Recently we have thought about how fun it would be to get some rollerblades. Both of us enjoyed rollerblading in our childhood. (Although Dan is more experienced) Last week, we went to try some on, and we both found a pair we wanted to buy. We weren’t intending to buy a matching set, but my feet seemed to feel better in a men’s pair. So, we now both own a pair of Bladerunner Pro 80′s. Right away, we went to Jack Hughes Park, which has a nice paved path that borders a baseball and softball field.

I got happy when I realized that today is 12/12/12.

I also enjoyed reading a passage this morning in 1 Thessalonians that is jam-packed with wisdom and encouragement.

“Be patient with all…. Always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

Wow. So few words, but so much meaning.

“Measure wealth not by the things you have, but by the things you have for which you would not take money.” -Anonymous

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. -Proverbs 11:4

I just attempted to make granola. I love granola, and it seems simple enough to make. But, after this project, I am tempted to say, “I’ll never do that again.” And this blog is to remind me that if I get the inkling to make granola again, I’m not sure it’s worth it!

“Let the nations rejoice and shout for joy,
for You judge the peoples with fairness
and lead the nations on earth.”
-Psalm 67:4

I pray, Heavenly Father, that You will lead the US. Guide our nation’s leaders with Your truth. Give us leaders that will make righteous decisions.

Tonight Dan did something that made me very happy. He ate fresh tomato! (A few bites) For supper, we had ravioli with some pesto, which was made from basil that we grow. I added some tomato to my plate, because it goes so well with the pesto. I sat at the table admiring the marriage of the flavors of basil and tomato, and I (jokingly) asked Dan if he wanted to try it. I know from other times that I’ve asked him to try tomato, that it is the food he is least excited about. He tasted it, and seemed to not mind it, and even like it! This was a very exciting moment for me!

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” -Jim Elliott

“Christian freedom means being free to do, not as we like, but as we ought.” -William Barclay

Reid hiked like a champ. We did have to sing songs to keep him going at times. His favorite song was “The ants go marching.”

We did it!! We made it to the end.

He does not lead me year by year,
Nor even day by day;
But step by step my path unfolds;
My Lord directs my way.
—Ryberg

I was warned about the possibility of becoming sea-sick on our cruise, but nobody told me that I would experience side effects, such as seasickness and a sensation that the ground is moving, AFTER the cruise. For a good 3-4 days after we got off the ship, my sense of balance was slightly off, and I sensed that the ground was moving! I didn’t care for that feeling, but I am grateful that neither of us experienced any major seasickness throughout our trip. Our return trip to Jacksonville was quite rocky at times, because we were traveling through some storms and rain. 

These pictures were taken at the harbor in Key West, in front of the cruise ship we traveled on: the Carnival Fascination.