Vacation Ponderings

I don't know about you, but it seems like every time we head out on vacation, at some point I think about this . . . about how big the world really is.  Have you ever thought about it?!  Yes, I know the world is a big place, but when we are so in the routine of home, of our neighborhood, of our town, we can easily forget how big the world is or how small we really are in the scheme of things.

Driving down the highway there are thousands of cars, trucks, RV's, semis all around you. Each carrying an individual(s) who each have their own lives, their own routines just like us. Where are they going?  Are they heading to work? vacation? to see family who live far away? or just heading home?  Do they have a good life or a hard one?  Do they know Jesus?  Are they searching for Him or not even trying?

And then these questions even compound themselves when you wind up in rush hour traffic! So many people, so many lives that we don't really ever think about . . . unless you are like me and are heading out on vacation.

With so many people in this country let alone the whole world, you could start to wonder how does God even know me?  or even remember me?  Our finite minds can't comprehend this, but that is one of the great and unfathomable things about God . . . He does know each and every one of us!  We don't have to keep reminding Him of who we are and what our circumstances are . . . He already knows!  It blows my mind if I ponder this too long.

Another thing I think about when driving along is the trees.  Ever think about how many trees there are on the mountains you drive through (and the ones you aren't driving through)?  And then how many individual leaves there are on each of those trees?!  It's almost like the grains of sand on the beaches.  I love driving the highways in the fall when the leaves are changing color!  A beautiful display of God's handiwork!

Field Trips Galore

This fall has been a busy time for going on field trips for me . . . 3 field trips in 4 weeks time!

Allyson's field trip was the first one.  The 4th graders went to a 38th Annual Trail of Courage Living History Festival.  When I arrived at the school, I quickly discovered that I was Mr. Nice's (Allyson's teacher) only parent volunteer.  That meant instead of only a few kids to be in charge of, I would have a whole lot more!  Mr. Nice had decided that I would be in charge of the 11 girls, and he would be in charge of the 11 boys.  I was a bit concerned on how it would go, but it turned out to be a good day.  All of the girls seemed to get along and was just a good group of girls.  I decided to call them "The Nice Girls" . . . not just because they were all nice, but as I stated earlier, their teacher's name is Mr. Nice. :o)  So yes, I was heard yelling a few times "hey, Nice Girls - this way!"

Sorry, I don't have any pictures as I didn't take my camera.  There was a chance of rain that day, and I didn't want to take the chance of my camera getting wet.  One thing I liked is that all the 4th grade classes made tie-dye shirts (each having different class colors) a few weeks earlier, and they are to wear them on all field trips, concerts, etc.  It sure made it a lot easier to keep track of my girls.

Two weeks later, it was Kaycie's and the kindergartners turn.  Their field trip was to a local farm, and it was an absolutely beautiful day!

Hayride

part of my group

picking pumpkins

They all had a chance to pet a goat

and a calf.

learning how to make butter . . . shake, shake, shake!

And then two weeks after that (which was the last day before fall break), I went with Janae and the 1st graders on their field trip to an environmental learning center.  For a while I was told that once again I was the only parent volunteer, but, fortunately, another parent decided to come along.

A week prior the weather forecast wasn't looking very favorable, but as the day got closer and closer, the forecast got better and better.  It ended up being another great day for a field trip!

playing with toys that they would have had 100 years ago

making apple cider

hayride

shelling corn

grinding the corn kernels

Rise Above

I was reminded at church today that even though it may be a cloudy, dismal day, the sun is still shining!  Just because we can't see the sun doesn't mean that it is not there shining for all its worth above the clouds.  In the same way, when we are going through some dark times whether it has been just a short time or has lasted for quite a while, Jesus, the Son, is still there!  He hasn't left!  He hasn't stopped being who He is . . . The only true Son, the Light of the world. 

Also today, our pastor mentioned he felt like God was wanting to flood the place, to fill us up.  It came to me that normally when a flood happens it leaves behind damage, debris and mud - nothing good.  But when our God floods a place what is left behind is restoration, healing and cleansing.  All is made new again!  In the same way, we are washed by Christ's BLOOD to be made WHITE as snow.  It makes no sense, but it makes perfectly good sense . . .  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  Isaiah 55:8