Thursday, July 28, 2011

Fitting it all in

With only 2 weeks left, we're trying to see a few things we haven't, visit our favorite places, and spend time with our friends as much as possible!
These are pictures from the hike up to the Mokapu Lighthouse. It has great views of the beaches and ocean!





We had all the neighbors over on July 4th for a potluck and to watch the fireworks on the lanai


Date night with Julie and Joel. Man we love these guys!


And nothing to do with anything else, I just want you to experience "tenting." It is super common here...they build everything with wood so termites are a major problem (go figure). It is not uncommon to see a house being treated with a tent over it everywhere you drive. This is a picture of the duplex next to ours being treated.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Dolphin Swim

One thing we really wanted for Brynne to experience while we were here was to swim with dolphins. Beau and Brynne headed for a day of fun last weekend where they took a boat through Ko'Olina Ocean Adventures out to sea. There they snorkeled with fish and sea turtles, then got to swim with the spinner dolphins! Definitely one of their favorite memories together!

All ready to go!

Brynne rode on Beau's back most of the time

Spinner dolphins







Wednesday, July 06, 2011

He goes before us

Isaiah 52:12b- "for the Lord will go before you and the God of Israel will be your rear guard."

God has engraved this scripture on our hearts in an amazing way coming here. He goes before us in so many ways, many of which we never realize. As I began to make a list of all the ways He has provided for and blessed us here, I am overwhelmed. How often we miss noticing those blessings, but how much more would our hearts praise Him if we stopped and recognized all He does for us.
God placed us here in a duplex that is perfect for our family with amazing neighbors. We have never been in need, or even want. The neighbors have switched out toys, movies, dishes, a highchair, passes to events, info on where to go, surfboards, even a car. The children are the same ages and they all play outside together every day. God closed a lot of what we were involved in at Frisco and opened new doors in kailua. He provided our Frisco homes and cars to families in need. We were able to start a Bible study with our neighbors and to form some deep friendships. This came at a time before the kids were in school and it has been an amazing experience or our family, filled with wonderful memories. Our list goes on and on, and the list of what He has taught us is even longer.
I am thankful. Thankful to serve a faithful and loving God who blesses, protects, and guides His children. Thankful to have learned at a young age that the ultimate joy, (that most people spend their life trying to attain), comes from walking with Him.

We do not know what God has for us next, but this sweet time here will be forever engraved on our hearts (and scarred on my head), to remind us of His faithfulness to protect and provide. As we prepare to leave Kailua, He is showing us what it means for Him to be "our rear guard." Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9