So since this a travel and adventure blog I thought I would start with the first adventure that Lee and I went on together. This was definitely an adventure for both of us, and it started at the airport. Lee flew into the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. This was the first time we saw each other in 10 years! I have to admit I was very nervous. On the way to the terminal, I said my parking spot over and over again in my head (pro-tip use google maps or another map app program to pin where your car is....or do it the old fashioned way and write it down). During the excitement of seeing Lee I forgot where I had parked my car. We shared our first kiss and held hands for the first time. My shoes also broke so I had to walk through the parking deck barefoot. Thankfully I had an extra pair of shoes in the car.
There is so much to see and do in Raleigh. Lee and I only had a day to spend in this interesting city. I will share with you where we went and what we were able to see. Since we only had a few hours we couldn't see everything. Thanks to Pinterest we found many family-friendly ideas, which were also free or inexpensive. I want to share these hidden gems with you as well.
After breakfast at Denny's (this was our first official meal together) we headed towards the North Carolina Museum of Art (https://ncartmuseum.org/) This museum is free of charge, but donations are encouraged. This museum holds classic and contemporary art and even has some interesting outdoor exhibits. As we walked inside it was a wide opened space. One side held the classic artwork, while the other side held contemporary art. It was interesting to see the difference in artwork throughout the years. My favorite part was the classic religious artwork. Lee enjoyed the Greek, Roman, and Egyptian pottery. The inside part was small, but there was, even more, to see outside.
We meandered along a pathway through the trees. We saw a fascinating whirlygig that spun and turned in the wind. This was made out of some kind of recyclable material. https://ncartmuseum.org/blog/view/return_of_the_whirligig
As we walked along the path we observed a lot of natural things. Along the trail, there were park benches to sit and rest along the way. You would see many people cycling or walking their dogs. We enjoyed looking at the plants and trees along the way.
The most interesting part of the outdoor exhibits was the Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky. This was a hut-like building that was very dark on the inside. There was a hole cut in the roof. When you closed the door the light shone threw the hole casting shadows of the surrounding trees all over the walls and floor of the chamber. This was very fascinating, and probably my favorite thing at the Museum.
After the museum, we ventured to The Prairie Ridge Eco-Station. It was an outshoot of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. There were a nature trail and a small garden with different types of grass and plants. We saw some beautiful butterflies. They had swallowtail houses set up, as well as a bird-watching trail. https://naturalsciences.org/prairie-ridge
Before we headed back to my house we drove to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. This was by far my favorite part of our day trip. We walked along the sidewalk observing the many different types of plants. We even found an adorable duck pond, with a park bench nestled under some trees. My favorite thing about the gardens was the fact it was a quiet place. You can hear the trees rustle, the ducks quack, and even a turtle splashing. There were several bridges. There was also a gazebo where Lee and I enjoyed some fresh fruit popsicle.
There is so much to see and do in North Carolina's State Capitol. Below are some ideas and links.
Nov 21, 2019
Sep 16, 2019
My Own Little Hallmark Story
We all know how Hallmark films go. Boy meets girl or girl meets boy. Sometimes these meetings are between two people who once knew each other, sometimes they were once in a relationship. They fall in love. Something happens and they part ways. Then they realize how much they really loved each other. At the end of the movie, they come back together and is usually ends with a kiss or a wedding scene. We also cannot forget the dog or the cat.
I have my own little hallmark story. This involves a handsome cowboy and a shy (and somewhat quiet) girl. I was in my third year of University. At my school, we were assigned seats in Chapel. You heard all throughout freshman year "you never know you might meet 'the one' in Chapel." I mostly laughed at this statement and rolled my eyes. The day that I received my chapel slip I wondered who I would be sitting next to and if I would like the. It was the first day of new seats. I arrived early. I looked to my right and there was a tall handsome guy sitting a few seats down from me. He smiled and waved. This went on for several weeks. Smile and wave....smile and wave. I told my best friend and my roommates all about this handsome guy. They suggested I talk to him. I admit at first I refused to. A few days later I walked up to this handsome guy and introduced myself.
Lee and I became instant friends. Through the weeks our friendship grew. I found myself wanting to spend more and more time with him. I would go to the library just to see if he walked in so we can talk. We ate meals together. We met for breakfast on occasion. We had a special connection. He eventually asked me on our "first date" to an Artist Series play. My dad took our first picture together.
Summer rolled around and we spent hours reading together, listening to music, and talking. We hung out as much as we could. In December 2006, I graduated from school and left. Lee and I talked a little after I left. In 2007, I moved to FL. During my time there he came to visit. He wanted to ask me to be his girlfriend. At the time it wasn't the "right time." The year my sister graduated with her master's degree was the same year Lee graduated. It was also the last time Lee and I talked. I felt it was time to say goodbye to him one last time...I was sad. I felt like a part of me was going away. Yet again, it wasn't the right time for us.
10 years later
A co-worker and I were talking about guys we liked in our past. I mentioned Lee. She encouraged me to message him. It took a few days, and I did. He replied within a few days. Our conversations were mostly through messenger, to begin with, then conversations on the phone, and then hours of video chatting. I would stay up late just to talk to him because of the three hour time difference. Months past and I started to have feelings for Lee. But being taught not to share feelings first, and afraid the feelings weren't mutual I was afraid to say anything. He dropped hints here and there, but I just wasn't sure. Then finally September 2nd, we finally admitted how we felt. We became a long-distance couple. In June 2019, he flew out to where I live. We spend an entire week together exploring the NC mountains, my town and really connecting.
I have my own little hallmark story. This involves a handsome cowboy and a shy (and somewhat quiet) girl. I was in my third year of University. At my school, we were assigned seats in Chapel. You heard all throughout freshman year "you never know you might meet 'the one' in Chapel." I mostly laughed at this statement and rolled my eyes. The day that I received my chapel slip I wondered who I would be sitting next to and if I would like the. It was the first day of new seats. I arrived early. I looked to my right and there was a tall handsome guy sitting a few seats down from me. He smiled and waved. This went on for several weeks. Smile and wave....smile and wave. I told my best friend and my roommates all about this handsome guy. They suggested I talk to him. I admit at first I refused to. A few days later I walked up to this handsome guy and introduced myself.
Lee and I became instant friends. Through the weeks our friendship grew. I found myself wanting to spend more and more time with him. I would go to the library just to see if he walked in so we can talk. We ate meals together. We met for breakfast on occasion. We had a special connection. He eventually asked me on our "first date" to an Artist Series play. My dad took our first picture together.
Summer rolled around and we spent hours reading together, listening to music, and talking. We hung out as much as we could. In December 2006, I graduated from school and left. Lee and I talked a little after I left. In 2007, I moved to FL. During my time there he came to visit. He wanted to ask me to be his girlfriend. At the time it wasn't the "right time." The year my sister graduated with her master's degree was the same year Lee graduated. It was also the last time Lee and I talked. I felt it was time to say goodbye to him one last time...I was sad. I felt like a part of me was going away. Yet again, it wasn't the right time for us.
10 years later
A co-worker and I were talking about guys we liked in our past. I mentioned Lee. She encouraged me to message him. It took a few days, and I did. He replied within a few days. Our conversations were mostly through messenger, to begin with, then conversations on the phone, and then hours of video chatting. I would stay up late just to talk to him because of the three hour time difference. Months past and I started to have feelings for Lee. But being taught not to share feelings first, and afraid the feelings weren't mutual I was afraid to say anything. He dropped hints here and there, but I just wasn't sure. Then finally September 2nd, we finally admitted how we felt. We became a long-distance couple. In June 2019, he flew out to where I live. We spend an entire week together exploring the NC mountains, my town and really connecting.
Then on June 7, he pulled out a little black box. He said "this is for you, open it! I opened it and inside was a beautiful engagement ring. He got down on one knee and proposed. Of course, I said yes. We saw how God orchestrated our life. We had a lot of ups and downs for the last 10 years. But, God's hand was in it all. God brought two people who were head over heels for each other back together at a time when they were ready. We have seen God's hand in our relationship. We are looking forward to what God has for us, and for our future.
So to end this blog. It will be turning into a blog to tell of our adventures together as a couple. We are looking forward to life and forever.
Jan 27, 2018
Life Update & FMF: Surrender
UPDATE ON MY LIFE:
At the beginning of the year, I decided to spend more time writing, enjoying my now year-old YouTube Channel, and the best decision to spend more time studying and reading God's Word. It has been a while since I have even written on my blog. A lot has happened over the past few years. A lot of things were out of my control but was a beautiful reminder that no matter what God is always and always will be in control. I am still teaching, some days still loving and somedays still dreaming of being a preacher's or missionary wife. I am living at home with my parents (yes, at 34 years of age), and loving being an auntie. My dad had his arm amputated due to cancer--I will never forget the peace of God during that time. He is still having some health issues, but God is always good. The most exciting thing is that I decided to start a YouTube channel. Last year, it focused a lot on bath bombs, food, coffee, and subscription boxes. After a few months of hiatus, and praying, and encouragement from a dear friend I have revamped my channel to focus more on encouraging people, and sharing what the Lord is doing in my life through books I read and His Word. Let's see...Oh, I went to Canada for a week to visit my best friend last July! So as you see life has kept me on my toes, through the ups and downs, the discouragement and the encouragement. Through it, all God has been good. So now its time to get back into writing....slowly but surely.
LINK TO YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Rebecca's Reflections Channel
FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY BEGINS HERE:
Surrender.....something I have always struggled with. There are many times I want to hold bits and pieces of my life back because I want to have full control. But, when I have control of my life it doesn't always work out. I need to let God have the ultimate control of my life.
His Word says in Romans 12:1 to present yourselves to God in a way that pleases God.
Gal 2:20 says to have a separation from your old life, and a new life that only God can give. When I turn from my sin and receive Christ He lives in me. I also need to live by faith, because God gave himself for me.
John 15:1-7 tells us to ABIDE in Christ.
So from these passages, I write in my journal---
"Without Christ, I cannot do anything---I need to let Christ take my life and use me for His glory. Have a life sold out to God, and give Him total control rather than me taking control. I need to let God use me for His purpose. I need to give Him everything....not just the little things....not just the big things...but everything (this is a lesson I am constantly learning). Surrender yourself to God and let Him do the rest. "
At the beginning of the year, I decided to spend more time writing, enjoying my now year-old YouTube Channel, and the best decision to spend more time studying and reading God's Word. It has been a while since I have even written on my blog. A lot has happened over the past few years. A lot of things were out of my control but was a beautiful reminder that no matter what God is always and always will be in control. I am still teaching, some days still loving and somedays still dreaming of being a preacher's or missionary wife. I am living at home with my parents (yes, at 34 years of age), and loving being an auntie. My dad had his arm amputated due to cancer--I will never forget the peace of God during that time. He is still having some health issues, but God is always good. The most exciting thing is that I decided to start a YouTube channel. Last year, it focused a lot on bath bombs, food, coffee, and subscription boxes. After a few months of hiatus, and praying, and encouragement from a dear friend I have revamped my channel to focus more on encouraging people, and sharing what the Lord is doing in my life through books I read and His Word. Let's see...Oh, I went to Canada for a week to visit my best friend last July! So as you see life has kept me on my toes, through the ups and downs, the discouragement and the encouragement. Through it, all God has been good. So now its time to get back into writing....slowly but surely.
LINK TO YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Rebecca's Reflections Channel
FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY BEGINS HERE:
Surrender.....something I have always struggled with. There are many times I want to hold bits and pieces of my life back because I want to have full control. But, when I have control of my life it doesn't always work out. I need to let God have the ultimate control of my life.
His Word says in Romans 12:1 to present yourselves to God in a way that pleases God.
Gal 2:20 says to have a separation from your old life, and a new life that only God can give. When I turn from my sin and receive Christ He lives in me. I also need to live by faith, because God gave himself for me.
John 15:1-7 tells us to ABIDE in Christ.
So from these passages, I write in my journal---
"Without Christ, I cannot do anything---I need to let Christ take my life and use me for His glory. Have a life sold out to God, and give Him total control rather than me taking control. I need to let God use me for His purpose. I need to give Him everything....not just the little things....not just the big things...but everything (this is a lesson I am constantly learning). Surrender yourself to God and let Him do the rest. "
Jun 25, 2016
Five Minute Friday: Rest
REST
Matthew 11:28-29King James Version (KJV) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Rest is such a simple but yet profound four letter word. Mothers and teachers tell their little children to rest in the afternoon. Adults may come home after a long day of work, and sit on their chair, couch, or lay in their bed and rest. But God tells us in His word to COME to Him and he will give us rest. I was thinking yesterday (on Friday) what that meant. We all carry burdens on our shoulders, financial, health, work, and family. At times those troubles can weigh you down, make you discouraged, made you just want to crawl under your covers and hide. Sometimes you may feel so alone you don't know who to turn to or what to do. But there is ONE that will help ease your burden. It is our Heavenly Father God. He is always there to take your burden and help your soul find the rest it needs. I know as a Christian I struggle to give my burdens to the Lord. I want to keep them for myself and not share with the Lord what is going on (even though He already knows). But, God wants us to give us our burdens. The journey is hard, and it hardly ever easy. I am thankful to have a God that will help guide me through the valleys and the mountains of life.
Mar 12, 2016
Story
My story isn't anything fabulous. Its simple. My story is of redemption, forgiveness, and love of a Savior. When I was six years old my life changed for good. I saw my need for a Savior, and realized I needed Him in my life. My mom knelt beside me next to our kitchen chairs. She went through the gospel with me, and I realized I had a need to be freed from the punishment of sin. I asked Jesus into my heart, and he saved me. My life changed. I had more of a desire to obey my parents, to please Jesus, and to help others.
There have been times I tried to write my own story...do what I want. But, letting God write my story is far much better--He is a much better author than me. :) There are a lot of things I want written in my story...I want to fall in love for the first time, get married, serve the Lord with a godly man, have a family, maybe travel the world to help missionaries....but the Lord hasn't written that part yet.
Share your story of salvation below~ I would love to hear it..Or just share a story about your life.
Mar 5, 2016
Five Minute Friday: News
As I sit under my covers propped up on my pillows my mind is racing. I am not sure why...but it always does. It has been since July since I have participated in "Five Minute Friday." Many reasons why I haven't...mainly because I have had a bad case of writers block....its been there for a long time and I don't know what to do...any suggestions on how to get past it? So here is the NEWs whats going on with me...
1) I quit my job at the daycare I was at at the beginning of July, without a new job lined up. Within a week the Lord provided a new job, in a Christian daycare. I enjoy working in a Christian environment again.
2) My old PC finally went KAPUT...the hinge on the screen finally gave out...so I was without a PC until November. I bought it intending to blog more--well sadly that hasn't happened.
3) My family has been going through some valleys and some mountains, but God has been good.
That is about all that is new with me...not much really. Thanks for reading.
I am also trying to think of a different name for my blog...any suggestions are helpful.
1) I quit my job at the daycare I was at at the beginning of July, without a new job lined up. Within a week the Lord provided a new job, in a Christian daycare. I enjoy working in a Christian environment again.
2) My old PC finally went KAPUT...the hinge on the screen finally gave out...so I was without a PC until November. I bought it intending to blog more--well sadly that hasn't happened.
3) My family has been going through some valleys and some mountains, but God has been good.
That is about all that is new with me...not much really. Thanks for reading.
I am also trying to think of a different name for my blog...any suggestions are helpful.
Dec 3, 2015
25 Days of Christmas Carol Stories--Day 1 "Silent Night"
I have always loved Christmas, and everything that goes along with it. The decorations, the twinkle lights, family getting together, presents, music, and most of all celebrating the birth of Christ. I am that crazy person that will break on Christmas music and say I was celebrating "Christmas in July." I love the sacred carols that tell about Christ's birth. and the fun holiday songs. The next few blog posts will be about the stories behind some of the most beloved Christmas carols. At then end of the posts I will try and have the lyrics, or a video of the song. Merry Christmas!
"Silent Night" Stille Nacht
Josheph Mohr was born to a single mother in 1792. His mother provided as best she could for her boy. She knew that a good education would help him. The local parish priest saw that he was a smart and had musical talent so he was sent to study at the famous abbey school in Kremsmunster. He did very well in school, and at age 16 entered seminary, and then at 22 was ordained as a priest. Since Mohr had no father, he was assigned as an assistant pastor of St.Nicholas church in Oberndorf (about 10 miles northwest of Salzburg). There he became friends with Franz Gruber, a son of a weaver. Franz was expected to follow his father as a weaver, but instead he loved music and began playing the guitar and organ. Franz attended music school and soon settled with his family in Oberndorf.
It is told that on December 23, 1818, Mohr went to go visit a mother and her newborn child. On the way back home, he stopped by a river and meditated on what it was like the night Christ was born. He then penned the words to "Silent Night."
Upon return to the parish he was told that mice had eaten through the bellows of the organ, and that it could not be fixed before the Christmas Eve mass service. The people feared that midnight mass would be silent. Mohr rushed to Gruber's home, and gave him the words to his poem and asked him to write a melody that could be played on a guitar. Gruber composed the music to "Silent Night" and for the first time in 1818 the song Silent Night was sung.
**Information from http://catholicstraightanswers.com/what-are-the-origins-of-the-beautiful-christmas-carol-silent-night/
"Silent Night" Stille Nacht
Josheph Mohr was born to a single mother in 1792. His mother provided as best she could for her boy. She knew that a good education would help him. The local parish priest saw that he was a smart and had musical talent so he was sent to study at the famous abbey school in Kremsmunster. He did very well in school, and at age 16 entered seminary, and then at 22 was ordained as a priest. Since Mohr had no father, he was assigned as an assistant pastor of St.Nicholas church in Oberndorf (about 10 miles northwest of Salzburg). There he became friends with Franz Gruber, a son of a weaver. Franz was expected to follow his father as a weaver, but instead he loved music and began playing the guitar and organ. Franz attended music school and soon settled with his family in Oberndorf.
It is told that on December 23, 1818, Mohr went to go visit a mother and her newborn child. On the way back home, he stopped by a river and meditated on what it was like the night Christ was born. He then penned the words to "Silent Night."
Upon return to the parish he was told that mice had eaten through the bellows of the organ, and that it could not be fixed before the Christmas Eve mass service. The people feared that midnight mass would be silent. Mohr rushed to Gruber's home, and gave him the words to his poem and asked him to write a melody that could be played on a guitar. Gruber composed the music to "Silent Night" and for the first time in 1818 the song Silent Night was sung.
**Information from http://catholicstraightanswers.com/what-are-the-origins-of-the-beautiful-christmas-carol-silent-night/
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