Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Vacation Blessings

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord.” (Psalm 128:1-4)

       The adage “God is watching over you” is truly an understatement.
       This past week my husband, son, and I enjoyed a vacation, a college experience, and a celebration of my son’s early acceptance into Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).
       My son (a soon-to-be high school senior) enjoyed a weeklong stay at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa., where he attended a business leadership conference. He learned about all aspects of business and how a company works in today’s economy. He roomed with a high school buddy of his in a dorm, met new friends, and learned firsthand what it would be like to live away from home at college. Just this morning my son said, “I can’t wait to go to college. I’m so excited!”
       While he was away, my husband and I enjoyed our own getaway. We drove to Virginia, where we soaked in the sun on the beach and at the pool, and wined and dined each evening at Catch31, one of the most popular fine-dining restaurants along the Virginia Beach shoreline. The live entertainment wasn’t so great this year as it was two years ago so we didn’t hang around to listen to the bands. 
       I took loads of pictures of our road trip to and from Virginia, while at the beach and the pool. I even took some video. I wish we could’ve stayed in Virginia longer than just four days, but we had to go home to prepare for our trip to Indiana. We took a different route to IUP this time, which was shorter and more direct. We attended what’s called Early Decision Day, where you take a tour of the school and learn that day whether or not you’re child has been accepted. After the 90-minute tour and a complimentary lunch, we picked up a letter at the admissions office. We were all thrilled to learn he was accepted! The school is absolutely beautiful, everything from the campus grounds and office buildings to the library, fitness center, and dorm rooms. It all makes me wish I were young again so I could attend this school and get my college education. But the Lord quickly reminded me that I enjoyed my opportunity to go away to college years ago and that this is my son’s turn. And what a blessing it is.
       Our vacation was hard-won. I prayed earnestly for it in light of the fact this is the busiest time of the year as editor of my company’s nutrition magazine. Due to the workload, I didn’t think I’d get the chance to take a vacation this summer. But God answered my prayers by providing me with extra help to make my vacation possible. And God gave me the wisdom to prioritize my work to get it all done. I owe it all to Him who sits high and lifted up, to the one who sits on the throne. Without Him, none of this would’ve been possible.
       I encourage everyone who might be in a tight situation, a seemingly impossible circumstance to find promises in scripture that relate to what you’re going through, claim them as yours, and pray through them first before taking action. That way, you give God the chance to go before you and prepare the hearts and minds of those with whom you need to communicate. The Lord worked in a mighty way for my family and me, and I’ll be forever grateful. Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness and unfailing love. Amen!

7 comments:

  1. Hi, Judy!

    Glad you had a great get-a-way!

    Last week I thought I needed a get-a-way! My daily time with God had been interrupted over and over, and it showed in my attitude. I was frustrated to the max with some situations and knocked a little decoration off the wall as I was changing the sheets on our bed. When I picked it up to replace it, I felt God nearly shouted the words at me... "Be still and know that I am God!" I didn't realize till then that I was trying to fix some of my situations instead of letting God be God and handle them. I'm happy for your being able to wait on God about your son's college - Gives more peace, doesn't it?

    Blessings,
    Esther

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  2. Thank you for this valuable blog with a good tip / lesson in the end! For me very good and practical.

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  3. Judy, I am glad God blessed you with some priceless time with your husband and son, in the midst of your demanding work. Congrats on your son's acceptance. With mom and dad solidly behind and alongside him, I am sure he will be exceptional in college life. Blessings.

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  4. So thankful you were blessed with a vacation, Judy. Those days with our sweethearts are precious indeed.

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  5. What a wonderful vacation. Thank you for sharing the highlights with us. It's true. God is so good.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  6. Judy, this is a wonderful story and I especially love what you said at the end about finding and claiming the Word for our situations. You lifted me up as I am in one of those seasons right now, standing on His word for breakthrough and double portion restoration. Glad you were able to get away for your vacation and that your son is so excited. Thanks again for leaving me your link! I will be back to read more!

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  7. So happy for you and thanks for shsring part of your life. God is really good. Im on vacstion now and enjoying every minute of it. Thanks for the visit.

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