Love & Mercy from an Unfailing God

First came thoughts of how much our heavenly Father wanted to bless mankind when He first created us because in Lancaster, Pennsylvania we watched a very moving play called, "In the Beginning". Though not perfect, this play did an excellent job of showing how man's sin put a painfully obvious separation between man and God.

It started me contemplating more about God's love and mercy for us. I couldn't help but weep when I saw the pain that Adam and Eve's sin brought about--and then also how that very pain has been felt in my own life and in the lives of those I love. This was pain that God never intended for mankind to have. The joy of the Garden of Eden, most intensely felt in having a close and vibrant relationship with the Lord, must have made the gulf (created by sin) between God and man that much more painful. But the Lord's promise has remained true that those who seek Him will find Him. Although it is much harder, more like groping in darkness and more complicated than it was ever intended to be, the joy of finding the Lord remains the height of all joys we humans can experience.

These thoughts led me to think about all the substitutes we find to fill the emptiness we feel due to our separation from God. I can't help but wonder if all our "busy-ness" and running around isn't some vain, subconscious attempt to keep ourselves from feeling the loneliness that is inevitable should we sit still long enough to sense our lack of closeness with God. Or maybe it's a purposeful attempt by our adversary to keep us from seeking the only One who will truly satisfy us.
And then I think of the relationships we seek with others, most clearly seen in longing for someone of the opposite sex...for someone who will see us for who we are and love us anyways. For someone who will make us complete and somehow better. Is this longing only able to be filled by the Lord? Who will truly love us unconditionally? Who knows our faults and all our shortcomings, yet keeps working with us? Who died for us in a valiant effort to bridge the very gulf that we created? And then further, if we search for fulfillment in other things, overlooking the very source of our happiness, can we ever really be happy?

While all these thoughts tossed about in my head like kid's clothes in a dryer, camp meeting week tip-toed up. Besides the usual blessing found in meeting with the Lord in such a beautiful, natural setting, came the witnessing of a complete miracle, a work that only God could do. And now I can't help but reflect back on Jesus and how amazing is His work.

I still haven't digested all of what happened with Cori Rocine and the entire Rocine family. But seeing how God was working even, and especially, when things looked desperately hopeless, has caused me to be that much more in awe of the Lord. And it also gives me faith for the situations in my life that cause me pain and that I cannot understand. It seems that truly, I don't need to understand them all. I just have to have faith in God. He is alive and He cares. And though I don't see or know why things are the way they are, He does. And I know that He is truly busy working all things out for my good because I love Him and am called according to His purpose.

So much to think about...so much to be thankful for.

A trip of four states (and a triathlon!)

Ok so here's the story about my first trip to Boston, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut. The order of these pictures is basically backwards, so I apologize up front.






We never got to see this show...it's supposedly a very cool IMAX film done underwater. The line was like 3 hours just to buy tickets. And you know me and lines....but maybe next time!

Sandy Shores Beach, Rhode Island. So picturesque! I went here to relax after completing my second triathlon and longest ever! The triathlon was 1/3 mile swim, 18 mile bike and 3.5 mile run.

The triathlon took place on the Naval Base at Newport, RI. These warships were unbelievably large.

The view of the newport bridge in the distance. See those boueys? Is swam out to them and around for my first ever swim in ocean water. Very salty, but it was in Still Water Basin, so the waves weren't too bad.

Though called Sandy Point Beach, it's a very rocky New England beach in RI.

Lazy Summer afternoon...I love those...pops, we gotta get a boat...soon!

Megan, me and her friend Heidi spent a day at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. It was alot like the beaches of the Outer Banks of NC only more crowded.

cool reflection in Heidi's sunglasses.

Us three E.R. nurses chillin out!

Megan in Little Italy, Boston, being a goofball (in case you needed the explanation)

Some photos of Boston's Harbor.

Seafood was everywhere...so of course I had to have some lobster...mmmmm! What's a trip to Boston without lobster?

Meggie

Yep, Boston
Me & Megan at the Harbor in Boston.

Cool buildings of all shapes and designs grace Boston's streets (which I might add are MUCH cleaner than NY's)

Scary red models in some way-too-expensive store.

Pastries in Quincy Market

Boston Harbor above and below






Below are some pictures of a very talented threesome--two brothers and a sister--from England who did some acrobatics in the streets:

Kids, this is what your hair can look like if you never wash or bush it again! BEWARE!!

More of Quincy Markets below:


Best smoothie I ever drank...really...pinapple, strawberry, mango, and more....most expensive too...$7!







I missed the farmer's market in Syracuse, but there was a great produce market on the streets. Wish I could have brought some of those great deals home with me!

Boston Skyline from the Subway...which goes above and below the city:

Me and Meg on the subway.

More Quincy Markets.

Me kissing my man! He really is happy to see me, he just doesn't like to show it! lol

The three of us after eating a scrumptuous meal in Little Italy. mmmmmm....