3's Definitely a Charm!

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What a weekend! Adventure #3 took us to the Great Smoky Mountains. I'm a lover of water so the beach has always been my destination of choice, however since we now live close to the beach, alternatives take precedence when it comes to get-away times. We had never been to these mountains so off to Gatlinburg we went. It is absolutely gorgeous! Of course my husband could not have been happier since he was able to get tickets to the Bristol race. With the economy so damaged, tickets were available that normally would not be. We had great seats, right off Pit Road and going into Turn 2...wind off the cars blew rubber all over us and I had to pull particles out of my hair...awesome. I really enjoyed this race because its a short track thus making the race go by faster. So I didn't experience the mid-race lull like I did in Atlanta. AND if you'll notice in the pics...my favorite driver was standing at his souvenir trailer signing autographs. Well, after that little encounter, I told my husband I was good to go home. He laughed and reminded me the race had not even started yet and we needed to go find our seats.

Back in Gatlinburg we walked the streets taking lots of photos and visiting the little shops. We had some great Bar-B-Q at Blaine's Grill and we visited the Hollywood Wax Museum. We also took a hike and enjoyed nature trails, which of course lead to even more photos...just majestic beauty surrounded us at every turn. We enjoyed the dinner show at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede...oh my goodness at the amount of food we were served! I don't see how any one person could possibly eat that much in one sitting. Tradition is to eat with your fingers so they don't accommodate your place sitting with utensils. The person to my right was vegetarian so when they brought her a pasta dish I noticed the utensils she received...yep, I was very tempted to reach over and grab them but I stuck with tradition and enjoyed the entire event! Worth the monies spent for that show...great family place. Extra time alone with my hubby...priceless. I look forward to visiting the Great Smokies again in the future!

Birthday Boy

He's no longer a toddler. He is growing up so rapidly it seems. He turned four on Sunday and was telling us he'd be five in a few minutes. Remember when we use to rush ourselves to be older and independent? It didn't take long in the adult world for all of us to learn that age is not automatically wisdom and success. Age is just age, nothing more than flesh getting old. But thank God for the young years! My children are so blessed to have things that I only dreamed of as a child, and I am very grateful. David had a wonderful birthday celebration. After church we took him to lunch, then to the arcade, and finally back home for cake and presents. It was a wild afternoon but one filled with excitement. We didn't tell him any of the plans so he didn't know where he was gonna end up next. It turned out to be a lot for a four year old and he got tired before we could finish all the celebrations but I think he will remember this birthday for a long time to come. Hope you enjoy the pics...

Adventure #2

Weekend was great! My husband and I took off on another adventure. We went to Atlanta (I think my husband secretly wants to live there because Atlanta is always first on his list). We took in an NBA game which was great fun and the perfect time length for me. I will definitely go to another. Then on Sunday, the big race. Wow, was it ever hot out there. I spent so much time making sure my husband didn't get sunburned I failed to keep sunscreen on myself properly. My nose, forehead,and ears are so sore and red. It's funny how we get so excited when the cars crash. One of the crashes took place right in front of our seats and the car caught on fire, and I was so excited, until it dawned on me that a driver was actually inside that vehicle.

But the mid-race lull got the best of me. I got soooo sleepy sitting out in the sun. And all I could think about was the cooler in the car full of cold sodas and snacks. Yep, you know what I did next. I trekked to the car, got an ice cold soda and snack. Then I let the seat back and took a nap. The cars were so loud it sounded like jets overhead even way out in the parking area. Inside the speedway, earplugs were my best friend. I woke up from the nap just in time to see the last 50 laps of the race (btw, which are the best). My favorite driver didn't win but that's okay. This was indeed a hubby kind of day but one enjoyed by me as well. Next time though, I'm taking a small grill and will be ready to do things right! My husband has already asked if we could go back Labor Day weekend. He asked before we could get out of the parking lot! I foresee a spa experience in this deal!!!

Time of Transition

As most of you in the Christian community already know, our beloved James Dobson has resigned his position with the "Focus" family. His speech yesterday that was aired over the radio and online was so relevant and touched my heart to the core. I have always admired this man and his views concerning the family so I was among those heartbroken to hear his decision to step down. Just his radio program alone has had such a great impact on my own life; I can't imagine the millions of other listeners that have been helped over the years. He assures us that stepping down from his leadership position will not affect the many things he does in ministry but I assure you, the caliber of his leadership will be sorely missed.

I realize the board of directors have been geared for this type of transition for many years, not knowing when the time would come but sure that it certainly would come and now it has. They were saddened of course but not shocked. And why not shocked? Because this great leader had them ready. They were trained properly and geared spiritually for this moment. So I salute this great team of ministers...they deserve our prayers and blessings. And James Dobson needs our support on the heels of this big decision. It is a major ordeal when stepping away from something you feel God spoke into your heart, and quite frankly most minsters get so wrapped up in the ministry, they fail to see their own need for rest. Just a few weeks ago, I listened in on another program where a minister was forced to take a sabbatical due to overworking himself, which resulted in clinical depression and other health issues.
Why do we think ministers have it all and can do it all? Why do us ministers fall into this trap so easily? Yes, ministry changes when transition takes place but ministry still happens. Yes, James Dobson will be sorely missed but he will still be effective. This other minister (can't remember his name), I'm sure will be terribly missed as well, but he will prayerfully come back healthier, stronger, and wiser. May we all look a little closer at the lives of these two men and then look closely into our own lives. What pattern do you find yourself following? We simply cannot get so busy that we fail to see our need for rest and renewal. Dr. Dobson's example of leadership is a great one to follow and my hope is that we will learn from his dedication to teaching all of us.

If you have the time and have not heard it over the airwaves, please listen to Dr. James Dobson as he addresses the many people involved at Focus On the Family. Follow the link, click on "A Momentous Occasion at FOF (Part 2)".
http://listen.family.org/daily/A000001853.cfm