God's Creation--Florida Style

Above our some photos of our recent trip to Longboat Key, FL. I enjoy taking pictures and the little digital camera that I have (a bottom of the line-first timers digital camera) does a good job!!! The pictures are worth more than words can describe. I hope that you enjoy looking at them as much as we enjoyed actually seeing some of God's precious gifts to us all. May we be reminded to care for this earth that God so richly and freely gave to us. He is the true source of all we have been blessed with on this great planet.

This particular picture that I took of shells being washed up on the shore, is not particularly pretty or unique, but what it reminded me of throughout the 10-day trip and my daily walk on the beach, was that God always provides. I tend to forget when my schedule is full of good commitments, and unless opportunities that He is the provider of all the needs we have. Even the smallest of needs. Let me explain my thinking. Every day, sometimes more than once a day individuals walk the beach along the gulf searching for the "perfect" shells. People don't think about the shells not every being there....they always are. Our God provides the food for the birds of the air, and knows every hair on our heads....He even provides countless amounts of shells to be searched and found. He takes all of our needs and cares and makes them His. Seeing these shells was a daily reminder to me that though we all have struggles and uncertainties about things and events in our lives, God Will Provide and Supply All Our Needs. His source is never-ending. He is the HOPE that enables us to continue to "fight the fight". He cares, He provides, He is in control!

Thank you God for the reminder through a "livingrlives" experience.

Longboat Key, and Sarasota, FL Here we come!!!!

We're getting ready to leave for warmer weather later this week. We are very blessed to be able to go away in the winter time for the past several years and this year we are really looking forward to our time with each other and the gulf coast and the sunrises and sunsets. I won't be posting again until we return. I plan to share several pictures of God's handiwork from our time away. Have a great week living your lives together. You will be in our prayers and continue to keep us in your prayers.

A little of nothing with tons of emotion

Here is a snapshot of our auditorium. Though it is a bit dark, it is a beautiful shot and in less then a year, actually 9 months, we will celebrate a special union of our daughter and our future son-in-love!!!

The plans continue to go well. We have all of the "major" expenses in order with downpayments, except one, which we will finalize this weekend. We will then work on the dresses for the wedding party (we have the most important dress-Megan's) It is simply gorgeous. Not overly embelished, but a simple-elegance!!!

The representation of this picture is symbolic for not only the union that will be experienced in November, but the bond that is felt in Jim and my hearts as we deal with the upcoming events in regards to Jim's kidney failing and the future kidney transplant. Our family has been SO supportive and many are volunteering already to be tested to be a possible donor. Jim and I are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love , especially those that want to be tested. Our hearts are very full of love for these individuals who have a strong bond to us through our faith. Our blood relatives are extremely supportive and will also be tested which is also very overwhelming.

I, as well as Jim, continue to read on transplants and the steps that we will be taking in the next months and possible years. It is humbling and emotional. I personally deal with the idea of my soulmate, my best friend, my "right-arm", my protector, my best half, having to go through a transplant, but I also feel blessed that we have such a medical team that is so proactive right here in Delaware and I see the blessing in starting this process now before the % of Jim's kidney function decreases to the point of having to do on-going dyalsis, which can cause other health issues.

I am reminded of many verses in the Bible, but the Spirit has especially placed this one in my heart today.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " Jeremiah 29:11

God's grace is sufficient and His love is everlasting.