Walk with me....

...through an enchanted garden!

I came upon this wonderful garden while at the Jersey Shore with my family this summer. We were walking through a little town and this garden was next to a fantastic antique store. They had so many wonderful beack finds and nautical antiques. Of course its a little hard to shop when you can only bring one suitcase on the plane, but beleive me if I had more room and a larfer weight limit I would have had some serious fun shopping! I was taken by how abstract and gorgeous this little garden was. It was so peaceful and you could hear and smell the nearby sea. I sat on the little white bench for a few moments and enjoyed this little garden. I hope you do too.

September 11, 2008

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'
You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I.
I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.'
I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.
I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'
I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.
I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.
I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan . I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?
I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.
Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.
I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were ;there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?
Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you . But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'
I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.
God During the next 60 seconds, stop whatever you are doing, and take this opportunity. (Literally it is only 1 minute.) All you have to do is the following:
Stop and think and appreciate God's power in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to Him. If you believe 'Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain of Life and My Savior. He Keeps me going day and night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do everything. Christ is my strength.'

My best friend Evie sent this to me and I thought it was a perfect reminder to post on my blog in honor of the victims of September 11, 2001. We all remember where we were that day, let's never forget!

A week at the beach with my family...

August 9-16, 2008~

I flew out to the east coast to spend a week with my family on the Jersey Shore. We rented a cute beach house, thanks to my sister. The location was wonderful we were just 6 houses away from the bay where there was a playground, swimming area, fishingdock and a glourious little garden, a beautiful place to watch the sunset and see the storms roll in from the mainland. The ocean was only 3 blocks away, it was a quick little walk. We spent most days at the beach soaking up the sun, enjoying the surf and spending quality time with my family. My neice and nephew really enjoyed playing in the sand. Vincent loved the waves and wasn't scared at all, Carley on the other hand would not go anywhere near the water at the ocean. We took a few walking adventures to find seashells and other beach finds.

The house also had a nice big backyard, which was great for the kids to play in. We barbequed a lot and had a few late afternoon cocktails on the deck. It was so relaxing.

The town we were in was Ship Bottom on Long Beach Island. It was a great area. The Island had so many little towns each with their own beaches and towns.

We walked around a bunch of cute small towns, went out to dinner, stopped at the ice cream stand, took long walks and just had a really great time.

At the far north point of the Island was the barnaget lighthouse. Janice, Dennis, Vincent, Carley and myself climed all 217 stairs to the top and got an incredible view of the entire island.

I walked down to the ocean one morning early, to see the sunrise. It was so neat to walk in the dark with a cold breeze in the air. It was incredible. The beach was so quiet and peaceful at that time of morning. I loved the serenity of it. It was a cloudy morning and it was just gorgeous.The sand seemed to glow with the low rays of the sun. I got back to the house in time for everyone to start waking up. It was an awesome to start the day.

Is was a wonderful week with my family. Vincent and Carley are at such fun ages and had a blast with them. I went on many walks with them through the neighborhood, played at the park, built sandcastles, played games and loved on each other. I was so glad I was able to make it for the week. We are already planning for next year.