We just spent a week in California. We enjoyed the Beach and swimming in the condo pool. We ate well. We loved Disneyland. We spent 3 days there and had a blast! We rode every ride several times. We had many experiences that I want to share. First off on the way down there my dad and I took turns driving(keith had to stay and work so he flew in, he was really sad to fly for 2 hours instead of drive for 12), we cruised there and only stopped once in Vegas to fill up gas and grab lunch. WOW! I was amazed. We seriously made good time. For sunday we decided that we would spend time enjoying nature. We loved the beach! I felt the spirit there. The sound of the waves was so calming. The sunset I witnessed was beautiful! I loved seeing the sun go down behind the shimmering water. Keith and I took a long walk along the beach, I collected so many unique, and colorful seashells. Seashells are a miracle to me, they are so perfect. They are so delicate, and yet to be tossed about by the rough waves and thrown up onto the hard sand and still be whole is truly an example of endurance to me. We witnessed a pelican dive bombing the water and getting a fish, that was so cool. We marveled at the incoming/outgoing tide. We talked of life and how peaceful it was there. How we felt that there wasn't a care in the world at that moment except just enjoying the moment and feeling a deep gratitude for the beauties that we take for granted. Monday we had a relaxing day, we played games, swam in the pool, shopped, watched movies, excercised in the excercise room (because we felt guilty from all the m&m's)and had fun. My kids loved the condo and playing on the elevator, riding up to the other room we had. They loved being with their cousins. Ryker was adorable. He made us laugh at every turn, Savanah and Him loved hiding in the cupboards together, we even got a picture of it, they did it for quite a while. Tues, Wed, and Thur. we spent at Disneyland and California Adventure. We had so much fun! We rode every ride several times. One weird thing-while we were getting off a ride Olivia spotted Payton, her cousin standing in line to go on it. I looked over and there was Keith's brother and 2 of his sons waiting in line. That was weird! We had no idea they were going to be there, and of all the people in line, or in that park period, to find them, was just funny. Keith, Bryson and Adam hooked up with them the 2nd day to ride rides and had a blast. I don't blame them, because they wanted to run from ride to ride, where me and the girls and my family just wanted to enjoy it all. We walked slow, we sat and enjoyed the atmosphere, we stopped to meet characters and get pictures with them. It was wonderful for everyone.
I was always taught that the spirit doesn't dwell in loud places. Well I had so many experiences where I felt the spirit so tangibly and so strong that I was constantly amazed. I shared one experience in my lesson last week of how we were on a ride and a butterfly landed on our car. That was a miracle to me. As I sat watching it I asked in my mind if that butterfly was sent there for me as a witness that the Lord was mindful of me. I truly felt that my thought was accurate and right. I felt the Lord prompt me when we left one of our children at the opposite end of the park. The spirit also prompted the child (who shall remain nameless, because this child said they would be mortified if I named them) as to where to find us. I felt the prompting of where to look and that the child was fine! I felt such gratitude for the spirit just then, I felt great comfort and love. I was grateful that the child's first reaction was to pray and that child received an answer too. The spirit was manifest in great abundance on our trip. I can't even fathom life without it!!! I am thankful for a mom who insisted on the family taking this trip even though we didn't have the money. It was taken care of, and we have great memories and experienced spiritual gifts that will last forever!I am putting on some of our pictures just for fun!
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