Trip NYC

Nathan and I just returned home from a fantastic trip to New York City with some good friends. We hadn't been away, just the two of us, in, well..I can't really remember. One of the couples that went with us lived in NYC for awhile and so they planned our jam-packed itinerary. We lived it up like true New Yorkers, riding the subway everywhere, eating street meat (well, some of us did...I opted for the pretzel), and staying in a room that was the size of my mom's closet. It was awesome.

The Brooklyn tabernacle worship on Sunday. It's truly like a little glimpse of what I imagine heaven to be like. There was not one empty seat (this picture was taken early), and I think the floor was literally moving with all the praising, dancing, and clapping going on. I loved being in the minority and was only a little disappointed that we didn't get to hear Jim Cymbala.
We visited the 9/11 memorials. What a humbling sight. The pregnant women who died that day had their name on the memorial along with "and her unborn child". That really stuck with me. Every life lost that day was so precious, including those unborn children.
Another view of the memorial
Our night out on Broadway
Random picture but the only one I have of the two of us.
Random bathroom picture
Brooklyn Bridge...we walked the bridge. Glad I did it, but didn't love it. They were spray painting, so the fumes plus the height didn't go so well for me.
Riding the subway with Melissa
Macy's store front

Every meal we ate was outstanding and the fact that it included no screaming children made it even that much more enjoyable. What a blessing to get away, have our kids well taken care of by so many at home, and recharge. I was so ready to return home Sunday night...there's really no place like home.

On our return flight I couldn't help but think about the hugeness (is that a word?) of the next trip we will be taking. This time it is literally on the other end of the earth. Destination China. And no, it's not to pick up a child (although Lord willing, that might happen one day).

Happy Thanksgiving

"Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction. You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience - at times, blind obedience. To people who don't know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships. Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficulties may remain.

Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity." Sarah Young in Jesus Calling

Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

Love this voice

I have not been blogging. Truth is we have been really wrestling with some big decisions around here. We have been praying through some things, seeking the Lord's direction, and waiting. And every time I go to blog, I can't think of much else to blog about. I come up empty. Hopefully I can share some of what is on our heart real soon.

In the meantime, how sweet is this?

She is a music lover! Many nights of the week she has a jam session with her daddy before bed.

A beautiful song

Within the womb I formed you
I fashioned and made each part
I thought of your fingers, your hands and your feet
Your mouth, your lungs, your heart
Though you might think that you’re different
I made you the way that you are
So you could discover the God who made you
And find out all I am

And though you might think you have limitations
There are no limits with me
When you turn your eyes to my salvation
Finally you will see

In Me, you have all that you need
In Me, you have all that you need
In Me, you have all that you’ll ever need.

And I’ve heard each prayer that you’ve called out
“Why did you make me this way?”
You may not completely understand now
But there will be a day
When I make everything known to you
And what you don’t now understand
You will see that I”m wise and I’m mighty and good
Just like all my plans
And if you trust in the work of my Son
One day you will see
That I’ve made you the way you are
To draw your heart to me
To draw your heart to me.

- Bob Kauflin

You can listen to it here.

A walker

We are borrowing a walker for the weekend until Price's comes in a few weeks. Here is my boy walking out of therapy on Thursday.

(Excuse my manly voice. I have been battling a little cold this week.)

Reading

I had no time for blogging this week because in my free time (ha..ha), I was devouring this book...
You should definitely get it and check out her ministry, Amazima, as well!

Oh, but I will add this piece of exciting news. We just ordered Price's walker! We found one that looks like it will be a good fit and it's on the way. I'm giddy.

Halloween and Hookie

Ellery wanted everyone to be a character from The Wizard of Oz, but the boys (especially one in particular) were not having it. So we improvised and Street was a football player. A football player with one little eye thingy because he tore them off about as soon as I got them on.
Dorothy and Toto. Ellery sang at our church's fall festival and then we came home to trick or treat a little and hang out in our neighborhood. We learned that we don't need to be out after 8pm on Halloween night. Some junior high kid with a "scream" mask, came up and yelled in Ellery's face. I am pretty sure she is scarred.
Hut, hut!
Price refused to change his clothes and then whined when we wouldn't let him go trick or treating. He's also been in time-out two mornings in a row. Yes, I think the "terrific-two's" are hitting us a bit late.
Today, we played hookie from school and I took Ellery and Street to Dewberry Farms. We enjoyed time with friends we haven't seen in awhile and the beautiful weather. Street is in awe of the milking cow in the picture above. He kept saying, "Dog, dog!" He finally got the "moo" down when we were leaving.
Besties forever these two. I pray they always remain close. There is something so special about being friends since birth.

"More, more!"