, it makes me sad. I guess maybe that is why I am feeling this now, just so I have a hint of how much God loves us, despite how we've messed up. Thank you God for your grace.

Then we prayed...

Wednesday night prayer meeting, sounds kind of "old fashioned" doesn't it or does it? Tonight after offering up new prayer requests and reporting on praises, we were given some instructions and then we prayed. This was not just a couple of our men standing and praying, but an entire room of people, probably at least 40 of them, all praying. Praying out loud, at the same time, for the same things. It was awesome!! I had to stop myself from crying so that I could actually be an active participant in the praying. It was an overwhelming and wonderful experience to hear God's people talking to him, petitioning him, not for themselves, but for others, for our community, for our church family, for our country, for the lost. It gives me goosebumps thinking about it now, four hours later. Thinking about it, I am just imagining all those petitions and requests arriving at once in heaven and God just smiling, delighted to hear from us. The unity in our requests, our burden for others, yearning for God's will, those things could make a difference. They could make a difference in our homes, our churches, our communities, our country, and in the Kingdom. I can't wait 'til next week!

My life as an offering?

Wow, is it really possible? I have been doing a bible study by Angela Thomas called "A beautiful offering", it has been a wonderful experience. Each week we separate into small groups with a different group of women. These women are all different ages, with different backgrounds, and stories of blessings by God. Where have these women been all my life? Isn't it crazy? These amazing ladies with decades of faith and I don't even know them...As a young woman, (depending on who you ask) I need to hear from these women. I need to learn from them. I need to be trained to be "prayer warrior", I need to hear how it worked for them. I need to learn how they were able to be a submissive wife, loving mother, faithful Jesus lover, in this fallen and dark world. I challenge any of you "young women" out there to find a "Spiritual Mother" to mentor you, show you, be an example to you. Find someone who seems to glow with Jesus light, or has that quiet strength that could only come from God, and ask them if they would be willing to do that for you. They may look at you like you are crazy, they may think they have nothing to give or tell, but you will know that they do, and it could be a huge blessing to you both. Now, to any of you "older women", SHARE your stories with us, SHARE what God has taught you with us, SHARE how it is hard and you haven't always had this strong, quiet faith. INVEST in us, we need what you have.

Saturday goes by so fast...

This Saturday began with waking Mason up at 6:50 so that he wouldn't feel rushed getting ready for his first JV Scrimmage. We drove over to Athens to the AHS/TVCC football field for a scrimmage vs. Kemp. What fun!? Well anyway, Mason actually seemed to enjoy it, I even saw him smiling a few times. That is always nice to see on a teenaged boy. He is so handsome when he smiles. Afterwards, we headed over to the Woolverton's to help celebrate Jake's birthday. We had some quick swimming, a hot dog, cake and ice cream. Then the day really got long. I left my purse at their house. When we got home and realized it, we sent Mason on the newly repaired (or so we thought) four wheeler to go get it. Some time passed and we received a phone call, "please bring the truck and a rope". That is never good. So, more time passes, knots tied, things towed. All is well. Now off to Mesquite to Best Buy to pick up the computer that was purchased yesterday. Aside from the fact that I let Mason drive, the trip was uneventful. The simple, quick trip did not happen. We arrived at Best Buy at 3:20, computer is not ready yet, give us 45 more minutes, it is a software problem. One hour and forty minutes later, no not ready, maybe fifteen more minutes. I drive us over to Home Depot, we get a couple of keys made. We go to Cavender's and Mason picks out a straw cowboy hat. It is now 5:45 pm, I expected to be home by this time. As we walk in I see, the computer is still not in the box. To shorten the story let's just say, some refunds were given, Madi kept asking, "Are you mad now?", the computer was packed up, the manager was contacted and we finally headed towards home at 6:10. We arrived at the lake lot around 7:25, it was nice and cool. Jim and Andi Green and their boys were tubing. I thought, okay, now I can relax...Then Mason's phone rang. Now I drove to our house; he frantically spit shined, brushed his teeth, and changed clothes and headed out with friends. I drove back to the lake, joined the Greens and now Gary and D'Ann Woolverton. It was 8:05 pm and I did get to relax this time. We enjoyed silly stories, more hot dogs, a cool evening, and a great view. Sorry if reading this wore you out, now you know how I feel.

Too many thoughts in my head...

I guess I am making excuses, but, the main reason that I haven't been blogging is that there were just too many things in my head. Go ahead and laugh, there really is something other than air in there. Honestly, any of you who know my brother understand that he can be going full steam in like forty directions, somewhat like that, I usually have a minimum of forty million ideas, plans, thoughts, beliefs, prayers, tasks, lists, in my head at any given time. Then on top of that, awesome God things have been happening and it is really just too much to try and right down or even attempt to capture in pictures (for me anyway). That in itself is just amazing!! I do believe that God is preparing all of us for some unbelievable things, that we wouldn't believe if He told us. Watch for a link to the new materials we are going to be using for our Sunday Morning Bible Study, and get excited about God's Word, read it yourself, don't trust someone else's thoughts on it, form your own. It will turn your world upside down, in a good way!

I wonder what they think about us?

Tonight, two pastors from the Phillipines visited my church's Wednesday night prayer meeting and bible study. They have begun an association of churches in the Phillipines. These are small, not fancy, churches, many in homes. They came to visit us approximately a year ago and several people "sponsored children" in the Phillipine church communities. This sponsorship provides schooling and supplies for the children. One of the requirements for the children to be in the program is that the parents must come to church every week. Anyway, tonight was kind of an informational visit for the church family. They showed us a power point of what has been going on there. They voiced appreciation for the prayers and support. They also brought some pictures of the children and notes from them. The pastor told us of 8 adult family members that had been baptized as a result of children sponsored through this program. No one clapped. There were a couple of "amens" and some smiles, head nods, and mumbling among friends, but no one clapped. Not one of us. When the presentation was over, there was the standard clapping at the end of a speech. Then we began our study of the Corinthian church. While I am very excited by the idea of a chapter by chapter, verse by verse study of God's word, I couldn't help but wonder what those Phillipine pastors were thinking about our discussion. I mean, they are struggling to bring light into the darkness of the Phillipines, and we are listing things that make people dislike churches. It was Wednesday night, which usually means the "faithful", it was a good crowd. I wonder how we looked to them? Did we shine? They struggle to house students for their seminary, need new buildings built, roofs replaced. There are 7001 islands in the Phillipines, they need churches. The people need to hear about Christ. I am in NO WAY blaming or pointing at our pastor, we are blessed to have him at our church, but I am pointing at the rest of us, the American church. We are so detached from the real pain and death that is all around us. We are so jaded to the victory and salvation of the lost. I know that the church is to be the bride of Christ, I know that Christ loves and died for the church. But really, are we dressed and ready for the wedding? Those Christians in the Phillipines, fighting big odds, with few resources, but fully reliant on an awesome, Almighty God, aching and hurting for their lost countrymen...not aching over growing pains, new music or old habits, or "unfriendly Christians" (is that really possible?). Again, I wonder what they thought of us? Did we look ready for the wedding?

What are the signs of life?

I have slowly been going through a devotional book by David Jeremiah called "Signs of Life". It is so eye opening and easy to understand. The basic premise of the book is that the Signs of Life for an authentic Christian are dusty shoes, rolled-up sleeves, worn-out knees, outstretched hands, and open arms. It really makes me think about where and how I have been walking. Just today a co-worker of mine brought a situation up in our training class that just screamed out SOMEONE HAS GOT TO DO SOMETHING! Why is it always someone? The discussion led to many possibilities, call a church for help, call adult protective services, just give them a list of community resources. My co-worker said again, I just can't hand them a list of people to call when they can see the sky through their roof! Well she did make some calls, the church said"it is too far for us" (they were in another part of Dallas), adult protective services said "someone will go out and take a look in a week or so", she wasn't satisfied with that either. So she sent out an email which I forwarded to some of you guys and she asked for help, any kind of help. Will anyone be willing , will I be willing? Willing to get my shoes dusty, my sleeves rolled-up, spend some of MY time just for someone else? Someone who doesn't live near me, doesn't look like me, doesn't even know me? There are opportunities all around me every day, how many do I just walk on by or step over, to avoid getting my shoes dusty? I imagine that Jesus' feet were really dusty...

Easter Morning, how many of us took Sunday morning pictures?
Sunday afternoon pictures?
I challenge you to print and bring a copy to Sunday School
to go on our bulletin board. Don't they look cute?

It's been a while...

Okay, I knew I would either be great at this or horrible. So counting the number of blogs I guess we know where I fit, but here I am, trying again. So many things have happened in the past month, where to begin...My job that has really kind of been a breeze since October, became a real job! It has been crazy, stressful, frightening, and fun! I have met some amazing people, with awesome stories of answered prayers and faith in God's promises. These people tell me stories of God's grace, comfort and healing from wheelchairs, hospital beds, and old, ratty couches. I truly believe God gave me this job to grow my faith and my prayer life. These people are a blessing, the paperwork is not, but, you can't have it all...It seems that the THAT class is actually bonding, growing, meeting new friends, and liking it! I love it and I hope everyone else does too! Now if everyone will just start DOING the lessons...What can I say about RADIATE 08? I left each night with a greater sense of who God sees when he looks at me and how many lost people I walk by everyday. I want to radiate!! I want to be a person that causes people to ask "what is with her?" , but in a good way. I want to be so radical that my kids are embarrassed by me! I want to be whatever GOD wants me to be, wherever he wants me to be...Wow! See, once I get started it is hard for me to stop. We recently found out that Sterling's dad will be out of jail soon, it is getting harder to think about that objectively. The flesh part of me tries to build walls around my heart for protection, and tries to keep him at arms length. It tells me "well he just can't have him! He should have thought about him before! And well it will be easier if he goes back with him" But I know that God placed him in our lives, just like he gave me Mason, Madi, and Alex, and whatever His plan is is OK with me. I am so glad that He is in control, because I know I could really screw this up! We could all definitely use your prayers for this situation. Okay, that is probably enough for now, I shouldn't tarry too long.....:)

Sunday....Ahhh

Carey and Mason made it home from the "Peach men camping trip", earlier than expected. Madi, Sterling and I were leaving from church when we spotted Corey, Carey's brother at McDonalds. My first feeling was 'Wow they made it home early', followed by an immediate "OH MY GOSH THEY ARE ALREADY HOME!" Madi and I were making a mental inventory of everything that we left "undone" this morning in trying to be on time for church. Now, I am certainly NOT criticizing Carey but, for those who are not aware, he likes things very neat. So as we were driving up to the house I was relieved to see that Casey, Carey's other brother, was parked out front. (Buffer, you know). We were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by Carey and Casey sitting out on the back porch visiting. Carey was telling the highlight stories of the trip while Casey and I laughed. Nothing was mentioned of the dishes in the sink, the laundry in the dryer, or beds unmade...what a husband! The rest of the afternoon I cleaned out a flower bed, watched Madi and Sterling do cartwheels, flip, and nap on Ella's trampoline. What a beautiful day, what a wonderful God we serve, what a way to start the week.

The newest member of the Peach Buzz Crew

Look at Sterling, four year's old!

What a cutie, stinker, and sweetheart all in one!

I finally did it...

Well actually, we finally did it! Madi Anne and I worked on this silly thing for a couple of hours. After our "girls night in" party, and after cleaning up, we both sat in a rolling chair, cutting, pasting, deleting, and messing up. But here it is The Peach Daily Buzz. I think the name is a little optimistic, but maybe it will keep me motivated to blog. Thank you to all my friends for their inspiration and to Flo for the picture of my family. I will do better at posting when I am not so sleepy, but hey, it's a start.

marci peach and madi anne
12:48 am...........

My Little Girl

This is one of my favorite pictures of Madi Anne, I am not sure why...she was 3 1/2 at the time, but it was like a glimpse of who she would become...so special

My Two Big Boys

Carey and Mason, we were all hiking at Lake Ouachita State Park in Arkansas. I think it was like 4.8 miles, it felt like 15. It was so beautiful though. I am so blessed to have Carey in my life, as are Madi and Mason. Mason really looks to him for guidance, answers, acceptance, and approval, and he is there.