Good Morning Dear...

Good morning dear friend, and what a wonderful morning it is!

Not that there's anything specific about today or this morning compared to other mornings, but just the fact that it is morning makes my heart glad! I wasn't so glad on first waking up. Every inch of my body felt exhausted and I wanted to stay under the warm covers. The room was so cold and wrapped up in my little cocoon of snuggly warmth the last thing I was thankful for was the fact that it was time to get up!
But I got up, stumbled around a bit as I made hubby a lunch, and took out the dogs. After he left I sat there in the kitchen sipping my mug of hot water ( did I mention I lost my voice?!) staring blankly at the floor while thoughts of the upcoming day came rushing in before I even had a chance to feel awake.
Kids, attitude issues, school, teaching, today's obligations, tomorrows obligations, what am I making for dinner, will I have time to stop for gas this morning, will my voice return so I don't sound like an ogre at today's MOPS meeting... Everything came flooding through at once before I even had all the sleep out of my eyes!

This happens to me often. It doesn't seem to matter whether I  wake up early or later, but upon waking my mind goes from groggy to fast forward in the split of second. I have two options then: have my coffee and get going with my day and start on my list of things, or take time to spend one on one time meditating on God's word and seeking His face in the quite.

Seeking Christ is what my soul longs to do! I want to feel His peace and His presence and His calm in my life. But that requires my time, which is so hard to hand over to Him. It's not for a lack of trying though! I sit in the quite, knees bent and eyes closed to come forward to Him with prayer, and if I'm not falling asleep I'm trying to block the running list of things going through my head. Waiting still before the Lord is most definitely a learned attribute! And it amazes me after 15 years of morning prayer time I still struggle with waiting quietly and patiently before the Lord!

But here I am again, sitting with God's word and my journal, head bent in prayer, trying to hear Him and block out the noise coming within. He reminds me that if I seek Him with all my heart, I will find Him. He accounts for our humanness. He knows our minds wander, that we sometimes feel overwhelmed and don't know where to even start having "quite time" with Him. And I'm remained once again that it's ok!
My heart longs for close communion with Him. He knows this, He built me like this. He built us all like this. He didn't design us like this to make us frustrated once we try to commune with Him and fail. He built us like this so we see how human we are and how much we need Him to fill us up, meet us where were at and pick us up where we let go.

In the midst of my jumbled prayer time I let go. I gave my everything to Him, my short little attention span and loss of words, and just asked Him to guide me. And He did! I opened my bible and read this today:

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name;

make known among the nations

what He has done.

 

Sing to Him, sing praise to Him;

tell of all His wonderful acts.

 

Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek

the Lord rejoice.

 

Look to the Lord and His strength;

seek His face always.

 

1 Chronicles 16: 8 - 11

 

 

All a once my frustrated, jumbled bible time melted away. I gave thanks to the Lord for my blessings, a simple prayer of thanks. I love Him and seek him, and sometimes that's enough. There doesn't always need to be a lengthy prayer time, but just a meaningful one where we seek Him and He guides us towards a verse or puts joy and peace in our hearts.

As I seek Him this morning and let go of expectations and struggle with getting my own self under control, I'm reminded by Him once again that I must seek Him and His strength always, in everything, because He can do more in 2 minutes and a few verses than I could ever do in an hour of dedicated, quite time. Being renewed by Him in the mornings, whether it be in 5 minutes or 50, reminds me that I can lean on Him all day to help me with everything. Somehow all the million things I couldn't keep from running through my brain has stopped and is now calm. God's got this and it's all under control, just like He's got me. And you. Or anyone who can pause just long enough this morning to say,

 

"Good morning Lord! I love you, I need you, I seek you and want to know you. I don't always know where to start or what to do, but that's ok. You do. You know everything and you hold everything. Hold me today Lord. Help me to know you. I love you, I praise you, and I thank you Lord for Your faithfulness. Let my life shine Your light,

Amen~"

 

So... Good morning dear one! :)

 



Morning

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Although they come early and I'm often fumbling around for the first little while, I love mornings. Sometimes warm and inviting, other times bright and energizing, or even cloudy and agnsty; they always signify a new beginning and a chance to start all over again. It doesn't matter what happened yesterday or what's going to happen tomorrow, today has dawned and it's fresh and new and the possibilities always seem so endless! It's like opening up a new leather bound journal and seeing all those blank, crisp white pages and you sit there holding a pen.

What kind words could you say that would burn brightly into someones life today? How can you help someone in your family today? Like really help, the kind of help that makes them sleep well at night when they think of the way you touched their life? You don't have to be amazing to touch someone's life in an amazing way, you just have to love them the way they need loving that day.

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There's adventure out there too. Lot's of adventure.

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You should try something new today. There's always something you want to do or look into, today should be that day for you. You try it. Whatever your "it" thing is. Do it!

I love new days and I'm thankful to worship the God that creates them! Today is your day, go write it!

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Newport Resort, Door County, WI

Mini road trip! This was another last mini get away! Daniel and I have talked about getting away again (despite just being away a few weeks ago) but have not had anything planned aside from our upcoming Texas trip later this summer. But wouldn't you know it, the perfect storm of events happened and we found ourselves up in beautiful Door County, WI this weekend! Door County is very special to me because that's where Daniel and I spent the majority of our honeymoon. :) So, lot's of sweet, happy and romantic memories!

Anyways.... hubby was talking to a friend at work who said what great prices there are up there during off season. When he got home we went online, checked out the place a bit and made reservations for the very next weekend! We stayed at the Newport Resort in Egg Harbor and it was perfect!

Everything was beautiful, inside and out!



This is the Lobby. You can't see it from this angle, but they have a whole pile of games and stuff you can borrow and use while you're there!

They sold sweaters and shirts. Rats! I meant to get one. Oh well, I guess we'll have to come back some time. :)

Of course, what else do you do after you check in? Why, rush up to your room (in a quite manner) and have a look around! Everything was a million times looking better than the photos. It was very "resort-ish" looking without being too stiff but comfortable enough where you felt at home.

This was the girl's room...



We rented a two bedroom room, and I'm so thankful we did! Even though I have been wanting to go back up to Door County, I was (all admit, somewhat guiltily) a bit put out we were bringing our two crazy toddlers with us. But, it went better than I imagined because they went to bed early (Score!!!!) They even stayed in their room without fighting or crying or wanting to go home!

We tucked them in, turned on a children's station (they had a tv in their room) and kept their door open a crack so they knew we were right there. They were fast asleep quickly and Daniel and I had all night to ourselves!

This is our room. I wanted to take all the blankets home with me! The sheets were soft cotton and they had a white crisp comforter under the blanket. I got out of bed just so I could get back in it again. Awesomness!

There were two bathrooms, the one off of Daniel's and my room had a huge Jacuzzi jet tub!



This is a picture of a mirror. I wore my Texas dress, it's one of my favorites :)



They had a kitchen stocked with not only an oven, stove, fridge, coffee maker, ect. But all the dishes that you could need to cook! It was so handy and very perfect.

An instant fireplace! This was hand's down a selling point when we made reservations. It was cool. Or hot? ;)

After looking around a bit and testing out all the couch cushions and the bouncy, comfortableness of the beds, we decided we were famished! We actually didn't bring much food to cook (that was my sweet hubby's idea, he wanted me to be able to relax too and not worry about cooking :) We had planned on calling for Pizza but no one delivered to where we were. The Resort is actually in the middle of almost nowhere. The town (Egg Harbor) is filled with quaint little shops and has a strong nature and art presence. Beautiful, but we still needed a place to eat! There were a few restaurants, but we didn't want to take the kids out and hubby and I wanted to hang out in our room. The nearest take out place was over 15 minutes away! Thankfully, we found a tiny little store called the Main Street Market just a stone's throw from where we were staying. We picked up a few things and headed back to our room!









When we got back the sun was setting and the view was breathtaking. We had our own little patio that looked out over the woods and the road in the distance. I would have taken more photos but we were just having to much fun all playing together!

After dinner the kids went to bed quickly (Thank you Lord!) and hubby and I had a good couple of hours to ourselves! We drank some locally made soda, cuddled up on the couch together and watched some tv shows from when were were young. Does anyone remember Tim Allan in Home Improvident? Neither of had seen that show in years. We laughed at the 90's fashion and the slapstick comedy and reveled in the pre-reality primetime.

Then we just talked, spent a ton of time in the hot tub (my poor muscles already miss it!) and then snuggled up in front of the fireplace before going to bed. The whole day went by to quickly!


We woke up early the next day and went down and had some breakfast. They served a variety of juices, coffee, cereal, bagels, and such. I thought that was especially nice considering that your room is set up to be able to cook yourself.

We checked out and were on our way back home! There were so many things Newport Resort had available that we never even got a chance to use. There was an indoor and outdoor pool, an arcade room, and play place for the kids! It was a great place to stay. I highly recommend the Newport Resort to anyone (kids or no kids!) who is planning a trip to Door County, WI!

So, we are back home and unpacked and ready to start another week. (Though I'm still missing that hot tub pretty bad :) Our mini trip was a big blessing and I'm so thankful that we got to go. Now here starts another week back in reality land!

Red River Gorge, KY

Road trip!!! We recently came back from a mini vacation / getaway / road trip to Kentucky. We weren't really planning on a big get away, Daniel and I had originally planned for just him and I to go for a night or two down to Louisville, KY. But, long story short, Daniel's oldest brother and his girlfriend (from Louisville) his older sister and her husband (from Virginia) and his younger brother (from Texas) and us all met up for about a week in Red River Gorge, KY for an almost week getaway in the mountains!

Since I don't have a ton of time, I'll share in pictures instead of words our trip. That's my favorite medium of retelling a story anyway......

Chicago! Part Three

Inside a cool cafe downtown

This trip was actually my first time riding in a taxi. I don't know how I have managed so long without ever riding in one! Instead of taking your car places and dealing with the crazy traffic only then to end up paying $20.00 for valet parking, it's much simpler to catch a cab for $7.00. Not to mention the crazy cab drivers you meet! That's worth the price itself! (Daniel and I may have differing opinions on this one ;)

Night time means dinner time!


Our hotel

This is the dress Daniel bought me for Christmas! (early :)

He knows me so well :) Aside from about $100,000 worth of things for his Jeep, he much prefers, always wants, practical gifts. I, on the other hand like pretty things! Now, don't get me wrong, I have been known to ask for measuring cups, a vacuum or even diapers as gifts (for the girls, not me!) but I really do love lovely things. I didn't need a new dress, but was very happy and every so thankful to have one! I really truly do have the kindest and most understanding husband in the world!

This was taken as we were getting ready for dinner. I had to leave the restaurant before my food came because I was feeling so horrible, but it was a beautiful evening! Especially now that I look back and feel fine :)

Honestly, it was almost better that I got sick while away, because I was able to spend more time sleeping than I have in a very long time, so that was a blessing. I was very thankful to come home to the girls though.

We were all sick for a good solid week together, and coming home was just the start of it. Being away for a few days gave me the physical and emotional break I needed to help the girls though their sickness 24/7 for a week. I was very thankful that God had His hand in the timing of it all and that my dad needed Daniel down there for that week. I'm so thankful for such a loving and kind God! He takes care of all our needs and all we need to do is acknowledge Him and Honor and Praise Him. I can truly say with experience, what a mighty God we Serve!

Really, who else cares so much about a normal little old housewife who has little children to take care of, a house to clean and family to serve? Sometimes I feel so lonely, overwhelmed and over tired. Even with such a wonderful husband and great kids, life can just seem so big and I feel so small. It's in those moments that God scoops me up in His loving arms and shows me He cares enough to give me what I need. Whether it's just a good day, a kind word from a friend or a little time away... He knows my needs! Even before I do!

Wow... I just still can't get over what a mighty God we serve!

This last photo was one Daniel took of the girls and I about 3 hours after we back home. It was mixture of sickness, tiredness and thankfulness to all be together again. There is nothing like being back in your home with your family :)

Chicago! Part Two

View from our window

This was taken while Daniel was at work.... :)

From Holidays

One of my favorite images, through the peep hole.

Once Daniel and my dad got back we went for a little walk. I almost didn't go because I started feeling pretty sick at this point (in fact, I immediately threw up after coming back, but I'll spare you from any more details, lol ) The only reason I feel I have to mention how sick I was is because of my utter disappointment of not getting more photo opportunities and missing out at a quick window shopping stop into Tiffany & Co, Macy's, ect...

But the walk was delightful and chilly anyway!

This is part of the Tribune Tower, it was so cool. There are pieces of buildings and land from all over the world covering the building. There were actual parts of the Great Wall of China, The Alamo, Numerous castles, the World Trade Center, the Colosseum, the Pyramids, a piece of rock from Abraham Lincoln's Tomb, The Taj Mahal, the Berlin wall and there was even a piece of moon rock on display in one of the windows recently! That had to be one of my favorite places. It not only was interesting and covered in history (literally!) but the architecture was stunning.

I love the modern but woodsy look of the white birch bark against the green. Simple and stunning!







The only store we walked into. Burberry! I have always planned to get a scarf from them... one of these days perhaps. (considering I could get a new camera lens for the same price! Which I would much rather do) I just really love the simple, sophisticated and timeless look of the Burberry style. One simple shirt that I picked up had a price tag of $495.00 hhmmm.. just a *wee* bit out of my price range. (and I'm a clear thinking adult ;)