A Day At the Beach & Life Lessons

Weeks ago, we decided that it was time to bless our kids with a trip to the Lake Erie beach that we love the most.  With all of the cleaning and packing we've been doing, it was time to stop, grab a friend, and go to the beach.

Lake Erie when we arrived and set up to relax.

It was such a beautiful day! 

I could barely see to take the picture, but here is one where Mr. G and I were sitting in the shade under the tree.  I take medication that makes me photosensitive, so we spent most of our time under the tree.

After spending over 3 hours in the sun, the kids were sufficiently crispy--even with 70+spf sunscreen--we went to Panera Bread before heading home.  It was something new for a couple of us, something familiar for others and just fun to pick out some neat treats that we don't normally have.

On the way home, my hubby didn't take pictures because he wasn't feeling well, but he did get a couple on our way up to Erie.

Small town with American flags waving.

Lonely old silo

Small grassy area on the hill

The valleys and scenery is breathtakingly beautiful.  I love looking as far as the eye can see and see hills and trees with an occasional splotch of green grassy patch.  It gives me a chuckle.

Upon arriving at home, we found a phone call from our Georgia realtor waiting for us.  We called and left her a message and within 5 minutes she returned our call.  The house that Mr. G put an offer on last week, we had been counter offering with 3 days in between each offer--it's a bank owned/HUD property thing where they get 3 days to reply to an offer.  The last offer, the bank/seller did not accept.  We are taking a step back and praying about how to word another counter offer, if at all.  The bank/seller would not budge on the price, but to come down $1,000.

We need to take a step back, regroup, get some things done here on our house in Pennsylvania, then see if there have been any other offers on this house.  We're waiting 2 weeks, then starting with the offer process again.  If the Lord wants us to have it, then He will make it available.  

For now, we get ready for a "Moving Sale" next weekend.  I'm getting so many things ready to sell so that the things we have to move will be limited and as small as we can possibly get it.  We are selling curriculum, too.

This journey through life is by far the most important time because it builds character, helps us to enjoy our time in the here-and-now, and it makes us linger to ensure the needful lessons are learned--sometimes whether we like it or not.  Our attitudes on the journey can be ones of thankfulness, or selfishness in which case it causes great heartache and stress for those who love us due to our own selfish responses to the unfamiliar.  

For now, though, we rest in God's will.  It's a good place to be.  Learning to rest there is difficult for many, but a very important and integral part of the journey.  I often visualize sitting in the passenger seat and letting God be the one in charge of my car.  How much I actually trust Him is directly related to how much I rest while He is driving.

It feels good not to have to drive this car through life, but to rest and let Him take the wheel.

God Bless,

Pensive

As with every year's passing, I get melancholy.  While I discontinued "New Year's Resolutions" years ago, I still find myself reviewing the previous year and wondering how to "do it better next year."

Do what?

You name it!  All in the name of setting goals!  :0)

God willing, of course.

I'd like to do just a few things differently or do a few more things this coming year.  I've started them already,  just because I don't wait for New Year's Day, but not on the scale I'd like to get to.

1).  I'd like to send more hand written cards and letters.  I know for the most part hand written letters for me is difficult due to my carpal tunnel issues, but I can type up a storm without problems.  So, I'll just work at it.

2).  I'd like to begin going away alone for one "weekend" or even an overnight, once a year for a time of prayer, journaling and reflection, without distraction.  Maybe I'd go to a cabin somewhere along Lake Erie or some place nice like that where I'm close to nature.  

3).  I'd like to go away 2 "weekends" a year alone with my husband.  In almost 23 years of marriage, we have not taken any weekends or even numerous week days away.  They don't have to be weekends, but if that's where it falls, then that's ok.  We've spent a couple hours here and there away and at most 6 hours, but that's it, recently.  When the kids were little, we did a yearly over night, but it never seemed to be enough for me.  I needed more time with him.

4).  I'd like to plant more flowers....just because...

5).  I'd like to sway to beautiful music together in the arms of the man I love....just because it feels good.

6).  I'd like to ride bikes more often together with my family.

7).  Maybe try going roller skating again.  =0)  [I have a ruptured disc in my back, so this would be questionable.]

8).  I'd love to serve God with my husband in a variety of ways....however He leads.

9).  I'd like to help more people, in any way I can.

10).  More and more and more and more sewing....

11).  I'd like to can and dehydrate lots more, too! :0)

12).  To worship wholeheartedly with my husband.


...of course if it never happens, I'll  be content with what God gives me for now, holding my plans loosely and trying very hard to adjust and redo!  :0)



  Romans 12:1-2  "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."