At the Crab Shack!

This was perhaps my favorite single event of the trip. We passed DC and crossed the water into Maryland when Dennis suddenly pulled off. He had seen a restaurant on the water and thought it would be a good place for some pics (see the blog/pics that ended up AFTER my parents' bit). I liked the close-up of him with the bridge behind him...I mean, wow!

We passed this local crab shack on the way, and after taking pics, we stopped in for lunch. It was a tiny little place, but had the best crab cakes we'd ever had! And, there's something about "eating like the locals eat" that gives you a taste (no pun intended) of culture that chain restaurants can't.

So, it was my favorite single event because it was spontaneous and fun, and it reminded me (again) of one of my favorite qualities of Dennis. I told him a long time ago, "I love the beauty of your unleashed heart." Not everyone sees that. When he's on the job trying to make things happen for others, he is focused, determined, and works harder and faster than three "normal" guys. But don't be fooled - Dennis is a man who takes life & living it (as well as fun and playing) pretty seriously. He loves adventure. He loves people. He spent the whole day of riding just talking to God in very plain terms. he said he felt like He said, "I love spending time with you...I love having your undivided attention." I love that he listens for that.

So, ride free, love deep, play hard, and live life to the fullest! Oh - and make sure you keep your eyes open for those "moments" worth getting off the main road for...the memories are priceless!

50 Years and Counting

OK, BEFORE vacation, we gave my parents a surprise 50th wedding anniversary party. It actually remained a total surprise. My folks' faces were priceless. There were about 60 people there - balloons, smiles, tears, a surprise musician from Mom's first 4th grade class, 2 members of their actual wedding party, lots of old and new friends, all the kids and grandkids. Mom said it was her very first surprise party. Wow!

It made me think of what an incredible milestone 50 years of marriage is...and unfortunately not a normal number to reach. I am proud of my parents and the example they are. I have been blessed to have my parents remain married, remain in love...and remain friends. In fact, I think they love (and like) each other more now than ever before. Dennis and I are coming on 2 years, and I would love to see us reach an "Abraham & Sarah style" 50th. I would love to have another party for my parents on their 75th. Regardless, I am taking my "cue" from Mom & Dad to make every moment count and build a life of love and joy and friendship and future and destiny and purpose and hope and dreams with the love of my life.

Rock ON, Mom & Dad! I love you!

Biker Bliss Pics

The love birds..................... Oh how we both looooooooove the Blue Ridge Parkway!!!

Something about a guy and a bike!!!

There are more with deeper thoughts that I will save for later. These are completely self-serving..."can't help lovin' dat man of mine!"

6 days...8 states...1800 miles...

Just came back from the best vacation ever as of yet. It was incredible...6 days, 8 states, 1800 miles...and all on the motorcycle with my incredible husband. Beautiful scenery...lots of time to think, pray, reflect, worship...great downtime with Dennis... mmmmm...

Which states? NC, VA, MD, DE, NJ, NY, PA, WV. A great loop around. It was actually pretty spontaneous...and quite adventurous. And I never thought I would feel so SAFE and relaxed on the back of a bike at high speeds (only when we had to "ride the big roads"). But, I have to hand it to Dennis - he is a very thoughtful driver, and he has a great command of the bike that comes with a lot of years of riding, a lot of respect for the road, bike, other drivers, and his "God-asked-for-cat-like" reflexes. That road could have kept opening up before us...I wouldn't have complained.

More pics and thoughts to come...

19 Years!

I spent the entire day Saturday putting together a recap of the past year of our church. We actually started this 19th year with significant heartache, but as I put together that video, I realized just how much fun and building and advancing we've done! I mean, we made Christmas happen for over 500 kids; we went to 3 nations; our senior pastors did their first series together on the platform; we joined with 1500 other churches in the One Prayer effort, and sent $80,000 to plant churches in developing nations; we did 99 Days of serving and did a full-on community blitz that we have continued on. Plus, we have had countless salvations, some incredbile new people join the ranks, an this next Vision Class has 70 people registered! All I can say is "Beauty for Ashes." Rock ON!

"No...but I do."

During staff prayer today a song came over the speaker - one I have known a long time - that says, "I love You more than life." As I sang along, I thought about those words...and I asked the Lord, "Do I?" As I considered my question, more of them arose:
Do I even know how to love You more than life? Do I yet know what that really means? Do I know even now what it takes to love like that?
I felt like He simply and gently replied, "No...But I do."
As tears made their way slowly down my face, I realized the truth of His Word:
"There is no greater love than this - that a man would lay his life down for his friend."
I have never been faced with that, so as much as I would like to believe I would, I won't know until it happens. My heart's cry now is to allow His saturation of that kind of love so I can truly give it out.
What better calling is there?