Sunset with God

I found this devotional book, Sunset with God, yesterday while shopping in Tallahassee. I was gently reminded of the "quality time" God desires to spend with His children in the reading today. I wanted to share it with you here. . .

Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11

Busy-so busy! The sun has long since set and there is still so much to do. Work, family, church and much more seem to demand hours God never put in the day. Still, we Christians think all these accomplishments will please our heavenly Father. After all, faith without works is dead, right?

When we finally fall into bed at night, can we say we've actually spent any time with the Father we're trying so hard to please?

In his book, Unto the Hills, Billy Graham tells a story about a little girl and her father who were great friends and enjoyed spending time together. They went for walks and shared a passion for watching birds, enjoying the changing seasons, and meeting people who crossed their path.

One day, the father noticed a change in his daughter. If he went for a walk, she excused herself from going. Knowing she was growing up, he rationalized that she must be expected to lose interest in her Daddy as she made other friends. Nevertheless, her absence grieved him deeply.

Because of his daughters absences, he was not in a particularly happy mood on his birthday. Then she presented him with a pair of exquisitely worked slippers, which she had hand made for him while he was out of the house walking.

At last he understood and said, "My darling, I like these slippers very much, but next time buy the slippers and let me have you all the days. I would rather have my child than anything she can make for me."

Is it possible our heavenly Father sometimes feels lonely for the company of His children? Are we so busy doing good that we forget-or are too weary- to spend some quiet time with Him as our day draws to a close?

Take a walk with your heavenly Father as the sun sets. Spend some quality time, talking to Him about anything and everything. You will be blessed and so will He!

Welcome to Florida Ms Irene

Phisher thinks it is great fun to chase down the tennis balls. He comes in pretty handy, he just doesn't like to give them back.
Irene and the kids had a great time playing tennis today. Look out Williams sisters, these two ladies will challenge your tennis skills!

The sun rise.
The sun is rising in the above photo. The photo below is just before sun rise when the sky and clouds are painted with the suns colors.

This morning, the twins got me up early, before sunrise. Yes, it is true, the little p's are not known for sleeping or for sleeping in. It was just amazing to be out on the deck with my warm coffee and sweet babies waiting to see the sunrise over the ocean. I just stood in awe, and thanked the Lord for this blessing. When I am here on the island or on any beach really I just can not help being taken away with His beautiful creation. I know for some it is the mountains and I love them too, but there is something special for me at least about the beach. I love the sound of the waves rolling in on the sand and the water being pulled back out again, only to come crashing or gently rolling back to the shore. I love the sounds the sea gulls make as they fly over head. My most favorite sound of all is when the water is calm and you can hear the water rolling over the sea shells. It sounds kind of like a wind chime, it is hard to describe the sound with words, but if you have heard this sound you know what I am talking about.

After we ate breakfast this morning, we all went for a walk on the beach and collected sea shells. Irene told us this is the first time she has ever been to the beach. I think she loved it!

We picked up Irene at the Tallahassee airport yesterday at 12:30 pm. It was so fun to see her.

We had lunch at, "On the Border", one of my favorite places to eat and then we did a little shopping. We drove back to St George Island and the road runs along the Gulf of Mexico, it is a beautiful drive. As we were driving over the 2 mile bridge to the island the sun was setting, it was a perfect evening.

Week 2 on the Island

The kids and I drove Jamie to Tallahassee yesterday so he could catch a flight home. We really encouraged him to call in with shell fish poison, H1N1, anything so he could stay the second week with us but as much as he wanted too, the old German work ethic, responsible and honest person he is flew home so he could work so we can play. You gotta love that guy, we sure do!

This morning when the twins woke me up this is what we saw. . . I don't think I will ever tire of seeing a sunrise over the Gulf. (I can't get my photos to post where I want them, forgive me)

After breakfast we decided to go for a walk on the beach. I found this awesome back pack/child carrier at the Goodwill in Tallahassee. It is awesome, Phisher and I loved it! We also bought some tennis racquets and balls and we are going to play some tennis here on the island after lunch.

Last but not least, while shopping at Dillard's, also in Tallahassee, I found these C U T E shoes for the twins. The twins love Sesame Street and these shoes are made by Polliwalks. They had Cookie, Elmo and Oscar. They are a little big now, but Phisher enjoys eating his : )

Tomorrow we are heading back to Tallahassee, we will be picking up Ms Irene at the airport. She has never been to the beach before and we are looking forward to experiencing it with her for the first time.

Merry Christmas from the pool

We started the day off with an hour of beach time. The BIG P's even got in the surf! I relaxed in my favorite lounge chair and read my book and the twins napped. The BIG P's created this masterpiece gingerbread house. I am thrilled that they enjoy each others company and play so well together. I keep wondering when/if that will change but I am happy that it is still the same : )

After lunch we all went for a swim. It was pretty great to be in Florida and swimming in the pool on Christmas. After a delicious Christmas dinner we gave the little p's these cute cupcakes we bought in Apalachicola at a gourmet bakery, Thats a Moray, their logo is a green eel! True to their personalities, Phisher got right in there and thoroughly enjoyed his and Phelix was a little shy about his cupcake but did enjoy having cake!

Christmas on the Island

Christmas 2009 is a special Christmas for us for many reasons. Having been blessed with two additional sons, Phelix and Phisher will make this Christmas one we will cherish for sure. Parker and Paeton continue to amaze us in their love and care for the twins. God sure knew what He was doing when he choose them as big brother and big sister for the little guys. We are often asked how our older children are doing with the addition of the twins. We always answer, "Amazingly, they just love them so much!" To which the asker will reply, "Oh, that's good that they have accepted them", or something to that effect. I think the asker is truly concerned, but I just can not imagine Parker and Paeton reacting any other way than total acceptance and genuine family love for their brothers.

We are spending Christmas on St George Island this year. If there was another place that feels like home to us it would be here. We have taken our family vacation here for the last 8 years. It is truly a vacation, and one we enjoy spending quality time together as a family. We will miss seeing our families and attending our church but we are having a relaxing, wonderful time together. We have been invited to attend Christmas eve services at the Methodist church in Applachicola by, Sandra, our new friend and sister in Christ.

We are so thankful for all of our blessings this year. Our children, families and friends. Our home, church, school and teachers. For the experience of adoption and how it has changed our hearts and lives for the good of His kingdom. Our health and our wealth which keeps our tummies full, cute clothes and shoes on our bodies and gives us the ability to be a blessing to others. Most of all for continued growth in our friendship with the Father, as we grow closer and deeper into relationship with Him, He lives in us and by His grace, may others know Him because His light shines within us for all to see. Merry Christmas from the Island!

Evian Roller Babies international version

Jamie and I caught the last couple of minutes of the tv show the funniest commercials of 2009. This was our hands down favorite!