Memorial Day Weekend

We are traveling far this weekend....

from our back door to the tent...

about 25 feet!





Who needs to fight the holiday traffic when you can camp in your own backyard? :-)

"For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 2 Corinthians 5:1

It's Here!

The June 2006 issue of Creating Keepsakes is here!

Jonathan is on page 41. :-)

"Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!" Psalm 66:1

Laying Up Treasures

In my single and early married years I was a "successful" professional. I wore the expensive suits, drove a nice car, ate at the finest restaurants and had a big fancy title. By the world's standards I looked like I had it all together, but I was miserable inside because I was not walking in obedience to God.

After I rededicated my life to Christ, He changed my life goals and desires. His purposes became my purposes. His priorities became my priorities. He gave me a desire to devote my life to my family and to serve Him.

I am now a homeschool mom. Most of the world would scoff at my role in life. People don't covet my "title." I don't bring home a regular paycheck. I don't bring home awards. I've traded in my suits for jeans, and Nordstrom for Target. But I'm far richer, more content and joyful than I've ever been before because of my relationship with God.

I have been given the most important job in the world: raising my children to glorify the King of kings and Lord of lords. I am laying up treasures in heaven. He has given me a vision of eternity, and the world simply pales by comparison.

"Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:20-21

Onolicious

Whenever we visit Hawaii we make it a point to stop by Waiola Bakery for a Shave Ice.

No, not Sno-Cones. That's a haole term used on the mainland referring to coarsely grated ice. You're likely to chip a tooth eating one of those.

Shave ice is an island delicacy made with finely shaved ice. A gourmet delight that melts in your mouth. You can choose among a dozen or more flavors including strawberry, passion orange and vanilla; but if you're truly diplomatic you will choose Rainbow.

And if you're really, really good, your Mom will ask the Shave Ice Guy to add a scoop of ice cream on the bottom of your cone. She may even give you a taste of her favorite version--sweetened condensed milk on the top and azuki beans on the bottom.










Onolicious!

(That's pidgin for "really yummy!")

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Psalm 34:8

Science on the Road

(Apologies for the delay in posting this. I've been having computer problems this past week.)

Clue: A pearl

For months Jonathan has been asking me questions about pearls and how they are formed. He checked out books from the library on the subject. Something about the idea of an oyster producing a pearl intrigued him.

When we were in Hawaii we saw a number of Pearl Factory kiosks. For a mere $13.99 you can select an oyster and have it opened. You were guaranteed to find a pearl in your oyster. They would clean it and polish it for you, and you could take the pearl home.

How could we pass up the opportunity for a science class on the road?


Jonathan selects his oyster.


Hmmm...the one on the right or the one on the left?


Look, it's a pearl!


A cooler souvenir than chocolate covered macadamia
nuts. Well....maybe! :-)

As much fun as the experience was, I treasured even more the little discussion we had afterwards. I shared with the kids the story in the Bible about the merchant who sold all he had to buy a rare pearl. Jesus said that, likewise, the promise of heaven is such a priceless treasure that it is worth surrendering everything you hold dear to have it.

We're just passing through, collecting souvenirs of the heart, until we get Home.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45

Answer:

All were a part of our vacation in Hawaii.

There's nothing like "going home" to Oahu to visit our family and friends. Eleven days of blissful sunshine, a few light showers, tradewinds, blue skies, green valleys and vibrant flowers. We saw several rainbows and one double rainbow, a rare treat. Shod our white feet with slippas. Ate all our favorite local foods. Went to Long's several times. Slipped right back into pidgin. "Howzit!" "This ono!" "Where da poi?"

Clue: Water

We weren't able to hit the beaches as planned because a sewage accident made them temporarily off limits. But we thoroughly enjoyed the pool at Grandma and Grandpa's condo. The kids swam nearly every day we were there.







Clue: Humidity

On Thursday morning I ran along Ala Moana Beach. (Insert heavenly sigh.) There's nothing like running next to a gorgeous, deserted beach to start off your day. I kept thinking, this is nice. I did notice, however, that even at 6:15am it was already humid, and that my body complains about humidity. Especially when it has to run in humidity. I must be a wimp. Or just a California girl.

Clue: Gibbons

Whenever we're in the islands, we can't pass up an opportunity to visit the Honolulu Zoo. It may not be the biggest zoo around, but it is one of the most beautiful.


The entertaining Gibbons.


Elephants inspiring awe.


Following a peacock hoping to see its fan.


Admiring the colorful ti leaves.


Discovering delights along meandering paths.

Finding cool rock formations for a photo op.

Stay tuned for more photos...

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1:17