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.