What You Learn in 3868 Miles...

Have you ever spent hours and hours in the car traveling with your kids?  I have spent many hours in the car with my kids but it is usually with my husband.  However, this time the beginning of the trip was going to be just me and the kids; Dan would join us later.  This meant three days of traveling with no assistance in driving or helping with the kids.  I was slightly nervous, but this was the only option available to be able to celebrate the wedding of friends. 

In all 3868 miles traveled so much was learned.  One thing we learned is we can sing our hearts out and no one can hear us.  Music brings people together!  We sang all different kinds of songs, laughed at how bad we sounded and sang louder.  We also played road trip scavenger hunt and I noticed how observant the kids really can be.  Their vision was quite profound! 

This trip provided opportunities to spend with friends as we made our way across country.  The Lord has truly blessed us with amazing friends that willingly open their homes for us.  The kids and I had the opportunity to enjoy a state park in Iowa with a friend.  It was a great way to expend some pent up energy, spend time in God's creation and visit.  While venturing on one of the paths we found a bridge that makes for a perfect picture opportunity. 


 In Nebraska, my husband joined us and we were able to attend the wedding of friends.  The location of the wedding was beautiful and the little chapel provided the backdrop for the wedding.  The wedding was outside on a hill with the sun setting in the background.  Sitting and listening to the couple say their vows while I was surrounded by my family was a great reminder of how the Lord blessed me 18 years ago with an amazing husband.  Time was also spent reflecting on all that has happened in 18 years.  Truly astonishing how the Lord has provided and abundantly blessed us!   

We left Nebraska and headed for South Dakota and spent time with friends there.  While we were there the moon was brilliant.  My daughter was spending time 4-wheeling on the farm and she called me to tell me I had to get my camera.  I am so glad she called because the beauty was stunning!  I love seeing God's creation through the lens of my camera and what I noticed was my kids are starting to see the beauty of God's creation.  They notice how beautiful things are or how different things are and make comments.  So many times we get "lost" in life and forget to see the beauty surrounding us.  I am so grateful my kids see the beauty of God's creation!

This trip also allowed for family time.  We were able to spend time at both family farms and enjoy farm life.  The kids were so excited to see the new farm dog and pitch in where help was needed.  Life on the farm was how my husband and I grew up and watching my kids embrace farm life is a joy to watch.     






Finally, as we were traveling God's promises were shining through!  The picture does not do this rainbow justice as at the peak of the rainbow the colors were brilliant!  After all the years since Noah, God still lets us know He keeps his promises!

What you learn in 3868 miles is that we are truly blessed in so many ways!  Taking time to reflect upon on all the blessings is humbling. 

I pray you are all enjoying your summer!  I will be back to updating the blog on a regular basis now that I have returned.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

The Psalms are worded so beautifully.  Have you ever sat down and used a Psalm as a prayer?  You can pray just this verse over and over again because our mouths can get us into so much trouble and we often focus our hearts on other things than the Lord.  When I started the Bible Passage for the Week, I suggested you put the verse around your house to remind you throughout the week what the verse was.  This is a great verse to have about and even memorize - Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

"For I consider that the suffering of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

Life may seem dismal at times but the glory we will receive because Christ gave up His life for us is beyond words!  Christ will be your strength here on earth; rely on Him.

Cheryl

A Legacy

Have you ever been given something that is priceless?  You know that item that could never be bought with money.  On my wall, at the end of the hall, hangs a beautiful portrait of my Grandma in her wedding dress.   Back in 1947, Grandpa shared a photo of his lovely bride to a German painter and the painter captured the essence of my Grandma on a canvas.  That canvas has adorned Grandma’s wall ever since.  Well, that is until recently.  You see now Grandma has gone to heaven and I was asked if I wanted the portrait.  There are no words to express my awe that I would be able to continue the legacy of the portrait adorning someone’s wall.

 

Grandma didn’t just leave me a canvas to hang on a wall; she left me with an even more priceless gift!  Grandpa and Grandma raised seven children and their faith was very evident.  My dad took what was instilled in him and passed his love for the Lord onto me and my brothers.  I now have the opportunity to pass that love onto my three children. Verse 4 of Psalm 78 states, “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.”  What an amazing gift you give your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the generations to follow when you share the love of the Lord.

Take moments each day to share that amazing gift with your children.  Point out the beautiful creations that God has made.  Share how Christ helped you through the day.  Pray together.  Study scripture together.  Whatever you choose to do leave that priceless gift with your children!    

 

Cheryl 

Bible Passage for the Week

"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:18

Words are pointless if there are no actions to support those words.  Share Jesus' love and truth through your actions.

Cheryl 

Bible Passage for the Week

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

We all have the same amount of time.  How do we use it?  Do we use our time in a way that glorifies Christ?  Even spending time resting as they turtles are is a good use of time. 

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

"For we are God's fellow workers.  You are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:9

How is God using you to spread the Good News?  God thinks outside of our "little box" so be open to where God would like to use you as one of His fellow workers!

Cheryl