Living Room Paradise

Sometimes we are given a gift that is extravagant!  This kind of gift brings tears to our eyes because we know the cost and we know the value.  Sometimes the givers have no idea how much that gift will mean and we have no way of really putting that into words…

A few months ago a couple dear friends bought me a ticket to Hawaii.    Of course, this seems extravagant, because it is.  Here’s the thing though, it isn’t the beach or the sun or the heat or the ocean that made this gift so valuable.  The value came in the people who were waiting for me with leis when I got off of the plane.

I just spent one week in paradise.  My paradise looked like a living room with two little ones who call me auntie (and not just because we were in Hawaii).  My paradise involved rocking a sleeping baby, bedtime stories, fantastic Bible teaching from one of my favorite pastors, late night conversations, and prayers with a family that have been “family” for several years…okay, I’ll admit the tropical fish, lagoon swimming, and sun bathing weren’t half bad either! ;)

I am beyond grateful for this precious week of refreshment with sweet friends! 

 the view from my morning run

 Our Luau date

 Flamingos at the zoo and a Sea Turtle on the Beach

What an amazing week!  Now, back to real life. ;)  We have five ministry events in the next 4 days!  Looking forward to worshipping the King!

When you finish reading this post, be sure to head back to my new blog at www.stilllearningtofollow.com 

Let the Christmas Insanity Begin

I am sitting at Starbucks alone right now.  We've been staying at my sister's house, which is always a blessing and allows for lots of special sister and cousin time...but does not allow for much quiet. :)  5 kids 8 years old and under means lots of noise!  I decided that before the busyness begins tomorrow, I should take a few minutes to get some work done and that meant leaving the house.

Sunday morning we were at our home church, Renton Bible Church!  What a gift it was to be there!  There is nothing quite like being surrounded by those who have known and loved you for years.  It was refreshing to my heart!  Also, the boys got to go to "their" Sunday school class with their friends which they were super excited about too!

Tomorrow we head to Puyallup for the Victorian Country Christmas.  If you're in the area, come find us!  We'll be there tomorrow and Friday.  Then we head to Portland for the weekend.

Next week I leave town for a week to visit a dear friend.  I'm so excited to see her and her family, but it's always really hard to leave my boys.  Please pray for the three of them while they are "mommy-less"! :)  And pray for me while I'm away from my guys!

We have very busy schedule this month.  Be sure to check out our schedule if you're in the "Seattle" area (or in Portland or Spokane - we'll be in both of those areas this month too).  There's a link on the right side of my blog to our tour schedule.

Here are a few fun pictures from the past couple weeks.  (ps. the prayer page is updated)

 

 Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 10K with my Baby Sis

 Snowman with the cousins and Daddy

 Helping Auntie Decorate

 Sunday morning at "home"

Snowflake Lane

 



Happy Black Friday

I am writing you from the comfort of my parent's dining room! :)  If you are out shopping, more power to you, but you won't find me out there! :P

We arrived home safely this past Sunday.  God is so generous in the way that he blesses and protects my family!  Sunday, we had a church service in Yakima, WA.  What a blessed morning that was!  Then we drove across Snoqualmie pass and the roads were just fine.  Praise God!  There had been some snow over the weekend in the pass and it had looked like we might not be able to go that way, but it turned out great.  The road was wet but no snow or ice!

We have enjoyed time with my sister, and her kids the past few days and then spent Thanksgiving with the rest of my family.  It was a very happy thanksgiving! :)

We will be ministering at our home church this Sunday morning and then have our first Christmas concert Sunday night.  I can't believe it's that time already!?

Well, that's all for now.  Going to enjoy some more "cousin time" today.
Love to you all!