In My Darkest Hour

Trials always will, and must, come into our lives... Some larger and more painful than others, but there is a purpose in each one and, if we respond correctly and look to the Lord to help us through, we come out on the other side better and stronger for the difficulties we have had to face.

The past few months have truly been a time of testing for me. I wish I could say that I faced these trials as I knew I should... but I'm afraid that I didn't. Surrender is sometimes a very hard thing to do, but I am finding out that, in the long run, holding on to things is more hurtful than letting go... As a dear friend once told me, "We must learn to hold all things with open hands, and let the Lord give and take as He sees fit."

It was helpful to 'get away' for a time, and I have been able to come home with a new perspective on many things. I am so thankful that the Lord is faithful and that He never gives up on me!!!

I wanted to share a song and some verses of Scripture that have been particularly encouraging to me this past week... I pray that they are a blessing to you as well.

"I have set the LORD always before me:

because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth:

my flesh also shall rest in hope...

Thou wilt shew me the path of life:

in Thy presence is fulness of joy;

at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

- Psalm 16:8-9, 11

Homeward Bound!!! {Wednesday}

Our goal was to leave for 6:00 Wednesday morning…We didn’t make it…At 6:40 we finally had everything in the car and were saying our last goodbyes. It was a little sad to see our vacation come to an end, but I think we were all ready to head home!

The beginning of our trip was rather quiet, everyone catching up on sleep, reading their Bibles, etc.

For lunch we decided on one more special stop – Olive Garden!

After a delicious meal and a much needed break off of the road, we all climbed back into the car for the remainder of our trip. However, this time, we decided to have some fun to help the hours pass more quickly… So we pulled Buzz Word and Mad Gab out of the trunk and spent the next four hours giggling and having a crazy, but fun, time!

Our family was more than ready for us to be home, and we had quite a welcome committee waiting for us at the door. Our little sisters had decorated the house with paper chains and a huge ‘Welcome Home’ banner!

Over all we had an amazing time and I am so glad that we were able to make this trip and spend these 12 days together!

Day Ten {Tuesday}

Tuesday morning found me and Melody off to explore St. Louis’s Union Station. Once the largest and busiest passenger rail terminal in the world, it has now been restored and remodeled into a hotel and marketplace with numerous shops and restaurants. 

We spent our time admiring the magnificent building, browsing through the shops, and, of course, stopping for some iced coffees! Mmmm!!!

  

As most of the rest of our trip had been spent staying busy with everyone else, I was grateful for the opportunity to spend a little time alone with my precious friend. How truly blessed I am to have this amazing, beautiful, fun (and, yes, sometimes even crazy) person in my life!!!

_________________________________________________________

Tuesday afternoon Uncle Mark decided to treat us to one last St. Louis tradition – Ted Drewes Frozen Custard! There were so many flavors to choose from, but we finally all made our decisions… Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Mint, Banana & Reeses Peanut Butter Cup, and Raspberry Fudge were some of the yummy frozen custards we ended up with!!!

While we waited for our order, Hannah and Melody ended up having a huge water fight! I think everyone standing anywhere near got splashed as a result! It was quite hot though, so no one seemed to mind too much!

After we got home, we spent the rest of the evening packing, watched one more movie together, and then headed to bed early so that we could leave first thing Wednesday morning. 

Home Again!

From Amanda


Last night, we pulled into our driveway and were eagerly greeted by our family.

We still have a few pictures to catch up on so when we get things a little together over here, we'll post them. Hope you enjoyed following our adventures!

Day Nine {Monday}

This morning we headed off to the Botanical Gardens of St. Louis. There were, of course, many beautiful flowers in the gardens as well as fountains, lakes, and so forth.

I found the floating glass interesting.

We hiked the gardens . . .

. . . and, as tradition has it . . . we took more pictures.

It seems like two people with cameras just need to take a picture of their opponent - er, fellow-partner in the crime of photography. Why all the pictures of Melody? Well, we both clicked away and that's what we came up with. :)

For lunch, we stopped under a very interesting pavilion at Tower Grove Park, thankful for the break from the heat.

Back at Uncle Mark and Aunt Amy's, we played game after game and had fun with our cousins.

We have only one full day left with our relatives up here; it is kind of sad to see our trip coming to a close but at the same time, we're all missing home as well. Tomorrow, we'll have to pack up our bags and get ready for early-morning departure again.

Day Eight {Sunday}

 

Today we again joined Uncle Mark, Aunt Amy, Hannah and James at their church, and we four girls were blessed with the opportunity to share by singing during the evening service...

Aunt Amy nicknamed us the 'black skirt brigade' - so, of course, we had to take a picture! :)

The rest of the day was spent quietly either reading or napping...

Tomorrow, Lord willing, we are hoping to go to the St. Louis Botanical Gardens, as well as a few other places in old downtown St. Louis... So, early (relatively) to bed tonight!

Day Seven {Saturday}

This morning Uncle Mark, Aunt Amy, Rebecca and Amanda went to watch Hannah and James play soccer. True soccer fan and supportive friend that I am, I had every intention of tagging along to cheer them on. However, all my good intentions found me sound asleep on the basement floor, waking up just before they got home. Oh well...I hear James made three goals. GO JAMES!

After lunch, Uncle Mark took all of us girls to Grant's Farm.  Once we arrived, the tram took us on a tour around the park where we saw many different kinds of animals from all over the world.

We stopped by the "Animal Encounters" and watched as the trainers and animals reenacted popular TV shows. It was quite entertaining.

We took a break from the heat with snow cones and cold drinks, then hung out under the misters.

Hannah wanted to try out my sunglasses, even though I assured her they would swallow her face...

Later, we stopped by to check out one of the animals and Hannah told me and Amanda, "Aww! It's so cute and huggable...Like you!"

 We had a great day exploring more of St. Louis' interesting sites and tomorrow, Lord willing, we will be joining Uncle Mark and Aunt Amy again at their church.