Skip to main content

Family Vacation Plan "C"

Plan "A"
Goal: Meet up with Nona's side of the family mid-way
Destination: Gulf Shores, Alabama
Result: Deepwater Horizon blow-out. Alabama beaches closed during our vacation week.

Plan "B"
Goal: Gather the Texas Zeiler's for a family vacation.
Destination: South Padre Island, Texas
Result: Hurricane Alex makes landfall in South Padre. 3-5 foot storm surge predicted. I say to Mark, "I'm beginning to think our family vacation is not meant to be."

Plan "C"
Goal: Evacuate to higher ground with the family and find some place nice to "hang out".
Destination: The Menger Hotel on the Riverwalk in San Antonio
Result: Wonderfully relaxing days together seeing the sights in San Antonio, swimming in the pool, eating on the Riverwalk, shopping and "hanging out" together.
Mission Accomplished!

Psalms 133:
1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.

There is something refreshing and rejuvenating beyond description to spend extended, uninterupted time with loved ones. Often-times, when families see one another, it's just for a short visit, a meal, an hour or two here and there.

What made Plan "C" so special was it's simplicity. No big events, no exotic destination- just a relaxed, pleasant environment to visit, joke, reminisce, and generally enjoy each other. We had evening sessions together before little Avery was ready for bed. First night Mark and Drew acted out "David and Goliath". Next night it was "Daniel in the Lion's Den". Avery was amazed! The look on her face was priceless. We had three adjoining rooms. That meant when I was out on the balcony drinking my second cup of coffee in the morning, I'd hear, "Hey Pap!" The courtyard around the Alamo is a great place to sit after dinner. This is where we took our customary group pictures. The ones where Mark and Drew make faces. I told them I would publish the ones they ruined. Of course they don't see how these expressions really ruin anything. They add color and personality.

Ro 12: 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Why Spiritual Disciplines?

  On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness ; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8) For many of us discipline is a dirty word, and we would rather not add any more discipline to our lives.  But think again.  Everything that is of any value to you involves discipline.  Love and marriage, child rearing, even hobbies require discipline.  The Christian life is no different.  If your relationship with God is something you value, then you will want to apply some discipline in it.   And the Apostle Paul, in writing to his young disciple, Timothy, says “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness”. So, what is a spiritual discipline? According to 1 Timothy 4:8 a spiritual discipline is a biblical practice that produces godliness when done regularly.  The bible prescri...

Peace on Earth

In Luke chapter 2 we have the awe-inspiring appearance of an angel to announce the birth of the Messiah. I'm sure you are familiar with this magnificent passage: 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  So, when this magnificent angel appears, the shepherds are terribly frightened.   Once he calms their fears, he shares what is the greatest news the heavens have ever announced to this fallen world. The sinners in this world need a Savior, and now they have one. This is extremely good news.   It is a joyous gospel for all people.     After this wo...

Fear of Man

Throughout the Bible the fear of man is often contrasted with the fear of God .  When it speaks of the fear of God, it is not referring to a sinister dread, but rather an awesome honor and respect. And there are great blessings associated with a proper fear of God… The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10) The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. (Proverbs 19:23) Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it. (Proverbs 15:16)  And Jesus is our perfect example.  In John 8:28-29 Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. “And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” Throughout His earthly life Jesus lived in perfect harmony a...