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We're back from Orlando.
It was nice also to be unplugged so to speak, most days we didn't even have the phone on. We both really needed a little time together to relax. Picked up the kids from the vet today. Ouch. Big bill. Boy were they happy to be home. It was really sad to be home without them for a day.
Seems so lonely and quiet.

We enjoyed seeing the manatees in the wild, although there were so many burnt trees on the way up. Dh said that this is a normal process and some of the trees/bushes in the everglades actually need fire in order to grow.

I thought of how that is true in my own life as well. The times of real growth have never been during the green years when everything is running smoothly and happy, but instead when the heat is on. Those are the times when you see what you're made of (and your spouse). Sort of like a silversmith, who has to heat the silver to burn off the dross and get to the good stuff. My pastor has a funny way of saying it. He says "whatever is in the cup is what will spill out when it's bumped". LOL.

It's a good thought to ponder. I mean we've all met an old person who is lovely and sweet and funny and delightful, and we've all met a grumpy, bitter, nasty old person. So...were they always that way? Or as we age does our inside reflect more as our outer diminishes? Or are we somehow melted down and the core of who we really are become more prevalent?

I was doing so much thinking over the weekend. I think that's the thing I miss the most about having a commute to work. That was my "me time" where my mind would drift into deep thought, I'd catch up on my family calls, etc.:)

But being at home, I just haven't been taking the time to just ponder in thought. I need that. Time to reflect, look in the mirror and see if I'm in need of a divine intervention. Usually that's an affirmative.

Boy did I get it this weekend. I don't know how to explain it, but for me reading the word is like having a grace-filled best friend who tells you that your fly is open and you have spinach in your teeth and your dress is tucked into your pantyhose. And yes you do look fat in that. But you don't mind, because it's done in private, in love and with tact.

My question is why, if those times of growth occur during times of trouble...are those times such trials to our faith?
It seems some people are happy with God only in times of happiness and joy and when the least bit of trial comes along it shakes their faith. While others it's completely opposite, in the good times they forget...and it isn't until the house is on fire, the job is lost, the money runs out or the baby is sick do they remember and draw near.

Well enough Jack Handy moments for tonight. Beppa needs some sleep.
Still worn out from the resting this weekend. Ha-ha.