It's Time to Vote!

I am not into politics, though I am passionate about our freedoms and our right to vote and being involved in the democratic process.
I have heard so many Christians speak of fear when they talk about this election and it makes me sad. We serve a sovereign God who knows all things and who is in control. I take complete comfort in that truth. Fear is not from God!
I encourage you to read this article. It is a great reminder of how Christians should vote.

It's almost over!

Wow - it's already been a week. We are sad and ready to get home all at the same time. This is probably the best vacation we have ever had! That's a big statement because we have always loved to "cruise" but this vacation has had a different element - a complete get-away from the city - people - tourist activities - a total disconnect.
God has really been working on me and my inability to relax so this week has been one lesson after another on how to rest in the Lord.
I will share more about what God has been saying to me. Just know that I have never relaxed like this - maybe in my whole life.
God has been gracious to give us such an awesome time away together.

Vermont!

I have always wanted to go to Vermont. I think it is because I love the movie "White Christmas" and who wouldn't want to go there. Well, I checked, there is no real Pine Tree, Vermont or Columbia Inn.
But today we drove to Bennington, Vermont. It was beautiful and fun to be in this place that I have always dreamed of.
We are having an amazing time. We are so relaxed that we can hardly move tonight. It is an amazing peaceful, relaxing kind of vacation that we desperately needed.
Enjoy the pics!!!!

We went hiking on Mt. Greylock. Loving the weather and our time together.


This is a panoramic view of the mountains in Vermont. This picture has not been "retouched". I wish there was some way to show you the amazing colors. The yellows and orange fade into a pink hue and the amazing red just makes the whole scene come alive. It's amazing.


This house is on a pumpkin farm in Vermont. Isn't that cool?

New England in the Fall!

We are in S. Lee, Massachussets in the middle of the Berkshire Mountains. We spent today making our first drive around the area "leaf peeping" as they call it. I just kept saying "Oh, my gosh" over and over again. Our Lord is so amazing. He has to love colors because He has created a palette of colors that my mind has trouble comprehending. This will cause you to worship our creator. We have had the most awesome day. I'll post more pictures tomorrow.

Falling in Love with Jesus

We are doing the study "Falling in Love with Jesus: Abandoning Yourself to the Greatest Romance of Your Life" with my Bible study group on Sunday nights. We have done a lot of different studies, but I'm not sure that one of them has touched me in the deepest recesses of my heart as this one has.

It works to bring down the barriers that have built up in our lives by pain, rejection and disappointment and then points you to a love that is like no other... a deep down kind of love that only God can have for us.

One of the memory verses that I love to repeat to myself is from Zephaniah 3:17...
"The Lord your God is with YOU; He is mighty to save [YOU]; He takes great delight in YOU; He quiets YOU with His love; He rejoices over YOU with singing."

To know that God not only loves me but pursues me is beyond my ability to comprehend. Why would God pursue someone as sinful and ugly as me? Why would He continually wait for me and sing over me when I am struggling to obey - struggling to be where He wants me to be?

He loves me as I am. He created me. He pursues me. He is lonely for me. He is the Bridegroom longing for His Bride.

"Long before He laid down earth's foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love. Long, long ago He decided to adopt us into His family through Jesus Christ. What pleasure He took in planning this!" Ephesians 1:4-5 The Message

Do you understand the depth of God's love for YOU?

It's my baby girl's birthday!

This is my baby daughter. Isn't she beautiful?!!!
Jessica was a very special surprise gift to our family in 1989. We were not looking for another child - we had four teenagers and had no clue that we were not done having children. But God had a different plan and we are so blessed that He did.
Jess turned 20 years old today. I can't even believe that I am saying that.
She is an amazing young woman. She has been loved by this family in a very special way. She has had more "parents" than one child could ever need. She has a unique relationship with each of her siblings.
She is passionate about the Lord, art, photography and children. She is mission-minded and hates injustice.
Happy Birthday, Jess!
I love you more!!!!!!

Our Last Day

Today we experienced amazing worship and the presence of the Holy Spirit at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. This afternoon we heard Paul Baloche. He was wasn't really "in concert" because it wasn't about him - he led us in worship straight to the throne. He was great.

Tonight we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset. It was relaxing and beautiful as well as a bit disconcerting if you spent time looking down at the water under your feet.

We have had an amazing week. It's fun to travel with my best friend. We love the same things and can pretty much read each other's mind. I love that man!

Here we are on the bridge...

More on New York

On Wednesday, we spent most of the day on Liberty and Ellis Islands learning more about this symbol of our liberty and freedom and about the millions of people who immigrated to our country because of the poverty and oppression they faced in their own countries. It was an impressive and moving day.
Also, we are proud to claim that we climbed the 160 steps to the base of the Statue of Liberty. (That is way more than it sounds like.) I am proud!



Thursday we walked around the World Trade Center site and Wall Street/Financial District (that's a sad place these days). After that we took the subway to Little Italy where we enjoyed the best New York pizza ever. Some of you may know that I have been on a strict diet for 8 months, but today I put the diet aside and just enjoyed the pizza. It was awesome!



Thursday night we saw Mary Poppins. This choice was really for me but the advertising is true - "it's a musical an adult can enjoy". It was amazing! Staging, special effects and the music were all incredible.

We love New York!!!!!

The Unraffle

I interrupt this vacation to remind you of THE UNRAFFLE benefitting the adoption of our two newest grandchildren from Ethiopia. For $25 you can purchase a ticket that will be a part of a drawing tomorrow (Friday) at noon for a 7 day vacation. Click here to learn more about it. Remember this money will go straight to the expenses needed to complete the adoption of these two amazing children who will soon be "Seay's".