Ho Hum Kind of Day

It was a ho hum kind of day, nothing too exciting happened.  Charles wasn't feeling the best - seems to have a touch of the stomach bug but is feeling a little better this evening.  The kids had an uneventful day and work was fine.  There was plenty to do and more piled on top of that, seems to remain the same there.   I'll be hunting and searching and waiting for direction - that door will be opening soon.
It's time to give the boys a haircut.  Time to get out the clippers and give them a buzz!

Made me think...What Power!

It was a good day today.  I dreaded getting back to work - but it was a good day - got lots done - made a nice size dent in the pile that grew last week.  Becca and Chuck and a productive school day and Dad got to mess with his camera and tweak some of his photos from the trip.  My suitcase is still waiting on me - guess I should go unpack it.  Becca and I headed to the grocery and picked up a few things for the week.

I sat here for an hour trying to figure out what to write about - guess it's jet lag (ha ha) couldn't come up with a definite topic so just wrote about the day.  One more thing I want to share is...

I got a little behind on reading the devotions that I subscribe to and was trying to catch up a little earlier today.  I read one that made me think and peaked my interest.  Here it is...
Greater Works Shall You Do
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
01-30-2012

"Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know." (Acts 2:22)

Jesus did all of His miracles as a man, not as God. Let that sink in. This is a profound truth that has major implications for you and me. It changes everything.

Pastor Bill Johnson writes: "Jesus could not heal the sick. Neither could He deliver the tormented from demons or raise the dead. To believe otherwise is to ignore what Jesus said about Himself, and more importantly, to miss the purpose of His self-imposed restriction to live as a man.

Jesus said of Himself: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does (John 5:19-20)." In the Greek language the word 'nothing' has a unique meaning -- it means NOTHING. Just like it does in English! He had NO supernatural capabilities whatsoever!

While He is 100 percent God, He chose to live with the same limitations that man would face once He was redeemed. He made that point over and over again. Jesus became the model for all who would embrace the invitation to invade the impossible in His name. He performed miracles, wonders, and signs, as a man in right relationship to God... not as God.

If He performed miracles because He was God, then they would be unattainable for us. But if He did them as a man, I am responsible to pursue His lifestyle. Recapturing this simple truth changes everything... and makes possible a full restoration of the ministry of Jesus in His Church. "[1]

Jesus said you and I will do even greater works than He did. "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12-13)

The question for each of us is, "How dependent and obedient to the Holy Spirit are we so we can experience this same power?"

[1]Bill Johnson, When Heaven Invades Earth, Destiny Image, p. 29, Shippensburg, PA 02003 

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

Home Sweet Home from one of the best vacations ever!

The end of a vacation is always two fold.  We hate to leave but we can't wait to get back to home, sweet home.  We had the most wonderful week.  We spent time with so many we love, got to see so many new and exciting things, ate wonderful food, were busy, relaxed and just had a totally amazing time.  Always when we leave Gramma and Grampa there is some sadness because we miss them so much and wish we were closer, now we've met Scott, Melissa and Jackson in person creating another sad parting.  I saw something recently that is fitting to this thought....

Don't cry because it's over - 

Smile because it happened!

We are so thankful for the time we got to spend with each and everyone of you this week - family and friends.  We love you dearly and can't wait to see you again soon!

Jackson playing on the iPad

Scott chatting with Charles

Jackson and Becca playing Monopoly

It was a great lunch - getting to know each other even better.

We went through our check point and were lined up to get on the plane.

Then the airline security starting scouring the area.  They picked, who they apparently thought were the possible terrorists, which would soon be boarding our plane.  Who do you imagine they selected???

Hmm - what do you think? Does she look to be a threat?

She passed the inspection with flying colors.

People are so funny - this lady who was standing in front of Dad - was looking Becca up and down while they searched her bag like she was some kind of criminal.  

You know me - ha ha - I just had to take a picture - I guess she didn't like me snapping pictures either!

hehehe

We had great flights home - touched down in San Antonio for about 30 minutes then landed safely in Dallas.  Thanks to Tim and Misti for the the taxi ride home - it is so appreciated.

It was great to be home and so nice to be back with Chuck and Major.

Taco Bueno for dinner - and hopefully a good nights rest.

Night all!

Shopping and Swimming

It's another beautiful sunny day in Florida.  We did a little shopping.  Bealls outlet is always fun - kind of a treasure hunt!  Becca found the cutest little dress for her chapel dress on her upcoming mission trip.  I bought an outfit and Charles found a pan that matches our current set.  We headed to Chili's for lunch - it was delicious.  Gramma and Grampa had a card tournament this morning - so we were on our own for the first half of the day.  We headed to Walmart and got a few things.  Once we were back we figured we better get our suitcases in order.  One more load of laundry after a quick trip to the pool and hottub.  I'm glad we decided to run up to the pool - 89 degree pool water under the Florida sun was a nice way to spend a few moments this afternoon.  Gramma made some delicious tilapia she picked up at Sam's.  It was a parmesan encrusted tilapia-  yum!  We also had a side of corn and mashed potatoes.  We had one last game of golf and then headed off to bed to be ready for traveling tomorrow.  This has been a wonderful vacation, I'm glad we took the time to come.  Can't wait to see Chuck and Major tomorrow.

Rainy day

It's been rainy and overcast... The perfect day for a little vacation relaxation. Strawberry shortcake with Grampa, Gramma, Uncle David and Aunt Linda, a nice little afternoon visit was fun this afternoon. Becca is hoping to win our upcoming game of golf.

She did! She had an awesome last hand and stuck it to all of us! The three of us went for a bike ride around every street in the park. We got to see two of the sweetest little bunnies. We played UNO spin and Becca won it too! It was her day to win! The sudoku race was won by Dad. He was fast.

Taking it Easy

So far the plans for the day are to just take it easy.  We had breakfast at the Bulls Eye Bar-b-que in town.  Then we drove out to the strawberry fields to get fresh berries for shortcake.  This particular farm is owned by Mennonites and they have come up with the neatest little contraption for picking their berries.
Take a look...isn't it clever?

Here is a strange tree in the village  - makes me think of a spider...

Becca is in the  mood for swimming - we will be heading up to the pool later, playing a few games of shuffleboard and I'm sure we will work in a few games of golf.  This is the life!

Red Barn, Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key

The day began with steaming hot coffee and breakfast.  First stop was the Big Red Barn to see if we could find some little treasure.  Grampa bought some yummy mini donuts and Dad bought some shoes for the beach.  We then traveled through Bradenton and Grampa told about the drive-in that he and Uncle David used to walk to when they were young boys.  He showed us other streets he lived on and little memories from his childhood.  Next stop - Anna Maria Island.  Dad and Becca braved the chilly waters and floated in the gulf for a while.  Grampa sat in the shade under his big umbrella while Gramma and I scoured the shoreline for pretty and interesting shells.

Pizza and wings from Little Caesars for Dinner.  2 games of golf  - the last one being one of the highest scoring - everyone kept getting 4 of a kind and setting everyone else. We even had a short little visit from Uncle David and Aunt Linda which was nice.

Myakka State Park - Alligators - Amish Restaurant - Swimming-Golf-Shuffleboard

The day started at the Myakka State Park. We went on the airboat tour  - it was a perfect day to see the wildlife.  The alligators were happy to pose as they sunned themselves on shore.

Manatees, Edison, Ford and Bass Pro!

We had another fun day in sunny Florida.    We went over and shopped a little while Gramma and Grampa went to their tournament.  Unfortunately they lost by 3 points!  We then headed off for another day of adventure.   We drove by a local ranch to see the Elk but they wouldn't come near the fence - they were too busy relaxing in the shade.  Next stop...Manatee Park in Ft. Myers.

Manatee Park

A little crab in the river

Pretty Flower in the Butterfly Garden

More Pretty Flowers

A Little Critter enjoying the beautiful weather

The River - only saw a few manatees coming up for air - their are usually more in the area on cooler days!

We then headed further into Ft. Myers - next stop  -
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates!

 

Thomas Edison under the Banyan Tree

Model T

will add a few more pics later

Bass Pro - Ft. Myers, FL

Gramma and Grampa

We all tasted fried dolphin- it was very good!

Gramma and Grampa

We are having a fun time at Gramma and Grampa's house.  We arrived just before bed time last night.  We woke up and had a yummy breakfast - pancakes, sausage and eggs with coffee to boot!
We sat for a while and visited then headed off on an adventure. There is a tourist attraction not too far away called Solomon's Castle. We went on the tour, had lunch, browsed their little shop then walked the trails. It was lots of fun and very interesting. Here are a few pictures....

Becca is ready to go...

So Many Trees -
Orange Orchards lined the way

 

Solomon's Castle

Our Tour Guide - Jerry

Here is some of the interesting artwork inside the castle.