tree park

These pictures were all taken at a little walking park about 2 blocks from our house.

This little park, the "tree park" as we call it, is perfect for exploring.

We will walk down to the tree park and I'll let the kids

climb trees and play their games (they have fantastic imaginations!)

and I will walk around the path.

I can see them as they play and run around and 

Toby and I walk briskly around the path.

The tree park has a certain calm solitude about it

and it always helps me get in a better mood

if the day has been rough.

I spend my time praying, humming quietly to myself

or, if no one else is at the park, I'll talk to Toby.

While I was pregnant with Toby we came here almost

every day for at least an hour so that I could walk briskly for

my maternal exercise.

It was great for me and I feel kind of sentimental about this park.

Anyway, here's some pictures I've taken whilst walking the trail.

   I think the trees and lighting give the pictures a sort of

magical feel.

car wreck and thankfulness

 Yesterday, the kids were with my mother-in-law.  They were in our van at a complete stop when they were rear-ended.  It ended up being a 5 car wreck.  THANKFULLY, my babes and Lynn have nothing more to show for it than a few scrapes from seat belts and straps from car seats and some whiplash pain.  I have been sending up thankful whispers of prayer to the Lord all day for keeping my family safe yesterday.  This could have been so much worse!  I have my babies home with me and they sustained no major injuries.

Needless to say, we won't be bringing that van back home ever.  It's gone.  Thankfully, James is no longer going to Ocala so we will have the Camry to get us around for the time being!

I sit at the table and watch my children eat their supper 

and my heart swells with how blessed we are!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;

though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake its swelling pride.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalm 46:1-7 and 10