Spring is in the air . . . .

The purpose of my blog has been to find God in the everyday life, of what we now call normal. This past week was Spring Break. Ahhh . . . Spring Break. This week used to mean a week of spring cleaning, or a week of relaxing with the kids, or maybe a week of just being a bum. But this year Spring Break was given a new meaning . . . . TRAVEL!! This past week we traveled over 2,000 miles, over 5 states, and spent too many hours in our minivan. We left our driveway on Friday, March 12 at 4:00 pm with visions of the beach in Florida dancing in our heads. We came dragging in on Monday, March 22 at 1:00 am with hopes that our beds were still as comfy as we remembered. I don't want you to think the trip was not fun. We had a blast. We had set out to have fun and maybe spend some time at the beach. The kids had never seen the ocean. I will tell you they have now see the ocean and they loved it. Mike even fell in love with the waves washing over his feet.

I would like to share a few highlights from the trip. A few times when God had his hand on our family. Saturday night (March 13) around 9:30 pm we were right outside of Tallahassee, FL and we had a blowout. We safely moved the van to the shoulder of the road. Mike and I got out and looked at the tire. I cried. I knew we didn't have the money to buy a tire and still make this trip fun. We had a planned a few things to go and see and do, but the budget was tight. How were WE going to afford a new tire? Mike called AAA to come help change the tire. After a two hour wait, help arrives! The spare tire was flat. I cried again! I could not see any good from this. I sent a text to my group of Gal Pals. "We just had a blowout. Please pray!" I received calls and text messages of encouragement. I had friends and family praying for me. Finally, the spare tire is on. We are back on the road - well, sort of. The donut max speed was 50 mph. So we made the remaining 280 miles going 50 mph. That Sunday the preacher told us he knew someone who could get us a new tire. Monday Mike and the preacher take the van to the tire shop. That evening we go pick up the van, and guess what? The church paid for our new tire!! And guess what else? They also paid for the other 3 tires too, and the alignment!! So you see, God knew when we left the driveway on Friday that our tires would not make it all the way to Florida. God knew that we didn't have the money to get four new tires. God knew that I would cry on the side of the road in Florida. And God knew that a church in Florida, would love our family like Jesus loves us. God has a plan, and if we just let him work, it all works out for His Glory. But I know that so many times, I have a hard time letting Him work. I want to take it all and worry about it. I want to take all the problems in life and try to figure them out. But if we would just Let Go and Let God have control, he would make it better. Thank you so much to the people of Calvary Baptist Church, Fruitland Park, FL. You have been a blessing to our family!!

While on our trip we were able to spend a few days in Mobile, AL with some "family". Thanks to the Litton family we had a place to stay and good food to eat. And the best thing of all, was that they did this out of the kindness of their heart. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

Another great blessing was getting to see my Aunt Susan and Uncle Ron along this trip. We had the honor to speak at there church on Sunday, March 21. With us getting closer to heading to Japan family has really become so important to me. I want to see them and spend these precious few moments with them before we leave. I know we will see them again, but I want to soak up all I can. I want my kids to know how important family is. Saturday and Sunday was wonderful. My kids were playing with there cousins and getting to know them better. I was getting to hear stories about my childhood and remember the baseball games we went to. (By the way, I still have The Chicken's autograph from 1981!!!) I was also able to hear stories about my Grandy and where he was stationed in Japan during The War. I have to say, I left on Sunday feeling very blessed!! So, Thank you Uncle Ron and Aunt Susan for allowing us to come speak at your church and share our burden for the people of Japan.

We had a nice surprise from Vicki before we left with some travel games and books to keep us all happy. I have to say THANK YOU!!! The books came in so handy on the many days we were in the van for hours!

And the most important Thank you I have is for God. Thank you Lord for using me. I know that time and time again, I cry and try to take control, but you have given me such a good Godly group of friends, a Godly family, and a Godly foundation. It does not take long before I am laying down all my worries again, and giving it all to you. Thank you for second chances - over and over again.

I Timothy 1:12

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.