Street Bikes, Leather, and Weekend Rides

My husband and I spent some time this past month taking a look at our life together and realizing that we have come to a place over the last couple years where we have absolutely nothing that we enjoy doing together just for fun and, simply put, Keith & Mandy time. We do a lot of things together, but nothing just for the sheer enjoyment of it. He presented some options and asked what I thought (one of which I have always wanted to do). So, it looks like it's official...we are entering the world of street bikes, leather, and weekend rides. YES, a motorcycle...Sweet! We prayed for the Lord to provide us with something we could afford without going into debt for it. We have decided on a '82 Honda cb900custom (just like the one in the picture above)...it's an older bike, in great condition, low mileage, a good "first time" street bike for us. God has blessed us with a great bike at a great price. It's georgeous! And I must say, "My man really looks hot riding it!!"

I can't wait to get out and go riding with our friends!

Living Worship

I attended the Wednesday night Life Group held at the church tonight...we took a break from the Rooted Study to watch a video teaching by Louie Giglio on worship, "It's what we do" (you can view it here. GREAT Stuff!! What I got out of it: 1) We were all created to worship and will worship something or someone 2) Who & what we worship is not defined by what we say, but by the way we live ("we don't say to God our worship, we live to God our worship") 3)We are all great worshippers...the question, - What is the object of our worship? 4)If worship is determined by our walk, then we must take an honest look at the trail of our time, affection, emotion, investment, allegiance, devotion, belongings, etc. - at the end we find a throne with someone or something on it - Is that someone the God of the Universe? or myself, my family, my achievements, my goals, etc.?

What a great reminder and opportunity to evaluate my personal worship and move closer to becoming the "True Worshipper" God seeks. (John 4: 23-24) "someone who has the thing of ultimate value (God) in the center of their affections. Who, with their life, is a light declaring the greatness of God to a fallen world and living a lifestyle that will show that he is God in heaven and worthy of all praise." (Louie Giglio)

Question...What holds the place of highest value in your life? Take the time to honestly evaluate the trail to your life's throne, repent of any "little gods" you have placed on that throne rather than the only true and worthy God, pray and begin the process of making God the center of your affections.

Let's worship with our lives, not just our words!

Missing My Peeps, but so Happy for Them!

Tomorrow our dear friends, Alan & Tywonn Davidson, leave for a two week trip to Nairobi, Kenya. This trip marks the next exciting step in their journey to long term missions in Africa. We are so excited to see God opening so many doors for them. He has certainly shown himself strong!

That said, I've really been missing them lately - wishing we could get in some deck time - yet, I know God's plan for their lives is a great one and I am praying His blessing on them during this trip, their safety, and for wisdom and clear direction to come as they return and process their experience.

We love you guys so much!!

If only Life WERE a Beach...Minus the sand (of course)

Wednesday, Ella & I made the 4 hour drive to Charleston for a few days of play. My younger sister is graduating from her Masters program at the Citadel (Way to go Michelle). I am so proud of her! The ceremony isn't until Sunday afternoon, but there was no way I could pass up a couple extra days of fun in the sun. Kim (my older sister) and Harry left for a cruise to the Bahamas today, so Ella and I get the house to ourselves until Friday night when the rest of my family comes down.

So, back to the beach...I was laying on the beach today (Ella was napping) just thinking about how different it feels from the everyday grind. A great breeze, warm sun, the relaxation of listening to the waves breaking, the breathtaking beauty of it all. If only everyday life could be/feel like this! The only thing I would choose to lose is the sand, or at least it's annoying qualities (grit, stick-to-itiveness, etc.) My question...Why in the midst of all that beauty, relaxation, and soul comfort, would God use grit to top it off? Doesn't he realize that mothers of toddlers will be coming (mothers that really struggle with the feeling of sand)? Doesn't he know that those toddlers are going to dig themselves a hole, dive in head first, and come out saying "hold you Mommy"... a request no loving mother can possibly say "NO" to. Doesn't he know that Mommy is going to pick up the toddler, who feels like sandpaper, and rub herself raw as she proceeds toward the water to rinse them both off (an effort that goes very unappreciated by the toddler who often prefers sand to water). What was He thinking??

Seriously...we had a great time at the beach today, relaxed, played, jumped waves, began reading a new book (God's Favorite House by Tommy Tenney - so far, really good), ate lunch, napped, and more! Ella was fearless and loved the water and of course...the SAND. Me...water was great, sand - not so much! Really missed my hubby though and Ella talked about Daddy all day. Wish he were able to be here with us!

Have a great pic, but can't add it until I get home.