Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Journey of a Lifetime - Falling in Love Again



The Big Adventure 
& My Parents True Love Story


I just have to share some of my sons pictures from his big adventure a couple of months ago-
ALASKA Y'all !!! 
You are welcome to use the pictures for a homeschool lapbook for your personal use only 
click on the pictures to go to sites which contain interesting information on each subject! 


These are GLACIERS y'all !!! 


I love the touch of blue on the glacier below: 

(the site attached below does not cotton to a young earth view - as I do - but I use it as a teaching opportunity- and explain the difference of opinions to my boys- if you are seeking more information 
on the young earth vs. millions of years theories - leave a comment below with your email and I'll be sure
to get you some fabulous reading material)   

The site does have some wonderful information about glaciers for your lapbooks! 


LOOK! Salmon really DO swim upstream! 


My awesome parents took him on a journey of a lifetime! 


A REAL LIVE - HONEST - TO- GOODNESS - MOOSE! 
(we don't get those in Florida) 


One of their best adventures was out to see the Killer Whales - NOT at Sea World any more Dorthy! 


 I wish I could have been there for this! 
No, really - my parents took my son on MY dream trip


OK, I'm still happy for all of them, the therapist says that's how it should be. 

 

I think it's a beautiful sight - this pod of Orka's! 
click on the picture to learn about Killer Whales


This particular Grizzly has been hanging out at one of the animal rescue parks in Alaska


An Alaskan Dall Sheep 








Some of my favorite adventurer's 


 I just may have gotten some of my spirit of adventure from these people. 
I was born on Guam - my mother rode on the back of a motorcycle fully pregnant with me on the island
They used to put a child's port-a-potty in the back of their jeep and took me camping 
It was they who brought me to the lovely island community where I live now 
and taught me to find sharks teeth and snorkel for beautiful sea shells. 

It's one of the best gifts they've ever given me - right after teaching me to trust the Lord - 
and being a wonderful example of what marriage should be

Especially, if you are taking part in the 31 days to Pray for Your Spouse Challenge 
please be sure to read the following: 


They treasure their family 


This year - they celebrate their 45th Wedding Anniversary 
My father bought her a very special ring. (Diamonds are her love language- for real) 

Anyway, when asked about it he said that she deserved it 
- as it turns out 
it was his Africa money which paid for the ring.
 I happen to know, he has been tucking that money away for many years now.
 Planning all along what he would do
 - the details of his big adventure

When it came right down to it - he didn't hesitate to go and get her what she wanted.
 She didn't know the cost. 
He may have "wanted" Africa (badly) but he "needed" my mother. 
He did it because he loves her.

He is right, she deserves it. 
She has sacrificed many years serving her family - loving her husband.
She has put her family before herself. She has put his needs before her own.  
She is the woman who taught me not to ever allow myself to begin to think negative thoughts
about my husband - to love, honor, and yes - submit to him. 
(a post for a different day, but godly submission is most cost effective in a godly marriage)

They most certainly are not perfect people. 
But they have remained a steadfast godly example. 
For their children, and anyone who looks closely, they are a wonderful example of true love
He told her when she was only 14 and he 16 years old that she was it for him  
 he is a man of his word. 
My parents aren't perfect - but I wouldn't trade them for anything.

One of the most important things that my mother has done - is to consistently pray for her husband
Over 45 years she has prayed for the small things in his life and the big things! 

There is no doubt in my mind that NOT EVERY year has been full of romance
I know first hand that on either side, they've made sacrifices for each other
They each have their faults that could cause a problem here and there
They've had some whopper fights over the years 
Neither of them has had to go very long without hearing "I love you" 
Each of them has known respect and security. 
To him, she will always be beautiful 
 To her, he is the best man in the world
And there is romance


Their children have never for one day worried about them falling out of love
yet I'm so thankful to see them falling in love - again this year! 
He may have given up Africa - but he has his big adventure


While I'm praying for my husband these 31 days of the challenge 
 I'm praying to be the wife he deserves me to be
I'm praying God's blessings on him throughout these 31 days and over the next 45 + years
I'm so grateful to have the opportunity 
and I'm praying with you ladies in my group
God bless-


Ephesians 4:25-5:2 
 Be loving and forgiving, speaking only good and imitating Christ. 
...let not the sun go down upon your wrath...



Linking with:
Highhill Homeschool3in30
1. Marriage and Family - 
Pray for Your Spouse Challenge is going well - I got to spend a few brief moments with hubs this week 
he read my ebook :)  - Working to "enhance" marriage, family, and homeschool - mostly going well! Have a HEART book club going well read post here 

2. Homeschool - little bit at a time! Read about that here - some great freebies! 

3. Writing- I'm so happy y'all - I finished my ebook for DIVAgirls 

Also linking with: 


*disclaimer - A godly marriage  is one where you are safe to be submissive to God by following your
husbands lead - I worked for six years as a victims advocate - please know that if you are in an 
abusive situation - the best thing you can do is seek professional counseling from a Christian counselor- 
I do not believe God intended us to ever be treated so poorly or would endanger your life
I also believe God can work miracles in people who ALLOW Him -
 a professional will help you figure out the best plan of action - do get help now, please
 - you do not have to be beaten to be abused or in danger! 

15 comments:

♥ my diary♥ said...

nice post thanks for sharing...God bless you...

Becky (So Very Blessed) said...

I love hearing about godly marriages - about selfless women, godly men, and the perfect union God can create between the two. Thank you so much for posting this! And the Alaska pictures are incredible! WOW! Definitely a dream trip!

ThaiHoa Burroughs said...

That is the sweetest story. Thanks for sharing and Happy Anniversary to them. I love the pictures. Looks beautiful.

Tonya said...

What a cool trip! I had to laugh at your comment about the therapist :)

Kelli, I so love your positive look on life!

Craig said...

I remember you first telling us about that trip - YOUR trip ツ Your parents are - WOW - amazing - and your post-post disclaimer - right on target - and prayer - amen - IMPORTANT. SO much in this post to like - smiling - God bless you my friend.

MomLaur said...

What an amazing trip all right! How on earth did he score that privilege?!?! I need to go to Alaska now!

Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of your parents - they look so very happy and its awesome to hear how you have been blessed, encouraged and led by your mother's words and example. She sounds like the kind of woman, wife and mother I want to be!

MJ said...

These pictures are stunning Kelli!! What an amazing trip for your son!! And congratulations to your parents--45 years--that's amazing. And guess what, I was born in Guam too!! My mom was snorkeling in the warm waters with me in her belly (which might be why I turned breech). My dad also drove her around in a red triumph, which he sadly had to give up since he was becoming a daddy.
Saayyyyy, what year were you born????? How crazy would that be if we were born there the same time!
I was born in Agana Heights at the Naval Base in June 1971, you?
xo

Amy said...

What a beautiful post and testimony to your parents.

Kathy Balman said...

Alright a little jealous your kids went to Alaska. Oh and by the way I like how you combine several things in one post! Great work on goals.

Kathy Balman said...

And love love love the disclaimer. Abusive relationships are so awful and severely damage any children that are involved as well.

Sam said...

Young earth all the way! What amazing photos!

Meredith said...

OH wow this was breathtaking.

Eery single photograph, and then the love story of your parents...

What a beautiful way to spend a few minutes.
Thank you, Kelli!!

Tiffany said...

What a great post! So sweet and I love the pics.

jmommymom said...

I just found your blog through the Learning all the Time blog hop. These pictures from your son's and grandparent Alaska trip are fabulous. I just started a blog hop called I Saw it on Vacation. It would be great if you would like to grab the button and link-up.
http://highhillhomeschool.blogspot.com/p/i-saw-it-on-vacation-blog-hop.html

Native American Images said...

What amazing photos and so good to hear this lovely story