Our trip was interesting with a side of fun to go with it. This was the first time for the children to fly. After six flights, I think they got the gist of it! We went on several tours aournd the island of Oahu that included Pearl Harbor and the memorial of the Arizona, a hike up Diamond Head Crater, various beaches and the Polynesian Cultural Center. We went snorkeling, surfing, sailing on a catamaran boat and swimming. I am so glad to be back! 

I will have to spread the pics and videos out over the next few days…..

PEARL HARBOR AND THE ARIZONA MEMORIAL

Pearl Harbor suvivors!

Wall of names

Oil that still drips from the Arizona after 60+ years!

Bowfin…or The Pearl Harbor Avenger!

U.S.S Missori

Mighty Mo!!

Exerpt from Wholehearted Ministries….

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

    The Lord knows about my work as a mom! He lovingly reminds me that my toil is not in vain. He understands how much I need to be encouraged because he understands weariness. His words and my own echoed in my mind: Be steadfast—hang in there—commit to a heart of steadfastness—choose to be steadfast and immovable—why? Because, my work matters, it is changing history, one life at a time—I am soul-building—it counts.

And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we will reap if we do not lose heart.  (Galatians 6:9)

    As I read the next verse, again I seemed to hear God speaking to me: “Don’t lose heart, Sally, I see you, I know you, and I promise that all those prayers you have been praying, all the choices of faithfulness you have made when no one else saw, I heard and saw. You will reap a harvest. Remember, I see you, and I love you, and I am waiting always to speak loving words to you, because you are my own daughter.”

    God tenderly, earnestly called me to himself this morning. My piles, duties, and responsibilities have not changed, but once again, after being in his presence, I am changed. I will turn on music while I work, and I might even dance a bit around my messy kitchen! My words will be softer and my actions more patient, because he has filled me and given me courage. I pray that wi will have the spirit of Mary, Jesus’ own courageous, steadfast mother:

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my savior. (Luke 1:46-47)