Lynn's calling it a sabbatical.... we're calling it a study break because we feel that it's not a good time to be gone for two whole months straight. In an effort to compromise, we have taken the last three weeks to take some RandR: spend time with family, visit childhood places / memories, and relish some alone time outdoors. Instead of being gone completely, we will still be in town during September, take some day trips and even some short 2-4 day trips back up the coast to Monterey (or anywhere else that strikes our fancy) - but Ron will continue to take time to do some studying and planning and praying - here at home, in coffee shops, on the golf course :) and sometimes sitting out in the woods.
Here are some pics of what we've been up to lately. God has been wildly generous to us - granting us time with extended family, being present at Parker's birth, spending time with Zach, Andrea and Jack... and giving us a couple of glorious days away up the coast; driving up the stunning Coast 1 Highway thru Big Sur to Monterey. We've spent time relishing in His goodness and celebrating His faithfulness to us, and counting all his gracious gifts and praising him for his bounteous blessings!!
More than that, God has refreshed our spirits and renewed our souls and given us fresh strength - the purpose of our time away - no matter what you call it!!
The lighthouse of our childhood: Big Red, Holland, Michigan
Celebrating my birthday at Lake Michigan watching the sun set.
Watching sailboats in the channel as we stood on the pier.
Didn't get a pic, but had a lovely dinner on Lake Macatawa @Boatwerks Restaurant with Ron's sisters and their husbands.
15 mile bike ride from Holland to Saugatuck!
(Another ride through Zeeland as well).
Kirk Park - favorite beach / park ever!
Hanging out with Ron's family at a cook out at sister Elly's
The woods leading to the beach at Kirk Park.
Didn't get a pic, but they actually have kids' life jackets hanging on a rack here...
Fully expecting people to borrow and NOT to steal them!
Gotta love Holland!!
Fulfilling my birthday wish to go canoeing.
This is the river that Ron and I canoed on as teens.
We had a lovely, peaceful afternoon - practically had the river to ourselves!
The Pere Marquette.
Ahhh, the memories!
This is the building we had our first apt. in - living over one of the stores below.
Downtown Holland.
This is the day after Parker was born. Highlight of my life!
I drove Paige to the Hospital, was with her during labor and got to witness the birth!
What an amazing, wonderful, awe- inspiring event!
God was so kind to allow me to be there to experience it.
Sweet Parker.
I'm an Oma - again!
Going to church for the first time - with Paige, Jordan and Parker!
Worshipping with our dear brothers and sisters in Gilbert.
We love these people.
They have been so kind and encouraging... it makes me cry every time I'm there!
Wonderful little getaway to the Central Coast.
We stayed in the Paso Robles area and spent one day in Cambria - riding bikes, antique shopping and cafe hopping.
Chilling out at the beach - Moonstone Beach, Cambria.
We saw whales.
Drove up the coast to Monterey - the drive was spectacular!
Dinner time view... watching boats and seals play in the water.
Had dinner on the wharf, and then rode our bikes on the awesome bike path that lines the coast.
View during one of our rest stops along the bike path.
Panoramic view of our bike ride.
While we were gone, we kept thinking of Psalm 23.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever]
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