America the Beautiful part III, CA. Part I

Landing in CA. on Dec. 31st was such a relief. The planeride was uneventful, but we were still glad to get there.
The weather was wonderful! Warm and sunny, so we decided to hit the beach! We drove down to Balboa and take the ferry to Balboa Island where we walked the pier and put our names in at the Ruby's Diner which is a 40's diner (not like a typical NJ diner at all!). They have the best burgers around (my personal opionion of course=>)
It was so great to feel the sand and watch our kids go nuts. They have been deprived of the coastal enjoyments for quite a while so it was such a treat for them.

Ahh the beach at last! My little sunshine Girl!

Jordan and Poppa bonding.

It was Jordan's first time, not that he even cared, but it was fun. A good first day I must say.
My parent's really enjoyed the interaction with the kids and it was so wonderful to see them with Jordan. It really was a great first day.


Chad, Sarah, Tiff and Joey out for Dad and Chad.
the night!

The next couple of days were full of spending time with my parents, brother Chad, wife Sarah and my neices, Hope, 6 and Naomi, 2 (in Feb.). It was so good to be together and watch the kids play and giggle. Maddie and Hope play so well together.
Hope loooooves horses so they imagine themselves as horses and prace around together including Josiah. Naomi in an independant explorer and Jordan is just discovering the world around him, so they were in their own worlds.

We have been blessed with the opportunity every Jan. since leaving CA. to go to Disneyland as a family. This is a highlight of our trip most of the time, and this time was no exception.
We went on the new Nemo ride, went on It's A Small World, Bugs life, the ropes course, had ice cream, watched the High School musical show,...the list goes on.
Grammies bought the kids hats and a toy for Josiah. They were spoiled, but had a wonderful time. Chad and Sarah met up with us in the middle of the day and we hung out for the afternoon. It was good.

We got a shot with Mickey!

Maddie and Hope in their new hats!

Another tradition is to drive to Los Angeles and have lunch at the American Girl store where the girls can indulge their girly fantasies. Hair salon, a doll hospial, tea time, theater and of course loads of outfits to wear for every occassion. They had such a lovely time with their auntie's and Grammies. Thanks again mom!

Maddie and Emmalyn.

Maddie, Hope and Grammie Pammie.

We spent one evening with good friend of ours, Katie and Craig, Erin and Andrew and their parents. They are such a blessing and pray for our ministry all the time. We had a wonderful time of fellowship with them. Thank you again for dinner Kate!

This was such good family time and ministry time, but there was of course the main reason why we even came out in Jan. It was to attend the Missions Conference, hosted by CCCosta Mesa. We spent half of our second week in CA. in the city of Murrieta and enjoyed messages by Godly men and met so many wonderful missionaries as well as those who are praying about going out and those who just support. I will talk about that in my next blog.
It is sure alot of work trying to keep up with all this goings on. =)

In the mean time...God is doing amazing things here.
The Friday night study is growing and is such a blessing in our weekly life.
The Tues night pray time was so refreshing and liberating. Julie came out for it and she seemed to be refreshed as well. Its a wonderful feeling to know that you have done business with God on behalf of yourself and others around you.
Homeschooling went well this week, thanks be to God!
My kids are healthy for now!
My frigerator is full and our home is warm!
I was able to encourage another pastor's wife today and pray with her.
My marriage is awesome.
AND...

Last week I had spent a coulple of days on my spiritual reserves, not taking a moment to just rest with my Lord waiting for Him to speak to me. Until the moment I finally did and WOW!
Just like that my soul was nourshed. It felt like dehydration during a good workout or soccer game and as you take a good swig of water or suck down an orange slice, you feel the sudden revival of your senses and energy. I felt so pumped! The Lord spoke to my heart right away. HE was just waiting there with some wonderful nuggets just for that moment. The fresh manna of the day and I had missed it for 2 days I think. Not good.
So thank you Lord for reminding me that I am not sufficient on my own. I need to be saturated by Your word of Life. May I desire them more than the physical wants in my life or needs. You sustain me. I love You, Lord.
May you all be blessed and remember...He wants aaalll of you not just bits of you. Take time for Him.
There were so many other moments that I could share, but this will have to be enough for now.
Thank you Lord for all that you do and bless us with!